Platform Lift at Brunel House, Cardiff

Brunel House is situated in Cardiff city centre, 5 minutes away from the main shopping thoroughfares and opposite Cardiff Queen Street Station. The building is one of the largest office blocks in central Cardiff and lends itself to large floor plates across 15 floors with views of the city. Brunel House has tenants such as Legal & General, Admiral, HMRC and Regus. Gpad London headed up the design of the new refurbishment of the entrance and lobby. The largest addition to the building is the fully glazed extension of the entrance allowing light to flood the main entrance. This offers an inviting space to visitors and workers alike. The new lobby features a vibrant café with open plan work and meeting areas. The interior of the building was designed to reflect its industrial nature with bronze and patinated finishes present throughout.

The new design of the entrance and main reception led to a split level lobby. The entrance was made level with the street allowing access for wheelchair users. However this floor level difference created an access problem for wheelchair users between the street entrance and the main reception area. We designed a platform lift with the architect to travel the 1210mm between floors with a platform measuring 1100mm x 1400mm. The platform size offers ample space and the rated load of 400kg allows for even the largest electric mobility buggies. The light and spacious feel of the lobby was reflected in the lift with glass panels and gates giving a modern finish. The lift was installed in time for the main entrance's reopening in December 2017.

Hidden Platform Lift at 200 Gray’s Inn Road

Owned by The Great Ropemaker Partnership, a 50:50 venture between Great Portland Estates plc and Ropemaker Properties Ltd (part of the BP Pension Fund Ltd), 200 Gray’s Inn Road is situated in the heart of the Capital between the City of London and the West End. The area, close to Clerkenwell and St Pancras, is home to a wide range of media and tech companies. Mace were contracted to carry out the refurbishment of the reception and main entrance. We worked with Mace and the architect to discuss the different disabled access options available in the reception area. We decided the best option was to design and install a hidden platform lift. The hidden platform lift would provide disabled access but would disappear into the ground with only the stainless steel trim visible. This type of platform lift is extremely popular in commercial buildings where architects are looking for a continuation of materials and design across a whole project.

The majority of the offices at 200 Gray’s Inn Road is made up of open plan common workspace and several large newsrooms for the occupiers. The lift itself is situated in the centre of the lobby and provides access across the split level lobby design. The lift rises a total of 360mm across the 3 steps in the reception with a traverse of 900mm. The platform measures 1180mm x 1500mm which allows large wheelchair and even electric buggies to use it. The rated load of the hidden platform lift is 385kg. The architect decided to finish the lift with the same stone as the rest of the reception. The reception was opened in October 2018 with additional work on the ground floor being carried out into 2019.

Goods Lift for Manchester Metropolitan University

We were approached by Kier who were refurbishing an existing textile mill for Manchester Metropolitan University. Kier is one of the UK's largest construction companies and employs over 20,000 staff. They won the £8 million contract to renovate the site at Great Marlborough Street for the University. The building at Great Marlborough Street is an old Victorian textile mill that is situated close to Manchester Oxford Road station and the Bridgewater Canal in central Manchester. The mill is one of many across Manchester that used to produce many textile goods from cotton in 19th century. The refurbishment would provide 5 floors of new office space for the University staff. The client wanted a goods lift for Manchester Metropolitan University to make deliveries into the building easy. They wanted a lift that would be practical but would stay true to the building's industrial history.

We installed a goods lift with a platform measuring 1500mm x 1120mm. The lift travels 1900mm across the two floor levels and has a rated load of 300kg. The lift was finished in black to compliment the modern facade of the building. The client chose mesh sides and doors to match the industrial aesthetics of the building. The lift is made from hot-dipped galvanised steel which means it can stand up to any weather and will not rust.

To see more of our projects similar to this goods lift for Manchester Metropolitan University click on the following links: Platform Lifts at the National Army Museum, Platform Lift at Venture House in Reading, Platform Lift at Seven Dials Outdoor Wheelchair Lift for Elm Yard and Goods Lift at Commercial Office in the City of London.

Disabled Platform Lift for Bristol University

We were approached by Portakabin who were looking to install a disabled platform lift for Bristol University. Portakabin create modular and temporary buildings with an emphasise on the education sector. Portakabin can set up their buildings in a matter of days and weeks which makes them ideal for schools and universities when they're renovating or moving sites. The University were looking to expand their teaching space whilst renovating their existing buildings. During the renovation works the University instructed Portakabin to build a number of new lecture halls and seminar rooms. The new block would help ease overcrowding in the existing buildings and make up for a lack of teaching space. We have worked with Portakabin on a number of sites across the country. The majority of these are made up of schools, colleges and universities. Similar to previous projects, Portakabin wanted a disabled platform lift for Bristol University that would provide access to the first floor.

Portakabin wanted the lift to fix to the outside of the building adjacent to the entrance. The lift was fitted in its own external aluminium shaft with both points of entry on the same side. The lift travels over 3.5 metres across the two floors, with the cabin platform measuring 1100mm x 1400mm. The lift shaft was painted in RAL colour 7015 to match the rest of the building. The disabled platform lift has a rated load of 300kg, which means it can take even the heaviest of electric buggies.

To see more of our projects similar to this disabled platform lift for Bristol University click on the following links: Bitterne Park School, Glass Lift for Offices at Meriden Hall, Dancing Man Brewery and Retail Lift at Optique 2000.

Bosham

We were approached by a private client in Bosham near Chichester in West Sussex because they were looking to fit a residential glass lift to the outside of their new home. The house had recently been built as part of a small development of half a dozen homes near to the Solent. They were looking to adapt their new home to make it wheelchair accessible and chose to install a residential glass lift to the outside of the house. The client wanted a lift that was in keeping with the surrounding village's style but also matched the house's modern aesthetics.

We designed and installed the lift in an external white structure in the the client's back garden - the lift was fitted to the outside wall with doors from the lounge on the ground floor and directly into one of the bedrooms on the first floor. The lift's interior measures 1000mm x 1200mm giving surplus room for the client to use the lift in their wheelchair. The lift's walls were finished in white with a half height mirror to the rear of the cabin to offer a spacious feel. We worked with the architect and builder to redesign the soffit and roof join between the lift and the house as the lift structure is slightly taller than the soffit. The lift has a total travel of 3300mm across the two floors with entry to the lift only on one side and a safe working load of up to 400kg. The lift was finished with opaque glass to add privacy from the neighbouring houses.

Outdoor Wheelchair Lift for Elm Yard, Elm Street

We were asked by Mace to supply and fit an outdoor wheelchair lift for an office refurbishment that they were contracted for. Elm Yard, owned by The Great Ropemaker Partnership, a 50:50 venture between Great Portland Estates plc and Ropemaker Properties Ltd (part of the BP Pension Fund Ltd), is situated on Elm Street between Gray’s Inn Road and Exmouth Market in central London. The new collaborative workspace boasts over 50,000 sq ft across 12 floors of premium offices in the heart of one of London’s most vibrant districts. Clerkenwell is a stylish area of London with an abundance of creative and technology companies. Office space in the district is usually made up of refurbished Victorian townhouses and industrial warehouses. We met with the Project Manager in order to discuss the different options available. We decided the best option would be an outdoor wheelchair lift on the left hand side of the steps that would provide access to the newly built reception.

Mace wanted the lift to be able to withstand consistent daily use as well as look stylish against the new refurbishment. We chose to install a lift that has three glass sides as well as a glass gate. The prominence of glass matches the reception and gives the lift a very modern look. The structural components of the outdoor wheelchair lift were made out of stainless steel which looks great as well as preventing any rust or damage to the lift over the time. The stainless steel even matches the adjacent hand rails to give a sleek consistent finish. The lift travels over 500mm with platform dimensions of 900mm x 1400mm. Its rated load is 280kg which means it can take even the heaviest of electric buggies.

Weymouth

We were approached by a private client in Weymouth who had converted a seaside house into large modern residential apartments spread across 3 floors. Seadown is in the Preston area of Weymouth and only a short walk to Overcombe beach. Many newly built or renovated properties by the sea such as this one have cutting edge designs and have to be built to very high specifications so that they can be easily sold. With this in mind many developers and building contractors are looking to future proof these types of homes as potential buyers expect these expensive properties to have a lift. Whether it is luxury apartments or a fully detached house, a small platform lift can add value to a home. It can be the difference between a property that gets snapped up straightaway and one that stays on the market for months. Our client had built his new property, Seadown, in this exact frame of mind and asked us to measure and design a lift for him as he had already built a lift shaft. For smaller properties that have half a dozen or so flats a conventional passenger lift can take up too much room which takes away valuable space in the flats. Our smaller platform lifts need less space both above and below the lift as well as having less moving parts so lower maintenance costs.

After measuring the lift shaft and submitting a drawing to the client we got the go ahead to order and then install the lift in the flats. The lift has a total travel distance of 6000mm across the 3 floors with an internal cabin of 1280mm x 1000mm. The lift was fitted with 5 automatic self closing doors across the 3 floors - the 800mm-wide doors were finished with smoked glass to match the modern decor of the property. The lift was fitted in under 2 weeks and now makes sure that the flats are accessible for all residents. It also makes it easier for residents to transport heavy goods to their flats and even shopping.

York Theatre Royal

We were approached by the architect, De Matos Ryan, who were designing the refurbishment of the Grade II listed York Theatre Royal. A grand building that is the centre of York's arts scene. The theatre is located in the centre of York in the shadow of the minster. The £6 million refurbishment included completely redesigning the social spaces outside of the main theatre buildings. Within these works, the client needed two lifts, a main lift to access the four floors of the building as well as a platform lift to link the main lobby area with the café. We worked with the principal contractor, William Birch & Sons, to deliver this project. We are currently working with William Birch & Sons to deliver 4 different lifts at Lincoln Cathedral whilst we have worked with De Matos Ryan at the British Library and in the refurbishment of private homes in some of London and the South East's premium locations.

Due to the nature of the building there were certain limitations with regards to the design of the lift. There were a number of stone features that could not be touched or changed. The redesign of the theatre meant that there were a number of balconies and mezzanine floors with 4 different floor levels across around 5 metres of travel. The lift itself has 3 different access points so that all of these mezzanine levels could be accessed. The lift was finished in glass and brushed stainless steel to add a modern contrast to the more traditional limestone features surrounding it. The prominence of glass on the lift allows light to flood down the shaft into what is a fairly dark area which has little natural light sources. All the doors of the lift were automatic two-panel glass doors with brushed stainless steel frames. This compliments the modern aesthetic of the lift and allows the easiest and quickest access for all users. The lift is compliant with Part M with a 1100mm wide x 1400mm deep cabin and a horizontal control panel making it easier to use for wheelchair users.

The second lift is an open platform lift which links the main lobby area to the newly refurbished café adjacent to the main spiral staircase. The lift is finished with glass panels within a black steel frame, this gives a modern sleek appearance with simple constant pressure controls.

Home Lift in External Glass Lift Shaft in Branksome Park

We were approached by a private client in the Branksome Park area of Poole who wanted to install a home lift with an external structure attached to the side of his house. The lift would help both him and his wife travelling floor to floor but would also future proof his home. He wanted a modern style to match the newly built house with glass being a prominent feature of his overall idea.

We measured and designed a lift and external structure that would be adjacent to the house with 3 points of entry all on the same side of the lift shaft. We fitted an EP Elfo with cabin dimensions of 1100mm x 830mm which travelled a distance of over 6 metres across 3 floors in its own lift shaft. The steel structure was painted dark grey and was then finished with smoked glass on the 3 external sides. The presence of a majority glass lift structure matched the modern aesthetics of the building and the addition of the smoked effect lends itself to privacy when using the lift. The lift was fitted with 3 triple glazed swing landing doors so that both the house and the lift shaft remained warm with no draughts or loss of heat. To ensure that the lift was warm and comfortable to use even in the winter months or at night we fitted a small heater so that the lift shaft would be a pleasant temperature.

Outdoor Platform Lift in Minehead, Somerset

We were approached by a couple in Minehead, Somerset who were looking to make their home more accessible. As with many of our customers, they didn't want to move from their lovely home and downsize to a smaller house such as a bungalow. In addition the house is situated on the hillside above Minehead and the view from their home is fantastic. They had lived in the area for many years and their family loved to come visit on holiday therefore they really wanted to stay put. They were looking for an outdoor platform lift that would not only make it easier to access their home but also help move heavy objects such as bins from the house to the garage and driveway.

Our team met with the couple to discuss the different options available and to perform a survey of the front of the house. We designed and installed the outdoor platform lift rising from outside the garage to the patio area adjacent to the house's porch. This meant that the second garage could still be used as the lift does not require a pit. The lift travels just under 3 metres floor to floor with a platform measuring 1100mm x 1400mm, allowing plenty of room to move bins and other heavy items. The outdoor platform lift is made out of 316L stainless steel making sure it doesn't rust or corrode over time and ensures the lift is in working order for several years. The side panels are made from hardened glass providing a spacious feel and modern look whilst being completely solid.

The client said that she is "thrilled with the lift and visiting folks are very impressed, especially the Tesco delivery man!"

To see more of examples of our outdoor home lifts click on the following links: Residential Glass Lift in Bosham, External Glass Lift in Branksome Park, Outdoor Lift in Powys and Outdoor Inclined Platform Lift in Pool e.

Projects

Platform Lift at Brunel House, Cardiff

For more information about lifts like the one above call us on 0800 65 252 65 or email us

Hidden Platform Lift at 200 Gray’s Inn Road

For more information about lifts like the one above call us on 0800 65 252 65, email us or click here to be taken to our hidden lifts page

Goods Lift for Manchester Metropolitan University

For more information about lifts like the one above call us on 0800 65 252 65 or email us

Disabled Platform Lift for Bristol University

For more information about lifts like the one above call us on 0800 65 252 65 or email us

Bosham

For more information about lifts like the one above call us on 0800 65 252 65 or email us

Outdoor Wheelchair Lift for Elm Yard, Elm Street

For more information about lifts like the one above call us on 0800 65 252 65 or email us

Weymouth

For more information about lifts like the one above call us on 0800 65 252 65 or email us

York Theatre Royal

For more information about lifts like the ones above call us on 0800 65 252 65 or email us

Home Lift in External Glass Lift Shaft in Branksome Park

For more information about lifts like the one above call us on 0800 65 252 65 or email us

Outdoor Platform Lift in Minehead, Somerset

For more information about lifts like the one above call us on 0800 65 252 65 or email us