"basins for accessibility"

For Sheila Dearns, a former language teacher for 32 years, living with MS meant that as her condition progressed, she found her kitchen ill-equipped to cope with her changing needs.Sheila’s home is a bungalow in the centre of Chelmsford, where she has lived since 1996. It was when her MS began to leave her with little energy that Sheila decided to retire in 2010 and since then, she is finding it harder to ‘load bear’ and now classes herself as a full-time wheelchair user.It was when Sheila was left an inheritance from a relative that she began to consider making some practical changes to her home. The former kitchen was narrow with no accessible workspace to prepare meals. In fact, Sheila had to chop vegetables on the dining room table instead. With little energy and as a full-time wheelchair user, Sheila needed something to change in order for her to continue living independently at home.Her friend’s sister, Teresa Shaw; who owns the company Onyx Rehabilitation Ltd  that helps people with life-changing injuries, put Sheila in touch with leading designer of accessible kitchens Adam Thomas of the Adam Thomas Consultancy. It’s thanks to Adam’s input and collaboration that Freedom by Symphony have transformed the lives of so many people by empowering them with a sense of independence, enjoying accessible kitchens that are both practical to use and stylish to look at.Adam worked with kitchen retailer Blaines Interiors to create an accessible kitchen for Sheila that now works as the hub of her home. The project began by knocking down the wall between the former kitchen and living room to create one larger, open-plan space. Sheila moved out while the work was being done and the result is a fully wheelchair-friendly area with widened access to the garden, too.“Working with Blaines, we designed a fully functional and accessible kitchen,” says Adam, “which now includes I-move pull down baskets, allowing Sheila to access top shelves in wall cabinets without standing up from a seated position along with a 2.4m Rise & Fall worktop, a lovely feature that Sheila can adjust to suit her height so that she can use the worktop, sink with front access tap and hob when seated in her wheelchair. It’s a really flexible solution, as it can also be used by family and friends in the rise position. We also included a lowered dining table on hairpin legs for wheelchair access underneath, a pull and twist larder for easy access to dried ingredients, corner Le Mans storage and a combination oven, which suits Sheila’s style of cooking.”Sheila and Adam worked closely with Anthony Elsey from Blaines Interiors, who was a wonderful source of inspiration and ideas. Sheila wanted her kitchen to be calm and soothing with a brightly tiled splashback to add a statement look. “As a one-stop shop, Blaines takes clients on a seamless journey from conception to completion,” says Anthony. “This includes personalised consultation, expert advice, meticulous planning, flawless installation and the final finishing touches. Our team of designers are not only creative but also empathetic and supportive, ensuring that every client’s needs are met. They take pride in designing kitchens that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also affordable and accessible to all.”Design manager Anthony has experience in working with young people and adults with special educational needs and disabilities and is fully committed to serving Freedom clients by creating fully functional and accessible kitchens. Blaines Interiors has two Freedom showrooms with four operational displays, where customers can explore and experience their designs first-hand. Their reach extends across the entire Eastern region, serving Norfolk, Essex, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire.Sheila now has the hub of the home she really wanted. “I can now cook for myself and use all the facilities,” she says. “My energy also now lasts longer too, as everything is made so much simpler for me.”

With London’s new ‘Elizabeth Line’ open, Farringdon had been designed to create accessible, safe and comfortable spaces that people can move through easily and efficiently - with sound absorbing insulation playing a key role in minimising station noise for passengers and staff.The solution was the installation of ROCKWOOL RW3 Slabs 75mm thick incorporated in the perforated glass fibre and reinforced concrete tunnel linings of the platform and access areas.

THE PROJECTThe Claycroft Halls of Residence at The University of Warwick has selected a Salto electronic mailbox solution manufactured by The Safety Letterbox Company to replace existing mailboxes. The Estates Manager at the University decided to integrate the Salto Mailboxes into the campus to handle Claycroft’s student mail in a secure and controlled environment.These mailboxes will protect against mail theft and identity fraud, provide increased security and access control to individual mailboxes with full traceable entry. This eliminates the need and expense of having to reissue replacement keys to students as they will be able to operate and access their mailbox with their existing student ID card and room key.The mailboxes will be integrated with the existing SALTO access control system which is already in place across campus and follows on the universities recent installation of Salto mailboxes in the Sherbourne residence.

The Ascent stair unit - Industrial stair system was specified to create a safe means of access over roof mounted mechanical and electrical plant and equipment. The roof area is tightly packed with Air conditioning plant creating a unique challenge to design a safe means of access across it. The Ascent step over / stair unit is able to accommodate spans up to 4.5m and was able to be utilised to create a safe access route. The step over unit is supported on rubber spreader feet which provide a non-penetrative support solution on the flat single ply membrane roof. The stair unit is designed in accordance with BS EN ISO 14122-1:2001 + A1:2010 and Building Reg Part K:2013 and manufactured following 1090 factory production control procedures.

Although lifts are in use in the London offices of a leading professional services firm located on the iconic South Bank of the Thames, they did not provide step-free access to all areas of the building. However an area of the building in need of additional accessibility could not structurally accommodate the construction of a vertical lift shaft. Demonstrating the firm’s commitment to EDI, the firm worked with lift and escalator consultants to find a solution that would make the building even more accessible.The consultants decided that a stairlift in an existing stairwell would be the best possible solution, but building a multi-level inclined lift would be a significant engineering challenge. Stannah was then selected as the lift company to supply and install the lift.It is Stannah’s longest-ever inclined platform lift , travelling over 29 metres of travel and ascending 7 flights of stairs.

Situated in a peaceful borough of the busy Capital of London, Cox architects designed an accessible house swimming in style. They were able to meet necessary needs for the family whilst holding on to aesthetic features that add a stunning look to the property. A open and spacious interior was a must for this property, as were sliding pocket doors, hoists and a wheelchair lift. Essential materials were used to make this house accessible for the couples youngest daughter, who was diagnosed with a rare genetic illness at 18 months old.  The decision to extend the property was decided very early on with the potential of a large extension. The couple was able to add nearly 70sqm to the ground floor alone, helping to give the family more independent freedom and space. Accessible elements were incorporated in to an everyday home such as ECLISSE pocket door systems and ECLISSE hoist pocket door systems to create an environment that wasn't consumed by accessibility needs. LOCATION: London Borough of Lambeth, SW17STATUS: Completed 2019BUILT: Elson Construction & Co. LtdENGINEER: Steve NicolaouARCHITECT: Cox ArchitectsSPECIALIST GLAZING: Vision Design Projects LtdPHOTOGRAPHER: Matt Clayton PhotographySHOOT STYLIST: Camilla Hegarty

Winchester Cathedral, a place of worship for over 900 years, has been brought up to modern accessibility standards with a light-filled passenger lift from Stannah. The installation now sits comfortably alongside the fine craftsmanship within the extraordinary Grade I Listed building. This is one of the first passenger lifts to be installed in a medieval cathedral in the UK, paving the way for other heritage buildings to offer step-free access for visitors. 

Whitechapel Station is a London Underground & Overground station in the district of Whitechapel in greater London and was originally opened in 1876. Since then it has been redeveloped many times to take into account the growing use of the station. Whilst step-free access is not available, with all access via stairs, this caused many issues as the station is becoming busier and busier. Crossrail have started construction of the programme of station upgrade activity  during the second half of 2017 and into 2018.

The Calvert Trust was set up to provide a fully-accessible luxury holiday home for people with disabilities and their families to stay in. As such, they wanted to make sure that any accessible equipment included in their lodges and chalets was as discreet as possible. We worked with them on their Kielder campus, and created bespoke Integralift hidden hoist systems to go around the double bed from either side. You wouldn't even know they were there! Take a look at the photos on our website.

SkyGard proved the obvious choice for this low cost canopy for one of the Nation’s biggest clients. Special bracketry was required in accordance with the architects design and strategically spaced access hatches, provide access for cleaning the box gutter. SkyGard Patent Glazing combined with laminated glass provides one of the most economical glass canopy solutions with an expected 30-35 years design life and virtually non-existent design life costs as maintenance is minimal.

AATi Rail supplied the SN293/WL/280B on two staircases providing safer access to existing staircases. This nosing gives flexibility with a bevelled back edge reducing the installation cost associated with insetting the nosing into a stair, enabling installation straight onto the existing substrate. AATi worked closely with Client – Network Rail to ensure a high-performance solution was delivered on an extremely high footfall station where stair access can bottleneck.

NEXTDC data centres implement advanced access control for data protection and customer security.

NEXTDC data centres implement advanced access control for data protection and customer security.

Falco has completed the roll-out of the UK’s first ever series of smart bike hangars for Brighton & Hove City Council.The scheme which got underway towards the end of 2022, involved the manufacture, supply and installation of smart bike hangars with mobile app access, to provide the seaside resort with a total fleet of 150 bike hangars, equalling 900 secure on-street cycle parking spaces.The 18 month programme involved installing bike hangars across Brighton within four different tranches, at 39 different locations, with hangar number 150 installed on Langdale Road, Hove last week.Each futuristic bike hangar provides Brighton residents with quick and easy accessibility via the users smartphone. The user simply downloads the app, registers for a space, is granted accessibility via the back office and then can access their chosen hangar within seconds. For users without a smartphone, a physical key can be supplied instead.As well as manufacture and installation, Falco is also providing a fully managed service with both app and key rental management for the residents and bike hangar maintenance on behalf of the Brighton & Hove City Council Highways and Infrastructure team.The bike hangars have been extremely popular since installation began in the summer of 2022. More than 95% of spaces have been allocated to residents and over 2000 people are on a waiting list.The programme here at Brighton & Hove, marks the UK’s first ever smart bike hangar scheme roll-out, with a shift towards app and mobile advancement, providing fast and easy access with a users smartphone and completely eliminating the need for physical keys or swipe cards.The smart FalcoPod bike hangar as shown here in Brighton, is a simple and effective facility designed to meet the needs of cyclists who don’t have access to private cycle parking facilities. Operating like a giant bread bin, each hangar is a secure and lockable unit capable of accommodating up to six bikes each and unlike traditional cycle shelters and cycle hubs, the bike hangar can be located directly on residential streets, to provide users with a convenient, directly accessible, cycle parking facility.For more information about the FalcoPod Bike Hangar, the FalcoPod Bike Hangar service or your cycle parking scheme, please contact our helpful sales team on 01538 380080. 

The IBIS Manchester airport is a comfy convenient hotel close to Manchester airport offering all the luxuries you require before or after travelling. In July 2020, Wirquin assisted in a refurbishment of the hotel and provided Initio frames. The Initio was the obvious option for this refurbishment offering the perfect solution for compact spaces in the hotel rooms. Wirquin have a range of push plates available to match the Initio frame in varies designs and colours, IBIS opted for a white hoop design which matched the bathrooms of the hotel rooms perfectly.The large front panel means there is easy access for maintenance. This accessibility means the Initio is perfect for hospitality. Should there be any issues, it is easily accessed and maintenance can be carried our with little to no disruption. The Initio also boasts a durable metallic structure which is coated in a anti corrosion solution and tested up to 400kg. 

The Lucent Development creates balance that boosts productivity and wellbeing.Lucent W1 is quite literally built around nature, with a tree towering in the central atrium and an internal green wall that stretches the full height of the world-famous external lights. The innovative Fletcher Priest design has created offices that are cocooned away from the surrounding city, while 20 terraces allow panoramic views across the capital.For this design, Selo used the Quarda Riser Door which are the most high-performance metal riser doorsets. Perfect for concealing fire-rated riser doors, access panels, and internal doors in corridors, landings, and other access areas; Quadra+ is supplied as an integral, four-sided frame and door system, pre-constructed to form a single robust unit. Ideal for hidden commercial access solutions, Quadra+ is designed and manufactured to the highest standards.

The world’s leading museum of art and design, the V&A Museum, appointed Consultancy Webb Yates to carry out significant design upgrade work to its ventilation systems to provide heating and cooling for the staff kitchen and back of house area. A small window provided the only access point to the installation area in the courtyard. S&P UK was selected to supply a heat recovery unit that could fit through the small access point and meet the bespoke requirements of the building

Creating secure access for an office building that offers flexible workspaces in the heart of Glasgow's financial sector.

Neath Port Talbot Borough Council contacted Frontier Pitts to upgrade an existing road blocker and tag system. The existing system had been installed for over twenty years.The Road Blockers are used to permit access for buses only, through an area where other vehicles have previously used the road as a bypass to avoid other traffic hotspots in the area.The Tag System Technology has progressed greatly in the last twenty years, and the Council were keen to upgrade the system. The same system is also installed and has been in use at Swansea University since 2018. This was to ensure vehicles from both sites could use the same tags across both access control systems.There was also an issue with vandalism in the area, so consideration had to be given to ensure the readers are installed appropriately, to avoid damage.The BenefitsVehicle can be detected at up to 10 metresUHF vehicle tags are inexpensive and easy to fit to vehiclesAvoids the need for manned gatesPrevents unauthorised vehicle accessUsing the same technology readers expanded the system enabling buses to access both sitesThe SolutionFrontier Pitts worked with Nortech Controls who recommended the uPASS Target readers. The readers have a read range of 10 metres so they could be mounted on high access control posts, to solve the problem of vandalism.Neath Port Talbot Council said: “After twenty years of maintenance and support, our local traffic control system needed to be upgraded. We are pleased we could work with Frontier Pitts and Nortech Controls again with the new installation.”

The Ascent Aluminium companionway / ships ladder system was specified to create a permanent safe access route to the roof of refrigeration units within Aldi stores for maintenance personnel. A companionway was chosen as it is deemed preferable to a vertical ladder where frequent access is required. The ladder designed in accordance with BS 4211:2005 + A1 2008 was manufactured in accordance with CE 1090 factory production control procedures. The ladders have been installed within around 700 stores across the UK.

The school themselves chose us to supply and install 15 ceiling track hoist systems on this project. It was completely new building that would facilitate pupils with complex medical needs and autism, so creating an accessible, safe, secure environment was incredibly important. Through the entire design process, we made sure that our hoist systems would be providing the safest, easiest accessible solution to all students. Find out more about how we did it over on our website.

The Barking Central Development project in the Thames Gateway used Howe Green’s 7500 Series access panels to cover vital building services on a colonnade walkway. The durable 7500 Series covers were used to provide access to building services beneath the walkway. The covers are corrosion and weather resistant, a crucial element given their outdoor location. Specialist contractors DMC Group inlaid the surface of the covers with chequered tiling to follow the pattern of the rest of the walkway and to result in an excellent aesthetic finish.

GRAHAM construction specified a number of Howe Green’s 5000 Series Floor Access Covers for the £19 million refurbishment of Lews Castle. The light duty aluminium covers were specified to provide access to underfloor services, located within the corridors on the first floor of the castle. The covers were specified with a brass edge, giving a high level of aesthetic appeal, and then infilled with carpet or ceramic tiles depending on their location. The brass show edge is continuously secured which means there are no fasteners to rust or break.

Challenge The Hexagon is a well established multi purpose venue, in the heart of Reading that was built in 1977. As well as drama productions, it hosts a range of events such as Dance, Comedy, Classical Music, Rock and Pop concerts. The venue can hold up to 1600 people, with much of the capacity arranged in levels of banked arena-style seating with stepped access. The nature of the performances at the venue mean access up and down these stairways by patrons is often in low light levels which means there is a risk of slips and falls.

Bloomberg’s European Headquarters opened with excitement in October 2017. The marquee building in the heart of London provides new office space for Bloomberg’s 4000 London based employees. We installed over 37,000m2 of Kingspan raised access flooring and 34,000m2 of Kingspan Attiro real wood engineered floor. The combined systems allow quick and easy access to the steel encapsulated floor panels and the underfloor void whilst delivering 98.5% score against the BREEAM sustainability assessment method.

THE PROJECTRasGas is one of Qatar’s leading energy companies and one of the most innovative and successful businesses in the global liquefied natural gas industry. To increase the secure handling and storage of the companies mail, The Safety Letterbox Company Ltd, were tasked with providing an effective answer to eliminate the problems in losing and misplacing their post.The sorting and distribution of the mail was time consuming and there were no secure measures in place regarding access and privacy to sensitive mail being distributed around the company. The solution was provided and installed by The Safety Letterbox Company taking all their needs into consideration. Incoming mail would be posted into individual mailboxes via a letterflap and then retrieved by the recipient of the mail via a digital locking system. This would have the effect of cutting out the use of keys and increasing security when using the mailbox (as codes could be changed and updated as employees left the company).Outgoing mail was accommodated in larger individual freestanding posting boxes, with access via the digital locking system. Standalone battery operated digital locks provides the user with immediate and simple keypad access without the need for a key. Users have the flexibility to set and change their personal entry code whilst a pre-set master code ensures that supervisor access is available at all times.

Wheelchair accessible picnic units have been designed for an outdoor seating and dining area at a students' union.

The Störmede Rittergut, a manorial estate in Geseke, North-Rhine-Westphalia, is a special location for conferences and private events. On its extensive grounds, alongside the listed buildings, a modern hotel has been erected. Behind a wood-clad façade, 55 highly modern and simultaneously very comfortable rooms can be found. Already in the foyer the guest is met by a warm atmosphere, something contributed to not least by the use of great expanses of wood, a friendly colour palette and stylish furniture. The style of the house has been logically extended: high quality and modern, but still inviting feelings of pleasure.A subtle and well-chosen selection of furnishings spreads the harmonious impression throughout the house. In every room, in the semi-public toilet facilities and in the spa area, KEUCO fittings and accessories can be found. They underline the fine, high-quality tone of the interior design. The slender EDITION 400 fittings match the single or double basins harmoniously. IXMO fittings by KEUCO were chosen for the showers because of their minimalist appearance. The special thing about IXMO: the fittings unite several functions in the smallest possible space with a minimalist design. In this way, the Hotel Rittergut Störmede maintains a clear and comprehensible appearance in its showers. IXMO SOLO, a clever combination of single-lever mixer and wall outlet for shower hose in a single unit, is particularly impressive for its ease of use. The consistently modern approach continues in the WC accessories in the bathrooms. Here, the well designed forms and high-quality surfaces of EDITION 400 accessories by KEUCO set a special tone.The Hotel Rittergut Störmede exudes a unique atmosphere with its historical roots and, thanks to its excellent furnishings, offers the guest an extra special stay.

Boyco were commissioned to supply and install cloakroom fittings and Waterfall® anti-drip worktops for a two-classroom extension at Bro Alun primary school in North Wales. The results are impressive.“The architect had never used us before, but was keen to specify our products, which was very pleasing,” said Boyco Regional Manager Kevin Bond, explaining the background to our project to supply and fit coat hooks and bag trays, and anti-drip worktops for a two-classroom extension at Ysgol Bro Alun in Gwersyllt.The made-to-measure cloakroom fittings were fully assembled when delivered, meaning less time spent on site for installation. They were available in the school’s colours and came with a lifetime guarantee, as well as having an anti-microbial finish.The project took just four months from initial enquiry to handover. As well as the architect’s own research, our early collaboration with stakeholders (including the school headmaster) to discuss the project and review samples helped avoid potential issues.The initial site survey also identified opportunities for Boyco to add value, based on our considerable experience and deep understanding of the education sector. Initially tasked with supplying our Waterfall® laminate worktops, which have a ‘bull-nosed’ edge to prevent spills and drips, we proposed incorporating a handwash basin into the scope of works to avoid potentially expensive design changes and/or retrofittingSince the successful completion of the project, Boyco have been added to Read Construction’s approved supplier list.I was really impressed with the scheme and the furniture installed. Read Construction also said how positive it was working with Boyco.Lawray Architects

IntroductionAshcombe School was in desperate need of a washroom refurbishment as it was falling into disrepair and was fuelling student behaviour issues. They also required more cubicles, and there was often an unbalanced demand between the boys and the girls.Our SolutionFirstly, Brookhouse needed to understand Ashcombe's pains and create a design to eliminate these as best as possible. It quickly became apparent that they needed a unisex school washroom open to the corridor to create extra space and to mitigate behaviour issues. Many existing toilets were not working, so they needed this completed as soon as possible. The half-term break was identified as a week to carry out the demolition works. The location of the school washroom refurbishment was on the primary school corridor. With the project being carried out during term time, it was essential to ensure this was carefully managed to ensure safeguarding and to cause as little disturbance as possible.We created a design concept with full height cubicles to reduce the issues they were having and specified a trough and automatic infrared taps and soap dispensers to stop the students from filling up the basins and making them overflow. The solid grade laminate school washroom system has a floor & ceiling track to achieve privacy and create an extremely robust washroom that will last for years to come. All fittings are also bolted through to ensure no damage to the laminate.We ProvidedWashroom Design & ConsultancySpace Planning/3D VisualsProject ManagementFull height Solid Grade Laminate School Washroom CubiclesFull Height Solid Grade Laminate IPSButton Flush CisternsDecoration & Hygiene Wall CladdingSolid Surface TroughVinyl FlooringAutomatic Taps and Soap DispensersFull replacement of plumbing worksElectrics and LightingVentilationDDA toilet

The washrooms at this stunning hotel, feature accessible bathroom fixtures and fittings from our Fitzroy of London Gosfield collection.

A single storey timber frame house, based on Passivhaus principals with specialised wheelchair access, situated in Fife, Scotland.

The White City project consists of a 35 storey tower and two 19 storey towers. Two of the buildings are set within a lagoon water feature which cascades towards the lower landscaped gardens surrounding the site. The project is due for completion in 2022. The development will provide 526 private apartments.Quadra is the most complete high-performance metal riser doorsets.Perfect for concealing fire-rated riser doors, access panels, and internal doors in corridors, landings, and other access areas; Quadra+ is supplied as an integral, four-sided frame and door system, pre-constructed to form a single robust unit. Ideal for hidden commercial access solutions, Quadra+ is designed and manufactured to the highest standards.A design innovation – Quadra+ is the original riser doorset from Selo, now featuring an Adjustable Frame to enhance installation speed and fire compliance. The screw-operated adjuster bolts allow for simple and secure Quadra+ frame installation.

Nestled in the heart of London's prestigious Mayfair district.80 New Bond Street stands as a beacon of elegance and luxury. This iconic address is renowned for its exclusive boutiques, high-end galleries, and renowned auction houses, making it a coveted destination for discerning shoppers and art enthusiasts alike. With its historic architecture and contemporary allure, 80 New Bond Street encapsulates the essence of sophistication, offering a unique blend of heritage and modernity.Completed in 2024, it has created new office spaces and has incorporated a sophisticated, spacious reception area.Throughout the development, our flagship product Quadra + was used. It is perfect for concealing fire-rated riser doors, access panels, and internal doors in corridors, landings, and other access areas; Quadra+ is supplied as an integral, four-sided frame and door system, pre-constructed to form a single robust unit. Ideal for hidden commercial access solutions, Quadra+ is designed and manufactured to the highest standards.

The Stannah Midilift SL platform lift was specified by Phil Walker, client agent for Wicstun Veterinary Group: “The new-build practice in Market Weighton needed supplementary access to bring it into line with current access-for-all legislation. Stannah was our first-choice lift company as they are local, which supports our build policy of sourcing local suppliers wherever possible. They are also an established UK company with a lengthy track record—just the reassurance needed that we would get the best lift solution for the job!”

A bespoke up and over garage door designed and manufactured by Rundum Meir has brought 21st century functionality, access and security to a Grade II listed property in Belgravia. One objective of the renovation project sought to improve access to the garage, which faces a desirable residential street close to Eaton Square Gardens. The transformation had to be done in a way that was sympathetic to the local architecture and compliant with the house’s listed status. The garage doors of the properties lining this cobblestone street are fine examples of the 19th century coach house tradition.