Fuhr has supplied an integrated smart locking solution for VIP lounge areas within a prestigious venue, demonstrating how a modular multipoint locking system can meet complex security, access control and life-safety requirements in a high-profile commercial environment.

The doors installed required controlled access from outside, while also serving as escape routes between internal areas of the venue. Reflecting the elevated security expectations of the project, the doors were tested to RC4 in accordance with EN 1627 prior to installation.

The installation was carried out by Bennett Architectural Aluminium Solutions, which specified the Fuhr Autosafe 837P automatic multipoint locks. Launched in 2025, the Autosafe 837P is designed for applications where security, access control and emergency escape must be delivered within a single, integrated system.

The locks were fully integrated with the building’s access control system and monitored via the Building Management System (BMS), enabling both short-time open and permanent release modes depending on operational requirements. Internally, EN 179 emergency exit compliance was achieved through handle operation, ensuring safe and intuitive escape in an emergency while maintaining controlled external access.

Paul Balfe, business development manager at Fuhr UK, said: “The Autosafe 837P was developed to address exactly these kinds of challenges. With fail-safe operation as standard, it allows access control, automatic locking and compliant emergency escape to be delivered through one modular system, rather than relying on multiple products or workarounds.”

Fail-safe operation was a critical requirement on this project, and the Autosafe 837P is said to have provided a solution where alternative options struggled to meet both the access control and life-safety criteria within a single locking platform.

A key factor in the project’s success was close collaboration on-site. Fuhr provided technical support alongside Bennett Architectural Aluminium Solutions, the main contractor and the access control provider to ensure the locks were correctly configured and achieved sign-off without delay.

Dave Wilshaw, contracts manager at Bennett Architectural Aluminium Solutions, commented: “We received excellent technical support from Fuhr throughout the project. Paul worked closely with us to ensure the locks interfaced correctly with the access control system, which was essential to getting the installation signed off.”