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. 

Location: Yorkshire

Status: Complete

Year Completed: 2016

To see projects similar to the lifts at the York Theatre Royal clicking on the following links:

British Library | Meriden HallNational Army Museum | Venture House | Baltic Mill | The Swan at Streatley | Wagamama Wigmore Street

The entrance at York Theatre Royal
The main lift at York Theatre Royal
Outside façade of the York Theatre Royal
Main lift in the lobby at York Theatre Royal
Inner lobby area of the York Theatre Royal
Third floor of the main lift at York Theatre Royal
Internal cabin of the glass lift at York Theatre Royal
Glass and stainless steel lift in the York Theatre Royal
Upper landing of the platform lift at York Theatre Royal
Platform lift linking the lobby with the main cafe
Open platform lift providing access to the main cafe at 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

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.

Location: Dorset

Status: Complete

Year Completed: 2015

To see projects similar to this lift in Branksome Park click on the following links:

Bexhill-on-Sea | Mayfair | Highcliffe | Whitecliff | Westbourne | Weymouth | South Croydon | St John’s Wood | Bosham | Torquay

External Home Lift in Branksome Park
Home Lift with Frosted Glass Doors
External Glass Lift Shaft
Glass Home Lift in Poole - 1st Floor
Smoked Glass External Lift Structure

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

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 BoshamExternal Glass Lift in Branksome Park, Outdoor Lift in Powys and Outdoor Inclined Platform Lift in Poole.

Location: Somerset

Status: Complete

Year Completed: 2018

Outdoor Platform Lift
Outside Platform Lift in Devon
Outdoor Glass Platform Lift in Minehead
External Glass Platform Lift

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

Pneumatic Home Elevator in Bournemouth

We were approached by a couple from Bournemouth, Dorset who were refurbishing their home. They thought that while they were carrying out the refurbishment they should make their home more accessible. Similar to many properties in the area, the house is spread across 3 floors. The addition of a lift can really open up a home and future-proof it against anything life can throw. In this instance, the couple had seen photos of a pneumatic home elevator on our website and thought that was the best option for them. They wanted the lift to travel from the hallway on the ground floor to the first floor landing. The lift would then continue into the spare room which is situated on the second floor. 

The client chose the one person model of the pneumatic home elevator which has a diameter of 750mm. The lift was installed by two of our engineers in under a week. The lift travels just under 6 metres across the 3 floors with a rated load of 205kg. The structure is painted steel with curved perspex panels. The advantage that a pneumatic home elevator has over a more traditional lift is that they take up less space and can easily be added to a corner of a room. In addition the circular lift shaft can act a sun trap and allow light to flood throughout the house. The lift features a 520mm curved door on each floor. 

The client uses the lift to even more the vacuum cleaner  throughout the house and take the washing upstairs. They also use the lift to move small items of furniture as well as bags and suitcases. 

To see more examples of our home and domestic lifts click on the following links:  Home Lift in External Shaft in Branksome ParkSmall Passenger Lift in Townhouse in MayfairHome Lift in Torquay, Home Platform Lift in Whitecliff and Residential Glass Lift in Bosham.

Location: Dorset

Status: Complete

Year Completed: 2014

Pneumatic Home Elevator in Bournemouth
Pneumatic Home Elevator Lift
Pneumatic Home Elevator UK

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

SwingOn by Access Lifts

We are proud to introduce a new exciting disabled access solution. SwingOn is a genuine alternative to conventional disability ramps, outside stairlifts and inclined platform lifts. It is an innovative design that allows easy disabled access up to a maximum height of 500mm. SwingOn has the advantage against conventional disability ramps and inclined platform lifts. This is because it takes up a fraction of the space of ramps and platform lifts. UK Building Regulations state a disability ramp has to have a maximum gradient of 1 in 12 for a total rise of 166mm rising to a maximum gradient of 1 in 20 for a total rise of 500mm. This means that for a 500mm rise from the pavement to the top of the steps you will have to build a ramp that is 10 metres long. This coupled with the ramp's 1.5 metres width means the total area is at least 15m2. This can be inviable and impractical therefore the best option is SwingOn.

SwingOn features a telescopic platform that can measure between 830mm - 1400mm in length and 700mm in width. This means it can accommodate a variety of  different wheelchairs and mobility scooters. Its safe working load is rated at 300kg which means it can lift even the heaviest of electric scooters.

SwingOn is easy to install, taking only 1-2 to fit, with a simple plug and play connector so it can be used straightaway. It is easy to use and even easier to pack away, the compact design allows for it to be stored against a wall neatly. It comes in a number of colours so it can seemingly blend into its surroundings. SwingOn is made to last! All components are tested to European Standards to resist both hot and cold temperatures as well as high humidity levels.

And the best thing about SwingOn? It's affordable!

To see some of our commercial projects click on the following links: Venture House, Telefonica Digital, Seven Dials, National Army Museum, Southwark Council and Chiswell Street

To see some of our residential projects click on the following links: Witchampton, Chichester, Bosham, Whitecliff, Mayfair and St John's Wood.

 

Lifts for Restaurants – Disabled Access Made Easy

Maximising Space

Restaurants along with hotels and shops can find it difficult to maximise space when it comes to disabled access. They sometimes see disabled access as something they have to have rather than maximising its potential and the potential of the restaurant. Disabled access for many restaurants takes the form of a ramp. A disability ramp can be a good idea and can be cost effective. However ramps take up potential cover space and when profits are so tight like they are in the restaurant industry then 3 or 4 tables can make all the difference. Alternatively a lift can answer the disabled access question and open up the space for potential covers. The word 'lift' usually brings to mind a large passenger lift that is in a stainless steel structure with automatic steel sliding doors. However a lift can be any platform that moves between two floor levels. Finding the right disabled access lift when every square foot is vital to boosting sales can be tricky - restaurant owners are looking for lifts that have as little impact as possible but provide the necessary disabled access so that their restaurant is open to all. We provide a wide range of step lifts that cover short rises. In addition we provide lifts for restaurants that have a second floor or mezzanine - this can open up previously inaccessible covers for wheelchair users and really boost a restaurant's profits.

Lift or Ramp

Are Lifts Affordable?

Most restaurant owners might initially be put off having a lift in their restaurant due to the cost compared with a conventional ramp. However disabled access lifts for restaurants are more affordable than you think. In comparison, for a restaurant with a floor level difference of 500mm from the street to the entrance a ramp's area will take up at least 165ft2. This space is wasted covers that have the potential to boost the restaurant's profits. We understand that for many owners and managers there is a tradeoff between the initial cost of installing a lift and the additional covers it opens up. That's why we see having a disabled access lift in a restaurant as an investment. It not only gives you back the space the ramp was taking up but for those restaurants that didn't previously have disabled access it opens up the restaurant to a large pool of new customers.

Lifts for Restaurants
Lifts in Restaurants Entrances
Lifts for Pubs

Functionality

Functionality is at the core of disabled access equipment whether it’s a lift, a hoist or even a ramp. We believe that any disabled access equipment has to follow 3 basic principles: firstly, it has to be easy to use, giving as much independence to the user as possible, secondly, it has to be relatively quick to use and most importantly it has to be completely safe. These 3 principles come together to form the functional aspect of any disabled access equipment. With advancements in technology the majority of disabled access lifts now meet these principles but sometimes they are not tested in situ regularly. For example there are some situations where a disabled access lift is only used a handful of times each year. However when looking for the right lift for a restaurant, you need a lift that can stand up to daily use. The best lifts for restaurants need to be robust against the knocks and bangs that are common in a bustling restaurant or bar. We know that even with the most careful use, lifts can be knocked by staff and customers alike. That's why we look for and supply the best lifts on the market so that they're always up to the challenge and therefore last. 

Style

In the past disabled access only used to be functional. Now creating a lift that matches the restaurant’s style and interior can be just as important as its functionality and sometimes it can become the priority. Major restaurant chains can undergo refits every 5 to 10 years therefore finding a lift that matches their new style is important. We've seen with some of our projects a shift towards industrial looking restaurants, with untreated metal becoming a more common style as well as bold vivd colours. With this in mind, suppliers and manufacturers are now providing more and more choice with finishes and optional extras. We understand that each project is unique in terms of appearance and all of our products are made to order to bring the client's vision to life. We also love adding intricate details such as mesh panels to our products to make sure they seamlessly blend into the surrounding aesthetics. We're seeing that fashion and style are having a greater effect on the world more today than ever before and even the lift industry is subject to it.

Lifts for Hotels
Lifts for Bars
Enclosed Platform Lift for Restaurant

Options

We provide a variety of lifts for restaurants and build the lift around your vision creating a truly unique product. Our lifts vary from outdoor step lifts at a restaurant's entrance to hidden step lifts for an indoor set of stairs to a more traditional enclosed platform lifts to reach a second floor or mezzanine. Finding the right lift for your restaurant can be tricky and that’s why we’re here to help. For advice on your latest project or to get a quotation give us a call on 0800 65 252 65 or email us by clicking here.

To see more of our work within hotels, restaurants and retail click here.

To see more of our work in the hospitality sector click here.

Lift in a Residential Building, Kings Lodge, Reading

We were approached by a developer who was looking to install a lift in a residential building he had recently refurbished, Kings Lodge,  on Kings Road, in Reading. The Kings Lodge building has a number of luxury flats across 5 floors in central Reading. The client was looking for a lift to supply access to all floors of the building. The client also wanted to use the lift to provide a way of transporting heavier items throughout the building when the new residents move in. Before we arrived on site the builder had already created a purpose built lift shaft running through the centre of the building. We inspected the lift shaft and completed a survey, taking critical measurements to create technical drawings for the client.

We discussed with the available options with the client and after a couple of weeks came up with a detailed plan for the lift. The client accepted our technical drawings and we installed the lift as to the plan.  This platform lift in a residential building travels over 12 metres across the 5 floors with the cabin interior measuring 1100mm x 1400mm. The lift has a rated load of 400kg (5 persons) so it can be used to move luggage and some items of furniture throughout the building when the new residents move in. The platform lift has stainless steel automatic doors on each floor. The lift was finished with a mirror back wall in order to create a spacious airy feel in the lift.

To see more examples of our lifts in flats click on the following links: Lift in Flats in Weymouth and Small Passenger Lift in Townhouse in Mayfair.

To see examples of our residential lifts click on the following links: Home Lift in External Shaft in Branksome Park, Home Lift in Torquay, Home Platform Lift in Whitecliff and Indoor House Lift in Chichester

Location: Berkshire

Status: Complete

Year Completed: 2018

Lift in a Residential Building - Kings Lodge
Lift in Apartment Block - Kings Lodge
Lift in Flats - Kings Lodge

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

Inclined Wheelchair Platform Lift in Poole, Dorset

We were approached by a couple from Poole who were looking to make their home more accessible due to unforeseen circumstances. Poole is located on the South coast and similar to many seaside towns and villages, the land undulates around the coastline. The client's home was no different with the driveway and garage situated at the street level then their house situated at the top of the hill. The garden then sat between the two with a paved pathway leading from the driveway all the way up to the front door. After several discussions between the clients and our team we decided that an inclined wheelchair platform lift would be the best option. The main issue that became immediately apparent is how the pathway winds up the side of the garden. The pathway includes several twists and turns with some points narrower than others.

We attended site and completed a digital survey, mapping the exact dimensions of every single step. The survey revealed that the total distance the inclined wheelchair platform lift would travel would be over 13 metres and a total rise of 5 metres. This is by no means our longest inclined platform lift but it posed a unique challenge due to the number of turns and the narrowness of the pathway. We managed to fit an inclined wheelchair platform lift with a platform measuring 750mm x 1000mm. All materials of the lift are made out of 316 stainless steel to prevent any rust or corrosion meaning that the lift can stand up to any adverse weather conditions.

After completing the project the client had this to say, "I wanted to thank you and your team for all your help, hard work and knowledge, your service has been amazing. Your engineers in particular were unbelievably helpful.

"You enabled us to carry on living in our lovely house."

To see more examples of our outdoor lifts and garden lifts click on the following projects: Outdoor Inclined Platform Lift in DartmouthOutdoor Garden Platform lift in Parkstone, Residential Glass Lift in BoshamExternal Home Lift in Branksome, Outdoor Home Lift in Powys and Outdoor Stairlift in Kingswear.

Location: Dorset

Status: Complete

Year Completed: 2018

Inclined Wheelchair Platform Lift in Poole, Dorset
Outdoor Garden Lift in Poole, Dorset
Outdoor Garden Lift
Curved Inclined Platform Lift
Outdoor Wheelchair Platform Lift
Inclined Wheelchair Platform Lift in a Garden

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

Small Residential Lift in Witchampton

We were approached by a couple who lived in Witchampton, just North of Wimborne, because they were looking to have a small residential lift installed in their cottage. The couple were looking to make their cottage more accessible and provide another access route to the upstairs of their home that would be close to the master bedroom. The most feasible option was a small residential lift to the right of the front door - the major sticking point for the project was that the cottage had sloping ceilings and so reduced headroom on the first floor.

We designed and installed a small residential lift that was situated inside the cottage travelling 2550mm from beside the front door to the first floor landing, close to the master bedroom. Due to the reduced space and lack of headroom in the cottage the lift had a cabin that measured 850mm x 720mm and  height that measured 1100mm. The small residential lift was finished in a painted stainless steel structure with glass panels. The glass panels and white painted structure allowed in as much light as possible to dissipate from the window above the lift shaft on the first floor. We fitted the lift with glass swing landing doors so that they took up as little space as possible as well as letting as much light flood through the house.

Location: Dorset

Status: Complete

Year Completed: 2017

Residential Glass Lift

Small Residential Lift in Painted Stainless Steel Shaft

Small Home Elevator

Small Domestic Lift in Witchampton - Ground Floor

Small House Lift

Small Home Elevator with Reduced Headroom

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

 

Platform Lifts at the National Army Museum

We were approached by BDP, the architecture firm responsible for the £23.75 million redevelopment of the National Army Museum in London. They were looking to fit platform lifts within the museum so visitors would be able to access every part of the museum and make full use of the new services. The refurbishment completely modernised the museum and they wanted  a trio of platform lifts that would match the new look of the museum. The locations that they needed to fit platform lifts were from the main reception to the education centre, to the Discover More gallery and for staff from outside the building to access the lower basement entrance.  

We designed and installed a platform lift between the main reception and education centre. This lift is mainly used for groups and school pupils who visit the museum and use the education centre. The education centre is a great tool where large groups can learn about British history from the Civil War up to the present day conflicts. The lift was finished in stainless steel with glass panels to match the newly refurbished modern look of the building and the travel distance was 1.8 metres.

We fitted and installed a platform lift for access to the Discover More gallery, it was also finished in stainless steel and glass to suit the new aesthetics of the building. The cabin length of 1650mm allows both a large wheelchair or mobility scoot and carer to easily and safely use the lift. The platform lift travels just 980mm but can hold a load of up to 300kg.

The third lift we designed and installed was for staff access from outside the building to the lower basement floor. The outdoor platform lift was finished in RAL 7016 painted steel with a travel distance of 1180mm. The platform lift that the client wanted was a cost effective product that would withstand any adverse weather conditions that could be thrown at it. The lift would provide disabled access for staff and workers at the National Army Museum.

All three lifts were fitted within 2 weeks and were ready for the National Army Museum's Grand Opening in March 2017.

Location: London

Status: Complete

Year Completed: 2017

To see projects similar to the National Army Museum click on the following links:

200 Gray's Inn Road | Brunel House | Seven Dials Warehouse | Venture House | Southwark Council | 24 Chiswell Street | Elm Yard

Disabled Wheelchair Lift in the National Army Museum
Disabled Access Lift in the National Army Museum
Outside Disabled Access Lift for Museum
Outdoor Wheelchair Lift at the National Army Museum
External Platform Lift for Museums
Wheelchair Platform Lift in the National Army Museum
Disabled Platform Lift in Museums

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