Portland School in Blythe Bridge is a Shaw Education Trust school dedicated to providing exceptional learning and experiences to pupils with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health Difficulties (SEMHD).

During routine compliance checks, an issue was flagged, highlighting the persistent durability problems with the school’s standard doors. These doors had suffered extensive damage over time, which can critically compromise the safety of students and staff in an emergency.

The primary cause of this damage was student-related activity, including:

• Excessive force
• Accidental impacts
• Intentional misuse

Researching Solutions

Simon and Soames took proactive steps to address a recurring issue with the existing doors. Investing significant time researching alternatives, consulting with industry professionals, and visiting other schools to assess different solutions, their investigation identified two key problems with the current setup:

• Inadequate durability: The standard wooden laminate doors were easily damaged.

• Weak Locking System: Relying on a single magnetic lock at the top of the doorset was inadequate and vulnerable to tampering.

After careful evaluation, they selected the Metador Defender Xtraguard for its exceptional durability, advanced security features, and proven ability to withstand high-impact use in demanding educational environments. With thicker steel and high-security locking systems, these Defender Xtraguard doorsets deliver robust protection where standard solutions fall short.

The Solution

Working closely with FDL Contractors and the Shaw Education Trust, Metador delivered a tailored, high-performance solution for Portland School. During the half-term break, we supplied 11 doorsets in key corridor locations to meet the school’s specific operational and safeguarding needs.

Key Enhancements:

• Thicker Steel: Steel skin upgraded from 1.5mm to 2mm for enhanced durability.

• High-Security Locks: A combination of twin integrated 1200lbs magnetic locks placed at the top and bottom of the door, along with a motorised ASSA Abloy V bolt lock mounted centrally for added security

• Toughened Glass Panels: 19mm toughened double-glazed glass vision panels with reduced width to minimise vulnerability while maintaining clear sightlines

• Anti-Ligature Handles: Designed to support a safer environment for students.

• Concealed Door Closer: Located within the head of the frame to prevent damage and tampering and eliminate ligature risk

Aesthetically, the doors were finished in a pastel green powder coat (RAL 7034) to soften the look and reduce the institutional feel, creating a more welcoming and supportive atmosphere for students.

Results

Through these upgrades, Portland School has significantly enhanced the security, resilience and visual appeal of its internal doors, creating a safer and more controlled learning environment for both staff and pupils.

These upgrades showcase how Metador doors are Designed to Protect, and ensure safety and security are prioritised within educational environments.

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Aside from the development of the impressive station entrance constructed using 27.5mm triple-laminate, blast-resistant glass, structurally silicone-bonded to castellated frames and supported by robust steel components, there was a significant achievement in redeveloping the existing clerestory building and bin store.

The Problem?

The new back-of-house area, which includes a refuse store for the commercial units at St Agnes Well and an electrical substation enclosure, has been attached to the western façade of the existing clerestory structure. This area, including the servicing lift and the existing clerestory roof structure, was proposed to be clad in vertical ceramic battens to provide a hard-wearing, solid, and uniform building appearance.

Metador was approached to provide a solution that seamlessly incorporates bespoke steel doors for maximum durability and aesthetic appeal. There was a need to accommodate the ceramic battens that would continue across the front face of the doors and maintain the black steel skirt around the base of the structure. The client was keen to work with Metador based on our reputation for quality and collaboration, which enables us to exceed expectations on projects that require bespoke steel doors. There was a strict focus on quality throughout the entire project, with extreme attention to detail.

The Solution?

Our successful collaboration resulted in the addition of extra supports and custom-angled skirts to the door leaf of our Defender Safeguard. In addition, the choice of low-maintenance and functional door furniture ensured that the outcome met the specifications, which considered the project’s public nature. These doors, comprised of both singles and doubles, provide essential access to these services.

We created the doorsets such that they were prepared to receive the ceramic battens that were finished in a mid/dark grey colour, reducing adaptations required by the customer before installation. The backing was specified to be a dark colour to provide tonal contrast so that any litter at risk of being pushed behind the battens would be visible. Upon completion, this project was a huge success and is a testament to our customer collaboration and emphasis on quality.

Bristol City Academy offer a strong academic curriculum reinforced with opportunities for creative subjects taught by specialist teachers and supported by a very strong pastoral care team. This includes a dedicated EAL team and Special Needs Resource Base.

The problem?

Previously, City Academy had aluminium doors that experienced high traffic and consistent exposure to abnormal stress, making them unfit for purpose. As a result, they were damaged to the extent that security and premium quality solutions needed to be considered.

The solution?

To offer a long-lasting solution to their requirements, City Academy approached Metador through their contractor, who specified the Defender Xtraguard as a high-security solution.

Metador manufactured steel doorsets with specialist features, designed with their purpose and application in mind. They include:

• Integrated Maglocks to the lock post for an immediate secure locking
• V-locks, capable of withstanding 1 tonne of side pressure
• Durable Handles, a customised solution made from 4mm 316 Grade stainless steel
• High Security vision panels, adding premium protection.

We were delighted that we could assist Gem Security Systems Ltd with the design, manufacture, and supply of our bespoke and quality steel doorsets.

The school provides specialist education to students, and the old doors were made of aluminium, which could easily be kicked open.

We were asked to develop a more robust safeguarding solution in partnership with Metador.

Through collaboration, we successfully produced a long-lasting, high-security solution that integrated with the existing access control system while maintaining the building’s design and appearance.

“We were happy with the smooth running of the project and the client was extremely happy with the special design. Order from survey to delivery went perfectly and the doors are still in excellent condition today.”

The whole facade project took four months to complete, and was installed and operating flawlessly in time for the state opening of Parliament. We’re immensely proud and honoured to have been involved on such a prestigious and iconic project, demonstrating the calibre and level of expertise of both our contractor and ourselves.

Find out more about the Defender Xtraguard steel door or to check out the rest of Metador’s Defender steel door range.

Our design team developed a bespoke technical specification to ensure the doorsets and louvred panels would provide the desired security and durability, whilst blending sympathetically with the other building design elements and materials.

The modular design of these heavy-duty oversize steel door and over-panel configurations meant that very large openings could be accommodated, whilst simplifying handling and speeding up the installation process.

A large number of Metador Defender PASguard doorsets were also incorporated, with matching in-door steel louvres, all independently tested to PAS 24.

A range of locking configurations were provided, both mechanical and electronic, to satisfy the varied access control requirements of the building occupants.

Each individual doorset and louvre panel was carefully manufactured in-house and delivered to the site in phases, coordinated with the building programme.

Thank you to everyone who has worked with us to make this another successful project.

The previous main entrance doorset had failed to withstand the high levels of traffic and a new solution was needed. The Defender Inox was a perfect choice thanks to its high aesthetic qualities and stronger-than-standard 1.5mm Grade 304 stainless steel.  The high nickel and chromium content in stainless steel gives a patina that has excellent corrosion resistance and durability making it highly suitable for an external application.

With large vision panels that allow clear lines of sight, matching sleek and solid stainless steel handles that provide easy access, and kickplates to provide protection from high volumes of traffic, this doorset provides a durable entrance that will stand the test of time.

To complement the seamless high-end look, a stainless steel glazed overpanel was incorporated into the design and works to maintain the architectural lines of the entire building.

The doors were provided with square-edged meeting stiles and a bespoke weather seal.  Security was achieved with electro-magnets concealed in the frame head and integrated with the building access control system, plus a mechanical deadlock with flush bolts for out-of-hours security.

Through our dedication to continuous improvement, we aim to ensure all of our doorsets are easy to install and this installation was certainly no exception, proved by the installer’s summary:

“The doors were like a dream to install – as always!”

Our 15-year guarantee provides peace of mind that this doorset will continue to provide a fitting welcome for this superb facility to staff, students and visitors alike for many years to come.

My Brighton required two steel exit doorsets that aesthetically fit with the hotel’s character as well as being strong enough to withstand a high level of usage from members of the public and staff. The doors also needed to provide security to prevent break-ins from the outside, as well as easy maintenance and cleaning due to the location of the doors in catering areas.

The contractor for My Brighton, a valuable client, came to Metador for a suitable solution.

Metador provided two Defender Safeguard double doors, featuring upgraded 316 grade stainless steel hinges and a 1.5mm thick galvanised steel skin with a rockwool core for increased strength and reliability. The doors are designed to withstand regular usage and also to prevent vandalism from the exterior.

With one door fitted to a coffee shop and another in the restaurant within the hotel, hygiene was of utmost importance. Featuring a marine grade powder coat in shade RAL 7046, the doors have a durable finish that is easy to clean and maintain. This allows staff to keep the doors hygienic on a daily basis without compromising its aesthetics.

The Defender Safeguard steel exit doors provided My Brighton with the strength and durability required for a busy environment as well as complimenting the design of the hotel.

“Another successful project thanks to Metador. From drawing and sign off, to manufacturing and delivery on time, installation was able to go ahead as planned.” – Project Manager

“Recently, Transport for London required a steel security door solution to compliment its security proximity access system. Through one of our long term customers, we were tasked with delivering a maximum security doorset for an extra-high security environment.”

As per Transport for London’s specifications, an LPS 1175 security rated door was required, with our Defender Xtreme providing the perfect solution. This SR2 level doorset was integrated with Surelock McGill fire exit hardware, providing a quick, safe and easy escape in the event of an emergency.

The Defender Xtreme can be tailored to provide varying levels of high security reinforcement against forced entry attacks, such as screwdrivers, hacksaws, hand drills and crow bars.

Four months on from installation and the door is functioning as if just installed. Our client said:

“We have been a long-time customer of Metador due to the professional approach of the company and quality of its products, and the correct certification required by our clients and our peace of mind. From survey, design and installation, Metador staff were professional, helpful and knowledgeable of their product which made the design and installation run smoothly from start to finish.”

Caernarfon Search and Rescue said:

“The Defender Safeguard doors are of excellent quality and a great fit for the building and requirements of the environment. Due to the nature of the building, it did take preparation to ensure the doors were delivered for a certain date to avoid disruption. We were impressed with how Metador tailored their delivery schedule to suit our needs.”

To find out more about the Defender Safeguard steel door or to check out the rest of Metador’s Defender steel door range, click the link below:

Liam Muldoon, Managing Director at Wernick Events, said:

“Metador listened to our requirements and challenges, and provided an excellent solution with their new ModuleX doorset. They turned the project around in a good timescale, and the new units have exceeded all our expectations.”

Our R&D team designed the ModuleX with 1.5mm galvanised steel, combined with an internal steel strengthener and a mineral wool core for ultimate insulation.

We’ve been manufacturing and supplying doors for Wernick for over 5 years now and it’s been a pleasure to work with them on their new sleeper unit. It is a credit to our design team who have been able to create a product around a specific need in the market. The ModuleX is now another great product added to our range in 2018.

As standard, this modular solution is available as a single point locking exterior opening doorset, with a full flange frame system and stainless-steel threshold. In addition, this door can also be manufactured as an inward opening solution for wall thicknesses of 75mm upwards, with multipoint locking if required.