Winter 2008 Vol 6:1 |
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"What does 'specialized' mean to us? It means doors and frames built to perform to our clients' specifications...
it means our customers, whose special needs we
strive to address ..."
AMBICO recently completed two dazzling door and frame installations in Kansas City. Both projects involved the specialized design and installation of door and frame products which would integrate seamlessly into historically significant buildings. Both demonstrate AMBICO's ability to meet the rigorous demands of prestigious and discerning architects, dedicated to the preservation of two of their community's prized heritage sites. Both door installations exemplify the beauty of two very different metal finishes: one is bronze cladding and the other stainless steel -- both shining like gold in their architecturally magnificent settings -- they in fact combine beauty with functionality and performance.
The Linda Hall Library
In 1956, the converted Georgian Mansion, former home of the Hall family of Kansas City, opened its doors as a very special library. Over the next 50 years, the Library underwent three major expansions. The architects of the original design, Edward W. Tanner & Associates, designed The Annex, which was completed in 1965. In 1978, Marshall and Brown Architects finished a four-floor extension and recently, in 2006, Peckham, Guyton, Albers & Viets, Inc. completed their contribution to the architecture of the Library, with a 3-storey addition to The Annex.
At the time of the latest addition, the architects involved commissioned the renovation of the main entrance to the Linda Hall Library complex. Sitting at the central point of the original building and crowning a circular front driveway, the replacement doors were to be similar to the originals but would now include exit devices incorporating concealed panic devices (in conformance with current building codes and standards), threshold floor closers, stile and rail construction and a framed transom feature. The polished frame would remain in place.
Construction Managers, J.E. Dunn Construction, turned to A2MG Inc distributors for the supply of the doors and re-facing of the polished frames. This is where the architectural and construction experts would turn to the door and frame experts: AMBICO Limited, manufacturer of decorative stainless steel doors and frames, as well as brass and bronze clad doors and frames.
AMBICO's design team set out to address a number of technical issues involving the doors and the frames:
- Stile and rail construction of doors including exit devices (concealed panic devices), and threshold floor closers;
- Matching the finish of the doors to the original and to the original frames;
- Retaining the original polished frames in place.
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Full View of the Main Entrance to the Linda Hall Library Brass Door & Frame |
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AMBICO provided the distributor with a sample of bronze cladding: "A280 Brass" was selected and approved for the finish for the doors. Because of the cladding, extra detail and design were required in preparing the doors for the exit devices and closers.
There is no doubt that the finished product exceeded all expectations and even the untrained eye will confirm that these new, state-of-the-art doors and the reconstituted frames, have insinuated themselves into the sleek lines of the original building.
The New England Insurance - Aquila Energy Corporation Building
This beautiful building, an example of Classic architecture, is on the National Historical Register. The doors and frames are an excellent example not only of the incorporation of state-of-the-art door and frame construction, but also demonstrate the incorporation of high performance rating with architectural integrity, beauty and resilience: these shiny, reflecting, mirror finished doors are also Level II Bullet Resistant!
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The scope of the project and
the ultimate success in matching finishes with the original structure are demonstrated
by this view of the building Bullet Resistant Gold Mirror Stainless Steel |
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Because this building now houses an energy corporation, anti-terrorist construction features are required. The original doors were replaced with swing doors and as noted, Level II bullet resistance was specified. New frame sections would be constructed within the existing frame structure. The patina of all new doors and frames would integrate seamlessly with the original. Once again, the AMBICO design and engineering teams would meet the challenges presented by this project:
Stainless steel was determined to be ideal for this heavy traffic area which required bullet resistance and yet was to match the existing artistry of the front entrance to this heritage building. Both doors were to be active, swinging independently, and with panic devices. Electronic hardware was specified. #304 Gold Mirror finish stainless steel was chosen for the doors and was required to clad the existing framework.
Because of the mirror finish stainless steel being used in the fabrication of the doors, the frame cladding, and the caps, there was no room for error -- care was taken to ensure that all finished products were pristine and unmarked.
AMBICO enjoys the challenges presented by architects restoring and renovating
historically significant buildings and sites - retaining the historical integrity of
these community icons while incorporating state-of-the-art and performance rated products.
Completed installations such as those noted above exemplify AMBICO living up to its billing
as a world class manufacturer of "specialized" door and frame products.
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AMBICO's continuing education course, "Specialized Steel Doors and Frames", is available to
architects for their annual accreditation, in a number of formats:
ON LINE EDUCATION: Use the CONTACT US section of this newsletter or visit the AMBICO web site at www.ambico.com to access AMBICO's continuing education course which provides one learning unit (1 L.U.) towards architectural accreditation.
LUNCH 'N LEARNS: AMBICO cooperates with architectural firms in organizing these sessions and they will provide a box lunch. We then submit to AIA the names of all architects in attendance. Architects will achieve 1 L.U. when the full presentation is made.
AIA EXPO 2008: Architects attending AIA Expo 2008 in Boston this May will have an opportunity, while at the convention, to earn Learning Units by attending one or both of the continuing education seminars AMBICO provides "in booth": Specialized Steel Doors and Frames - Engineered; and Specialized Steel Doors and Frames - Decorative. Each 15-minute seminar is worth ¼ Learning Units.
AIA/CMHC SEMINARS: Local AIA Chapters, working with Canada Mortgage & Housing Corporation are presenting seminars across the United States. Architects who are contacted by their local AIA Chapters or by an AMBICO Sales Representative, will not only earn Learning Units from the AMBICO presentation but also from other AIA providers who participate in the day-long seminars.
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At any given time, "The Company Store" has available for immediate shipping, a variety of in stock items. These include:
For details on the stock inventory of any of the above doors, use the CONTACT US section of this newsletter.
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AMBICO Limited has implemented expedited lead times for delivery of 3-sided frame products.
PRODUCTS AVAILABLE
Acoustic Steel Frames
STC 33 - 52 (for steel doors)Bullet Resistant Steel Frames
-- (fire rated and non-fire rated)
STC 33 - 50 (for wood doors)
-- non-fire rated only
Levels I - VIIILead Line Steel Frames
Supplied with 2 lb or 4 lb lead liningStainless Steel Frames
304 alloy #4 "satin" finish
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
Three sided frames only, standard "double rabbett" profile for 1 ¾" doors
Jamb depths 5 ¼" - 12"
Frame openings to a maximum of 4'0" x 9'6" - singles
Frame openings to a maximum of 7'0" x 9'6" - pairs
Gauges - 14, 16
Hardware Preps:
Hinges: butt hinges; continuous hinge; pivots
Locks: #161; #86; exit device - rim, mortise or surface vertical rod (SVR)
Closers: surface only
Electronic: electric strike
Lead Time
Quantity 15 frames or less - 20 working days
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Don't forget to visit our exciting new trade show booth at:
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AMBICO Limited 1120 Cummings Avenue Ottawa, ON Canada K1J 7R8 |
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AIA Expo 2008 - Booth #15099 -- May 15-17, 2008 - Boston, MA
Door & Hardware Institute 2008 Expo - Booth #1227 -- November 8-
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