Turnstar Systems recently completed a bespoke installation for Babylonstoren, a historic and world-renowned working farm and destination in the heart of the Cape Winelands, South Africa. Babylonstoren, known for its blend of history, agriculture, and hospitality, required a specialized revolving door for its spice room to control temperature and humidity. Turnstar was approached to design and manufacture an Atlas 1.6m manual revolving door to meet the specific needs of this environment.
Founded in 1692, Babylonstoren is one of South Africa’s oldest Cape Dutch farms, steeped in history yet offering a modern, luxurious experience. Spanning 200 hectares, the farm is a multifaceted operation with an expansive garden, luxury accommodation, a farm-to-table restaurant, vineyards, olive groves, a spa, and various workshops and experiences for guests. Babylonstoren combines agriculture and hospitality with a focus on sustainability, making it a popular destination for both local and international visitors.
The farm’s spice room, where the revolving door was installed, plays a critical role in housing and preserving a wide variety of aromatic spices used in Babylonstoren’s culinary and wellness offerings.
Babylonstoren, represented by Jaco, approached Turnstar Systems with the following requirements:
- A revolving door that could control both humidity and temperature in the spice room, sealing as close to air-tight as possible.
- The frame finish needed to be corrosion-resistant due to the high humidity levels in the room.
- The door had to be visually appealing, as it would be installed in a guest-accessible area.
Turnstar Systems proposed the 1.6m Atlas manual revolving door as the ideal solution for this environment. This revolving door was manufactured from 304 grade stainless steel for enhanced corrosion protection and powder coated to provide both longevity and aesthetic appeal.
Key features of the installed door include:
- Corrosion Resistance: The stainless steel construction, combined with a durable powder-coated finish, ensures the door remains resilient in the spice room’s humid environment, protecting it from oxidation and other forms of corrosion.
- Draft Block: The Atlas revolving door is designed to help regulate temperature and humidity by minimising air exchange between the spice room and its surroundings.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Babylonstoren is known for its attention to detail in design, and the sleek, powder coated finish of the door complements the farm’s sophisticated and natural aesthetic, ensuring it fits seamlessly into the guest areas.
Installation
The installation was carried out by Turnstar’s Cape Town branch, ensuring that the process was efficient and met Babylonstoren’s high standards. The team worked closely with Babylonstoren’s management to ensure minimal disruption to the farm’s operations and guest experiences.
Given the unique nature of the environment, the door was carefully fitted to ensure maximum functionality, creating a draft block while maintaining ease of use for guests and staff entering the spice room.
Babylonstoren has become a prominent destination that blends history, agriculture, and luxury hospitality. Known for its lush gardens and artisanal products, the farm offers visitors a chance to experience the very best of Cape Dutch architecture, farm life, and fine dining. The spice room, where the Atlas revolving door was installed, is a vital part of Babylonstoren’s food preparation and culinary experiments, showcasing spices used across their renowned restaurant and wellness products.
The installation of the Atlas 1.6m manual revolving door has significantly enhanced the functionality and aesthetic of Babylonstoren’s spice room. The door provides the necessary control over humidity and temperature, ensuring that the quality of the spices remains intact, while the durable, powder-coated stainless steel finish provides both corrosion resistance and a polished appearance that complements Babylonstoren’s guest areas.
Turnstar Systems is proud to have provided Babylonstoren with a custom revolving door solution that meets the unique demands of the farm’s spice room. This project highlights our ability to design and manufacture access control solutions that not only meet technical specifications but also fit within the aesthetic and operational needs of high-profile locations like Babylonstoren.
With our Cape Town branch handling the installation, Turnstar was able to deliver a solution that enhances both the functionality and visual appeal of one of South Africa’s most iconic farm estates.