"furniture accessibility"

This project involved a penthouse with a huge roof terrace. The existing deck was dilapidated and needed complete replacement. The existing decking needed to be lifted, cut up and removed. The terrace was jet-washed and sealed. Using ipe tiles on top of adjustable pedestals keeps the tiles out of standing water and creates space underneath for cables, etc. Rooftop terraces are difficult to access. 500x500mm timber tiles are much easier to manually handle and transport than long plank decking. The tiles aren’t fixed to the pedestals, making them future-proofed.

Challenge As part of a major Council Housing refurbishment project Portsmouth City specified the installation of a new vinyl floor covering to all stairwells with new Equality Act compliant stair nosings. The Equality Act offers best practice guidance and recommendations on how to make stairways safe and accessible for partially sighted people. Any new stair nosings for the project would therefore need to feature appropriately sized dimensions, a contrasting band of colour and tactile hazard warning surfaces to assist with user safety.

Floor Furnishings were tasked with fitting flooring in University lecture theatres. The spaces, which would be used by large volumes of people, had to be Equality Act compliant and meet building regulations related to stepped access and slip resistance. Nathan Jefferies, Director of the flooring contractor contacted Quantum to seek technical advice on which Stair Nosings would meet these standards. Quantum provided information on a Stair Nosing that would meet the criteria for this project and this information was passed onto the Architect working on the University buildings.

Lower Drayton Farm is a family fun farm, offering a variety of activities in the heart of the countryside.DCM installed Evo Pro Artificial Grass as part of the new indoor soft play area. Line markings were painted onto the sports grass to create a miniature sports pitch for children to play football and other ball games.The installation took place on an upper floor level, meaning the access for the project had to be taken into careful consideration when delivering materials and getting equipment to the area of works on site.

A traditional hotel located in an iconic location.A traditional hotel, in the heart of St Pauls, one of London's most iconic locations.Nestled in the heart of London, Lost Property Hotel stands as a unique retreat near St. Paul’s Cathedral, inviting guests to immerse themselves in the art of eccentric living. With 145 rooms exquisitely designed with a modern flair, alongside a restaurant, bar, and coffee house, Lost Property promises a distinctive experience for travel enthusiasts seeking a memorable escape. The hotel’s central location offers convenient access to London’s iconic landmarks, including the Tate Modern, London Bridge, and Tower Bridge.Our team supplied bespoke riser doors strategically placed within the corridors. These doors serve a dual purpose – facilitating access to essential utility spaces while seamlessly blending into the overall design. The riser doors were carefully selected for their fire-resistant properties, ensuring compliance with safety standards without compromising on the hotel’s artistic vision.The key innovation lies in the wallpapering of the riser doors. The doors were expertly covered with wallpaper matching the surrounding area, effectively concealing their utilitarian function within the artistic tapestry of the hotel. This meticulous integration ensures that the riser doors become an inconspicuous part of the corridor, maintaining the immersive atmosphere Lost Property Hotel strives to create.

Known as the leading financial centre in the UK and its cluster of high-rise buildings, it’s a great place to be away from the hustle and bustle but still be connected with London.The fairly low rise building is home to 174 apartments ranging from studios to penthouses, most of which come with a balcony or 2. An expansive terrace covers the roof which offers outdoor heaters, a BBQ, seating and table tennis. Other social amenities include a self service bar and private dining room available for events on the ground floor, and a screening room with a large TV giving access to Sky and BT sports, a games console, and comfy seating.At 8 Water Street, residents will feel truly connected with nature, with a private landscaped garden overlooking the south dock. Perks of residing here include free access to the Third Space health club, gym, and spa, 24/7 concierge, an app to plan and book private events or join community clubs, fully furnished apartments including 50inch TV and TV licences.We supplied a range of interior doorsets to them including concealed frame doors, concealed riser doors, and concealed sliding pocket doors. These were chosen to match with the subtle luxurious design throughout the interior with smart, classy statement pieces dotted around.A rather nice residence all round!

As part of the iconic Manchester Central Library's three-year overhaul to make its facilities more accessible, a bespoke flooring solution was supplied of Resuflor Terrazzo and Resuflor Screed to complete this refurbishment and give the buidling a great new appeal. The terrazzo provided a super smooth decorative floor and the epoxy screed incorporated fine aggregate on the surface to the stairs and ramped areas of the building to promote an anti-slip finish.The multi-million pound refurbishment project saw public entrances of the Grade ll listed building restored to their 1930's appearance. New staircases and lift shafts were inserted to improve access throughout the building.The brief on this project was to provide a modern functional flooring solution that complemented the library's unique neo-classical style.The besposke design of Resuflor Terrazzo was supplied in a special colour pallet to complement the neo-classical design features of the library. The system was chosen because of its seamless properties, ensuring a flat, continuous floor surface with extreme durability for a long term solution.The product was also used as a pre-cast terrazzo system on some central stair areas of the library.Resuflor Screed was supplied and applied on the ramped areas as a semi-decorative finish with a special aggregate bead incorporated for improved slip resistance.The end result was a functional floor capable of withstanding heavy footfall that fitted with the aesthetic requirements of the overall design superbly.

The ProjectA well established contractor asked us to provide a range of products on a supply only basis. Using the experience and knowledge of the Streetsure team, we offered a variety of products that suited the specific elements of the brief. We supplied CAD designs and .dwg files to build into the clients BIM model. We provided quotes on a mix of bespoke and standard range cycle parking, corner protectors, mesh panelling, mailboxes, lockers, benches and planters.The SolutionThe Streetsure team secured the contract and project managed the supply of these products to budget and within an agreed timeframe.We supplied Double Decker Cycle racks, space planned strategically to fit as many spaces into the area as possible along with corner protectors to reduce any damage when loading/unloading bicycles. Our ‘08 series’ recessed option was the mailbox of choice for this project. We sent off for an anomatch colour - a bespoke colour which we purchased and applied at the manufacturing facility to create a unique one-off product, perfectly matched to the architects specifications. Streetsures secure lockers were supplied for a key fob access mail room. Bespoke STRATA timber benches with steel legs and aluminium planters, powder coated in RAL 8028 were supplied for a resident only access rooftop location, creating a unique viewing experience over the London skyline. 

In addressing the needs of a high-traffic SEN school, we encountered the challenge of facilitating maximum opening width at the main entrance to accommodate pupils arriving in a variety of special needs vehicles, all while prioritising security and safety for the students.To meet these multifaceted requirements, we devised a tailored solution centred around the design and installation of two bi-folding automatic aluminium doors. These doors were strategically positioned to create an internal lobby, providing a controlled environment where staff could independently manage each door. Crucially, this setup was seamlessly integrated with the existing school access control system, ensuring a high level of security while facilitating smooth traffic flow.Our innovative design also incorporated an air lock system, enhancing safety protocols by creating a secure buffer zone between the exterior and interior of the school. This air lock system not only provided added security but also offered the flexibility to transition to fully automated doors during open days and emergencies, ensuring efficient and safe ingress and egress as needed.By combining functionality, security, and adaptability, our solution successfully addressed the unique challenges faced by SEN school, providing a safe and accessible entrance that could accommodate the diverse needs of its student body while maintaining a high level of security at all times.

In the heart of a bustling garden centre, our team was tasked with revamping the entrance to a popular cafe. The existing domestic grade UPVC door system struggled to cope with the high pedestrian traffic and lacked the necessary user-friendliness and accessibility features.To address these challenges and elevate the cafe’s entrance, we embarked on a comprehensive redesign product. Our solution revolved around the design and fabrication of a commercial-grade aluminium shop front system, meticulously crafted to cater to the diverse needs of the cafe’s customers. At the core of this system, we installed a large single sliding automatic door with integrated electronic locking and a safety pocket door, ensuring both safety and reliability. This upgrade not only facilitated seamless and quiet operation but also significantly improved accessibility, particularly for disabled visitors, while effortlessly managing the constant flow of foot traffic.In addition to functionality, aesthetics were a key consideration in our design approach. Custom graphics were incorporated into the shop front, giving the entrance a distinct company identity that resonated with the cafe’s brand. Moreover, we installed an internal dividing glazed screen to provide wind and chill resistance for diners, enhancing their overall comfort. The end result was a sleek, modern, and stylish entrance that not only addressed the cafe’s immediate needs but also positioned them for future growth and success, allowing them to easily accommodate increasing footfall and expand their business operations.

A new distribution centre at Littlebrook Business Park features market leading Gatic CastSlot Littlebrook (Orbital 47) is home to several industrial companies which rely on the near constant movement of goods.“Our work involved the installation of Gatic Slotdrain in a distribution centre at Littlebrook,” said Zach Graham, Alumasc Area Sales Manager for London and the South East. “The distribution centre is in an ideal location due to the surrounding environment with easy access to the M25. Further to this, as the loading area was fairly small, it is put under a lot of pressure every day, with constantly turning vehicles. This meant that any surface water management product installed had to be guaranteed to withstand extremely heavy and frequent loads.”In an area where unremitting, slow turning traffic is a major consideration, Gatic CastSlot, from the Gatic Slotdrain range, was an obvious choice in providing a reliable water management system for this project. Gatic specialises in integrated, high capacity surface water management and Engineered Access Covers, its surface water drainage systems have been used to capture, control and return run-off into the natural water cycle, even in high pressure situations.Gatic Slotdrain’s reputation as a front runner for surface drainage systems in infrastructure hubs such as ports, airports and industrial units, made it first choice for this project, and ideal overall for sites such as Littlebrook.

"Boyco did an exceptional job of meeting our unique requirements on this project, and it didn’t stop at the initial installation! Boyco’s installers were regularly on hand to find innovative solutions to unexpected problems arising in the challenging environment – in particular children trying to climb on top of the Teaching Walls. I am very impressed with Boyco’s products and service and would recommend them to anybody looking for a bespoke solution for challenging environments." - Diane Hallworth, Bridglea PRUCHALLENGES & SOLUTIONSOn arrival for the installation, Boyco installers found that steel dado trunking had been installed along the Classroom walls, and the electric sockets were mislocated which caused them to clash with the electric source needed for the Teaching Walls. Our installers carried out all necessary remedial work to align the Teaching wall electrical access points to the wrongly positioned sockets on the dado trunking.After successful installation of the Teaching Walls, we were informed by Bridglea PRU that children had been climbing up the side of the Teaching Walls by suspending themselves between the Teaching Wall and the classroom wall–in an attempt to get on top of the Teaching Walls and climb inside the cabinets. Boyco supplied & installed bespoke infill boxes to the corner of the necessary Teaching Walls, to prevent pupils being able to gain any access to the roof of the Teaching Walls.

Berry Systems supplied and installed Internal and external safety barriers to protect doorways, walkways, columns, racking, site and equipment at the Co-operative, Avonmouth project.The 435,780 square foot (40,485 sq m) state-of-the-art facility is conveniently located near to Junction 18 of the M5 and ideally placed to distribute goods to 482 Co-Operative stores in the Bristol, North Somerset and South Wales area. Our safety barriers have been installed extensively both inside and outside the distribution centre. The access roads are lined with Barrier Rails mounted on semi-flexible Flexi-Posts. In the vehicle waiting areas power cables have been integrated into the barrier with post extensions mounted to every other post, for the power outlets. The Flexi-Posts give greater protection if a reversing vehicle fails to stop in time, avoiding damage to the barrier, power cables and HGVs. We also installed a number of exterior bollards to protect doorways and other access points and additional barriers to protect fuel storage and other plant. Inside the distribution centre, structural columns benefit from our column protection units that flex upon impact to minimise damage. Other areas have our unique double rail system mounted on spring steel buffers to create an impenetrable but flexible  barrier from ground level to a height of 610mm.

Surrounded by rolling fields, wetlands and a riverbank, Wraxall Yard is situated in the heart of the West Country. Clementine Blakemore Architects were entrusted to convert and rebuild a collection of derelict barns for this not-for-profit organisation, run by a father and daughter team. The philosophy behind this project - to create a multifunctional development with accessibility for all; with an educational farm, community space and a series of holiday cottages. As the collection of buildings sat within the West Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it was essential the buildings were sympathetically restored, retaining the agricultural aesthetic. The Neo Rooflights played an instrumental role in creating cross ventilation in conjunction with the doors, ensuring the spaces were not only light and bright, but also well-ventilated for the comfort of its guests. Accessibility at the core of the project was the driving factor for requiring motorised opening rooflights with rain sensors, allowing visitors to have full control of room temperatures with ease. The concealed jamb motors, unique to The Rooflight Co's Neo design gave the architect the ability to achieve a clean flush installation externally, frameless lining to glass installation internally, and unobstructed views out to the fields beyond.In total 7 Neo Rooflights were specified to create the airy, tranquil, and peaceful spaces both the architect and the owner wanted to achieve. Testimony to the design and quality of the project is the High Commendation received by Clementine Blakemore Architects in the 2023 MacEwan Awards and winning the 2023 AJ Retrofit Awards.

The number of Davit Arms required for a project should not sound like the quintessential British question of "one lump or two" for your cup of tea.It should depend on the specific project parameters but it is a question we are often asked, even if the employer's requirements or access strategy specifically identify a quantity.There are however a few definitive requirements. If the system is designed for single users (due to roof/building structural load limitations for instance), then two Davits must be provided to facilitate safe rescue. Equally, although Davits are component form and portable, the units are not light to carry between buildings, might be too large for service lifts and no one even wants to think about the stairs - the buildings being cleaned by rope access for a reason!Additionally, the duty holder and building owner should consider cleaning times and crew efficiency. Responsible IRATA contractors operate in a team of three, with one level 3 supervisor and two operatives. With a single davit, two of the team are effectively non-productive.Finally, it can be that multiple outreach davits are required. The projection requirements can vary depending on rooftop socket locations, parapet sizes, and façade elements. For extended cleaning cycles, Davit arms should project so that there is a naturally extended reach.Leave the one lump or two questions for your cup of tea, or number or shots of espresso if you prefer……….

Installation completed of 3 number MG200 sliding folding partitions with integral glazing. With this project being over budget for the client ModernGlide were able to offer our range of veneer effects laminates instead of a hard wood veneer to give a saving to the client.The sliding folding acoustic partitions were designed and installed to sepperate the busy worship and social space. This allowed for 1 larger usable room and then to be sepperated with the use of the MG200, each system were manufactured with a access passdoor. Each MG200 system offers a access door panel to get to one side of the opening to the other as standard. Our flush lever door handle has been designed to comply with the DDA regulations. Due to the high level of foot traffic within these areas the MG200 system was ideal as each panel edge being protected with a satin anodised aluminum profile. Manufactured panels have a different level of acoustic reduction, but all of them provide the kind of flexibility needed to work perfectly within any office or commercial environment following a professional installation from ModernGlide. Because there is no need for a structural head support, this makes the MG200 series perfect for smaller openings. The versatility of our sliding folding wall partitions continue through the format of slimline stacking. This means that when the wall is not in use, it will take up minimal space in your environment.

The Bard offices can be found at The Stage in Shoreditch. With 110,000 sq ft of workspace, excellent travel links, and great amenities, it is an ideal location for innovative and creative businesses. BackgroundThe Bard’s construction after experts from MoLA (Museum of London Archaeology) found remains of Shakespeare’s original wooden O stage and two sections of an exterior wall. With this, the opportunity arose to develop the area into a public open space with mixed offices, retail and residential apartments. This scheme became The Stage, where The Bard building was built.SolutionTo overcome the client's challenges against unauthorised access into The Bard, Meesons proposed the stylish EasyGate SPD-R Speed Gates to protect the space. For Further security enhancement, cantilever barrier work wasused to create a secure line between the building’s reception and the lift lobby, preventing anyone from gaining access without authorisation. Thus preventing them from re-entering without authorisation. As well as this, the card collector mitigates the risk of a lost pass being misused.Another challenge the client faced was finding a solution that would complement the rest of the fit-out-out reception area. With this, Meesons guided them to theblack stainless steel RAL finish to blend well with the brassy-toned wall panelling. On top of this, the client chose to have dual wing lanes for a more balanced aesthetic look that also makes for a more comfortable and spacious passage for users.

A Rundum Original sliding garage door spanning 8m wide and 2.2m high was integrated within the new designs by BWP Architects for a major property renovation, transforming a house which had evolved in an uncoordinated and poorly designed way. The door provides access to a large garage space below the property’s garden level and its shape coordinates elegantly with a car turntable installed immediately in front and surrounding landscaping.The owner tasked BWP with bringing new life to the property which has many original features. Undoing of previous conversion and extension work was necessary to enable the rebuilding of the residential property to a significantly higher standard, complete with the feature garage. An existing detached garage to the rear was partially demolished and converted to create a private formal rear courtyard. The replacement curved garage is a stunning visual element, with the new automated Rundum Original door’s high quality Larch complemented by bronze coloured bespoke balustrading to add a dramatic and artistic feature to the access stair and upper courtyard over the garage.The Rundum Original side sliding door is automated using two door mounted MZ4 drives which are custom made to automate these bespoke doors. These motors allow the door to traverse the curving tracks smoothly and quietly as required for this project. The door was designed in conjunction with Rundum Meir’s UK team before being hand-crafted by its garage door experts. Every door is made to order to the highest standards using responsibly sourced materials and installed by Rundum Meir to provide an end-to-end service.Danesch Missaghian, Director of Rundum Meir (UK) said: “Not only is this exciting project completed using very high specification products throughout, but it is also designed superbly with the architects using a curved garage door in an interesting way that maximises vehicular access. We are delighted with the contribution our door has made to the success of this project.”In addition to a range of different timber species, bespoke Rundum Original side sliding garage doors can be manufactured in high strength extruded aluminium and finished in any RAL colour. This makes these garage doors suitable for any domestic, commercial or public application, with the scope for architects to think differently about how the space for a garage can be integrated into the wider building design.

The new year saw the start of a roll-out of the UK’s leading bike hangar design for Sheffield City Council, creating a new network of secure cycle parking across Sheffield’s Crookes suburb, located to the west of the city centre.The Bike Hangars provide secure, on-street cycle parking facilities for residents who don’t have access to private cycle parking, such as a garage or shed. The bike hangars provide secure lockable storage for up to 48 bikes and are located across streets within the suburb including Bates Street, Hadfield Street, Heavygate Avenue and Brighton Terrace Road.As well as manufacture and installation, Falco is also providing a fully managed service with key rental management for the residents and bike hangar maintenance on behalf of Sheffield City Council’s Highways and Infrastructure team.The Falco Rentals website enables Sheffield residents to look for free spaces in the bike hangar network, book an available space and pay online, all in one place. The Falco Rentals website also provides a useful video along with other ideas and tips on safely looking after a bike.In addition to the Bike Hangars for Sheffield City Council shown here, Falco also provide a fully managed service of Bike Hangars for a number of other Council’s across the UK including; Brighton & Hove City Council, London Borough Southwark, London Borough of Camden, London Borough of Merton and Bath and North East Somerset Council.The FalcoPod bike hangar as shown here in Sheffield, is a simple and effective cycle parking facility designed to meet the needs of cyclists who don’t have access to private cycle parking facilities. Operating like a giant bread bin, each hangar is a secure and lockable unit capable of accommodating up to six bikes each. The innovative cycle parking solution is also available with an App enabled smart lock, enabling residents to access the unit with their smartphone, eliminating the needs for physical keys and fobs.For more information about the FalcoPod Bike Hangar, the FalcoPod Bike Hangar service or your cycle parking scheme, please contact our helpful sales team on 01538 380080. 

Four Glazing Vision Three Wall Box Rooflights were specified on four modern new build homes in the heart of Los Angeles which have provided the clients with access to the terrace which would have otherwise not been possible. The Three Wall Box Rooflights fit perfectly with the modern aesthetic and were chosen to not only give access to the roof deck, but to also increase the amount of natural daylight entering each home.“We think the finished rooflights look great as crowns to each of our buildings. They will be a nice addition to these homes and hopefully inspire developers and homeowners to spread the word throughout Southern California regarding the benefits of the rooflights too!” – Michael Wilson-Katsibas, Partner, KAP Studios.Following the demolition of the existing 1200 sq. ft bungalow, the remaining site was still relatively cramped considering the bungalow was being replaced by four new dwellings. In order to provide enough living space and retain the beautiful views of the Los Angeles skyline, KAP Studios had to come up with a creative solution to achieve their brief.To make the most of the small, 8,400 sq. ft plot, KAP Studios incorporated a basement and terrace area into each home which transformed the buildings from two-stories to four-stories, which helped unlock the full potential of these beautiful homes in Culver City.Starting from the ground up, the basement is partially sunk beneath the pavement and accommodates two parking spaces, meaning more space has been granted to the garden area at ground level. This gives each home its own private back garden, as opposed to a less visually impressive driveway. It also includes a pantry and wine store to round off the basement area. The second floors are occupied by an en-suite bedroom which includes a balcony area overlooking a collection of beautiful LA properties.The east side of the bedroom houses an equally impressive bathroom, making it the second Master Bedroom in the homes. The terraces of each building are by far the most unique feature of the homes. With over 20 years of experience in roof access rooflights, Glazing Vision were engaged to help with this important part of the project. Operated by the touch of a button, our Three Wall Box Rooflights were fixed to the existing building structures at the back and either end. The rooflights take up only 170 square feet on top of the roof, leaving the client with a vast amount of additional living space which can be utilised all year round. Our rooflights are installed by our very own expert installation team.“We wanted to both feature the stairs as light shafts to illuminate the interior spaces throughout the day with the California sunlight as well as allow for seamless roof deck access for the future residents.” – Michael Wilson-Katsibas, Director, KAP Studios.Our Three Wall Box Rooflights are a perfect example of how Glazing Vision can help you utilise your roof space whilst providing your home with added natural daylight.

In 2018, Cyclehoop designed and delivered two major Cycle Hubs for the London Borough of Enfield. These were the first cycle hubs to be provided in the borough and were delivered as part of the award-winning Cycle Enfield scheme.Both Cycle Hubs are steel and glass structures with CCTV and provide cycle parking for 50 bikes and three non-standard cycles such as cargo bikes. They can be accessed 24 hours a day, seven days a week by using an access card. Members can make use of a bike pump and repair stand so that they can make quick repairs and keep their tyres pumped whilst on the go.Cyclehoop is managing the membership of both cycle hubs on behalf of Enfield Council.Cycle Hub FacilitiesThe Enfield Town Cycle Hub and the Edmonton Green Cycle Hub are fitted with user-friendly cycle parking and repair facilities, as well as featuring an industry-leading security and access control system.Each Cycle Hub provides cycle parking for 50 bikes and is fitted with Optima Two Tier Racks. This is a space-saving solution that doubles the amount of cycle parking compared with traditional cycle racks. The Two-Tier racks can accommodate most types of bikes and feature gas-assisted moveable upper sections that make it easy to position them in the racking. Members can easily secure their bikes to the locking bar which has been welded into the design rather than the less secure bolted version in our competitors’ solutions. We have installed 3 ground anchors to accommodate non-standard cycles – each with its own marked out space.The door has been fitted with an industry-leading access control system allowing members to get in and out via access card 24 hours a day. Lighting and CCTV cameras are in operation throughout giving extra assurances of security.The Cycle Hubs also feature a Public Repair Stand and an Indoor Pump which provide members with the resources to make repairs on the go as well as pumping up deflated tyres.Design and Build ProcessEnfield Council chose two locations within the borough, each one connected to a local transport link, as well as amenities and shopping centres to accommodate the footfall. These locations were Enfield Town Railway Station and Edmonton Green Railway Station. Planning permission was required to develop the land.Enfield Council required two secure Cycle Hubs that maximised cycle parking spaces and the structure needed to be modular to allow it to be extended in future. Enfield is a growing borough that is regenerating and constantly growing, therefore this needed to be reflected in the design of the Cycle Hub.Each Cycle Hub is a steel and glass structure designed as a modern facility for securely storing cycles. The use of glass provides both good natural lighting as well as excellent visibility and passive surveillance, increasing the security of the facility.The Cycle Hubs also have a sedum green roof which reduces the surface runoff from rainfall, improves local air quality and supports the local insect population.The two custom and secure structures are comprised of:Toughened glass panesPerforated steel kick plates (over 3 tonnes of steel)Toughened glass sliding doorsLow maintenance sedum roofEnfield Council’s Deputy Leader, Cllr Daniel Anderson, said:“If we want to encourage more people to get on their bikes and change their transport habits we need to provide proper, secure parking for cycles. We hope these hubs will encourage people to get on their bikes to visit our town centres and reap all the benefits leaving the car behind will deliver. We are determined to encourage as many people as possible to use sustainable transport as we possibly can and these hubs will play an important role in helping us achieve that aim.”Enfield Council’s Cycle Enfield Scheme aims to regenerate and improve town centres, dramatically improve transport links and encourage more people to use sustainable methods of transport in the borough.

Truss roof rafters and ceiling joists are typically spaced either 400mm, 450mm or 600mm apart. Given that the joist is normally 50mm wide, this gives a fairly small opening width for your loft hatch and ladder. However, there are still a wide variety of options to consider. For example, space saving concertina loft ladders, are easy to operate, providing robust and durable access to an attic. Made-to-measure folding wooden loft ladders, such as the new Quadro, are available for widths of 550mm and offer minimal protrusion in the loft space above. Visit our website for more information.

Anyone with a sloped ceiling loft hatch will appreciate the difficulty of finding a suitable loft ladder, particularly when positioned over a staircase. This is exactly the problem faced by Michael Hall, who needed an easy to operate loft ladder to provide safe access to the loft space in his home. The Elite Vertical loft ladder from Premier Loft Ladders provided the perfect solution. It's highly engineered counter-balance system makes it easy to operate, as well as being safe. In addition, the Elite Vertical is designed for heavy duty use. As such, it is particularly robust and rigid.

Premier Loft Ladders were approached for a challenging project requiring a loft ladder suitable for providing safe and easy access to the loft of a period home. However, the high ceiling and small opening presented an issue, ruling out many loft ladders. Furthermore, safety was an important consideration to the home owners. As such, the retractable ladder needed at least one handrail and wide non-slip treads. Also, it was essential that the ladder was robust and stable. The Ecco perfectly fit the particularly tight constraints for this project. Also, the counter-balance spring system meant it was easy to operate

In Clerkenwell, McLaren constructed a new office building with a basement to provide a total 97,000 sq ft of office space. McLaren utilized the existing basement structure which meant the exterior of the structure wasn't accessible. This meant that it was appropriate to use a cavity drain system. FIS worked closely with Henry Construction Projects and Veretec to provide a complete waterproofing service. Designing a system to fit around the existing structure was the challenge. FIS were able to advise on the correct installation process and provide regular quality control checks. Images courtesy of turnmillec1.co.uk.

Skolegade, a street in the Danish city Aarhus, is known for its interesting restaurants, pubs and characterful timber-framed homes. A brand new three storey apartment building was added to the street. The spacious apartments each have access to an ample balcony surrounded by an Easy Glass Slim full glass balustrade. These balustrades allow maximum visibility of the building’s facade, with its striking steel structures. Easy Glass Slim was installed without making any special adjustments to the existing design. The back of the building features Q-railing Juliet balconies.

The Ascent Up and Over step unit / Industrial stair system was specified to create a safe means of access up & over items of mechanical plant & equipment to the roof of the airport terminal building. The Industrial stair unit is supported on rubber spreader feet which provide a non-penetrative support solution on the flat single ply membrane roof. The stair unit is designed in accordance with BS EN ISO 14122-1:2001 + A1:2010 and Building Reg Part K:2013 and manufactured following 1090 factory production control procedures.

CBRE wanted to replace their existing automatic doors at the front and rear of their newly refurbished building with stylish doors which are safe, reliable and ensured effortless pedestrian flow. Two record K41 stainless steel four-leaf revolving doors constructed from glass to provide a modern, minimalistic look were installed. A stainless steel swing door complete with a record DFA 127 operator has also been installed next to revolving door at the main entrance to provide a wider opening for disabled access and deliveries of large, bulky items to the premises.

When Mersey Care upgraded their existing leaf-and-a half bedroom door arrangements, they wanted to improve the anti-barricade access and robustness of their doors – while still having a clear opening width of 1000mm. They found the leaf-and-a-half arrangement wasn’t ideal – with a bulky meeting stile and additional exposed metalwork. To address this, we proposed an extra-wide single leaf Symphony doorset. Aided by market-leading fire evidence, the leaf is 1100mm providing a clear opening of 1050mm – more than enough space for a service user and two members of staff.

SAS International provided the metal ceiling solution for one of the world’s greatest law firms based in Dublin, Pinsent Masons. White SAS150 was installed in the building’s commercial office space, as the product enables full service accessibility. This is an invaluable factor which futureproofs interiors in times to come. Other SAS products included SAS740, which was placed in meeting rooms to maintain a linear effect throughout the space. Shortlisted for a prestigious Fit Out Award Ireland - Fit Out Project of the Year – Medium Office, SAS are very proud to have worked on this build.

Five Xtralifts and two sets of Xtralift duplexes will support access-for-all to 153 apartments ranged over five and seven floors, in two distinct blocks. To match the heavy duty demand of this environment, the nine 8-person lifts are fitted with higher-grade stainless steel lift cars and Dewhurst push-button controls. Eight are traction, without motor rooms, and one is hydraulic, with a motor room. All the lifts have been installed with a range of options, with a mix of vandal-resistant categories 1 and 2. Two models are equipped as firefighter lifts.

The new Muscat International Airport is designed to transform the airport experience not only in the Middle East but on the global stage. A smooth and pleasant customer journey is at the core of the design. Since its conception in 2011, SAS has been heavily involved in realising the aims for each area of the building. SAS has supplied more than 200,000m² of column casing, acoustic wall panelling, staircase cladding and bespoke metal ceilings to the project. Each product has been carefully designed to provide essential acoustic absorption for visitors as well as service integration and accessibility for staff.

The £43 Million second phase of the regeneration of Bristol Harbourside features two new residential buildings and four retail units.The design by Alec French Architects reflects the area’s historic past and features an extensive thermally efficient glazing package. This includes Senior’s fixed light plus tilt & turn SPW600 aluminium windows, SPW501 aluminium commercial doors for emergency exits and inward opening SPW600 aluminium doors giving access to apartment balconies.The highly durable aluminium construction of Senior’s glazing systems makes them ideal for coastal and waterside buildings.

Bringing a variety of new brands to the region, Robinsons is located in Dubai Festival City is the first in the Middle East. SAS International supplied a bespoke SAS200 system to the project to match with the urban brand decor. Using a traffic grey coated panels, SAS200 was selected to smoothly integrate with the clients choice of wall panelling. Designed by the SAS Dubai Technical Team, a 19mm diagonal-pitch perforation was also developed to compliment the industrial look of the fit-out. A concealed grid product, the system gives access to M&E services while providing a continuous look.

Park House Stables, Kingsclere, is home to some of Britain’s most famous racehorses. Boasting a rich history for training the best in the sport, the stables are also home to licensed trainer, Andrew Balding and his family.Situated in Newbury, Berkshire, the stables recently replaced an existing gravel track with a 500-meter-long, four-meter-wide, structurally-sound concrete access road.Sika was called upon for this project, working alongside Kendalls Newbury (part of Aggregate Industries) to provide a suitable solution for contractor, L J Morrissey Contracts Ltd.

Leading moveable wall specialist, Style Partitions, has launched a new website aimed at architects, specifiers, contractors and end user clients. The new site features a whole range of benefits including the ability to view case studies by industry sector, watch videos of moveable walls in action, view technical specifications and gain access to key tools such as the NBS Specification Generator and Style’s moveable wall range on the ‘National BIM Library’. There is also a section dedicated to Style’s moveable wall service and repair division, with its UK-wide support team.