When the façade wasn't secure enough
The boutique needed overnight security, but the existing façade offered no burglary protection and moving the products into the safe every night was not a viable solution.
Retail fit-out construction environment
The situation
After a lengthy exchange with the building management and other parties involved, I established that the existing façade had no burglary-resistance classification. The existing façade also could not be retrofitted with an anti-burglary film. Applying a film would have voided the warranty on the glazing, and could also have caused excessive heat build-up within the sealed glass units, creating a risk of glass failure. The investor's initial plan was therefore to move all Bvlgari products into the safe every evening and bring them back into the boutique every morning.
The problem
The obvious solution — installing a security roller shutter along the façade — was not feasible. It would have compromised the architectural concept and significantly altered the appearance of the boutique. Instead, I developed a solution to integrate the shutter into the entrance portal, allowing it to close off the main part of the boutique while keeping the glazed façade visually intact. The shutter was specified with a brass finish to match the interior design, so the security element became part of the architectural concept rather than an external addition.
What I identified
The solution required integrating a 6 × 4 m roller shutter into the marble entrance portal. This was a substantial intervention at a stage when construction was already underway. It required a separate structural design, certified works and on-site welding, as well as close coordination with the shopfitter and marble contractor. I worked with the local architect to develop the integration and presented the solution to the brand HQ, addressing both the technical and aesthetic implications and obtaining approval to proceed. I then coordinated the additional works alongside the ongoing construction programme, including the impact on the ceiling and related trades.
What I did
The boutique gained a physical security barrier at its glazed entrance, eliminating the need to move the products into the safe every evening. The shutter was integrated into the marble portal rather than appearing as an afterthought, and the additional works were carried out while construction was already underway.
The outcome
Security — significant improvement Daily operations — simplified Product protection — improved Design — enhanced