"hoists for accessibility"

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…

The initial design consultation took place in February 2015 and owing to the complex nature of the building, the pitch of the roof, the angled internal ceilings and seamless patient transfer requirements from room to room, it was clear that a fully co-ordinated design approach was required.Throughout the design and subsequent construction phase, the Guldmann team adopted the 4 C’s method (Coordination, Cooperation, Collaboration and Communication), to realise the optimum specification, installation and various commercial benefits with all of the stakeholders (including the site team RG Carter), to deliver the hoist systems as agreed by EACH.In total, a mixture of 22 GH3 and 3 GH3+ ceiling hoists were installed in 27 rooms, with Combi-lock systems incorporated to enable effortless transfers between rooms.The award-winning GH3 ceiling hoist is a unique lifting module with a simple yet elegant design that is user-friendly and powerful enough to handle lifting and moving procedures in all professional care settings. The GH3 module also charges itself through the rails in the bedrooms, ensuring that the hoist is always ready to use.The GH3+ lifting module offers a number of more specialised advancements over the standard GH3, allowing Guldmann, when required, to tailor a hoisting system to a facilities specific needs.Tailoring includes adding modules such as an Integrated Weigh Scale or Care Lift Management (CLM) which can be used for monitoring and improving procedures for safe patient handling and for optimising resource planning.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Premier Loft Ladders has helped Horizon Construction provide a safe and convenient access solution to a 1st floor plant room within a premium car showroom. What made this project particularly challenging was the 1.8m deep ceiling void. In addition, the access point was also in a prominent location outside the showroom offices. The solution was a bespoke Supreme heavy duty loft ladder. It offered a safe, discrete and easy-to-use solution for access to the car dealership plant room.Read the full case study...

Installed Integra 4000 single & multi-leaf riser doors and Vision 8000 stone clad riser doors at St James's Square.

VISION 8000 Non fire rated doors were installed at Hamad International Airport.These were a bespoke specification to feature in the stone tiled walls.

Paxton10 Provides Expandable, Cost-effective Security Solution for Newly Refurbished Offices.The Corsham Street building in Shoreditch, East London has recently undergone an extensive refurbishment and modernisation by its owners. The site currently functions as a multi-occupancy space, housing a gym and multiple offices. These spaces are rented on short or long-term contracts to a variety of businesses.

Soleco Steel Door Frames have been successfully installed in numerous buildings worldwide. You will find further information on the sites where these frames have been implemented here.

This is the new sleek and inconspicuous cycle hub recently designed, manufactured, supplied and installed by Falco at Hackney Central Overground Station.Greeting commuters to the west of the station, the 10m cycle hub has been fitted with a combination of both reinforced safety glass and sustainable hardwood cladding.A series of 48 spaces of the FalcoLevel-Premium+ two-tier cycle rack have been installed along with a FalcoFix 2.0 cycle repair station, LED lighting, CCTV security, branding graphics, a green sedum roof and secure mobile app access. Falco also installed five separate TfL London cycle stands located outside of the cycle hub.The green sedum roof, an increasingly popular feature for Falco shelters, supports the operators sustainable development plan by providing the many advantages associated with green roof systems as well as insulation for both heat and noise. A sedum roof both reduces water discharge as well as compensating for CO2 emissions.The FalcoSmart mobile app access system uses Bluetooth technology to provide Hackney commuters with secure access to the cycle hub using their own smartphone or tablet, removing the need for physical keys and fobs. Commuters are able to apply for access to the hub via Falco and having downloaded the ‘App’ are given access rights to the cycle hub for a period of time depending on their subscription.The images attached show the new cycle hub addition, installed to the west of the station, on Graham Road.Hackney Central is a railway station located on the North London Line within Greater London, serving 4.3m annual passengers.   Falco cycle hubs can also incorporate a world of features including; smart LED lighting, green sedum roofs, CCTV and Help Point facilities as well as numerous other cost-effective features for the cyclist such as lock holders, helmet lockers, seating and bike repair facilities.For more information about the FalcoHub cycle store, a demonstration of the FalcoSmart app-based lock, the FalcoPod bike hangar or any other Falco product, then please speak to one of our friendly customer service staff on 01538 380080.

Hinxton Hall Conference Centre is located within the grounds of the Wellcome Genome Campus in Cambridge. Accessibility requirements are constantly being reviewed with a view to enhancing the experience of anyone using the Conference Centre spaces. The latest of these involved the installation of a Stannah CR inclined platform lift in the Francis Crick Auditorium. 

Glazing Vision’s three-wall box rooflight has provided a rooftop with more de rigueur, and one which takes advantage of the spectacular views overlooking the Perth shorelines.Keen to unlock and utilise the space on top of this newly built residential home, and further add value to this property, an innovative “glass box” was introduced to provide easy access to the roof terrace.Luxurious, modern and upbeat, this new build property has been carefully created with family life in mind. The floor plan involves family separation and considered zoning of the property.The ground floor provides a secluded escape from the excitement of the first floor, with a detailed layout which enables the clients to relax. A big theatre room and access to the garden offers a chilled out environment, hidden away from neighbours.The first floor is created for living in, with a completely open planned lounge, diner and kitchen. Set higher up, it allows for views across the beach and over the garden courtyard. Thus, it was important to ensure that high quality glazing was specified throughout to make the most of the wonderful views.Tasked with sourcing and installing the windows and doors on this modern new build property, Next Generation Glass director Steve Payne mentions how the client had come to them enquiring about skylights. After a lot of research into the different profiles available in Australia and after various different drawings and ideas, the outcome wasn’t looking good.It was a visit to the UK which led Steve to Glazing Vision, thankful of a recommendation from a contact of his. “Since my first contact, we decided it was a great product and became a distributor of Glazing Vision products in Australia”.After discussing the details of the job, a three wall box rooflight was recommended, helping to provide access to the clients roof terrace and providing wonderful views of the majestic presence of the Indian Ocean in the background.“It really is a great product and all that see it are in awe of it” explains Steve Payne, director of Next Generation Glass.The Glazing Vision three-wall box rooflight is fixed to your existing building structure, thereby facilitating the full use of the roof top terrace but operates in the same way as our freestanding box rooflight. The sleek aluminium framework and perfectly edged glass-to-glass joints create a stunning contemporary finished design which reflects the style of this property.This home’s rooftop terrace is the culmination of meticulous tweaking of the planning codes, and the reward is breath-taking views of Perth, with a beautiful backdrop of the ocean behind. It was in fact these planning codes which guided them towards the three-wall box rooflight, as the extra head height was required when coming up the stairs. Also allowing the homeowner to climb the stairwell whilst the rooflight is retracting into its open position, without having to ‘bow their head’.Fitted with minimal and contemporary outdoor furniture to increase the sense of openness. The new roof top allows the homeowner an additional ‘room with a view’, perfect for entertaining or for relaxing and enjoying the stunning views on offer.Having completed their first project with Glazing Vision, Steve Payne mentions how easy the whole process was, and that most of the hard work was undertaken by Glazing Vision. It was a simple installation process for a company like Next Generation Glass who are used to cranes in their scope of works.

Skydoor Roof Access Rooflight Has Helped Open The Roof Space Of Beautiful Holiday Home Located In Michigan Case Study

Timber Window Project: Restoring Charm to a Matlock CottageDiscover how Gowercroft successfully transformed Robert Jones's quaint stone cottage in Matlock with high-quality timber windows and doors.A Challenging Derbyshire CottageWhen Robert Jones approached Gowercroft for his cottage renovation in Matlock, they faced an intriguing challenge. His 200-square-meter, 5-bedroom cottage nestled into a Derbyshire hillside, offering stunning countryside views. The property had three stories at the front but only one at the rear, with the ground floor patio situated atop an integral garage.Robert aimed to breathe new life into the neglected property by undertaking a comprehensive refit, including new electrics, bathrooms, stairs, carpets, roofing, garage, and replacement doors and windows. He sought a renovation that honoured the local aesthetics, using durable traditional materials like English slate for the roof and energy-efficient timber windows and patio doors to maximise the scenic vistas.Meeting the ChallengeAccess to the property posed a considerable challenge due to its location on a sharp bend with a steep incline at the end of a winding country road. The installation of oversized windows and doors seemed daunting, but Gowercroft embraced the challenges with creative solutions.Gowercroft crafted and installed eleven Hardwick flush casement windows, a Peveril lift and slide patio door, two floor-to-ceiling fixed light windows, an Accoya® front door, and a timber Melbourne stable door at the side. The lift and slide patio doors and glazed screens had to feature 6mm-thick glass to ensure structural integrity, making each unit weigh approximately 200 kilograms.Given the size and weight of the units, manual handling was impractical. Gowercroft enlisted a specialist contractor with a telehandler to navigate the steep drive and hoist the units into place. Additional personnel joined the effort."The job demanded teamwork, meticulous planning, and coordination with the ongoing building work as we removed the old windows and adjusted the existing openings," Robert explained.Exceeding ExpectationsThroughout the installation, unforeseen challenges arose, including the need to cut away patio paving slabs blocking the original patio doors and repositioning the door frame to accommodate the new Accoya® front door. Gowercroft even provided window boards for the new openings.Robert praised the Gowercroft team for their exceptional dedication and problem-solving attitude, stating, "I can't speak highly enough of the Gowercroft team. They tackled every obstacle and challenge with a 'can-do' spirit."Gowercroft's commitment to quality craftsmanship and their ability to navigate complex installations allowed Robert Jones to transform his Matlock cottage into a charming and energy-efficient retreat that perfectly complements its picturesque surroundings.

Stocks Hall Nursing & Care Group have homes all over the UK, and they were opening a new one in Mawdesley, Lancashire. This home was designed specifically for people living with complex physical disabilities and plus size patients. Our designers worked closely with the owners to design a flexible, thorough hoist systems that would deliver for patients throughout the building, no matter how much their needs vary. We installed a total of 20 X-Y inset overhead hoist systems connecting private rooms to en-suites and assisted bathrooms. Take a closer look on our website!

Falco began the roll-out of the UK’s first ever series of smart bike hangars with integrated mobile app access for Brighton & Hove City Council, providing the seaside resort with a total fleet of 100 next generation bike hangars, equalling 600 secure on-street cycle parking spaces.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.The images attached show the new smart residential bike hangar installations, supplied with bespoke Brighton & Hove City Council branding graphics, installed across Brighton at locations including Queen’s Park Road, Scotland Street, King’s Road, Coventry Street, Belgrave Street, Hamilton Road and Hythe Road.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 Falco Rentals website enables Brighton residents to look for free spaces in the bike hangar network, book an available space and pay online, all in one place. The Falco Rentals website also provides a useful video along with other ideas and tips on safely looking after a bike.In addition to the Bike Hangars for Brighton & Hove City Council shown here, Falco also provides a fully managed service of Bike Hangars for a number of other Council’s including the London Borough Westminster, London Borough of Brent, London Borough of Camden, London Borough of Southwark and the London Borough of Merton.The smart FalcoPod bike hangar as shown here in Brighton, is a simple and effective cycle parking facility designed to meet the needs of cyclists who don’t have access to private cycle parking facilities. Operating like a giant bread bin, each hangar is a secure and lockable unit capable of accommodating up to six bikes each.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. 

This is the latest cycle hub designed, manufactured, supplied and installed by Falco as part of a new regeneration at Walkden Railway Station. Boosting sustainable travel access for Walkden residents, the new cycle hub has been commissioned by Salford City Council to help combat congestion, provide dedicated off-street parking and provide greater cycling accessibility to and from the station.The 12m x 4.5m bespoke shelter is based on the UK’s most popular cycle hub design - the FalcoHub and features secure cycle parking for up to 32 bikes, utilising traditional Sheffield cycle stands. The steelwork of the roof has been powder coated in a ‘Traffic Blue’ RAL colour, whilst the rest of the steelwork has been powder coated in a seperate ‘Squirrel Grey’ RAL colour. LED lighting with a occupancy sensor has been fitted to the roof alongside bespoke branding graphics which have been applied to the toughened safety glass cladding.The new cycle hub makes use of the FalcoSmart app-based locking system, which uses Bluetooth technology to activate the locking mechanism from the users smart phone or tablet, with the benefit that they no longer need to carry keys or fobs. Cyclists are able to apply for access to the hub via the Council and having downloaded the ‘App’ are given access rights to the cycle hub for a period of time depending on their subscription.The system has a fully automated back office enabling the administrator to register new locks for new cycle stores as well as adding new users and creating groups and assigning rights. A huge benefit to the local authority is that they are able for the first time ever to assess usage of a cycle parking facility, directly from the back-office app information.The cycle hub was developed by Falco’s in house design team to ensure it met the client’s specification including structural calculations to meet the EN 1090 CPR requirements of UK law.For more information regarding the cycle hub scheme at Walkden Station or any other product from our cycle parking and shelter portfolio, please contact our helpful sales team on 01538 380080.

Information on how to choose the rooflight that is best for you, all in stock, FREE delivery.

When it comes to deciding upon the correct skylight solution for your property, there are a lot of different options available to you. Selecting the right type of skylight is essential to ensure the highest possible levels of light enters the room alongside providing you with the most cost effective option for your requirements. In an effort to try and assist you, we have briefly detailed the most popular options available.

1. Measure your existing kerb; 2. Confirm new dome compatibility with your dome supplier; 3. Choose and purchase your new dome; 4. Remove the existing dome and its frame from the kerb; 5. Secure your new skylight frame to the kerb; 6. Attach the new dome to the frame. For the best result we strongly recommend getting a seasoned roofer, builder or window fitter involved when fitting rooflights. However, if you are to carry out the installation yourself, we are here to guide you along the way.

When it comes to buildings, there are two main types. Those which have been designed to be sustainable, and those which have not. Developing a sustainable structure is not always an easy task, but it is something that everyone should aspire to do. But how do we design a sustainable building, and what even is one?

Abu Dhabi Airport Company signed a contract for the construction of infrastructure integral to the Abu Dhabi International Airport expansion. The project was set to be delivered across multiple work fronts including airside and landside airport operational areas. Surespan was asked to supply a number of 2-hour fire-rated, FACTA Class AA, SAC floor hatches with a free-standing guard rail to three sides and a hinged gate. In addition to this, a number of Grade 304 Stainless Steel roof hatches with a unique ‘sandblasted’ finish and built-on non-penetrative SureGuard hand railing were also supplied.

Kielder Observatory Surespan designed and manufactured two sets of bespoke double leaf hatch doors for the Kielder Observatory located in England’s largest forest in Northumberland.  The ProjectAs part of the Kielder Art and Architecture program, Charles Barclay Architects designed Kielder Observatory for the Forestry Commission. The all-timber observatory was constructed from Douglas fir with larch cladding, the pier-like building has rotating turrets that house two permanent telescopes and an observation deck. The turrets can be rotated through 360 degrees.The observatory generates its energy using a wind turbine and photovoltaic panels and includes a composting toilet. The observatory has received 2009 awards from the RIBA and The Civic Trust and featured in the inaugural World Architecture Festival.  The ProductSurespan design and manufactured two sets of bespoke double leaf hatch doors for the roof and the front of the Observatory’s two rotating turrets – one to house a 20” Pulsar manual telescope and the other for a small Mead 14” telescope.  FeaturesThese hatches are electrically operated and have been specially designed to open in a specific sequence using remote control via 24v dc actuators.      

The Ambient Assisted Living Lab (AAL) within Heriot-Watt University and the University of Edinburgh’s acclaimed National Robotarium, aims to revolutionise the way assisted living care in the UK is delivered in the community using robotics and AI. With its purpose-built facilities within a recreated home setting, scientists, and engineers within the AAL will collaboratively research and create robotic and smart technology solutions in its open and remote access living lab, helping improve the physical and mental wellbeing of people with assisted living needs who want to live independently.Sharing this ethos of improving people’s wellbeing through design, Pressalit has been leading the way in assisted living technologies for the bathroom and kitchen for almost fifty years. Pressalit was therefore delighted to be asked to contribute to the inspiring work being carried out at the National Robotarium, the UK’s largest and most advanced centre for robotics and artificial intelligence, which recently opened in Edinburgh.Featured in the AAL is the Pressalit PLUS track system, which allows vertical and horizontal adjustment of different bathroom products. This bathroom is equipped with plenty of our products like the PLUS shower seat, PLUS support arms, and our MATRIX SMALL wash basin with integrated handrail, to name a few. The room can be configured to suit individual user and carer requirements, optimising space for wheelchair or carer access, whilst also future proofing the room.Meanwhile, Pressalit’s height adjustable INDIVO kitchen system brings a sense of independence to daily tasks in the kitchen and dining room. With a simple press of a button, sink and hob worktop heights can be adjusted to suit standing and seated users, and wall cupboards can be brought within easy reach. Tasks from washing up, cooking and preparing food, to sharing a meal at the table, can be carried out in an environment that is safe, comfortable and inclusive.Adam Southcott, Sales and Training Consultant from Pressalit, explains:”Assisted technologies form the future. Pressalit's knowledge and expertise in developing both bathroom and kitchen systems has brought independence to many individuals' homes and social care settings. We are delighted to be associated with the National Robotarium and the research it undertakes. By combining technologies in the AAL environment, individuals, carers, care homes and social care professionals have a unique opportunity to gain a greater understanding of the innovative solutions that are available, now and in the future, to help transform daily routines and enhance independent living.”

The Ascent Aluminium fixed ladder access system was specified to create a permanent safe access route to the roof for maintenance personnel. As the overall height exceeds 10m the ladder was required to be broken with a mid-height rest platform ensuring no single ladder length exceed 6m. Hoops were provided throughout for fall protection, an anti-climb plate was fitted at the base. The ladder was designed in accordance with BS 4211:2005+A1 2008 and the ladder was manufactured in accordance with CE 1090 factory production control procedures.

A triplex of customised Stannah lifts are delivering vital office access and goods movement in the Record Store, an Art Deco, former record-pressing factory and part of the £250m regeneration of The Old Vinyl Factory, erstwhile home of record label EMI, in West London. The triplex operates in wall-mounted shafts in the spacious lift lobby, an integral part of the compact, central core. Their design supports an efficient blueprint, also minimising the structural impact on the building. This core also doubles as a fire-fighting shaft, comprising a firefighting stair, mechanically ventilated firefighting lobby and a firefighting lift.

Project:Architects Foster + Partners approached Surespan to design and manufacture two roof hatches for Circle Hospital Bath – the new centre of clinical excellence due to open in late 2009. Product:The huge single-leaf glazed roof hatches are electrically operated by push button switches, one hatch incorporating a side door. The high spec glazed lid is supported by heavy-duty aluminium hinges and features an integral ‘wrap over’ edge, incorporating double unbroken EPDM seals. The hatches offer a high level of thermal insulation against heat loss and condensation, together with excellent sound absorption properties.

Due to a high demand from our valued customers, we are proud to announce the latest product to our range - electric meter cover. Our Fire Rated Overboxes are a retrofit solution for keeping your gas and electrical meters safe from fire and tamper. These are ideally suited for refurbishment and newbuild products for multi-occupancy properties such as apartment blocks.

The Flat Glass Skylight allows you to enjoy natural daylight. The skylight will provide you with a clean appearance in the external roof scope, the toughened outer glass pane has a ceramic edge coating giving you an immaculate and stylish finish. The range comes complete a 160mm high vertical insulated PVC kerb/ upstand. The slim aluminium frame has a internal thermal break allowing it to be energy efficient whilst also reducing the risk of internal condensation. The skylight comes complete with fixing screws which once installed are fully concealed beneath a flush cover creating a sleek and tidy external appearance.

Planning Permission is not usually required for loft conversions, however, please remember to take the appropriate advice before carrying out any works to your property. You will also need to consider Building Regulation Approval which may be required. Again, it is best to seek professional advice before carrying out any works to your property. It can be a costly exercise in the beginning but if you do not get the appropriate advice from the start then this can end up costing you much more in the long run.

More and more people are opting to stay at their current property and to extend rather than move. This is down to several reasons, but on the most part due to the increasing cost which are involved in moving home. With the ever-increasing property prices this has pushed up the cost of Estate Agents’ fees and Stamp Duty – and it is the latter which can really deter people from moving.