Why architects need to rethink door specification under Martyn’s Law

The introduction of Martyn’s Law, also known as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act, marks a fundamental change in how public venues and educational environments think about safety and the role of door design in protecting people.

Martyn’s Law was introduced following the Manchester Arena terrorist attack in 2017, in memory of Martyn Hett. The legislation introduces a legal duty for those responsible for premises to consider the threat of terrorism and prepare measures to reduce vulnerability and protect people.

Public premises with a capacity of 200 or more people will fall within the legislation, with an enhanced tier for larger venues with a capacity of 800 or more, such as secondary schools, sixth form colleges and academies.

Coming into force in Spring 2027, Martyn’s Law aims to improve preparedness against terrorist attacks by requiring venues to implement protective security measures and emergency lockdown procedures. This prompts a shift in how buildings are designed to support effective emergency measures.

Doors are an increasingly important part of creating safer environments without compromising on accessibility, compliance and design. Acting as the first line of defence, they help to control who enters and exits, by creating protected refuge areas and provide reliable escape routes. They are an integral part of securing premises quickly under pressure.

Under a Martyn’s Law-compliant framework, architects should consider four distinct door functions as part of an integrated security strategy. These include entry control, using secure doorsets alongside access control systems to restrict unauthorised access, zoning and compartmentalisation to create protected areas, lockdown capability, enabling designated spaces to be secured efficiently and safe escape routes so occupants can evacuate quickly.

Taking into account these four functions during the design stage leads to the creation of buildings that are not only more resilient to security threats, but also remain safe, accessible and fully compliant with wider building regulations.

Under a Martyn’s Law-compliant framework, architects should consider four distinct door functions as part of an integrated security strategy.

Doors need to be capable of resisting forced entry to safeguard people and support compliance. Yet this security should not come at the expense of longevity. Robust, well-specified doorsets can provide resilience under pressure while delivering reliable performance over the long term.

The choice of materials, construction and finishes can all influence a doorset’s ability to withstand impact, resist wear and maintain performance in demanding environments. For educational buildings in particular, where doors may be subject to frequent use and high levels of traffic, architects should consider durability and maintenance requirements alongside security performance.

Rather than viewing security as an add-on feature, it should be considered from the earliest design stages. As buildings continue to address increasing security risks, architects should specify independently tested security doorsets and consider products that have been tested against recognised security standards. This provides greater confidence that the chosen doorset can deliver the required level of protection while continuing to perform reliably throughout its service life.

In the UK, security doors must meet recognised certification standards such as PAS 24 (2022) or LPS 1175. Both assesses a door’s resistance to forced entry using realistic attack methods and tools. Doors that meet either standard can also achieve Secured by Design approval, a recognised police security initiative, making it an ideal benchmark for classrooms, corridors and offices. This provides another level of assurance that a doorset has not only been tested, but assessed against standards intended to reduce vulnerability to criminal attack. Secure by Design-approved doors support safer access strategies and can help satisfy evacuations and lockdown procedure plans created in line with Martyn’s Law.

Common characteristics of a Secured by Design-compliant door include a robust steel leaf and frame construction, tested locking hardware, secure hinge arrangements, anti-attack reinforcements at critical points, correctly specified glazing or louvre systems where included, and hardware that has been assessed as part of the certified assembly.

Martyn’s Law places greater emphasis on ensuring premises are prepared for a wider range of security incidents. Every element, including door specification, contributes to how effectively a building performs under every day operation and in emergency situations.

By considering security from the earliest design stages, architects can design buildings that not only meet today’s requirements but that protect occupants for years to come. Architects are recommended to work closely with specialist door manufacturers to ensure the doors specified meet all the performance requirements, particularly in view of the planned introduction of Martyn’s Law in Spring 2027. Ultimately, investing in high-quality door systems is an investment in safety, resilience and longevity.