"basins for accessibility"

Here at Trade Access Panels, we believe that school building designs should be much more than just designs of practical learning spaces; they should also inspire, encourage and motivate the students and teachers to help promote the best possible learning experience. However, unfortunately, costs are very tight for the Government who are searching for ways to renovate old dilapidated schools and to also build new educational facilities. We have a desperate need for more school places for the ever-growing younger population.

Surespan designed and manufactured Glazed Roof Hatches with fixed glazed sections and a vertical end door for the 79&Park residential.The projectOscar Properties commissioned BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group) to design and construct 79& Park residential building. The building is located on the edge of Gärdet, a treasured national park. The architects made conscious decisions throughout the process to provide a sensitive, respectful building with exceptional residences with spectacular views.All Oscar Properties projects aim to add value to the city and the surrounding environment.  79&Park architecture appears like an extension of the park, a gentle hillside seamlessly blending into the nature around it. The project was named Europe’s best housing project in the Internationally recognised real estate competition The International Property Awards.ProductSurespan designed and manufactured multiple glazed roof access hatches in various sizes including 2200 x 2115, 3160 x 1553, and 4175 x 1025.  As part of the glazed roof hatches a vertical door was designed for easy access to the roof spaces. The final glazed hatches were finished off with a polyester powder-coated finish.  Features:These glazed roof hatches feature a specialist sensory control panel. A 1-minute warning sound is activated when rain is detected, and a movement sensor prevents the closing of the hatch. Other features include opening in case of a fire and a keycode pad for exiting.

1 Nine Elms Lane, London SW8 5NQAs Europe's largest regeneration zone, Nine Elms is the most ambitious regeneration project undertaken in London for decades. Located on the south bank of the River Thames in Nine Elms, No. 8 and No. 9 Thames City are impressive new 53-storey residential towers. With their prime central and riverside location, they offer a vibrant destination for city dwellers and visitors.Nine Elms, London's dynamic urban district, is marked by its soaring residential towers. Ensuring the safety of the residents and the protection of the property is paramount. This case study highlights the successful collaboration between Nine Elms London's newest 53-storey residential towers and Rapid Access Ltd, a leading supplier of 920-minute fire rated Riser Doors with smoke seals.Challenges:1. Towering Heights: The residential towers reached considerable heights, increasing the complexity of fire safety and evacuation procedures.2. Stringent Fire Safety Standards: Compliance with stringent fire safety standards, including resistance to fire for a prolonged duration, was a primary concern.3. Smoke Control* Preventing the spread of smoke in the event of a fire was a vital aspect of the fire safety strategy.Solution:Rapid Access Ltd, renowned for their expertise in fire-rated access solutions, was chosen to address the specific needs of Nine Elms London's newest 53-storey residential towers. The solution included the supply and installation of 90-minute fire rated Riser Doors with smoke seals, designed to meet the following key criteria:1. 90-Minute Fire Rating: Rapid Access Ltd provided riser doors with an exceptional 920-minute fire rating, exceeding the fire safety requirements for such high-rise structures.2. Smoke Seals: The riser doors were equipped with smoke seals to prevent the spread of smoke and enhance the safety of residents during evacuation.3. Safety and Compliance: The installation adhered to the most stringent fire safety standards, ensuring the protection of residents and property.Implementation:The supply and installation of 920-minute fire rated Riser Doors with smoke seals by Rapid Access Ltd were executed with meticulous attention to safety and compliance. The installation process was conducted to meet the highest fire safety standards and the specific requirements of the residential towers.Conclusion:The collaboration between Nine Elms London's newest 53-storey residential towers and Rapid Access Ltd exemplified the successful integration of advanced fire safety solutions in high-rise structures. The installation of 920-minute fire rated Riser Doors with smoke seals not only met regulatory and safety needs but also provided an exceptional level of fire protection and peace of mind for the residents. This case study underscores the critical importance of selecting the right access solutions provider for projects that demand the highest levels of fire safety.

Surespan has manufactured and supplied a large access hatch in the engine house of Heathrow Airport’s new terminal five. The three-leaf hatch – which measures 6 x 3 metres – can take up to 5kN/m² loading. It has an electric actuator opening which can be activated remotely and is fire rated for up to two hours. Bill Burke, Contracts Manager at Heathrow Airport said: “We were very impressed with Surespan’s proactive approach throughout the whole project. The hatch has been well received by the authorities at Heathrow”

At Trade Access Panels we are often asked questions regarding the measurement and installation a Loft Hatch within a domestic property. Thankfully, the new TAP12 Loft Hatch is even easier to fit than previously! Please see our guide below where we have tried to answer the most frequently asked questions.

We were thrilled to work at KOKO in Camden recently, installing an 11m suspended access platform as part of the huge redevelopment project currently underway.The music venue closed back in April 2019 for a redevelopment project which included the acquisition of two adjacent buildings and a complete renovation of the iconic rooftop area. Progress was somewhat hampered by a fire in January 2020 that destroyed the famous dome, but work has continued, and we’ll hopefully see the finished results soon.The venue began life as the Camden Theatre back in 1900. Renamed the Camden Palace in 1982, it was quickly established as a crucial part of the London music scene and watched the rise of New Romantic, Dance and New Wave, Rave, House and Acid House before closing in 2004. Since its reincarnation as KOKO, it has hosted stars including Madonna, Coldplay, Prince, Kanye West, Bruno Mars, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Amy Winehouse, Noel Gallagher, Paul Weller, J Cole, Skepta and many, many more. As a century-old, listed building it posed us some unusual challenges regarding what we could and couldn’t do to achieve the result the client needed. Two storage tanks with a combined weight of 2.5 tonnes were to be positioned in the space below the listed roof. Easy access was needed to safely reach the tanks whenever required. Because of the listed status we were unable to fix the platform to the wall – it had to be suspended using drop rods.Our highly qualified and experienced install team came up with a solution, spending just two weeks creating a multi-level walkway that placed no weight on the internal roof and had minimal interference with the listed building’s structure. Composite materials were the logical material to use. It’s lightweight; so easy to manoeuvre and work within such a constricted space but still meets the loading requirements.  QuartzGrip® Open Mesh GRP Grating is manufactured to ISO 9001 quality standards providing the highest slip-resistance available, while our heavy duty SafeRail™ GRP Handrail System is certified to BS 4592:0.The result? A bespoke solution that has provided the client with a non-corrosive walkway meeting all Health and Safety maintenance access guidelines in document M & K of the building regulations and the equalities act, keeping future users safe in an otherwise unsafe maintenance regime. 

Bilco UK’s special zinc-clad Roof Access Hatches and Smoke Vents chosen for the Zaha Hadid designed Glasgow Transport Museum, Scotland. The roof specification included Smoke Vents and Roof Access to blend with the roof finish. Bilco supplied modified units with zinc cladding to achieve the desired look. To enable safe roof maintenance, a modified E-50T Hatch was supplied and installed to the 46 degree sloping roof enabling maintenance staff to gain easy, safe access to roof equipment

The role of the maintenance team is critical to keep flood lighting operational at all times. Accessing flood lights for maintenance, however, is the tricky bit. Every facilities manager knows, where possible, working at height is to be avoided. This is where the flood light winch comes into its own.

In this Case Study, SureSet permeable resin bound paving had the pleasure of working with Horatio’s Garden, this is a national charity known for its beautiful accessible gardens! Created for various NHS Spinal Injury Centres that are each built to help support those affected by spinal damage.

Bilco UK has supplied an innovative replacement roof hatch for a medieval church in Norfolk. St Mary’s is one of the 653 churches within the Diocese of Norwich. When it came to providing a means of safe access to the roof area a product was required that was both technically and architecturally suitable. Medieval Masonry Ltd, a specialist contractor in the restoration and conservation of historic buildings with over 50 years of experience in the industry, installed Bilco UK’s S-50VMTB VersaMount® Replacement Roof Hatch.

A trio of Stannah Maxilift motor room-less passenger lifts has delivered residential access for all at King Edward VII Estate, West Sussex. Completed in 1906, this Grade II* listed former sanatorium has been renovated and converted into 162 sumptuous apartments, duplexes and communal facilities set within eight acres of Registered Gardens in the South Downs National Park, with full resident access to the 165-acre estate. Original features have been restored, conserved and further enhanced with über-modern updates to include the three Stannah 8-person, motor room-less (MRLi) Maxilifts supplementing stair access over three and five floors.

Freestanding Box Rooflight For Terrace Access In Residential Property Case Study

A Rundum Original side sliding garage door has enabled a client in Yorkshire to apply a non-standard shape to their new garage to maximise the footprint and provide the largest area of usable internal space with easy vehicular access. The angle of the boundary of the Victorian house presented an opportunity during a refurbishment project to remodel the garage. By aligning the front elevation of the garage with the house, vehicular access could be improved. The design required a door that could comfortably handle a right angle corner followed by an obtuse angle along the garage's side wall.

A Stannah passenger lift has made access easy for residents of Victoria Wharf Apartments, a £5.5m, sustainable and contemporary canal-side housing development for intermediate rent in Ladbroke Grove, St John’s Terrace, London W10. The eight-person lift is wall-mounted in a purpose-built, freestanding structure that rises from an exterior courtyard at lower-ground level to serve all 22 apartments ranged over five floors.

The first platform lifts is placed adjacent to the pool deck, linking the underground levels to the outdoors. A customised glass and steel structure protects the lift from weather exposure, whilst maximising on the stunning sea views. The A5000 was a great choice to provide accessibility, luxury and ease of installation at this seaside residence.

Throughout its 600-year history it’s doubtful that Crossbasket Castle in Scotland catered for mobility compromised people – until a recent £9m investment and a Stannah Midilift SL platform lift transformed it into a luxury hotel, restaurant and events venue, accessible to everyone. Set in 14 acres of landscaped gardens on the banks of Rotten Calder Water in High Blantyre, Lanarkshire, Crossbasket Castle offers eight bedrooms, including a 4-floor honeymoon suite, the Albert and Michel Roux Jnr Restaurant, and the Roosevelt Grand Hall, a medieval-style, new-build banqueting/ballroom facility, and home to the Midilift SL access lift.

Busy retail store, H&M, needed to provide customer access to the upper mezzanine floor. With floor level fixing points and 2 day out-of-hours installation, a Gartec 9000 cabin lift was installed. The cabin lift looks and feels exactly like a conventional lift, but with half the cost, no building works and simple retrofitting it fitted the bill perfectly for the retail environment. Emily, the store administrator, commented "this lift does the job perfectly and provides a familiar environment for our customers".

Timescales: March 2021 -- Project Size: 800 m2Products: MonoTile - Finished in “Bianco Botticino”The Mills Fabrica, Cottam House, Kings Cross, LondonThe Mills Fabrica is a contemporary co-working space that has been thoughtfully designed to foster collaboration and community among sustainable conscious businesses. A key component of any modern office space is the flooring system, which can have a significant impact on both the aesthetics and functionality of the environment.In order to ensure that the flooring system for The Mills Fabrica was both visually appealing and practical, AFD collaborated closely with our contracting partners. We were able to provide the expertise needed to specify the correct finish design that would be appropriate for the space, taking into account factors such as traffic flow, durability, and maintenance requirements.The chosen flooring system was a Terrazzo raised access system, which was installed alongside matching floor tiles in other areas, as well as wall tiles. The Terrazzo Raised Floor system material is renowned for its durability, low maintenance requirements, and stunning visual appeal.The raised access system offers several advantages over traditional flooring systems. It allows for easy access to the void beneath the flooring, which is particularly useful for buildings that require extensive cabling or piping. It also provides greater flexibility for future modifications to the space, such as the installation of new electrical or data systems.By choosing a Terrazzo raised access system for The Mills Fabrica, we were able to achieve a high-end design finish that seamlessly flows from one area to the next, while still providing the practicality and functionality that is essential for a modern office space. The result is a flooring system that is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also enhances the overall functionality of the environment.

The days are getting shorter and the weather getting colder – winter is on its way. If considering a new loft access hatch and ladder it is important to choose one that offers good thermal insulation and an airtight seal. This will help to keep in the warmth and lower energy costs. We have produced a useful guide that is available for download. It is designed to help you understand the important features to look for when choosing an insulated loft ladder. The guide also includes a quick reference tool for our insulated loft ladder product range.

The elegant Ely Place, just to the north of Holborn Circus, was until relatively recently, considered to be a part of Cambridgeshire, privately owned by the Bishops of Ely. Even today, the street has its own gatehouse and beadles. The historical site boasts an extraordinary history and was once the site of the Bishop’s Palace and Hatton House. It’s still home to the Chapel of St Etheldreda, parts of which date back to the 13th Century and Ye Old Mitre Public House, originally built in 1546.In 1772, the estate was sold to the Crown and the old palace, now in a ruinous state, was demolished. The handsome rows of townhouses that now stand on either side of the street were built in the same year. Today its buildings are mostly occupied by prestigious legal firms, but its colourful array of former residents are still celebrated and its history has very much been kept alive.It’s always a pleasure to be invited to work in London’s older buildings, effectively becoming a part of the care and restoration required to keep them alive for generations to come and no job is considered too small; this was just a one-day project, replacing a rotten wooden Hop Over and a rusty flight of Access Stairs on the 4th floor with smart, low-maintenance, long-lasting GRP equivalents.They were constructed using QuartzGrip® Anti-Slip GRP Standard Mesh Open Grating and Universal GRP Structural Profiles for the framework and handrailing. Bright yellow Anti-Slip Stair Nosing highlights the potential trip hazard, further reducing the risk of slips and falls. Both were built in our Suffolk-based workshop and transported in chunks for quick and easy fitting onsite. Old or new, is it time to upgrade your site access? We are happy to supply anything from the smallest hop over to extensive maintenance platforms and multi-storey staircases. For more information call us on 01206 396 446.

dormakaba supplies leading Exivo system to luxury YourApartment - a serviced aparthotel accommodation group, located in Bristol Looking to provide guests with a completely contactless service at its 34-studio Clifton Village aparthotel, YourApartment required a smart solution that would integrate with the booking systems, without needing to drill into the existing doors. dormakaba worked closely with the aparthotel to install its Exivo keyless system.Providing affordable lodging for the modern traveller, with a focus on interior design and tech-driven services, YourApartment accommodation aims to offer a guest experience that feels like home regardless of the length of stay. In 2020, the YourApartment Group announced plans to open accommodation in the Clifton Village area of Bristol having acquired the lease on a former student block, Merchants House. A £1.6m redevelopment, the owners wanted to ensure the new aparthotel was in keeping with its deluxe standards. The plans included a streamlined system that allowed guests contactless check-in and access their rooms using a smartphone. However, the lease for Merchants House included a stipulation that, to ensure flexibility of the property, the doors could not be screwed into, and existing door hardware could not be removed or replaced. Determined to offer guests a flexible and high-tech check-in experience, the group sought a contactless, smart solution that would integrate seamlessly with the Your Apartment booking system, that could be both installed and uninstalled at the end of the lease, with no alterations to the door itself. dormakaba overcame stiff competition win the tender for the project, and impressed with its Exivo system, which included Digital Cylinders, a Wireless Hub, and Wireless Extenders. Requiring no cabling within the door, the Exivo Digital Cylinders are powered by a standard battery, and were incredibly easy to fit within minutes without specialist tools or drilling into the existing door required. Thanks to this speed of installation, it took a little over a week for every door to be retrofitted with this smart solution. The product is incredibly simple to use, with users able to access their accommodation using the simple Evolo Smart app, and wireless functionality making it possible for management to transfer access rights remotely. By integrating with the Your Apartment booking system, rights could also be granted automatically, saving on time and maintenance and ensuring security at all times. The Exivo system has impressed so much, that dormakaba has since been invited to provide solutions for the wider YourApartment portfolio. Daniel Robinson, Marketing Manager for YourApartment, said, “The dormakaba Exivo system matched our requirements perfectly, integrating seamlessly with our Mew PMS System for bookings and Revinate CRM system for email automation. The speed of installation and minimal disruption allowed us to open Clifton Village on schedule, with a completely contactless booking and check-in process. “YourApartment is looking to expand into all major UK cities in the next five years, and we want to ensure all of our guests experience the same seamless and convenient check-in experience, so we will work with dormakaba again to integrate wireless, smart systems for our accommodation across the country.” Daniel Robinson Marketing Manager YourApartment

RAF Museum Cosford, one of the premier tourist destinations in Shropshire, officially opened its brand-new Astor Bannerman Changing Places Toilet last week. Staff at the museum were joined by carers from City of Wolverhampton Council, Adult Provider Services and Aveso CEO Nick Kent for the ribbon cutting ceremony.Located in the visitor centre, the toilet includes a ceiling track hoist for full room coverage and an adult size height adjustable changing table, amongst other essential equipment and the extra space needed to use the toilet safely and comfortably.The equipment in the Changing Places toilet includes: Astor Invincible Changing TableAstor OT200 Ceiling HoistAstor ABW6 Height Adjustable Wash BasinCentrally Placed ToiletPortable Privacy ScreenAccessories including grab railsTalking about the new accessible facility, Paula Kovacs, RAF Museum Community Engagement Manager said:‘As a national museum, we recognise how important it is that each one of our visitors is able to enjoy their day with us in comfort and dignity. This is particularly important for visitors with profound and multiple learning disabilities, and others who need extra support. I am certain that this new facility will have a tremendous positive impact on the visitor experience for those of our visitors with such requirements, as well as their families, friends and carers, enabling them to enjoy as fully as possible their day with us, confident that their requirements are being catered for.’The Changing Places toilet was given a big thumbs up from members of the City of Wolverhampton Council, Adult Provider Services (Day Opportunities), who recently visited the RAF Museum on their first day trip to an attraction in more than a year.One carer said:‘It’s my first visit to the RAF Museum and the Changing Places facility is wonderful. The Museum is amazing, and we will now be able to plan more days out with our members. Without the Changing Places facility, we wouldn’t have been able to bring some of our members.’‘It’s vital when we go out that we have facilities for people to use. Changing Places toilets is something we can’t always find but having one so close will make days out so much better.’Nick Kent, CEO of Aveso, a long-term sponsor of The Changing Places Campaign making venues more accessible for all, said:‘Changing Places are a vital facility for the disabled community and their carers. There are over 1,600 Changing Places rooms in the UK, but this facility is one of the most beautifully designed with the mural of the sky. It’s a great facility for users and carers and ensures the Museum is an attractive day out for everyone.’The Museum’s new Changing Places facility is provided in addition to the standard accessible toilets that can be found in each of the Museum’s buildings. For further details of the various facilities that the Museum offers for visitors requiring additional assistance please visit rafmuseum.org/Cosford.

Nestled in the charming coastal town of Selsey, The Selsey Centre has long been a cornerstone of community engagement since its establishment in 2007. Offering an array of activities and event spaces for hire. Now, a groundbreaking transformation is underway as the installation of a Changing Places facility promises to enhance accessibility and inclusivity for all.Turnkey Solution ProvidersAt the heart of this initiative lies a commitment to ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, can fully participate in the community life that Selsey has to offer. Spearheaded by Selsey Town Council, in collaboration with a dedicated team of professionals including Astor Bannerman, WWa, HNW Architects, ITD Consultants, and Premier Group, the project aims to redefine standards of accessibility within the town.The journey towards realising this vision began with meticulous planning and collaboration. Astor Bannerman played a pivotal role by overseeing the project as a turnkey solution provider. From assisting the architect in refining the internal layout and specifications during the design phase to emerging as the preferred contractor at the tender stage, Astor Bannerman ensured a seamless and comprehensive approach at every step of the way. Through a rigorous value engineering process, the project was fine-tuned to align with budgetary constraints without compromising on quality or functionality.Changing Places, Changing LivesThe installation of the Changing Places facility represents a significant milestone in the ongoing evolution of The Selsey Centre. Part-funded through the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUCH). By reconfiguring the existing toilet block, the center aims to not only meet regulatory standards but also to serve as a welcoming space for disability groups, ensuring they can fully utilise and enjoy the center’s amenities. Central to the Changing Places facility are features designed to enhance comfort, convenience, and safety. The installation includes: Astor Invincible Height Adjustable Changing Table ABW-CP Height Adjustable Wall Mounted Wash BasinOT200 Overhead Ceiling Track HoistKwickScreen Wall Mounted Privacy Screen Beyond its practical implications, the installation of the Changing Places facility represents a symbolic gesture of inclusivity and solidarity within the community. Setting New StandardsIn conclusion, the installation of the Changing Places facility at The Selsey Centre marks a significant turnkey triumph for Astor Bannerman, showcasing our expertise in inclusive design and commitment to excellence. Selsey is poised to set new standards, ensuring that all members of the community can fully participate in the vibrant tapestry of life that defines this coastal town.

Brooklands Museum recently completed a project refurbishing a WW2 hangar with a mezzanine viewing platform. The stairs were unsuitable for disabled access, so required a lift with minimal support points, no head fixing and small footprint. Gartec's 7000 passenger platform lift was installed in 2 days - Valerie Mills, Commercial Director, commented “Once features and prices were compared, the 7000 was an easy choice. Gartec provided everything to make an informed decision. We're surprised how quickly the team completed the installation – efficient, clean and professional. The lift ticks all the boxes and opened the upper space for everyone to enjoy”

Bolands Mill, located in Dublin, Ireland, is a mixed-use commercial building that has been upgraded with Apton’s high-quality solutions for Google’s workspace. We provided Google with our Quartz Double Glazed Partitions, MK2 Double Glazed Doors and Accessible Tech Panels.

Project:Surespan were approached to develop and supply a series of 4 hour fire rated flush floor access covers for the Midfield Concourse expansion project at Hong Kong International Airport. The HK$10 Billion dollar project was completed in 2015 following extensive design and planning processes utilising BIM modelling. Product:Our SAC covers were specified for their fire rating and ease of customisation. The covers were specially adapted with a 200mm upstand and enhanced fire-rated materials to achieve the 4-hour rating. Sizes Supplied 1050 (41”) x 1050 (41”) 1050 (41”) x 850 (33”) 750 (29”) x 600 (23”)

We’ve had a long-standing relationship with Birmingham University, having installed many doors and operators in the past. The University has a large campus, and we have a few projects under our belts where improved sustainable access has been achieved.Below is a fine selection of some of our more recent installations.Project Year: 2023Product: ASSA ABLOY SW200 Operator (Main entrance)Product: ASSA ABLOY SW200 Operator (Harding Building)Product: ASSA ABLOY SL500 F (Arts & Law Building)Project Background: The University’s goal is to make every door and every entrance accessible for everyone so it’s inclusive, reflecting their commitment to diversity and equality. By prioritizing accessibility, they aim to ensure that all members of the university community, regardless of their physical abilities, can navigate the campus with ease. Through these efforts, Birmingham University continues to set a standard for higher education institutions striving to provide equitable access to education and resources for all.With this in mind, the facilities management team required robust, reliable and energy saving elements to their entrances.Solution: Two of the buildings required strong operators to withstand the daily use of their current swing doors. Our elegant heavy duty SW200 swing door operators were incorporated into one of the University’s main entrances and The Harding building, which both required reliability and ease of entrance, as students are often carrying heavy bags full of books and electronics. The SL500 Framesliding door was installed in the Arts & Law building, allowing for a seamless and responsive entrance as you enter the bright lobby. This helped to reduce the amount of energy required in this building, making it more efficient at heating and cooling.We have more projects in the pipeline with Birmingham University as they continue to enhance their facilities. Our commitment to providing first-rate door solutions and operators aligns perfectly with the university’s mission to create a welcoming and accessible environment for students, staff, and visitors.Check out more Education solutions.For more information or assistance with any project, please contact enquiries.esuk@faactechnologies.com where we can provide expert guidance and detailed documentation.Pictures by NickCaville.com

A Stannah people-moving platform lift is welcoming mobility compromised patrons to Dishoom Kensington, a London restaurant that rekindles the cosmopolitan romance of Irani cafés in 1940s Jazz Age Bombay. Filled with original period and bespoke pieces, this atmospheric venue calls on its access lift to escort people of all mobilities, from bag-laden buggy-pushers to wheelchair users, between ground-floor entrance to the bar / dining room with its Bombay comfort food and live jazz. Does the platform lift mirror Dishoom’s carefully curated design? Naturally…

Two bespoke, 8m-span Rundum Original side sliding garage doors have enabled Evans Vettori architects to deliver on their thoughtful, sensitive vision for the modern new premises of a well-established firm of funeral directors in Buxton. Two Rundum Original ‘round the corner’ side sliding doors provide access to the garage for the company’s three large specialist vehicles. A second door designed and manufactured to a matching specification provides the same wide opening directly at the rear of the building, allowing the vehicles to be driven in with ease from the small courtyard.The building’s high quality design and excellent build standard by NSJ Contractors, which resulted in it making the shortlist of the East Midlands RIBA Regional Awards 2020, blends key aspects of the local vernacular with modern design and material choices, including a zinc standing seam roof that extends to form the outward-facing façade.Within this zinc façade is one of the two Rundum Original ‘round the corner’ side sliding doors by Rundum Meir UK that provide access to the garage for the company’s three large specialist vehicles. A second door designed and manufactured to a matching specification provides the same wide opening directly the rear of the building, allowing the vehicles to be driven in with ease from the courtyard to avoid any access or manoeuvring difficulties and making best use of the site’s space.

Framlingham Castle, an 11th century listed fort nestled in the countryside of Suffolk, has been undergoing key renovations to create a new mezzanine exhibition. The listed building required an access solution, but any works had to protect the building structure. Minimal fixing points and child-friendly key locking made a Gartec 7000 platform lift the perfect solution, and the frosting and logo they added helped to blend it in. “The small size of the Gartec lift and the finishes, including the frosted glass coating we have added, have made it a subtle but modern addition” (Joseph James, Project Manager)

We were approached to design & manufacture a range of steel fire-resistant riser doors and personnel doors for Europe's most advanced data centre, located in Canary Wharf, London.This 8-storey building offers 73,400 sqm of space - they needed simple yet secure riser doors to provide fire protection to the internal ducts, containing all the cabling and plumbing required in a sleek, discreet solution that provided maximum access, performance and safety.Alongside the riser doors, Eurobond designed & manufactured personnel doors that could be electronically controlled to control the access and provide an audit trail of personnel movement.The 2 key elements of this project were the riser doors - and the sheer volume required to cover the 8 levels and the access control requirements that had to be well planned and coordinated by Eurobond, the security contractor, end-user and architect.

Situated in South Kensington, the home of science, arts and inspiration, and directly opposite the Royal Albert Hall, the Royal College of Music is one of the world’s great conservatoires, training gifted musicians from all over the world for international careers as performers, conductors and composers. Opened in 1883 by the then Prince of Wales (later Edward VII), the RCM has trained some of the most prestigious figures in British and international music life, including composers such as Holst, Vaughan Williams, Turnage and Britten; conductors such as Leopold Stokowski, Sir Colin Davis and Sir Roger Norrington; singers such as Dame Joan Sutherland, Sir Thomas Allen and Alfie Boe and instrumentalists such as Sir James Galway, John Lill, Gervase de Peyer, and Natalie Clein. Bringing an older building up to code regarding health and safety is always a challenge. Modern amenities were squeezed into spaces as they became available, but the emphasis was always on preserving as much of the original building as possible; going back in – often decades later – to make those spaces safe for maintenance crews or to replace outdated systems that involves crawl-spaces, false walls and hidden hatches.It was just such a request we received recently. A GRP Cat Ladder and RiserDeck floor with access hatch were required to allow work on the hidden pipework within a very narrow space. The ladder needed to be positioned in such a way that the pipe behind it wouldn’t be kicked; the hatch would be small, so needed to be 100% snag-free and the ladder height required safety hoops to help prevent falls. After drawings were approved by our client, the ladder was built onsite at Step on Safety and cut in half to allow it to be loaded onto a flat bed vehicle and to ensure it could be manoeuvred into position once it reached RCM. You can see from the photos that even the two-man installation team would have been a tight squeeze! GRP is lightweight so the fact that only two people could be there to lift it into place wasn’t a problem and being GRP, now the ladder is there, it will last for decades to come.Find out how Step on Safety can fill the gaps in your Health & Safety certification by calling Amber on 01206 396 446.

As a specialist in the automation of access control, Automatic Systems is well aware of the issues faced, especially in the light of recent events, and can offer tailored solutions that not only meet student and staff security needs but also the health and wellbeing of all.

Arup is an independent firm of designers, planners, engineers, consultants and technical specialists. It has participated in projects in over 160 countries, including some of the most prestigious architectural structures in the world, such as the Sydney Opera House, the Centre Pompidou in Paris, and the 2012 London Olympics. The majority of new and existing buildings require safe access to the roof area for ongoing building maintenance and to service specialist equipment. Arup regularly advises its clients on fall protection systems for this, and by working with MSA, they are able to meet the various requirements needed for their clients.

Western Power Distribution (WPD) provides service for Midlands, South West and South Wales, United Kingdom, with a network that spans the country’s width. WPD delivers electricity to more than 21,000 square miles (55,500 square kilometers) via 136,000 miles (220,000 km) of overhead lines and underground cables and 185,000 substations. WPD has committed to provide safer access to their 15,000 towers across the network. The company had used a double lanyard for working at heights, but wanted an alternative system that was faster, safer and reduced physical demands of climbing for their line operators.

Barr Gazetas worked closely with BW: Workplace Experts and Glazing Vision on the remodelling of this contemporary yet classical office building which involved creating an accessible private terrace for staff and clients to enjoy the views of central London, as well as providing the 6th floor with natural daylight. Utilising a terrace in densely populated areas such as London is a great way to provide a building with more accessible space. Originally the 6th floor offered 2,821 sq ft of space, but with the addition of the terrace area, this increased to 3,790 sq ft.Not only does an accessible terrace supply you with extra room, but, in London, the presence of a roof terrace typically adds 12% to the value of a property, rising to as much as 25% in coveted Chelsea. Other benefits of access rooflights include improved natural ventilation, control of interior temperatures, and the result is also beneficial to the aesthetics of a building such as 6 Duke Street. Barr Gazetas chose Glazing Vision not only due to our vast experience in designing and manufacturing access rooflights, but also for our ‘start to finish’ service. All of our rooflights are designed and manufactured at our HQ in Diss, and we even offer an installation service via our sister company, Glazing Renovations, which provides our clients with peace of mind.Box rooflights are a great way to gain easy access to any roof terrace. Operated at the touch of a button, the user simply climbs the stairs whilst the rooflight is retracting into its open position and walks straight out onto the terrace. Our three wall box configuration is one of the most popular and can offer an almost seamless integration into the fabric of your building. On this particular project, the sliding section when open provides a clear opening of 1927mm on the left side when viewed from the outside and is glazed on the front and top with a built-in fall of 3 degrees, and mounted to walls at the rear and two sides. The rooflight also includes the optional extras of a proximity detector and a battery back up. The rooflight was crane lifted to the terrace so that installation could be carried out by Glazing Renovations.Our Multi-Part Walk On Rooflight has supplied the 6th floor with a large amount of natural daylight which is proven to boost vitamin D, help improve sleep, and can help boost focus. The rooflight also includes Enduro Shield glass protection which provides superior resistance against contamination caused by moisture, hard water, all types of dirt, lime scale, salt spray and pollution, and also helps protect against degradation, staining, corrosion and etching. Our standard glass specification on our Flushglaze Walk On Rooflight is designed to withstand regular foot traffic in domestic applications with uniform loadings of 1.5kN/m² and concentrated loadings of 2.0kN in accordance with EN 1991-1-1-1:2002.The two rooflights perfectly complement each other and work together to provide a vast amount of natural daylight whilst creating a visually impressive, accessible terrace area.“The Walk On Rooflight was key to providing as much light to the floor below as possible, and the box rooflight was a great feature to the terrace, providing easier access than a ‘hatch’ access product.” Pradumn Pamidighantam, Senior Architect, Barr Gazetas.