Simon Ayers RegAI on a specification for a boutique hotel that married a heritage aesthetic with performance and compliance.
SDS London delivered the full ironmongery package for 225 doors at Seaton House Hotel, a high-end boutique development in a Grade B listed 1864 building in St Andrews.
Working with European Doorsets, Pacific Building, and architects Upperworth Studios, we co-ordinated a specification that balanced performance, fire compliance, and design intent. This included supplying bespoke lever handles tailored to the interior scheme and testing them with the VingCard locking system to confirm operational compatibility. We also achieved uniform antique brass and bronze finishes across mixed hardware materials, ensuring consistent appearance even on stainless steel components like hinges and closers. Every item was reviewed and validated during design co-ordination meetings to ensure compliance with fire and security requirements.
Our package delivers a fully integrated solution that supports the hotel’s visual identity and operational needs, meeting high expectations for quality, durability and guest experience.
We supplied a full suite of CE-marked mechanical hardware including hinges, locks and door closers, all compliant with the project’s fire-safety requirements. Crucially, we ensured a uniform finish across functional and tactile elements – applying antique brass and bronze tones even to fire-certified stainless steel components, so all hardware matched the interior design intent.
Cam-action closers were selected for guest-facing areas because they require less force to operate, making it easier for guests – especially those carrying heavy luggage – to move comfortably through the hotel. Back-of-house doors were fitted with standard rack-and-pinion closers to balance performance and budget.
On key fire doors, we specified electromagnetic hold-open closers and devices to allow free movement during the day, while ensuring reliable closure when the fire alarm activates. Finally, all concealed ironmongery was supplied complete with compatible intumescent kits to maintain fire certification across the hardware set.
A key goal on the project was to complement Seaton House’s heritage-inspired interiors with refined hardware. Knurled bronze pull handles were chosen for their rich tactility and visual weight, and lever handles were tested for use on the internal side of VingCard hotel locks, maintaining consistency of design aesthetic throughout each hotel room. To preserve the design language further, we specified concealed cam-action closers in front-of-house areas, limiting visual impact on doors.
While the decorative items were selected in bronze or brass base materials, we applied matching finishes to stainless steel components such as hinges, locks and closers to ensure visual harmony. Even numerals and signage were coordinated to the same palette. This careful detailing produced a unified, elegant hardware package that subtly reinforces the hotel’s crafted and luxurious interior.
Sustainable solutions
Sustainability was a significant focus in our hardware supply for Seaton House Hotel, aligning with the contractor’s stringent environmental framework. We implemented multiple measures to minimise environmental impact, including:
- Plastic-free, minimal packaging: Eliminated all plastic packaging and used only materials from recycled or natural sources (e.g. recycled cardboard), thereby cutting non-biodegradable waste and excess packaging.
- Streamlined Deliveries: Consolidated hardware deliveries to reduce transport emissions. By providing control samples on site for early approval and timing shipments with installation phases, we avoided numerous small drop-offs.
- Low-Carbon Transport: Utilised an electric-vehicle courier service for site deliveries whenever possible, further reducing the project’s carbon footprint.
- Durable, Recyclable Products: Supplied hardware with long lifespans made primarily of recyclable metals (brass, stainless steel). This ensures fewer replacements over time and material recyclability at end-of-life.
