Walthamstow Theatre

Dorplan collaborated with Aimbec to supply and deliver a diverse and complex range of doorsets for a major theatre project in Walthamstow, London. This high-specification order included FD120-rated fire doors, access control doorsets, double swing doors, and high acoustic solutions to suit the functional and aesthetic demands of a large performance space.

Technical Overview:

• FD120-rated fire doors
• Access control doorsets
• Double swing doors
• High acoustic solutions for soundproof lobbies
• Delivered with flexible specification changes mid-project
• DDA-compliant design suitable for public space

The project demanded doors that combined fire safety, accessibility, acoustic performance, and aesthetics – essential in a large performance venue with historic significance. Dorplan’s team needed to design and deliver bespoke solutions that prevented sound transfer between the auditorium and bar areas while ensuring compliance with fire and accessibility regulations. Additional complexity came from mid-project design changes, which required flexibility and responsive project management.

Outcomes:

• Seamless integration of fire resistance (up to 120 minutes), sound insulation, and access control.
• Successful delivery of soundproof lobbies to meet strict acoustic performance requirements.
• Aesthetic solutions tailored to the theatre’s historic character.
• Strong collaboration praised by the client and project stakeholders.

Client Testimonial:

“Working with Dorplan on this project was essential to its success. Fire safety, accessibility, and acoustic performance were all critical elements, and Dorplan’s bespoke door solutions addressed each requirement seamlessly. The doors not only offered up to 120 minutes of fire protection, but were also designed to meet DDA compliance and withstand the heavy daily use of a public space.

One of the more complex challenges was the need to create soundproof lobbies surrounding the auditorium. It was crucial to prevent noise from the bar areas disrupting performances, and vice versa. Dorplan’s input was invaluable in helping us meet this acoustic brief without compromising on design or usability.

Because the building has historical significance, aesthetics were also a key consideration. Dorplan delivered doors that struck the perfect balance between visual appeal and high-performance functionality—integrating fire resistance, sound insulation, and access control into a cohesive design.

Even when mid-project design changes arose, Dorplan remained flexible and responsive. Their Head of Project Management, Rob Howling, handled the shift in specifications with professionalism, ensuring minimal disruption to our schedule and keeping everything on track.

The final result received glowing feedback, including positive press coverage highlighting the quality and attention to detail across the construction. That recognition is a testament to the strong collaboration we had with Dorplan throughout the project.

We’ve worked with Dorplan for many years and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to others. Their expertise, adaptability, and commitment to quality make them a trusted partner on any complex build.”

— Aimbec