UK-based Ingersoll-Rand Architectural Hardware has supplied integrated architectural solutions to some of the most prestigious projects in the Middle East in recent years. A look at some of its diverse lines of products that have been installed in the region.

high-quality and precision-engineered products are essential for the construction industry in the Middle East and Ingersoll-Rand as a major manufacturer of architectural hardware is well-versed in meeting these requirements, says a company spokesman.

One well-known construction project which has utilised Ingersoll-Rand products, as part of its construction specifications is the Ritz Carlton Hotel project in Qatar. The hotel in the West Bay area of Doha commissioned a full Ingersoll-Rand hardware specification to meet its new build requirements. Another hotel project for Ingersoll-Rand was the refurbishment of the landmark five-star Marriott Hotel in Cairo.

Other key construction projects in the Gulf which have used Ingersoll-Rand as their preferred architectural hardware partner include airports such as Dubai International Airport in the UAE, the Beirut International Airport in Lebanon and the Istanbul International Airport in Turkey, according to the spokesman.

Ingersoll-Rand has also supplied architectural solutions to the Faisaliah Centre in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, a prestigious commercial development which is due to open later this year, and the Umm Al Qurra University which, when completed, will be one of the largest university complexes in the region.

Products supplied by Ingersoll-Rand for these prestigious projects cover the whole range of architectural hardware requirements from door closers and exit devices through to locks and door furniture. The total solutions approach offered by Ingersoll-Rand provides valuable economies of scale for Middle East clients since they are able to obtain all their architectural hardware requirements from one source, continues the spokesman.

Ingersoll-Rand's Briton 2000E door closer range has been used in the Middle East on a number of projects including Dubai International Airport. Subiya power station in Kuwait and the Abraj Atta'awuneya towers in Riyadh.

"Designed as part of a continuing development programme to provide products manufactured to the highest integrity, the Briton 2000E range exceeds the requirements laid down in the latest European standards (BS EN 1154: 1997) for door closers and comprises a complete suite of surface mounted, single-action overhead door closers," says the spokesman.

"The line also offers versatility with a range of products to choose from including models with either economical fixed strength units or easy-to-specify adjustable strength closers, suitable for use in virtually any application. There are also models available with a non-projecting sliding arm for those areas that are subject to vandalism."

The Briton 2000E is available in a variety of finishes in order to co-ordinate and blend with other architectural hardware and building decor. A range of 20 durable powder-coated finishes with matching arms and tracks and a range of metal finishes, including polished brass and satin stainless steel, with matching arms, are available.

Ingersoll-Rand's LCN door control range is also widely specified in the Middle East and has been used at both Dubai and Beirut international airports, the Shaybah oil producing facilities in Saudi Arabia and the Cairo Marriott, says the spokesman.

"The LCN range of products is designed to provide solutions for door control problems through the use of high-quality, innovative products and by adhering to the highest standards of performance. Products include heavy-duty door closers, concealed door controls, high-security closers and low-energy auto door operators,'' he says.

Quality exit devices represent another key specification for construction projects and Ingersoll-Rand's Briton panic exit hardware range is ideal for such requirements and is continually tested to meet the latest European standards for panic exit hardware devices (BS EN 1125) in order to provide a guaranteed faultless service, says the spokesman.

Vertical panic bolts, rim panic latches and mortise latch operators are available with additional security features to improve security and user convenience without compromising safety, he continues.

"Exit devices are a critical part of a door opening or egress system and will provide safe and reliable service when properly applied and maintained. It is the policy of Ingersoll-Rand's Von Duprin division to design and manufacture exit devices to a high standard of quality and reliability in accordance with accepted US domestic and international standards. Exit devices are UL listed for accident hazard or fire exit hardware," he says.

In refurbishment projects, Ingersoll-Rand's Legge X-Tension modular range of mortice locks are said to be able to combat the problem of ineffective drooping handles, thus providing a quick and easy solution to restore the door to its full glory.

''The Legge X-Tension boasts a revolutionary feature which enables the spring tension within the lock to be adjusted without removing it from the door or dismantling the furniture.

"The Legge X-Tension lock range has been specifically designed to improve product appearance over time and can be used in virtually any application ensuring the building looks as good as it did when new," he says.

Speaking further on the company's products range, the spokesman says the Steden and Steden Studio ranges of architectural hardware have specifically been designed to provide aesthetics, style, durability and flexibility.

"It is this premium range of door furniture which has been carefully designed for use within classic and contemporary buildings which is most often specified by contractors in the Middle East.

''The range, used in prestigious Middle East projects in Turkey, Kuwait, Oman and the UAE, provides a versatile collection of either pre-assembled lever sets or interchangeable levers and backplates, and a selection of pull handles all with a choice of styles and sizes," he says.

"Chic, rounded backplates and sleek, slim-line components create a range of stylish yet durable door furniture. Premium quality, hard wearing polished and satin finishes inspire, contrast or blend with classic and contemporary interior design schemes and provide long-lasting satisfaction," he says.

"Clients seeking the ultimate in design, flexibility and greater individuality in door furniture can opt for the Randi range. This comprehensive architect-designed deluxe range is characterised by high quality, down to the smallest detail, and provides the architect or builder with greater freedom to create optimum, individual solutions.

"Randi's style philosophy offers the specifier the popular minimalist lines for either modern or classical interior design schemes available in polished or matt-brushed stainless steel and represents the ideal match for pure minimalist architecture. Importantly, the material is ideal for buildings that make great demands on hard wearing qualities and high levels of hygiene," says the spokesman.

Ingersoll-Rand's expertise in providing architectural solutions to Middle East construction projects, together with its comprehensive range of architectural hardware products which are compliant with European and US standards, supported by an extensive locally-based distributor network, means that it is highly suited as a preferred partner for construction projects in the Gulf, claims the spokesman.