ASSA ABLOY Entrance Systems supplied entrance solutions to Pearl Sky, the fifth and final phase of The Pearls development located in the seaside resort town of Umhlanga on Kwazulu-Natal’s North Coast.

Boasting exceptional sea views, The Pearls of Umhlanga has already gained an impressive architectural reputation as one of South Africa’s most exclusive resort and residential offerings. Worth in excess of R3 billion, this is one of the largest private sector investments in the region over the last ten years.

The order, received by ASSA ABLOY Entrance Systems in October 2016, called for one Besam bi-parting SL500 sliding door and four Besam single slider SL500 sliding doors; all five systems were supplied complete with accessories.

The versatile functionality of the feature-rich Besam doors complements their aesthetic appeal. The door itself features a range of different settings that deliver a number of benefits including convenient and safe entrance and exit pedestrian passage and internal climate control. This is a particularly important feature in Kwazulu-Natal with its tropical climate and subsequent high humidity levels. Alongside reduced energy bills through maintaining a comfortable internal temperature, heat, wind, dust and insects are kept outside.

The Besam SL500 operates electromechanically; the motor, control unit, transmission (and optional emergency unit and electromechanical locking device) are all assembled in a support beam with an integrated cover. The motor and gear box transmit movement to the door leaves by means of a tooth belt. The door leaf is fitted to a door adapter/carriage wheel fitting and hangs on a sliding track. The guiding at the bottom is carried out by means of floor guides.

When the control units receive an opening impulse the motor starts and transmits movement to the door leaves which move to the open position. When no opening impulse is received and the hold open time has expired, the doors start closing. The Besam SL500 with programme selector offers the end-user a choice of five different modes of operation.

The sensors can at all times be switched to a option of the user’s choice: The auto setting allows for normal door operation with two-way traffic flow; the auto-partial setting allows for two-way traffic but doors can be opened partially with the inner and outer activation units; the open setting will keep the door open permanently. The door can also be set to allow one way traffic flow from the inside only.

The door is normally locked if an electromechanical locking device has been fitted and can only be opened with the inner activation unit or with a key switch/emergency push-button. If the offsetting is engaged, the door cannot be opened with inner and outer activation units. This function is only used on emergency escape doors after it has been determined that all people have left the building. Finally the reset option allows the door to return to the closed position and function as normal. Furthermore, all sliding door operators are linked to fire alarm systems for safety and easy evacuation.

The Besam door system carries a twelve month warranty (beginning at time of delivery). Regular service inspections are carried out by highly qualified technicians from ASSA ABLOY Entrance Systems and a one year extendable maintenance contract is available on all installations.

The high quality and value for money offered by Besam products combined with good service and consistent feedback from Besam employees were fundamental in positioning ASSA ABLOY Entrance Systems as a preferred door solution supplier to the Pearl Sky project.

ASSA ABLOY Entrance Systems completed installation in November 2016 in partnership with fitment experts, CGA Fenestrations. Due for completion in 2017, Pearl Sky will offer an exclusive lifestyle with 322 upmarket residential apartments as well as a 14 500m² luxury boutique retail component.