"access panels"

Wrexham General Station is a main line railway station and the main railway station serving Wrexham, north-east Wales. The station was first opened in 1846 and expanded in 1912. It comprises four operational platforms with two disused bay platforms at the southern end of Platform 1. Until the early 1980s what is now Platform 4 of Wrexham General, was a separate station: Wrexham Exchange.After working with MPH Construction on a number of station refurbishment projects across Wales, the Principal Contractor approached Twinfix to carry out the survey for the canopy refurbishment at Wrexham Station as well as designing, manufacturing and supplying the replacement roof glazing for 3 of the platform canopies at the station. The panels were installed by a third-party roofing company.The work spanned 532 square metres and comprised of the innovative Multi-Link-Panel Non-Fragile (NF) system glazed with 6mm Georgian wired polycarbonate.Each panel of the innovative Multi-Link-Panel NF system comprises of a powder-coated aluminium frame and fitted with polycarbonate glazing. The panels are built completely off-site in a quality-controlled factory environment, reducing the risk, and cost, of site mistakes, and are delivered on-site fully glazed and ready for rapid installation. The system has a unique linking design feature that results in incredibly quick installation times, making the system very much suited to rail work due to its restricted possession times.The Multi-Link-Panel NF system is an innovative roof glazing product that has been well utilised for many years on station canopy roofs, and it has been thoroughly tried and tested in that time.It was the chosen system for this project for a number of reasons:sustainability– these panels are virtually unbreakable in manufacture, transit and in situ, meaning that, unlike glass, maintenance costs will be eliminated.safety– Twinfix Multi-Link-Panel NF (Non-Fragile) conforms to the HSE recommended test method ACR[M]001:2019 (as outlined in document HSG33) and achieves a ‘B’ Classification.off-site construction– The panels are pre-assembled in Twinfix’s factory ensuring strict quality guidelines are adhered to, which is not always guaranteed when roofing products are assembled on site.ease of access– The Multi-Link-Panel NF system can be fitted with In-Line Access Hatches, to allow cleaning of gutters and roof. These hatches are hardly visible and allow safe access through the glazing without needing to get on the roof.weight– The Multi-Link-Panel NF is light in weight and due to its modular format, it is very quick to install which allows for short rail possession works.appearance – The Georgian wired polycarbonate glazing combines the appearance of Georgian wired glass with all the material benefits of polycarbonate. As well as improving the overall environment in a lighter, brighter station, the addition of the Twinfix Georgian wired polycarbonate at Wrexham General Station has preserved the building’s unique appearance and character, while providing modern levels of safety for passengers and staff.

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.

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.

London’s so-called Loom building is full of stories that unravel and offer glimpses into its rich history. It is not often that architects, in this case Duggan Morris, have the opportunity to design a perfect link between both modern and ancient. One of the architects’ solutions was to use Troldtekt 2000 x 600mm natural wood wool acoustic ceiling panels. These provide an attractive link between the different spaces in this together with reusing many original old materials to restore attractive life into this previously neglected space.

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.

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.

BACKGROUNDThe University of Birmingham is a world top 100 public research university located in Edgbaston. The University required a refit of their entrance hall and foyer for the main entrance and had strict tender criteria, with requirements for superior performance ratings for fire and acoustics.BRIEFWorking closely with main contractor Bouygues UK, MIDDAS conceptualised a bespoke solution for the foyer and main entrance hall that would easily meet the strict tender criteria. The glazed panels and doors would be integrated into third party walls, so the team also needed to coordinate with the incumbent door automation and access control company to ensure all components were engineered to the correct specifications.  SOLUTIONMIDDAS supplied M100 full height fire rated glazed panels and associated framework, with integrated fire rated door sets. In-built connections that did not require any additional site preparation or modifications to function properly were incorporated alongside the required fail-safe protection and finger guards. The offsite manufacture and clean lines provided by the MIDDAS flush fitting solution meant the University realised some additional benefits. Building access for students and staff was required during the refit, and with its pre-formed opening, the MIDDAS panel construction lent itself to quick on-site assembly and minimal disruption during installation. The new bi-panel glazed system enclosed the steel framework, so students could no longer leave items on the glazing rail.

Improving accessibility has always been a recurring theme in the specification of Neaco’s products and so it proved again when the company’s balustrade systems were called into service for entrance ramps at Humberside Fire and Rescue Service’s new cutting-edge Hull Central Fire Station. Jefferson Sheard Architects sought to design an accessible and welcoming facility to serve the local community. Neaco’s contribution was integral to this objective with aluminium handrails and balustrade to steps and two extensive ramps at the main entrance. The system was also specified with glass infill panels for a first-floor terrace.

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.

The MG900 is an ideal solution to any project, where it can pitvot, slide or interlock to form a solid glazed partition.Furthermore, the aluminium frame can be coloured to your choice to match your design or branding needs. These panels retain a room’s spacious sense of proportion and maximise light and clear viewing lines. Truly a magnificent office aesthetic.The benefit of our MG900 panels is that they work in the same way as conventional movable walls and can be either single or double point suspension.With the slim back painted border you have clear view visual lines. This allows a superior light flow around the office, cost-effective installation and flexibility in the work environment.Plus the simple fact that they look elegant and classy. Not only these, but they also offer exceptional sound reduction allowing for privacy to be had amongst clients or for important internal meetings.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

The two access control systems from SIEGENIA for house and apartment entrance doors leave no desires unfulfilled: the keypad and the fingerprint scanner combine elegant design with maximum ease of use and efficient access management for the building. They are therefore an ideal solution for the increasing demand for smart home applications in private housing construction. The two systems are equipped with a comprehensive access log, simple, clear user administration as well as a rechargeable battery-buffered timer. The emphasis is on ease of use – e.g. with a simple touch of the finger on the fingerprint scanner or the standardised equipment with integrated WIFI and Bluetooth technology. This enables both the use of the smartphone as remote control as well as convenient control and administration with the aid of the SIEGENIA Comfort app. 

Bilco UK supplied 21 special size Ladder Access Roof Hatches to the British Museum’s newest gallery, the Albukhary Foundation Gallery of the Islamic World. Ladder access was required to the roof void area to allow for routine maintenance activities. Bilco UK’s SS-50TB Ladder Access Roof Hatches were specified by the architects, HoK. The installation was managed by the Principle Contractor, Coniston Limited

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.

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.

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. 

Installation of Profab Access' Riser doors with Adjustable Frame at 8 Bishopsgate

Here's how Freedom has transformed the Troke Family's living space - Why Freedom?Freedom embraces unique features to support independent living scenarios and offers the latest kitchen trends so there’s no need to compromise on style. Key components of safety, style, storage and smart flexibility at the core of the Freedom brand, make it ideal for multi-generational living, including mobility requirements.Meet The Troke FamilyLucille Troke, is a wheelchair user who lives with her family in Aylesbury. Over the last few years, the family’s property has been renovated to enable Lucille, younger sister Josephine and her parents, Leonie and Jon the ability to use and enjoy their new kitchen.  “I look forward to using this amazing kitchen every day! My mum has always been really good at baking pastries and cakes and now I can also enjoy cooking at home”.The family’s previous kitchen had a custom-made fixed lowered worktop, which was helpful to Lucille, but it was back-ache inducing for the rest of the family. The old kitchen had outward opening oven doors which were impractical for Lucille to use.Zoe Paye of OT Healthcare, the family’s Occupational Therapist, provides support to the family and oversaw the design process for the transformation of their bungalow. She suggested Adam Thomas, accessible design consultant, of the Adam Thomas Consultancy and Tara Neil Kitchen Retailer.The Design SolutionsAs part of an early design consultation, a few essential yet practical accessible kitchen features were agreed:Integrated Slide&Hide® ovens positioned at a 90-degree angle to a lowered height fixed worktop to makes it easier, and safer, for Lucille to transfer dishes to and from the oven.A tall larder with i-move pull-down baskets and pull-out drawers, providing quick and easy access to dried food and tins.Various work surface space to make the kitchen ideal for all the family; a standard worktop with sink, a lowered height worktop, an electric rise-and-fall worktop with induction hob and sink.   Additional design features:Pull-out crockery and pan drawers, so the contents are easy to access and visible at a glance. Plenty of manoeuvring space incorporated into the layout to ensure a fit-for-purpose space to support Lucille’s mobility requirements. Le Mans pull-outs in the corner base cabinets, ideal for storing and accessing items in hard to reach corners. A waterfall edge finish to the electric rise-and-fall worktop, to avoid accidental spillages onto Lucille. Flip sockets set within the rise-and-fall work surface to allow easy reach for Lucille. Two sinks, one at a standard height near the dishwasher and the other, a prep sink set within the rise-and-fall work surface providing essential convenience for all the family. Recycling and waste bins integrated into cabinetry, accessible to the whole family.  Products featured: Freedom Urban kitchen in Indigo colourway with chrome handles. Mix of worktop materials in Quartzite and Corian in pale grey and white.Appliances: single bowl sinks, integrated hide and slide ovens, microwave and induction hob, hot tap, integrated fridge-freezer & dishwasher, feature lighting and flip sockets.The Freedom brand is designed in collaboration with the Adam Thomas Consultancy. Adam is an accessible design consultant and industry expert with over 40 years’ experience. Freedom is available from selected retail partners around the UK.

The car dealer Kronsbjerg in Odense, Denmark, is a family owned company. Kronsbjerg was established in 1922 and is now run by the fourth generation with three branches on the Danish island Funen. Over the years, they have sold and serviced several, different car brands. In December 2015, Autohuset Kronsbjerg started selling and servicing yet another car brand in their department in Odense. Taking on this new car brand meant that existing facilities became too small. Therefore, Kronsbjerg decided to invest in a new, beautiful building of approx. 1500 m2 , which could accommodate both management facilities and exhibition areas for the existing and new cars. The new premises are built in split levels between the two exhibition areas that have a level difference of approx. 50 cm. Therefore, it was necessary to create accessibility for people with walking difficulties and wheelchair users – as well as to meet the Danish regulatory requirements for accessibility in new buildings.To negotiate the height differences Kronsbjerg chose the LP7 platform lift from Stepless by Guldmann both because of its elegant and light design but also because of the plug and play construction that has a very low entry level of only 50 mm. This allows for a short ramp and no need for placing the platform in a pit.  

Carea panels can be quickly installed to minimise labour costs and are also exceptionally low maintenance. Highly resistant to the climate, they can be easily cleaned to extend their life cycle even further. Their non-porous composition also ensures that they are unaffected by graffiti, again making them ideal for buildings with public access such as schools, colleges and universities.Carea panels are available in over 30 different shades and a range of textures. Providing excellent thermal efficiency and eliminating cold bridging – as well as comprising around 95% natural minerals – they are highly sustainable and an ideal choice for contemporary construction.

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.

Graves Health and Sports in Sheffield is a state of the art centre providing users with swimming, studio, gym, tennis, gymnastics and trampolining facilities. Prospec Marathon Conform Changing cubicles in Solid Grade Laminate and Cabrillant 700 Shower Cubicles, featuring Toughened and Laminated glass offer a more contemporary feel to the public change area. Prospec Marathon Laminate Wet lockers, with coin return locks and bespoke glass end panels, add an additional element complementing the quality feel of this first class centre. A range of accessible lockers are installed throughout the facility to ensure all users have complete access.

London Gatwick is the second largest airport in the UK.System M was recommended for its stylish design and durability to withstand the heavy footfall. It also has an emergency feature to access the toilet cubicles in less than 30 seconds. This patented system enables normally inward opening doors to be opened outwards, without having to break components or lift off the pilasters or doors.Integrated hand basin modules were specified for easy access for maintenance staff and a streamlined experience for users. The finish was completed with Clipclad wall panelling, pre-plumbed services and stylish mounted glass cladding.Read the full case study for more details.

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

Premier Loft Ladders were contacted by a specialist food processing plant to replace a damaged retractable roof access ladder. As this presented the only means of access for maintenance of roof top equipment, it was important that the replacement access ladder was strong, durable and easy to operate. The Supreme with flat roof access hatch provided the perfect solution. Please follow the link below to learn more about this high-specification project...

St James Quarter is one of the UK’s most significant regeneration projects creating a new retail-led, lifestyle district in Edinburgh which incorporates leisure venues, hotel accommodation, private apartments, public spaces and shops.The £1 billion scheme included 1,600 of underground parking spaces. Grating panels were used within the car park to separate the zones for public access from commercial vehicles. In addition the grating provided secure openings for ventilation and the enclosure of storage areas. The panels were fabricated to exact dimensions to fit the structural openings.The panels were manufactured from Lang+Fulton’s Stereo-4, which is an extremely robust grating made with a heavy 30×4mm flat bearing bar, and supplied in a hot-dip galvanized finish.

Architect: Wellwood LeslieInstaller: Profile Projects LtdProduct: ‘Shiluvit’ by OranitOver 400m2 of Shuluvit panels in WN-2592 (Oak effect) stained yellow pine in 7-600 format were installed across the ceilings of the 2018 Carnoustie Golf Link extension project.The extension was designed to complement the famous golf course; adding new facilities such as golf simulators and The Rookery Scottish-fusion restaurant and bar designed to make the club more accessible to the public.The Shiluvit panels along with LSA Black acoustic mineral wool were used to give a subtle dampening to the spaces and offset the large windows and skylights and exposed metalwork. Flexible panel cross ties were used to allow for a smooth wrap-over ceiling installation.

The refurbishment of washrooms across six floors at a local authority office building in Telford used our Robust cubicles from the Pendock Washroom range finished with complimentary green and Zebrano laminates for the panels and doors.Both male and female washrooms were upgraded as part of the programme with standard and disabled access cubicles incorporated within the design with outward opening doors.