"play equipment for the disabled"

Are you looking for a fun and exciting playground experience for the kids visiting your hotel or camping ground? Take a look at this example in the themed playground on the Greek island of Rhodes! Situated within the Atlantica Dreams Resort in Gennadi village, this playground is beautifully located right on the beach overlooking the crystal clear waters of the Aegean sea.Santa Maria ship acts as the centrepieceThe Santa Maria ship is the centrepiece of this playground and offers numerous play opportunities for children of different ages including slides, towers, play panels, and climbing ropes. Surrounding Santa Maria is other play equipment for toddlers such as sea-themed seesaws, swings, and a playhouse. Lappset Nonstop benches complete this playground allowing parents to sit and relax while their kids ‘sail away’ on Santa Maria!This impressive project was executed and completed by INTEC in 2018. It is sure to provide hours of entertainment for the little visitors of the resort!

This year, the playgrounds in Kazincbarcika are being beautified again. The refurbishment across the city's 22 playgrounds began this spring with the replacement of rubber coatings and the refurbishment of sandboxes, followed by the necessary repairs to equipment and structural elements. The work is expected to be completed by autumn.With the arrival of spring weather, many are eager to spend time outdoors, and families with young children enjoy spending time on playgrounds. Among the city residents we surveyed, many consider the area around the Boating Lake a prime destination due to its proximity to nature and the presence of a playground nearby.It is important that children can play in the safest, well-maintained environment possible. Barcika Park Nonprofit Ltd. is responsible for the operation of 22 playgrounds, which include 220 play equipment. The company's staff continuously repair any detected faults and deficiencies, and they annually review the condition of the playground equipment. Some of the equipment is repaired on-site, while others are taken to their workshop for repairs after transportation.Parents can also assist the professionals with their observations through the city's official mobile app, KolorApp. Thanks to these reports, it was discovered that the rubber coatings on the playgrounds were worn and damaged, prompting the company to replace all of them for the safety of the children. Additionally, they regularly rake the sand surfaces, disinfect and refill the sandboxes, and refurbish or install new playground equipment, as communicated by Márton Rosza, the construction group leader at Barcika Park Nonprofit Ltd."The major replacements and repairs, for example, are taking place at the Barátság Square playground, the Völgy Street playground, the Instrument Technician Street playground, and in the Völgy Park. Currently, the replacement of spring toys, balance swings, and swinging swings is underway. We strive to show the residents potential innovations," stated the expert.Márton Rosza added: His colleagues also take care of emptying waste containers, managing green areas, caring for vegetation, and cleaning sandboxes, shock absorbers, and coatings. Safety is also ensured by a regulation that mandates a triennial review of the playgrounds, which is always performed by an expert company. Thus, everything necessary for uninterrupted and high-quality relaxation is available in Kazincbarcika. However, during the maintenance work, they ask for the patience and cooperation of the children and their parents.

When Uppsala Municipality was planning for Lina Sandells Park, they made sure to include input from the children in the area. Now, this park has become a playground paradise - offering a wide range of play options that are sure to spark the imaginations of young and old alike!Outdoor attractions for all agesOne highlight of this unique park is the Wall-Holla play equipment – a modular, space-saving playset. This flexible play structure consists of multiple climbing elements, slides, swings, ladders, and other interactive elements that provide a challenging and fun experience for all ages. It gives children an opportunity to explore their physical boundaries while also helping them develop motor skills, balance, and coordination.The upgraded facility also features an Interactive DJ table Fono, Chillout park benches with USB ports, and tables with chessboards to further stimulate its visitors. With such diverse attractions, visitors can guarantee that Lina Sandells Park will bring them unforgettable memories no matter their age!

DCM Surfaces were thrilled to be part of the ‘Lord of the Rings’ inspired playground at St Thomas’s School in Clapham.Blue Forest were the successful bidders in the contract for the play area, which included rope bridges, winding log walks, monkey bars, clamber nets, sunken tyre stepping stones, and a draw-bridge. As a long-standing customer, Blue Forest approached DCM to provide a natural looking surface which would complement the timber-style play equipment.Following the successful completion of the project, DCM has since worked with Blue Forest to install the play surface at Thomas’s Clapham sister school, Thomas’s Battersea, before the enrolment of Prince George in September.The Project Manager at Blue Forest commented:“From the office staff to the on-site installers, DCM worked hard to accommodate our requirements. They were punctual and remained until the job was done. Their quality of work is second to none and I would have no trouble recommending them.”

This playground in Singapore seamlessly blends play and sustainability. The natural, unpainted design complements its eco-friendly theme, making it an engaging and sustainable space for kids and caregivers.Mixing fun and sustainability were key factors in this playgroundIn Singapore, the Holy Grace Presbyterian Church Playground embodies the perfect union of play and sustainability. Designed meticulously for the church's kindergarten children, it features Flora playground equipment known for its sustainability and varying difficulty levels to nurture children's risk-taking abilities.Users appreciate the interactive features, diverse entry points, and a captivating bridge connecting towering slides.The benefits of a natural, unpainted option, align perfectly with the playground's nature-inspired design. This project showcases how thoughtful design creates an engaging, sustainable playground for children and caregivers alike.

We designed and installed a beautiful LEAP for a housing developer in Wickham, Hampshire, that added a fantastic new play area to the estate. Given the rural nature of the site, with a stream running adjacent to the park and wild meadows next door, a natural theme was required for the surfacing and equipment. Lappset’s Flora range was ideal for the setting, and a Spell Hill multiplay made for a fantastic centrepiece to the area. A Basket Swing, standard swings, springers, and junior multiplay completed the area, which was surfaced in a green blend TigerMulch mix.

We were delighted to complete this project for Worthing district council in Sussex, in the summer of 2023. Showcasing our Spiel Bau range of equipment, we installed a beautiful stainless steel multiplay structure, and stainless steel aerial runway. Fun colour combine with excellent play features, with the Mikado tower’s nets, slides, climbing walls and bridges giving children hours of endless fun. We surfaced the area with black with blue fleck wet pour rubber flooring. 

The recreational area needed an upgrade to increase the customer flow. Santa Maria is the centre of attention in the playground but it is also surrounded by other exciting play equipment such as interactive Sona.Adventure playground: A collaborative designA design team consisting of Ruben Hartmann of Lappset’s subsidiary Lappset Yalp in the Netherlands and Reima Mukkala, designer of Lappset's design team in Finland, helped the client with modifications of the standard product by adding play challenges for children over 6 years, such as extra bridge and rotating elements at the rear part of the ship. A huge rope pyramid construction was also connected to the ship. Ruben designed the entire play area in collaboration with the client.“The Santa Maria was the focal point of the play area. The design was drafted in close collaboration with the client, piece by piece. Actually, about 75 percent of our original design was approved by the customer already at the first meeting. The area design including the interactive play equipment Sona dance arch, surface solutions, and modifications of the Santa Maria proceeded easily together with the client. The entire play area is fully compliant with the EN 1176 safety standards.” says Ruben Hartmann of Yalp.The ship together with the interactive Sona – a dancing and music game device for the outdoors – was installed together with the surface material, artificial grass, in ten days. The installation required a team of a total of seven persons.The Santa Maria ship: A playground inspired by historySometimes history is the best source of inspiration for Lappset’s team of designers. In some other cases, the inspiration stems from contemporary features, like virtual gaming. One of the absolutely largest and most beloved standard playground products, the Santa Maria Ship, has its story deeply anchored in the history of the Italian adventurer Christopher Columbus.Christopher Columbus crossed the Atlantic Ocean on his largest vessel, La Santa María, built in Pontevedra, Galicia, in Spain’s northwest region. The ship was owned by Juan de la Cosa and launched in 1460. The ship ran aground onto a sandbank on Christmas Eve, the 25th of December in 1492, outside Cap-Haïtien in Haïti.The first Santa Maria playground ship by Lappset was raised at the beginning of the 1990s in Lisbon, to celebrate the famous seafarer’s voyages across the Atlantic. Ever since we have delivered similar playground ships to numerous locations in different parts of the world.

Every building requires a level of security. Whether it is high, medium or low risk is down to the individual business and what specific requirements they have.

We designed, supplied, installed, and surfaced this new playground in East London, with the project completing in December 2023. The customer was looking for strong, durable, and attractive looking equipment, and our stainless steel range from Spiel Bau was perfect for the requirement. Spiel Bau equipment comes with lifetime guarantees on stainless steel elements, and has been designed to provide excitement and challenge for children of all ages.The centrepiece unit, the Beeskow multiplay, features two decks linked by an inclined rope bridge, monkey bars, a fireman’s pole, traditional slide, rail slide, and an overhanging climbing wall. The stainless steel uprights combined with hardwood robinia decking and panelling gives a beautiful, architectural finish. The large size and wide variety of play features ensures a high number of children can use the structure at any one time, making it a great piece for parks in high use areas such as this.The multiplay was complimented by two stainless steel climbing frames, the first a crow’s nest look out tower and the second an linear, obstacle course style structure. A stainless steel rope end swing, Stainless Steel seesaw, Zip Wire, and two springers rounded off the equipment, all of which was surfaced by our inhouse surfacing teams with black and green fleck wet pour rubber. We loved working on this project, introducing high quality equipment and surfacing to a park in much need of redevelopment.

Delivered under the 21st Century Schools and Education Programme, the new Caldicot School building in Monmouthshire offer the innovative and flexible learning facilities demanded by a contemporary secondary school. There are spacious classrooms, a multi-use hall, theatre-style learning areas and studio spaces for students to study informally. The building is designed to be energy efficient and natural light has been optimised throughout. Monmouth Comprehensive is equipped with state of the art facilities. Rockfon acoustic products play a pivotal role in both schools by creating stimulating learning environments that are at the heart of the architect’s vision.

DYNAMIK installed the purpose built sprung flooring at Belle Vue Sports Village which is home to Basketball England, the National Governing Body for Basketball in England. As their Official Sports Flooring Partner, DYNAMIK has contributed to grass roots sport in terms of gifting sports equipment as well as being headline sponsors of the National Schools Basketball Championships. Coaches and teams were delighted to have played on a sports floor where professional athletes train and winners are made. DYNAMIK excel in providing the best solutions and provide free of charge quotations and school surveys.

Closomat has a proven track record in supply and installation of Changing Places facilities in healthcare settings. Changing Places are vital for disabled people with complex needs, providing safe and dignified access to an appropriate toilet when away from home.Closomat’s high-specification Changing Places facilities are robust and effective for high-traffic locations such as hospitals, medical centres and GP Surgeries. The company’s ability to deliver design advice, supply, installation, commissioning and maintenance across the ambit of accessible toileting equipment, means it is uniquely placed to simplify the whole process for public environments.Changing Places by Closomat can be found at the following:Darlington Memorial HospitalFinchley Memorial HospitalLeighton Hospital The facilities at Darlington Memorial Hospital and Leighton Hospital include the addition of British Standards recommended Closomat wash and dry toilet. The automatic toilet cleans and dries the user after flushing, enabling the facilities to support a wider range of patients and visitors and offering high levels of hygiene.

A four-storey office and laboratory facility at Oxford Science Park uses high-tech solar control glass. However, Maple still had an very important role to play. We supplied and installed a bespoke brise soleil system to further protect the interior from direct sunlight. It was an excellent example of collaboration between architect, contractor and supplier to find the most effective solution.“The use of our 3D modelling software and its compatibility with Vision Profiles’ CNC machining equipment helped reduce design time by 80% for the whole project,” said Maple project director Jay McGrath.

We completed this large redevelopment of this school’s playground in Ealing, West London, over the summer holidays. The teachers were looking for two separate zones for older and younger children, with the junior zone to feature challenging, stimulating equipment .The Lappset Motoric Track acted as a perfect centrepiece for the area, being able to entertain large numbers of users for busy break and lunch times. The 6 tower structure features interlinked climbing nets, rope bridges, fireman’s pole, a large slide, climbing panels, and much more, giving hours of endless fun. A space net climbing frame is positioned adjacent to the track, providing additional climbing and challenge for older aged children.The younger age zone is comprised of an exciting multiplay structure, natural themed trim trail, and two crawl tunnels under earth mounds.The equipment was constructed from glue laminate timber and green panelling, to blend in with the treelined surroundings of the play area. For the surfacing elements of the works, artificial grass was selected, to compliment the natural aesthetic. 

Disabled access was the driving force behind a leading motorcycle company’s decision to ramp up facilities at its new showroom. It’s been a year of success for Barrie Robson Motorcycles, a well-known prestige motorcycle dealer and BMW franchise in York. But with a newly-built premises the company needed to ensure that it gave disabled customers and staff top quality access by installing a Cibes UK lift. Kevin Fairburn is manager and joint owner at the dealership that opened its new headquarters a year ago after 30 years in business.

DCM Surfaces recently completed work on one of Europe’s most significant construction projects – the redevelopment of Prospect Park Playground at the legendary Battersea Power Station.Prospect Park took inspiration from the power station’s iconic chimneys and brickwork patterns and was designed to be a vision of colour. The playground features areas suitable for all ages, allowing children to discover fun new climbable elements as they age.Careys Construction was the successful bidder for the contract. Following a rigorous selection process based on quality, cost and Health and Safety, DCM Surfaces were selected to install the synthetic surfacing for the playground.As part of the redevelopment scheme, DCM installed over 500m2 of Wetpour at various depths and colours. DCM worked closely with the contractor and architect to ensure that the ground was correctly prepared before installation and that suitable Wetpour RAL colours were used to blend in with the surrounding architecture.Wetpour provided a soft, impact-absorbing layer and achieved the maximum 3m Critical Fall Height required around the timber play equipment. Eight colours of Wetpour were used with an aliphatic binder to create colourful surfaces around the play equipment area and ensure no discolouration of the play area over time.One of the critical challenges DCM faced working on the largest construction site in Europe was related to logistics. All haulage vehicles entering the area were required to be FORS Gold, and a ticketing system for the entry of deliveries often resulted in materials being held for long periods in the queuing system.Regardless of the delays in material deliveries, the installation took place within the tight time frame allocated.The Mayor of Wandsworth, who officially opened the new children’s playground, said:“I would like to congratulate all those involved in delivering this exciting outdoor space, which is a great addition to the new riverside neighbourhood created at Battersea Power Station. I’m sure many families and children from the local community will enjoy hours of fun here.”

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

We were delighted to have succeeded in a competitive tender to carry out the playground refurbishment works at Decoy Park, Newton Abbot, Devon, in the summer of 2021. Decoy Park is a beloved recreational space in the town, with a large lake, woodland trails, and adjacent football pitches complimenting the play equipment at the park. Our design reflected the semi rural nature of the landscape, with a huge Treehouse structure sitting as the centrepiece of the area, standing almost 6m tall with a tube slide coming off the top level.A dynamic area aimed at older children featured two aerial runways, a beautiful glue laminated hardwood robinia climbing frame, and an overhead rotator. A spinning machine, a unique play piece that spins the seated user vertically 360 degrees, added a unique twist to the zone, something not seen in your everyday playground!The toddler zone is a heaven for the smallest children, with tastefully designed animal graphics, a variety of spinning, balancing and rocking activities, and a fun play ship featuring telescopes, play panels and steering wheels.A variety of different safety surfaces were laid at the area, to suit the various requirements of each zone. Wet pour rubber was used for the Toddler area, as its array of colours made designing and creating the animal graphics a possibility. TigerMulch was chosen for the adventure zone, with its natural looks and hard wearing properties ideal for the dynamic activities taking place here.Decoy Park was one of those special, unique projects that don’t come around very often, and we had so much fun designing and building the new playground. Thanks to Teignbridge District Council for commissioning us to do the works, we hope you enjoy it as much as we did making it!

The international family-run company Otto Bock HealthCare GmbH is on the technological cutting edge. The Science Center Berlin, located between Potsdamer Platz and the Brandenburg Gate, provides the public with insight on the topic of mobility with disabilities.

Ecoprod recently undertook a complete refurbishment of the washrooms at Dukes Court – 220,000 sq ft of premium office space in central Woking. The project started in January 2020 and handover was July 2020, somewhat later than expected due to the effect of the Covid 19 lockdown in Spring 2020.This project was delivered in collaboration with Designer Contracts Interiors UK Ltd who managed the flooring, walls, ceilings, doors, lighting, tiling, decorating and mirrors. Ecoprod supplied and managed the installation of the cubicles and IPS systems, all mechanical works, and the sanitaryware schedule and equipment.Cubicle and IPS systems – Petrus range by Formwise and Abet Laminati finish in Grey Zebrano5 WCs – Siamp Samoa Deluxe3 waterless urinals – URIMAT Ceramic Compact C22 URIMAT ESG urinal privacy dividers5 miscea LIGHT taps2 Tristone pure white wash troughs2 URIMAT Favorit hand dryers1 Mitsubishi Smart hand dryer1 Bespoke shower enclosure by Mega Glass1 Triton 80i shower setAccessible toilet – WC and handrail set by Disabled Toilets, basin by Conti +, tap Ultra by Conti+

Closomat has supplied and installed state-of-the-art Changing Places for JD Wetherspoon in multiple locations across the UK. The national pub brand was the first to lead the way in accessibility and inclusion by providing these life-changing toilets for its patrons, engaging Closomat for installation and regular maintenance.The high-quality equipment included in these facilities, enables disabled customers with complex needs to access the toilet safely and with dignity, opening up the option of visiting venues for food and drink that could otherwise be unavailable to them.Under updated building regulations in England, as of January 2021, it is compulsory for any new building used for assembly, recreation or entertainment, including pubs, bars and restaurants, with a capacity of 350 people or more, to include at least one Changing Places toilet. It is also a requirement for existing businesses to install a Changing Places facility if undergoing substantial refurbishment.Changing Places by Closomat can be found at the following:The Booking Office, EdinburghCaptain Ridley’s Shooting Party, BletchleyThe Iron Duke, WellingtonThe Lifeboat, FormbyThe Mossy Well, Muswell HillThe Pilgrim’s Progress, BedfordThe Prior John, BridlingtonRoyal Victoria Pavilion, RamsgateSandford House, Huntingdon, The Troll Cart, Great YarmouthThe Velvet Coaster, Blackpool

Fitzroy of London worked closely with interior designer Dorothée Meilichzon to create a range of bathroom fittings for the disabled areas, that suited the overall style of the design project, that met the budget. Products came from our Constable collection

DCM Surfaces worked on the school project with HAGS. Colourful, playful and an environment where children were safe to run around and explore, were the requirements from the school. As the children ranged in age from 5 to 11 years, the space also had to be accessible for all ages.Eight colours of wetpour and two colours of rubber mulch was used to create a variety of graphics over four areas, including a roadway with markings, leaf designs and intricate patterns around the play equipment area.The Managing Director at HAGS commented:“We have been using DCM Surfaces for many years now and always find the team to be very knowledgeable, professional and willing to go the extra mile to ensure the job is completed to a very high standard within the set time.”

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.

This case study highlights an entire ward refurbishment that was completed using BioPod’s IPS at a prominent Yorkshire based NHS Trust. Units included wash hand basins, WC and WHB for disabled toilets, IPS to cubicles and full wall IPS to consultation rooms.

In our built environment, the significance of colour often goes overlooked. Yet, colour has a profound impact on our emotions, behaviours, and overall well-being. This rings especially true in spaces like Changing Places toilets, where accessibility and inclusivity are paramount. In this blog, we’ll explore how the thoughtful application of colour can positively influence individuals with disabilities in Changing Places toilets, creating environments that promote comfort, safety, and dignity. It's crucial to acknowledge the diverse range of disabilities that users of Changing Places toilets may have. From physical impairments to sensory sensitivities, each individual’s needs must be considered when designing these spaces. Colour can play a pivotal role in addressing these needs by providing visual cues, enhancing wayfinding, and fostering a welcoming atmosphere. Here are a few things to consider when designing your Changing Places Toilet:One. Colour ContrastFor individuals with visual impairments, high colour contrast can aid navigation and identification of key elements within the restroom, such as grab bars, door handles, and signage.Bold colours like blue or red against neutral backgrounds can draw attention to important features, making them easier to perceive for those with limited vision.Two. Mood EnhancementMoreover, colour can influence mood and emotional well-being. Bright, cheerful hues like blues and greens can evoke feelings of calmness and tranquillity, contributing to a more relaxed and positive restroom experience. Conversely, harsh or jarring colour schemes may provoke anxiety or discomfort, particularly for individuals with sensory processing disorders or autism spectrum disorders.Three. Psychological BenefitsAnother aspect to consider is the psychological impact of colour on hygiene and cleanliness perceptions. Light, neutral tones such as white or pastels can create an impression of cleanliness and sterility, instilling confidence in the restroom’s hygiene standards. Incorporating antibacterial coatings or materials can further enhance this perception, promoting a sense of safety and well-being among users.Four. Differentiating ZonesFurthermore, colour can be used to differentiate functional zones within the restroom, facilitating intuitive navigation and usage. For example, using a distinct colour palette for the toilet area versus the sink and changing station areas can help users orient themselves more easily, especially for those with cognitive or memory impairments.Five. Branding Your Changing PacesIn addition to its practical benefits, colour can also be a powerful tool for expression and identity. By incorporating elements of personalisation and cultural relevance into the design. Artwork, murals, or decorative accents inspired by local traditions or themes can create a sense of belonging and pride among users, fostering a more meaningful connection to the space.Six. HewiOur accessories partner, HEWI, is particularly focused on colour. HEWI’s commitment to colour-focused accessibility solutions has significantly contributed to the inclusive design of Changing Places toilets. Their innovative products and expertise in colour psychology have played a crucial role in creating environments that prioritise both accessibility and aesthetics.To ConcludeUltimately, the thoughtful application of colour in Changing Places toilets can enhance accessibility, comfort, and dignity for individuals with disabilities. By considering the unique needs and preferences of diverse user groups, designers and architects can create inclusive environments that promote independence, confidence, and well-being for all.In conclusion, colour is not merely a decorative element but a powerful tool for enhancing the accessibility and inclusivity of Changing Places toilets. From aiding navigation and wayfinding to promoting emotional well-being and hygiene perceptions, the strategic use of colour can transform these spaces into welcoming and empowering environments for individuals of all abilities. 

In recent guidance from the Department for Education (DfE), specifically BB103 and BB104, it has been strongly recommended that both mainstream and Special Educational Needs (SEND) schools incorporate hygiene rooms as an essential component of their facilities to comply with regulations. This highlights the commitment to creating inclusive learning spaces that cater to the diverse needs of students.This guide shares five crucial insights for anyone embarking on the journey of creating hygiene rooms within educational institutions.One. Adhere To DfE Guidelines:Underscored is the importance of aligning with the Department for Education (DfE) guidelines, specifically BB104 and BB103. These guidelines set forth the standards necessary for designing hygiene rooms that cater comprehensively to the diverse needs of students with disabilities. We’ve briefly outlined the guidance below:BB103: “Area Guidelines for Mainstream Schools”:BB103 provides guidance on the space requirements and design considerations for various areas within mainstream schools. This includes classrooms, dining areas, toilet facilities, and more. The goal is to ensure that the physical environment supports effective teaching and learning, as well as the overall well-being of students.BB104: “Access to and Use of Buildings”:BB104 focuses on access to and use of buildings, specifically addressing issues related to accessibility for individuals with disabilities in SEND schools. This guideline outlines the standards for creating an inclusive and accessible built environment within educational facilities. It covers features to ensure that buildings are welcoming and usable by everyone.Most importantly BB103 & BB104 state that a hygiene room should be included in all school settings.Two. Ensure You Have Considered Full Room Hoist CoverageIt’s important to consider the mobility of students when planning for a hygiene room installation. We recommend the Astor OT200 Overhead Ceiling Track Hoist, this advanced hoist system offers full room coverage, ensuring secure and seamless transfers for students with mobility challenges. Improving the utilisation of space and the versatile enhancement of accessibility within hygiene rooms. Discover more about the Astor OT200 Overhead Ceiling Track Hoist here, including its X-Y track system to give access to all amenities and facilities, room-to-room transfer capabilities, considerations for door height/track system impact, and room height/depth of track.Three. Choose The Correct Changing TableIn schools, changing tables are essential for students with disabilities, offering a supportive and dignified space for changing routines. Tailored to various needs, these tables contribute to creating an inclusive environment, ensuring all students feel welcome and supported. When selecting a changing table for a school hygiene room, you’ll need to consider crucial factors. The key considerations when making your decision include:Wall Mounted / Mobile: Considerations include the available space, access and the number of carers needed.Height Adjustability: Protect your carers by insuring easy adjustment to the correct working height,Maximum Working Load: Ensure durability for daily use with a robust design.Size: Optimise functionality by considering the changing table’s size in relation to available space.Shower Tray Required?: Enhance hygiene with the option for a practical shower tray.Space / Need to Stow?: Maximise efficiency with a fold-away design for space-saving and easy stowing.Tilting Headrests: Improve user comfort with tilting headrests for a friendly changing experience.Explore the Astor CTX2-CP, with a water collection tray and drain hose which is ideal for showering and changing. The CP model comes with an emergency stop button which is perfect for multi-user environments such as Changing Places Toilets, schools and care environments.Four. Include A Height Adjustable Wash BasinInstalling a Height-adjustable wash basin will offer accessibility for students with a range of disabilities. Specially designed to cater to diverse needs, these basins ensure comfort and prolonged independence, fostering an inclusive and supportive educational environment. This inclusive design not only enhances the overall functionality of these spaces but also emphasises a commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that every child can navigate and utilise hygiene facilities with ease and dignity.We recommend the Astor ABW-CP Height Adjustable Wall Mounted Wash Basin featuring a spacious basin surround, it aids wheelchair users in transitioning from sitting to standing. Controlled effortlessly by a handheld device, the ABW-CP includes a large integrated mirror and an adjustable soap dispenser for added convenience.Five. Consider The Colour Scheme For Sensory Well-BeingWhen designing hygiene rooms in schools, you will need to consider a strategic colour contrast for enhanced sensory well-being. Instead of solely opting for calming colours, integrate high-contrast elements like light-coloured walls with dark or bright furnishings. This not only aids sensory wayfinding, particularly for children with autism, but also creates visually distinct zones within the space. Consider incorporating varied textures alongside the chosen colour palette to further enrich the sensory experience. By taking a thoughtful approach to colour contrast, hygiene rooms can become incredibly positive and inclusive spaces that support the well-being of all students.To ConcludeIn summary, this guide advocates for a comprehensive approach to inclusivity when installing hygiene rooms in schools. Prioritising adherence to guidelines, making innovative equipment choices, and adopting thoughtful design are central to creating educational spaces that address the diverse needs of students. With these insights, professionals can work towards seamlessly integrating inclusivity into the very fabric of educational environments. Our skilled team has many years of experience planning and installing equipment in public spaces like schools and universities.Please do get in touch if you need help or advice with your project or further support on the government requirements for equipment to support SEND students.

At the core of the Brecon Beacons National Trust, amidst the striking landscapes of Pont ar Daf and Pen y Fan, inclusivity becomes a primary focus. The recent inclusion of the Changing Places Toilet facility stands as evidence of Astor Bannerman and the National Trust’s dedication to establishing an environment that caters to everyone’s accessibility needs.Changing Places Facilities Situated at Bannau Brycheiniog in the Brecon Beacons, the Changing Places Toilet facility addresses the needs of individuals with profound and multiple disabilities. This facility is equipped with state-of-the-art amenities, including the:Astor OT200 Overhead Ceiling Track HoistAstor CT Nivano Wall Mounted Height Adjustable Changing and Showering StretcherKwickScreen Wall Mounted Privacy ScreenThe inclusion of these specialised features ensures that visitors with varying mobility requirements can now enjoy the stunning surroundings without facing the barriers that might have restricted their access in the past. The Astor OT200 Overhead Ceiling Track Hoist facilitates safe and efficient transfers, while the Astor CT Nivano Stretcher provides a comfortable changing and showering experience. The KwickScreen Privacy Screen adds an extra layer of dignity and privacy to the entire process.Power In PartnershipThe Astor Bannerman team collaborated closely with the National Trust to design and implement a facility that not only meets the highest standards of accessibility but also blends into the natural charm of the Brecon Beacons. This case study stands as a beacon of inspiration for other natural reserves and parks, encouraging them to embrace inclusivity and make their spaces welcoming to everyone.As visitors embark on the scenic walk through the Brecon Beacons, they can now do so with the assurance that accessibility is at the forefront. The Changing Places Toilet at Bannau Brycheiniog exemplifies the power of collaboration and innovation in transforming landscapes, ensuring that the beauty of nature is accessible to all, regardless of their abilities.Feel free to reach out if you require assistance or guidance with your Changing Places project, or if you need additional support regarding the equipment specifications for Changing Places facilities.

We were very pleased to complete the playground refurbishments for Plaistow and Ifold Parish Council, a beautiful village in Sussex. Given the rural setting, a natural theming to the equipment and surfacing was required, with no garish colours. The centrepiece of the new area was the Spell Hill multiplay climbing frame unit, with two tall slides, two towers and a connecting, inclined rope bridge. A new toddler slide unit was incorporated into the scheme, along with a basket swing, and small rotator.All modern playgrounds need a zip wire, something that often sees queues of children waiting to have a god in the first months after installation. Our ramp take off cableway added an exhilarating twist to the area for adventurous children of all ages.TigerMulch surfacing was used for the main area, whilst the zip wire was surfaced in rubberised grass mats.A big thanks to the village for commissioning us to carry out the works – happy playing!

A bespoke side sliding sectional garage door by Rundum Meir provides a blend of aesthetics and modern functionality in a Victorian house renovation project. The 19 ft x 12 ft garage has been transformed into a quality working space equipped and finished exquisitely, allowing for use as a utility area or office as well as a vehicular. A clear 2900mm span is provided by a sliding sectional garage door. Hand crafted using knot-free Spruce, this bespoke timber door in RAL 6021 Pale Green is fully automated with insulation between the five solid double skinned timber panels.With one third obscure glazing, the door allows for plenty of natural light to enter the garage. The design of the garage door panels and the cross styles in the window were the customer’s wish to satisfy the local conservation area requirements. It is the perfect example of the role a Rundum Meir garage door can play in transforming a garage to give it new purpose and flexibility.

One of the newest – and very impressive – developments in the City, 22 Bishopsgate offers visitors retail, work and restaurant space over 60 floors. It is actually the tallest building in the City of London.A flexible solution was required for this project, to include life safety communication for the entire building. At the forefront of the design was the need for a plan for phased evacuation using the life safety systems. The VIGIL3 voice alarm and OmniCare emergency voice communication systems were quoted for the project due to their reliability and capability.The project required new voice alarm and EVC systems which were specified and installed by PHF Fire. The EN54 certified VIGIL3 voice alarm includes 70 space saving, wall-mounted Eclipse4s and two floor standing racks, networked around the building. The voice alarm network is accessed by the touch screen control microphone, with its user-friendly NFC card sign-in option.The EVC system solution, OmniCarePLUS, includes fire telephones, combined fire telephones with disabled refuge outstations, disabled toilet alarms, advanced disabled refuge outstations and standard disabled refuge outstations. These made up the remaining call points on the system, a lot of which were in a stainless steel finish, to match the high quality aesthetic of the building.Installed by PHF Fire, Baldwin Boxall worked together with the team to aid in the design and commissioning of the systems.Sam Faulkner, Maintenance Manager at PHF Fire commented, “Baldwin Boxall was specified alongside other companies. However, the level of support that Baldwin Boxall gives throughout the project, from start to finish, set them apart from the competition.”Chris Hartup, Sales Manager at Baldwin Boxall said, “This new build project called for a very capable, reliable and professional fire alarm contractor and with the contract being awarded to PHF Fire, they certainly got that. Due to limited floor space, the Eclipse4s were installed into riser cupboards within the building, providing further redundancy to the end user.PHF Fire had a fantastic, positive relationship, not only with their client but also their whole supply chain. We had many meetings and presentations on site with the whole 22 Bishopsgate team.It was a great experience to be involved in this project and with PHF Fire throughout.”

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

Artist and developer Tom Yendell’s new concept in holiday accommodation, Flat Spaces, has been specially designed to take the worry out of travel for disabled visitors. In creating his new holiday homes which place as much emphasis on accessibility as well as aesthetics, he turned to Pressalit Care for their help in providing the wow factor in the kitchen and bathrooms.

In the wild heart of Sardinia: LigaTurf RS+ with CoolPlus function in GavoiThe small town of Gavoi, which has only 2,500 inhabitants, is located in the “wild heart of Sardinia”, and from an altitude of 800 m, offers phenomenal panoramic views hemmed by holm oak, downy oak and chestnut forests. Its local delicacies include Fiore Sardo cheese, which is made of pure sheep’s milk and is exclusively produced in Sardinia.The Stadio Maristiai, built in the early 1970s with a breath-taking view of the Lago di Gúsana, 10 km away, is proof that even the smallest Italian communities have a big passion for football. This is where the amateur players of Taloro Gavoi train and play their home games. The club plays in the “Eccellenza Sardinia”, a local league with 16 teams from across Sardinia. Taloro Gavoi was founded in 1958, and expanded with a youth division in the late 1960s. In the decades that followed, the club has continued to engage in youth work and achieved numerous victories in various championships.Now, the playing field in the Stadio Maristiai has been fully renovated and equipped with Polytan’s LigaTurf RS+ synthetic turf system, including CoolPlus function: our worldwide leading system with FIFA Quality Pro accreditation. LigaTurf RS+ is loved by professionals and amateurs alike, as the rhombus-shaped design of the approx. 360-μm-thick turf fibres, combined with the innovative Polytan ENTANGLEMENT technology, fulfils the highest requirements in shock absorption, ball-roll and ball-bounce characteristics. The exclusive Polytan CoolPlus function permanently reduces overheating of the turf and is extremely effective, especially in the case of the textured turf systems, thanks to the large surface area for reflecting heat radiation. As a crimped Polytan artificial turf system, LigaGrass RS+ also features a BiColour design. The two-tone fibres help achieve a natural grass appearance with their lush green colour.note: In this case we represent the LigaTurf RS+R with pictures from the LigaTurf RS+ CoolPlus, as they are nearly identical

Boston Endeavour Academy is a newly built special school for children age 2-19 with a range of learning difficulties and disabilities, located in the market town of Boston, Lincolnshire. It opened to 100 pupils in September 2021 building to 140 over the coming few years. It features many state of the art facilities including therapy rooms classrooms and a hydrotherapy pool. Key Considerations:Installing ceiling hoists within multi-height ceilings Large spans are required throughoutRequires bespoke solution Working in collaboration with Kier and Wates Construction on this state of the art academy, our Astor OT200 hoisting system and Sensory Integration Swings have provided safe, supportive and comfortable accessibility to the children, allowing them to thrive in their educational setting. Main Equipment: Astor OT200 ceiling hoistH systemBespoke track systemRoom to room gatesTurntablesSensory Integration Swings“ The ceiling hoists are infinitely more convenient for supporting pupils from chairs to the floor to complete their work and postural changes. No longer having to rely on mobile hoists increases the space available that can be deployed for learning activities. The tracking in the pool area allows for speedy transitions to changing rooms reducing waiting times and the number of staff required to support transitions. The Sensory Integration swings have become a much-valued resource for supporting the regulation of many pupils. The advice given by Astor Bannerman representatives to be reliable and leading to excellent outcomes in terms of the resources for our pupils..” Richard Gamman, Headteacher Boston Endeavour Academy