As part of a wider appliance bay upgrade, our team was appointed to replace the existing front bay doors with five SDG1000s high-speed spiral doors, complete with associated steelworks and finishing details.
The aim of the project was to improve the speed and reliability of the appliance bay access while also giving the building a cleaner, more modern appearance. Working closely with the client, we delivered a solution that combined fast operation and enhanced safety features.
The Works
To prepare the site for the new installation, we first removed and responsibility disposed of the five existing appliance bay doors.
From there, we supplied and installed:
- 5 new electrically operated insulated SDG1000s high-speed spiral doors
- Bespoke steel goalposts to support the new door systems
- External cladding to neatly finish over the new steelwork and existing brickwork
- One dummy panelled door designed to mirror the active doors for a consistent overall appearance
Every element of the installation was carefully coordinated to ensure minimal disruption on site while achieving a high-quality finish throughout.
Why the SDG1000 Spiral Doors?
The SDG1000 was selected for its combination of speed, durability, and thermal efficiency.
Operating at speed of up to 1,100mm per second, the doors provide rapid access in and out of the appliance bay, helping improve operational response time.
Each door was fitted with:
- A GFA direct drive motor
- Hand-chain emergency manual override
- GFA TS981 control panel
- Integrated red and green traffic light systems
- Full safety devices to meet current regulations
One of the doors was also fitted with an external keypad activation system to suit the operational requirements of the site.
Finishing Details
To create a bold and consistent appearance across the front elevation, the new 40mm insulated aluminium panels were powder coated in BS04E53 Poppy Red.
Seven vision panels with an opal tint were incorporated into the design, helping improve visibility and allow additional natural light into the appliance bays without compromising privacy.
The addition of new cladding around the steelwork and existing openings completed the installation and gave the frontage a clean, modern finish.
The Results
Rapid Emergency Response – With opening speeds of up to 1100mm per second, the new SDG1000s doors significantly reduced appliance exit times, helping support faster deployment of emergency vehicles and improving overall operational response capability.
Improved Energy Efficiency – The insulated door construction and high-speed operation help minimise the amount of time the bays remain open, reducing heat loss and improving thermal efficiency throughout the building year-round.
Reduced Noise Disruption – The smooth and controlled operation of the door system has also helped reduce noise levels within the appliance bays, creating a more comfortable working environment for on-duty personnel.
Exceptional Durability & Reliability – Designed for demanding, high-cycle environments, the SDG1000 provides the long-term reliability needed within a 24/7 emergency setting. The robust construction, direct drive motors, and integrated safety systems all contribute to reduced downtime and lower ongoing maintenance requirements.
Modernised Exterior – Alongside the operational improvements, the installation also transformed the external appearance of the building. The Poppy Red powder-coated finish, integrated vision panels, and neatly finished cladding provide a clean, modern look across the appliance bay frontage.
The result is a high-performance door solution that not only improves day-to-day functionality but also delivers a durable and professional finish built to serve the site for years to come.
