Many locations face the same problem of needing to replace an old guard booth/guard shack, whether it was a prefab booth or site built. After several years of complaints and corresponding budget requests, some money may be allocated and the new guard booth project will need to be planned out. First, will the replacement security booth be installed in the exact same location? Have things changed at the facility that would make it smart to reposition the guardhouse? Is there more or less traffic that the security officers must handle while staffing the guard booth? This last question may impact the size of the new booth as well as number and type of doors. More traffic and/or longer hours may require additional staffing inside the security booth which in turn may call for a larger foot print.
The amount of time each officer spends inside the guardhouse along with the distance from the nearest restroom facilities will determine whether there’s a need to include a restroom inside the prefab guard booth. Building codes also have a say in many locations. ADA compliance and energy code compliance are also important factors in modern guard booth design.
Other design concerns will include interior work space (countertops or desks), type of lighting, preps for phone and data, level of security (is bullet resistant required), architectural style (consider surroundings) and interior amenities and heating and cooling.
Once surveying the existing security gate and guard booth is done, questioning the security officers what they think is a good idea. In this manner you can come up with an “ideal” design, get the budget quotes and determine what can be accomplished within your fiscal restraints. An established booth manufacturer such as Par-Kut can provide pricing and sample floor plans. The owner needs to figure total costs of removing old booth, any new concrete and utility work, and the cost of setting the new guard booth and hooking it up.
In the end, keeping your security officers cool and comfortable benefits everybody. Supplying a quality security booth structure from Par-Kut is a good way to do it.
