"access panels"

Surespan manufactured this HIACE/GWO aluminium, single leaf, flush floor access hatch for a company in London to fit a structural opening 2600 x 650mm, recessed with TripleLite ‘Walk-on-glass’ infill. The lid is operated by two 24v DC actuators. The TripleLite 34mm thick glass suits pedestrian domestic loading only. The patent frame with unique hidden hinges incorporates an EPDM unbroken seal to help prevent the ingress of dirt and moisture. This access cover is not watertight, it is self-draining. Should any water pass the seals it will be dispersed via an integral drainage channel.

Project: Surespan custom-designed a hatch to provide access to a Biomass storage plant at the new Criminal Justice Centre, Northampton.Product: The double leaf hatch – measuring 2750mm x 2900mm – is electrically operated by a key switch and has synchronised leaf operation with a safety grid. Rated to FACTA Class A pedestrian loading, it was designed with a chequer plate lid to match the surround and incorporates a rain skirt apron and Sureguard handrail system on both sides. A secondary 1000mm x 1000mm gas spring-operated floor hatch was installed with a retractable hand hold and ladder for safe and easy access.

Broadband experts have taken accessibility at their Hull HQ to the next level. Cibes Lift UK has installed an A5000 platform lift at KCOM’s head office to allow for disabled access. Lauren Haysom, regional property coordinator at KCOM, says she wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Cibes to those looking to improve accessibility for staff and visitors. She said: “As a company we know it is vitally important that we meet all our employees’ access needs as well as fully complying with regulations surrounding disabled access and Cibes has enabled us to meet those requirements."

Located in Kent, Tonbridge School is a prestigious independent institution celebrated for its rich history and academic excellence. The school administration, consistently proactive in safeguarding its students and staff, recognised the need to upgrade security and access control within the campus. To bring this vision to life, they turned to Jacksons Fencing, a trusted name in security and fencing solutions, who have been working with the school for over five years.

Architect: BDPInstaller: Houston Cox Ltd Product: Gustafs Panel SystemLSA are very proud to have supplied over 2 000 m2 of GUSTAFS Panel System® to the stunning Southmead Hospital which opened in Bristol in 2014.Oak veneer was chosen by the architect to contrast it’s tactility and visual warmth with the cool glazed and coloured elements elsewhere, SM8 mini slot perforations were used to add class B acoustic control to the 6 storey atrium space.Panels for the stair-cores were custom made and delivered fully assembled by Gustafs to achieve the gentle curve to the outside of the central tower. Chris Green, Architect Director at BDP had this to say: “The stair and lift cores centred in each of the colour themed atria spaces are key wayfinding points on a visitors’ journey to the wards and we wanted these elements to have the feeling of bespoke pieces of high-quality crafted furniture, bringing the tactility and visual warmth of a timber against the contrasting glazed and coloured elements elsewhere.The acoustic requirements and characteristics of the atria spaces are complex and the timber shroud surrounding to the stair and lift cores formed an ideal centralised location to act as a primary absorber.The extensive range of GUSTAFS panel perforation patterns, veneer finishes and jointing options enabled us to develop a precise and calming aesthetic to the high-performance absorbing and panelised skin, enhanced by the bespoke curved corner elements.We are extremely pleased with the final appearance of the GUSTAFS Panel System® which has helped deliver a stunning focal point to each of these primary public spaces within the new hospital.”

IntroductionSurespan designed and manufactured the highest hatch in the world, a 600mm diameter submarine access hatch located 816 meters up on the Burj Khalifa. The Burj Khalifa is the world’s tallest building, soaring 828 meters above Dubai. The design for the 162-story tower combines local cultural influences with cutting-edge technology to achieve high performance in an extreme desert climate.Products suppliedWe supplied;Surespan was selected for its engineering expertise, innovative designs, and unique skills.The team designed and manufactured a 600mm diameter, polish grade 316 stainless steel simulated submarine access hatch with handwheels. The hatch is located at 816 meters and is used for maintenance access to the aircraft warning lights.The projectAs part of the 1.5-billion-dollar mega Downtown Dubai project, the government of Dubai decided to build the world’s tallest building. This project redefines what is possible in the design and engineering of supertall buildings.  Architect firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill design inspiration for the tower was taken from the shape of a regional desert flower the Hymenocallis, also known as the desert lily and the patterning systems embodied in Islamic architecture.

The school has 69 pupils who have special educational needs, of which around 28 would board on the first floor of the new school.Soundis were contracted to supply an acoustic fabric wall mounted panelling system to the newly constructed teaching areas within the school. The requirement for sound absorption on this project was elevated due to the sensitivity of sensory processing within the children. The panels help to control & reduce reverberation times (echos) providing a calmer environment for the children to work in.The system chosen on this project were the Soundis 40mm Absorb-R SofTone Panels, due to the panels being 40mm thick, they provide Class A acoustic performance.

Product:Surespan manufactured this SAC Aluminium, single leaf, flush floor access cover to fit a structural opening 1000 x 1000mm. The access cover comes complete with gas spring assisted, Aluminium chequer plate lid which locks in the open position with a safety hold open stay to prevent against accidental closure. Should any water pass the seals, it will be dispersed via an integral drainage channel. The lid is held shut by a heavy-duty Grade 316 Stainless Steel ‘slam action’ cab lock and can open from both sides with the use of a removable ‘Tee’ key., for safety. Finished Self-colour Aluminium.

Large scale Fluid Concrete installation to all floors, window sills and stairs in Cement Grey colour. Oxicrete finish application to bathroom walls in Brown and Terracotta Red finish.Manufacture and installation of bespoke Gap panels in Rough Mist finish to shower walls.Materials used: Large format Gap GRC wall panels in Rough Mist finish, sealed with hydrophobic agent and clear sealant. Cement Grey Fluid Concrete floor coating and Oxicrete wall coating in Brown and Terracotta Red finish.

ACO StormBrixx with man access system tested to see whether it really does address on going access and maintenance requirements.

Acoustics for learning environmentsWolfreton School and Sixth Form College is a large, successful secondary school serving the Haltemprice area in Yorkshire, UK. Under the Priority Schools Building Programme, a new school was constructed to accommodate the entire school population—over 1,500 students and 200 staff—on one site. Interior acoustics were a hugely important aspect of the project design.The project “The clients’ brief was to provide good-quality, Class A wall panels, which not only met the acoustic requirements but would also be aesthetically pleasing”, explains Jonathan Hope, the Commercial Director of John Atkinson Interiors. The classrooms, atrium, and sports hall needed to be furnished with top-quality acoustic wall panels that complemented the school’s minimalist, modern aesthetic. As John Atkinson Interiors already had a good relationship with Autex, they recommended Quietspace® Panel to the building company, BAM Construct UK.The solution“Quietspace Panel with Vertiface wrap was the obvious choice for various reasons,” said Hope, “These include the range of colours available, the ability to have bespoke sizes made to suit the spaces, the professional and proactive attitude of the Autex team and the finish and quality of the product.” Quietspace Panel is a lightweight, durable, premium interior acoustic panel. Celebrated for excellent sound absorption, It balances a range of problem frequencies, which is perfect for busy school environments where noise is often a distraction for both teachers and students. To tie in the school’s unique aesthetic, each Quietspace Panel was wrapped with Vertiface®. As the school’s colours are varying shades of vibrant blues, similar colours from the Vertiface range were employed to ensure that the school’s spirit and individuality were represented throughout each of the spaces.

The archive’s single-storey extension was clad in Corten steel Hook-on cassettes on both the walls and the mono-pitch roof. These weathered steel panels naturally oxidise to form a patina veneer, giving the façade a distinctive “rusted” look that shifts from a vibrant orange before settling to a dark red after several years of exposure to the elements. Architect: Hugh Broughton Architects

Since 2012, Danish acoustic panel manufacturer Troldtekt has led the way with its sustainable practices and leadership. An early adopter of the Cradle-to-Cradle design concept, the company has focused on its material health, reutilisation, energy, water and social responsibility winning recognition and numerous green awards over the years. The inclusion of FUTURECEM™ within its wood wool panels has further enhanced the manufacturing process, helping Troldtekt further solidify their Cradle-to-Cradle Gold Certification. FUTURECEM sourced from Aalborg Portland exploits the synergies between calcined clay and limestone filler. With this process, much of the burnt clinker in the cement can be replaced resulting in a bonding agent with a much lower carbon footprint. The result means that now, over their product life cycle, the carbon footprint of Troldtekt acoustic panels based on FUTURECEM are 26% lower than that of Troldtekt based on grey cement and 38% lower than that of Troldtekt based on white cement.This innovation, coupled with the company’s sole use of wood from FSC® and PEFC™ managed forests has helped Troldtekt get one step closer to its strict environmental targets. It also further enhances a building’s contributions towards BREEAM, WELL, LEED and DGNB-Certifications.Troldtekt acoustic panels are available in a variety of different structures and colours combining superior sound absorption with award-winning design. The Troldtekt range has a minimum expected life cycle of 50 years coupled with excellent resistance to humidity and tested to meet ball impact standards. The range is available in various sizes and structures, from extreme fine to coarse. They can be supplied as natural wood or finished in almost any RAL or NCS colour. Depending on the panel specified, reaction to fire is classed in accordance with EN 13501 as B-s1,d0 or A2-s1,d0 respectively.

Three of the UK’s leading access specialists have come together to form the Access 360 portfolio, providing a total manufacturing solution for roof, ceiling, wall and floor access products for the construction industry. Access 360 comprises Bilco UK, Profab Access and Howe Green. These well-established brands all have a strong reputation for delivering innovative solutions to address the challenges of safe access within a building or external environment.

Three of the UK’s leading access specialists have come together to form the Access 360 portfolio, providing a total manufacturing solution for roof, ceiling, wall and floor access products for the construction industry. Access 360 comprises Bilco UK, Profab Access and Howe Green. These well-established brands all have a strong reputation for delivering innovative solutions to address the challenges of safe access within a building or external environment. The brand identities have been updated, reflecting the holistic offer that Access 360 presents to the market, to represent the synergy between the brands and the complementary nature of the products.

Surespan designed and installed four revolutionary new hatches inside the Fore Street tunnel on the A406 North Circular Road in Edmonton, London. The hatches are the first of their kind in the UK and have been specifically designed for Transport for London to not only withstand the weight of major volumes of traffic but also allow safe and easy access to the wells beneath.They are currently being trialled in Fore Street tunnel for 12 months. Made of aluminium, they are capable of withstanding D400 loading yet can be easily opened by one operative.

Our ‘Simplicity’ Corrugated Panelling System has been used in the refurbishment of 40 Spring Gardens, Manchester. Specified by Space Invader Design and installed by JSJ UK, these decorative (and secretly fixed) panelling profiles continue the linear design of the interior break out spaces and booths. 

Sustainability was a key consideration when British Sugar decided to create a new headquarters to replace its old, tired office.Once the designs were finalised, our floor fitting teams installed RMG600 raised access flooring across the ground floor, first floor and top floor of the building, totalling an area of 4,800m2, utilising our PSA MOB PF2 PS/SPU Medium Grade RMG600 panels.Around the central atrium, we fitted our innovative Attiro architectural finish over the steel-encapsulated RMG600 access flooring system. Attiro is an innovative overlay engineered timber flooring solution that is designed to enable quick and easy access to a raised flooring void at any point in that floor.

Saige products were used to help create a low maintenance garden which could have critical wheel chair access for a family member so they could use their garden all together. The contractor used Saige's Traditional co-extruded decking range in Teak to create a large outdoor space including the all important access ramp along with Saige's Subframe system to create a solid, safe and accessible environment.

The Project New building built under the Governments flagship Priority School Building Plan.Demolition of KS1 accommodation and construction of replacement building.Dudley council received a grant of more than £2.5 million from the Education Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) for the work.  The Challenge All works to being undertaken in a live working educational environment, which places additional demands on the need for the highest health and safety standards on site. Modify vanity units to include for wall panelling to protect the painted walls from splashes from the sinks.  The SolutionEnsure Excelsior fitting teams have all necessary checks in place such a DBS for site works.Soldi Grade Laminate used through the scheme. Harlequin cubicles with profiled doors and partitions are an industry favourite for KS1 student.Wall panelling used above the wash basins to aid cleaning and maintenance and prolong the life of the wall finishings.SpecificationProduct Range: Harlequin Mariner SGLDoors: 12mm Solid Grade Laminate, Polyrey, Pomme Verte, P092Pilaster: 1960mm Overall Height including 150mm Floor ClearancePartition: 12mm Solid Grade Laminate, Polyrey, Pomme Verte, P092Ironmongery: SBAA

The Ascent Aluminium fixed ladder system was specified to create a permanent safe access route to the roof via a roof access hatch at Sheffield University Hoops were provided throughout for fall protection and the ladder was designed to BS 4211:2005 + A1 2008 and was manufactured in accordance with CE 1090 factory production control procedures. To assist the user when exiting on to the roof surface a ladder up post was included within the design. The ladder up post provides something for the user to grab hold of when both climbing out of & into the hatch, providing an additional level of user security.

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.

Project:Surespan designed and manufactured several floor access covers for the £6.5m Liffey Service Tunnel Project in Dublin Ireland.The service tunnel is one of the crucial links for the rejuvenation of the docklands, it will carry water mains to the docklands and transfer wastewater to the treatment plant at Ringsend. The 260m tunnel will also carry district heating pipes, gas mains, and electrical and telecommunication cables.Products:Surespan designed and manufactured several floor access covers including SAC Flush floor access covers and HIAC Recessed floor covers.All the access covers were supplied with either a gas spring-assisted opening, hydraulic or electric with a retractable safety grid and pedestrian (FACTA Class ‘A’) Loading. A hydraulic HIAC was also supplied with a FACTA Class ‘D’ Loading which is the equivalent of an 11-tonne wheel load.

Project: London Architectural Glazed approached Surespan to design and manufacture bespoke roof access and AOV Hatch. The project had a requirement for a huge 4700 x 1300 Smoke vent with access however due to EN12101-2 testing, Surespan only has CE Certification up to 1800 x 3000mm. Surespan designed a solution which involved combining a large 3628 x 1300 electric roof hatch with a separate 1300 x 1218mm SRHE/AOV unit combined into one frame.

DYNAMIK’s acoustic wall panels are specially designed to absorb sound waves, reducing reverberations and minimising echo. Acoustic panels dramatically improve the auditory environment within a sports hall, enhancing the ability for players and staff to communicate more clearly, thus improving concentration, and the overall enjoyment for everyone involved. DYNAMIK’S sports wall panels are manufactured within the UK, creating benefits in production times, delivery times and in-house installation costs through our in-house DYNAMIK joinery teams, creating a one-stop-shop sports flooring and walling solution. DYNAMIK’s latest dual project was Cothill House which is globally recognised as one of the UK’s leading prep schools. They recently constructed a brand-new sports centre and chose DYNAMIK for both their sports flooring and walling requirements. Our acoustic panels contribute to a more comfortable atmosphere by diminishing harsh sound reflections. In a space where intense physical activity is common, such as a sports hall, excessive reverberations can create a distracting and fatiguing environment. By absorbing sound energy, these panels help create a more balanced and pleasant auditory experience, allowing athletes to focus on their performance without unnecessary distractions and help create a more noise-friendly space for others. DYNAMIK applies a human-centred design consideration when developing and installing systems In addition to the functional benefits, acoustic wall panels offer more aesthetic value and lower maintenance versus traditional painted blockwork or plasterboard, finishing the sports hall and making it a more welcoming space.  The panels are available in a variety of colours and wood effects with the option of a solid or perforated surface, depending on acoustic performance requirements. With their functional and aesthetic advantages, acoustic walling panels will prove to be a valuable investment for any sports facility aiming to elevate its performance and versatility with unlimited combinations to suit any budget and performance requirements. In conclusion, by combining DYNAMIK’s sports flooring and walling divisions plus now having a UK manufacturer provides savings in cost and time, therefore is seen as a successful one stop shop for sports and leisure facility refurbishments. The In-house Installation and Management team have already completed many successful projects, allowing DYNAMIK to not only be the Sports Flooring Specialist but the Acoustic Walling Specialists too. This allows us to provide a one-stop-shop when refurbishing or designing a new sports hall with a focus on system integration from project inception to completion.  

The Project £12m investment into a new facility at Dudley College will enable the college to specialise in training people working in construction using brand new/state of the art apprentice standards. On completion of the project, the college have pledged approx. half a million pounds sponsorship into Dudley Academies Trust which will benefit a number of local schools and enable the sharing of resources and expertise. The ChallengeDeliver a package that will inspire the students and present a true representation of the quality and standards expected in the construction industry. Install a full height, flush frontage cubicles system in a warehouse style space with ceiling heights exceeding four meters. Use local trades and services to the Black Country. Offer non-standard products to class-room areas. The SolutionExcelsior Flush 30 Full Height Cubicles installed on 150mm leg with upgraded stainless steel fittings. Complementary Duct panelling installed to house cisterns and associated plumbing work.Manufacture and install Solid Grade Laminate workstations in the classrooms.

Over 40 of Howe Green’s 7500 Series Medium Duty Stainless Steel Access Covers were installed at The Nottingham Hub as part of the station's comprehensive enhancement project. Flooring specialists DMC Contracts Ltd required a network of access points within the station. They wanted to ensure that essential underfloor drainage, mechanical and electrical services could be reached quickly and easily. The 7500 Series specially designed recessed lids enabled the panels to be tiled with Quiligotti Terrazzo floor tiles. The result - an uninterrupted and continuous surface in the station's south concourse and Grade II listed porte-cochère.

The Project Perton First School has been open for over 40 years and the infant washroom facilities are in need of modernisation.The school prides itself its family ethos and has seen generations of families come the doors.The ChallengePropose a system with children of nursery age in mind. Consider the height of the doors & partitions.Peardrop range is not supported by an overhead rail and the frontage is fixed at the floor and gable walls only.Flooring substate needs to be at lease 60mm thick and stable to ensure a secure fixing point at the base of the foot.Deliver a non-standard laminate to enhance the systems aesthetics. The SolutionExcelsior, working alongside G Evans and Entrust, are excited to have installed our Harlequin Select Range at Perton First School. The school chose our Peardrop Range with low level accessible doors and magnetic locks, perfect for the classroom environment. The cubicles doors were finished in our vibrant Lolly Pop Digital Print & the area was surveyed to ensure suitable fixing points.Harlequin Peardrop is the ideal system for children of nursery age, the system is self-supporting on an aluminium leg; the legs ability to perform is reliant of the strength of the floor substrate which in this case proved suitable, enabling the client to proceed with this infant friendly system.The full system is professionally manufactured with children in mind providing easily accessible doors for children whilst ensuring efficient dimensions for adults to supervise.SpecificationProduct Range: Harlequin Select HPLDoors: 18mm High Pressure Laminate, Lolly Pop Digital PrintPilaster: Polyrey C018 ChardonPartition: 18mm High Pressure Laminate, Polyrey C018 ChardonIronmongery: SBAA 

Paxton10 Secures Grade 1 Listed Building with Access and VideoThe Regency Town House is a Grade 1 listed terraced home in the heart of Brunswick Town, a Georgian estate in the City of Brighton & Hove, where Paxton are headquartered.Today the building houses a museum and heritage centre with a focus on the architecture and social history of Brighton & Hove between the 1780s and 1840s.

With the business growing at a rapid rate, the firm has expanded its head office to a purpose-built facility which also incorporates a store, café, and an external garden centre.To make the most of its prominent location at the entrance to the new Seaton Hill development, the building was designed to showcase the brand’s iconic identity. The facade of the offices and warehouse are clad primarily in a palette of blacks and greys using Kingspan Dri-Design Flat Cassettes for the office element and QuadCore AWP Wall Panels for the large retail section. This neutral palette provides the perfect backdrop for more colourful facade elements of royal blue and bright orange which ‘pop out’ from the envelope, both literally and visually. These elements include a ribbon style wrapping which recreates a heart-beat reading and symbolises the HQ’s position as the “heartbeat of Derriford”. This dramatic treatment also helps to break-up the massing of the site.  Selecting all these materials from a single supplier also help to simply logistics, minimise onsite waste and ensure complete compatibility between the elevations.

We designed and installed 3 of our MG100 movable acoustic walls to a project in London to create flexible working spaces for our client. Their chosen panel finish included a magnetic wipe board along with our PanelHush PET acoustic wall panels. The PET panels help reduce the room echo/reverberation which gives a better working environment. PanelHush PET range is a 100% recyclable acoustic panel that is manufactured from recycled PET bottles. Weuse 65% post-consumer recycled fibres and our products are 100% recyclable.The PET panels come in 12mm or 24mm thick sheets with a choice of 14 different colours to match your design need The installation of our MG100 movable acoustic wall panels gives an element of flexibility which is suddenly added to your space. Therefore, the environment can quickly be manipulated to cater for any of your flexible space needs. Whether that be for meetings or a little bit of privacy. Our MG100 Series also has a strong fire rating of up to 1 hour. We believe that not only should our products look sleek and provide a practical option, but most importantly, they should be able to be called upon in times of emergency.

The Project – Global HQ.This new build was a joint project between Leicester County Council and Loughborough University Science Enterprise Park (LUSEP). Together they delivered this stunning building which is to be solely occupied by The Access Group as their Global Head Quarters.Bathgate Flooring were engaged to manufacture, supply and install PSA grade BGM600 steel encapsulated panels throughout to provide the Access Group with Category A finish.Now completed – it will be home to more than a third of the global workforce for this leading technology company.Products UsedThe panels were specified to PSA Standards. The BGM600 Steel Encapsulated panel is medium grade PSA panel which suits most applications. This was used extensively in the installation.Testimonial“It was handed over to a very happy client and client team with some great feedback too. They think the building is great and are very pleased not only with the end product quality, but with the overall approach as a whole from start to finish– well done team LUSEP past and present, great work!  On behalf of the Wates Site Management team, I would like to thank you all for your proactive approach through all the difficulties that the past year has given to us all, you should all be immensely proud of the quality and passion that your workforce put into the project.Mike Martin – Site Manager,Wates Construction Midlands.Architect: Perfect CircleOwner: Leicester County CouncilContractor: Wates ConstructionLocation: LoughboroughSystem Size: 5664 sq. m.Completion: December 2020

Student accommodation based in Birmingham Contractor - Tricas Construction Limited  Aspex supplied: Grooved, flush doorsets for student bedroom entrances and internal spacesDouble-doors with vision panels and grooves for circulation spacesOak, flush doorsets for store roomsAll ironmongery was SSSOmnitec access control supplied for bedroom entrance and circulation doorsets

This high profile project in The Shard was a complete office fit-out, designed to future-proof and meet the end client’s operational needs. The modern design featured Vtec’s MaxiBeam system and Supacoustic panels. These systems allow for excellent visual appeal and acoustic performance combined with being easy to install and flexible to incorporate the specific access requirements.

Paytrail used Rockfon Canva wall panels to reflect the company's brand and to boost well-being.

The building features nearly 2,000 m2 of bespoke gravity lay raised floor panels. These are manufactured by Bathgate Flooring in our UK manufacturing facility. They supplied panels with a real maple lacquered finish. The complete development sees 4 floors of fully accessible maple finished raised floors manufactured to the PSA MOB PF2 PS/SPU British Standard Bathgate Flooring under the Permaflor brand. The complete installation included a full aluminum entrance mat bought and installed by Paragon Mat–Works and the complete raised floor was installed to an extremely high standard by SJ Durman Flooring.