CL200 Grilles at Heathfield Community College
When Heathfield Community College refurbished their toilet blocks, they needed a security solution to control access while at the same time keeping the open and welcoming feel of the area. HVP's CL200 Chainlink roller grilles were the perfect answer.
- Client: Heathfield Community College
- Location: Cade Street, Heathfield, East Sussex, TN21 8RJ
- Product Installed: CL200 Chainlink Roller Grilles with Electric Operation
Project overview
Heathfield Community College is a secondary school in East Sussex for students from the local area. After a big refurbishment of their toilet blocks, the school had an unexpected challenge: the newly renovated facilities were modern and welcoming during school hours, but there was no good way to control access to them outside of normal use times.
So the school needed a security solution that would allow them to close off the toilet block areas when required. But they were very clear about one thing: they did not want "big chunks of metal on their walls." The aesthetic impact was as important as the security function, so any solution had to maintain the fresh, open feel of the newly refurbished space.
The Challenge: security without visual bulk
Educational environments present unique security requirements. Unlike commercial premises where solid shutters might be acceptable, schools must balance the need for security with creating spaces that feel safe, open, and welcoming for students.
At Heathfield Community College there were three specific challenges:
- Controlling access: The school needed to prevent unauthorised access to the toilet blocks outside of appropriate times, particularly during evening events, weekends, or when certain areas of the building were closed.
- Maintaining openness: The newly refurbished toilet blocks have modern, bright interiors. Any security measure needed to preserve the sense of openness that was there, instead of creating a fortress-like atmosphere that might make students feel uncomfortable.
- Aesthetic integration: They were clear that they wanted a solution that would integrate discreetly with the building's interior; not dominate the visual landscape with heavy, industrial-looking security equipment.
Our solution: CL200 Chainlink open roller grilles
We agreed with the school that we would install a CL200 Chainlink roller grille with electric operation. This type of shutters proved to be the ideal solution for the school's requirements, because they offer effective access control while maintaining visual transparency.
The key to meeting the school's brief was the grille's open, brick-bond pattern. This design provides a very high level of visibility through the shutter when closed. Unlike a solid shutter, which would have created a solid, forbidding wall of metal, the CL200 allows staff and pupils to see clearly into the secured areas. This maintains an open, safe feel throughout the school day and after hours.
The electric operation ensures convenient daily use for staff, while the safety brake, fitted to comply with BS EN 13241:2003-1, guarantees safe and controlled movement. The result is a secure perimeter that feels more like a part of the interior design than a security afterthought.
Image gallery CL200 Chainlink Roller Grilles at Heathfield Community College
The photos below show what the installed product looks like. Note how the shutters box and guiderails are painted the same colour as the school's walls, helping the roller shutter neatly blend in with its surroundings.
Why the CL200 Chainlink Grille was the right choice
CL200 Chainlink roller grilles offer several key advantages that make them ideal for this type of educational setting:
- Transparent security: The distinctive brick bond pattern of the CL200 grille creates an open area of almost 80%, which allows very good visibility through the shutter when closed. School staff can see into the toilet block areas even when they're secured, and the open design prevents the closed-in feeling that solid shutters would create.
- Modern, unobtrusive appearance: Far from the "big chunks of metal" the school wanted to avoid, the CL200's contemporary design features sleek aluminium tubes and a geometric pattern that complements modern interior architecture. When rolled up, the grille disappears into a compact canopy box, and leaves the opening completely clear and free during school hours.
- Effective access control, and air circulation: Despite their open appearance, Chainlink security grilles provide a robust physical barrier. The aluminium tubes are assembled with steel rods to create a lightweight but strong curtain that effectively prevents unauthorised entry while at the same time allowing air circulation (an important consideration for toilet block ventilation).
- Easy to operate: The electric operation ensures that staff can quickly and easily open or close the shutters as needed throughout the day, with minimal physical effort. This is particularly important in busy school environments where efficiency matters.
Technical specification
The CL200 Chainlink grilles installed at Heathfield Community College feature:
- CL200 brick bond pattern with 225mm x 65mm apertures
- Manufactured from extruded aluminium tubes assembled with steel rods
- Electric tubular motor operation for convenient use
- Safety brake to comply with regulations (BS EN 13241:2003-1)
- Anodised natural aluminium finish for a clean, modern appearance
- Lightweight construction for easy operation and minimal structural load
Ideal for educational facilities
This installation demonstrates why CL200 Chainlink roller grilles are particularly well-suited to schools, colleges, and other educational environments. They provide the necessary access control and security without creating an oppressive atmosphere or detracting from the appearance of learning spaces.
The success at Heathfield Community College shows that effective security doesn't require sacrificing aesthetics or creating institutional-looking environments. For schools undertaking refurbishment projects or needing to secure internal areas like toilet blocks, sports facilities, or common areas, Chainlink grilles offer an elegant solution that students, staff, and visitors appreciate.
Applications beyond toilet blocks
While this project focused on toilet block security, CL200 Chainlink grilles are equally suitable for many other areas within educational facilities:
Cafeterias and Food Service Areas: Control access to kitchen and servery areas outside of meal times while maintaining visibility and natural ventilation.
Sports Facilities: Secure equipment stores, changing rooms, or entire sports halls when not in use, whilst allowing air circulation to prevent moisture build-up.
Library and Resource Centres: Create flexible spaces that can be secured during events or outside of normal opening hours without making the areas feel closed off.
Reception and Administrative Areas: Provide security for office areas during evening events or weekend activities while maintaining a welcoming appearance.
Related Case Studies
For another example of CL200 Chainlink roller grilles in an educational setting, see our case study at Coventry University, where we installed large Chainlink shutters at their café and recreational area. This shows how the product can be used at different scales and in various institutional environments.
CL200 Chainlink Grilles for your school or college
If you're a facilities manager, architect, or school administrator, and you're looking for security solutions that maintain an open, welcoming environment, we'd love to help. Our CL200 Chainlink roller grilles are ideal for schools, colleges, and educational facilities where aesthetics matter as much as security.
We understand the unique requirements of educational environments and can provide tailored solutions that meet both security and safeguarding needs whilst creating spaces where students feel comfortable and safe.
Contact us to discuss your project requirements. You can phone us on 01392 270 218 (Monday to Friday, 9AM to 5PM), email [email protected], or request a quote online. We look forward to hearing from you.
Photo credits
CL200 Chainlink roller grille photos © HVP Security Shutters Ltd. Heathfield Community College information courtesy of Heathfield Community College.