Haywood House – Open Platform Lift with Bespoke Mesh

We were approached by Rio Architects who were looking at adding a platform lift to the main entrance of Haywood House in Cardiff city centre. The 3 storey office building is located just off Dumfries Place. The platform lift would offer step free access to the ground floor and via the passenger lift to the first and second floor. Split levels are common through commercial buildings across the UK and finding a suitable solution that reflects the rest of the design can be difficult. We offer a wide range of customisable solutions for this type of project. Whether its a specific panel deign, bespoke site colour or push button controls we can create the perfect solution thats in keeping with its surroundings.

We worked with Rio during their Stage 3 + 4 design to create a solution that would incorporate the same mesh being used throughout the building and reflect the industrial refurbishment to the office building. The original design incorporated a pit however during excavation works a void was found beneath the stairs so this option could not be used. We proposed an alternative solution which would fix to the wall and requires no pit. The benefit of this option is that the lift comes with a small ramp in lieu of a pit and only requires structural support to one side of the platform. This support can be in the form of a masonry wall however for this particular project two steel supports were fixed behind the plasterboard providing a clean finish.

The platform lift at Haywood House travels a total of 600mm between the two levels and features a 1100mm x 1400mm platform. The same mesh finish is included on the platform as well as the landing gate. All visible surfaces were then powder-coated in matte RAL 9005 to match the surrounding railings and accents of the reception area.

Leighton House Museum

Leighton House Museum is a museum located in Holland Park in West London. The building was constructed for Frederic Leighton to serve as a private home combined with an art studio. Frederic Leighton was one of the founding members of the Holland Park Circle, a group of artists that were prominent in the mid-late 19th century. The construction of the site took 30 years with continuous development from the original studio. The building is Grade II* listed and is made out of red Suffolk bricks and its distinguished finishes continue with the internal design taking influence from the East Mediterranean and Near East. The museum has been open to the public since 1929 displaying pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood paintings as part of their permanent collection.

The site was awarded £1.6m from the Heritage Lottery Fund as part of the £7.8m refurbishment. BDP, the appointed architectural practice, looked to rediscover original architectural elements throughout the museum whilst providing new exhibition spaces and making the museum accessible for all. Access Lifts previously worked with BDP on the £24m refurbishment of the National Army Museum. The same project architect got in touch with Access Lifts in 2016/17 to go through first and second stage design aspects in order to create step free access routes throughout the project.

Access Lifts designed 3 solutions for the museum and were awarded the lifts package by main contractor Quinn London. The lifts package consisted of 1x passenger lift, 1x open platform lift and 1x hidden platform lift. All of the lifts were to feature bespoke bronze finishes to match designs accents throughout the museum.

The passenger lift features bronze landing doors with a brushed stainless steel lift car with mirrors on 3 sides. The lift also features drape protection to protect the lift car finishes when artwork is moved throughout the museum. The open platform lift is finished with the same bronze colour and features a side acting drive mechanism as to not disturb the existing floor of the Grade II* listed building. The hidden platform lift provides access between two split levels. The lift features wooden flooring which matches the rest of the basement flooring and a frameless glass upper landing gate. The gate is finished with the same bronze colour found through the museum.

St Mary’s Guildhall

St Mary's Guildhall is a medieval building that dates back to 14th Century and is situated in the centre of Coventry. The building is located opposite the old Cathedral and has played a prominent role throughout Coventry's history. The Grade I listed building last had a major refurbishment in the 1930s with smaller scale adaptations made in recent years. Oliver Architecture based in Birmingham led the design with Croft Building Contractors carrying out the major works. Both companies work extensively in the heritage buildings and conservation sector with projects across the West Midlands as well as nationwide. As part of the refurbishment Oliver Architecture were looking at including a discreet hidden platform lift to overcome a short rise as well as an enclosed platform lift to offer step free access to the first floor.

We offer a wide range of hidden lift options that can be tailored to site requirements. We can also change the location of the platform whether its on the upper landing, part of the steps or on the lower landing. Our bespoke hidden wheelchair lifts can be used for rises up to 1500mm. For St Mary's Guildhall, we designed a standard 1100mm x 1400mm platform with two moving steps for the 420mm change in height. The lift requires a 600mm pit below the finished floor level and can be clad in any material most commonly stone up to 30mm thickness with a total load of 100kg across the platform. In this instance Yorkstone was used to match the surrounding flooring which provides a seamless finish. Due to the flexibility of the finish our hidden lifts are perfect for heritage and listed buildings where traditional platform lifts would look out of sorts.

The lift also features stainless steel roll off protection to the lower landing side. The lift is finished with an on platform control column and remote control key fobs for use by members of staff when events are taking place at the Guildhall.

The package also included an enclosed platform lift that offers step free access from the ground floor to the first floor. The lift features its own self-supporting shaft with a half height upper landing gate on the first floor. The lift shaft, platform and all cladding panels when finished in RAL 9005 - Jet Black to match the interior design accents through the building.

As part of the works, Access Lifts were also awarded the enclosed platform lift providing access from the ground floor level to the Undercroft.

External Platform Lifts at Ridley Hall, Cambridge

We were approached by Cocksedge Building Contractors who were carrying out the refurbishment works at Ridley Hall in Cambridge. The works included excavation and creation of a new library in a sub level as well as layout changes to access routes surrounding the external quadrangle. As part of the works, the project required two external platform lifts, one offering access to an existing part of the building then the other offering access into the newly excavated basement for access to the library. Ridley Hall is a theological college in the heart of Cambridge which trains men and women who intend on becoming ordained in the Church of England. Founded in 1881 the college teaches evangelical theology and offers training courses to those already ordained. Even though the college is not part of the University of Cambridge it shares close links with the university and offers some qualifications from the university.

The first lift provides step free access into part of the existing building. The lift has a 1100mm travel across the two floors and features automatic gates on both the platform and upper landing. The lift was finished in black in order to match the steel railings and building accents. The lift also features call and send wireless controls on both landings to make the lift quick and easy to use.

The second lift provides access to the newly excavated basement with an overall travel of nearly 3 metres. Like the first lift it features automatic gates on both the platform and upper landing. It also features wireless call and send buttons on each landing with all aspects of the lift powder coated in black to match the other steelwork around the college. At the request of the lift consultant we also installed a glass screen due to the tightness of the space to prevent accidental entry underneath the lift. Another request was a combined light and audible alarm to alert those moving around the location of the lift that the lift is descending. The colour of both lifts contrasts the orange brickwork and sandstone capping stones to produce an eye-catching finish.

To see projects similar to Ridley Hall, Cambridge click on the following links:

Hidden Wheelchair Lift at Il Borro Tuscan Bistro

We were approached by interior designers Studio 63. They were the principal designers behind the refurbishment of 15 Berkeley Street, Mayfair, transforming it from Nobu to the new Il Borro Tuscan Bistro. The restaurant can trace its roots back to the Il Borro estate in Tuscany, Italy where the Ferragamo family have been producing fresh produce as well as wine for generations. Il Borro Tuscan Bistro in London is the second international restaurant set up, with the first being opened in Dubai in 2017. As part of the design of the restaurant in London, there was a split level with the bar in the front portion of the building and the main restaurant area towards the back and on the first floor.

The stairs consist of 3 risers totalling a vertical travel of 420mm and a horizontal travel of 400mm. A Part M compliant ramp would have to be over 5 metres in length for this rise. This would not only detract from the elegance of the restaurant but would also take up valuable space. Our hidden platform lifts require a shallow pit of only 155mm and can have a maximum vertical travel of 830mm and maximum horizontal travel of 900mm. With the plug and play design of these lifts, they can be installed, tested and handed over to the client in a matter of hours.

The lift features key fob remote controls which are kept with front of house staff and at the bar so that when a customer comes to use the lift they can do so quickly and easily. In addition the lift does not feature any on platform controls which allow both staff and customers to both around the area of the lift without being impeded. Our hidden lifts feature a 22mm tray which can be fitted with any flooring, the same herringbone wooden floor was continued onto the lift allowing a seamless transition. The lift was finished with brass trims to match the brass and bronze accents seen throughout the restaurant.

To see similar projects click on the following links.

Hidden Platform Lift at Broadwalk House, Exeter

We were approached by Cartwright Pickard architects who were designing the refurbishment at Broadwalk House in Exeter. The refurbishment would comprise of a completely new fit out creating break out spaces on the ground floor and redesigning office space on the floors above. With access tight around the reception of the building there was not enough space for a traditional platform lift therefore the only option was for a hidden wheelchair lift. Our hidden lifts have several benefits for both designers and users. For designers, the lifts take up less space than traditional platform lifts and the design is much more sympathetic on the overall building design. For users, the platform can be accessed from any side and with no gates to open the lift can be used easier and more quickly than a traditional platform lift.

This traversing lift provides access from the main reception into the large breakout area and is fitted with our goalpost on platform controls. This allows complete user independence, they simply press and hold the desired direction of travel. In addition, remote control key fobs are kept at reception so that staff members can use and prepare the lifts for any visitors. We worked with WFC contractors, specialists in leisure industry fit out and construction projects, to deliver this project. At the request of the architect we also included detachable stainless steel handrails, these handrails can easily be manoeuvred into position by one person. For this project the vertical travel was 325mm and horizontal travel was 500mm. Our hidden lifts have a maximum vertical travel of 830mm and a maximum horizontal travel of 900mm so can be used on steps and stairwells much larger than this example. The lift was finished with terrazzo tiles and brushed stainless steel floor trims, blending the lift in seamlessly with its surroundings.

Inclined Platform Lift in Kingswear

We were approached by a private client who had recently moved into a house in Kingswear, Devon. The challenge was creating a suitable access route from the street level to the front door level. The pathway consisted of a steep set of over 80 steps with a number of changes in gradient as well as various curves. It came apparent pretty quickly that the only suitable option would be to have an inclined platform lift that would follow the existing pathway.

Using state of the art augmented reality plotting we are able to take incredibly accurate survey of the steps. This allows us to see every measurement of each individual step. We can even mark the surrounding walls of the pathway to make sure that the chosen platform size will be able to fit at every stage of the journey. This is so important when undertaking complex inclined platform lifts like this project to make sure that every subtle curve is taken amount of.

This platform stairlift included 7 changes of gradient as well as 4 curves across its 45 metre travel. The lift is fitted on its own stanchions so there is no need for a supporting wall. These stanchions were then fitted directly into the steps and pathway which means there was no builder's work. Both the lift and the stanchions are made out of stainless steel, realistically this is the only choice for any project by the sea. It also creates a smart finish which will remain the same overtime as well as increasing the longevity of the lift.

All of our inclined platform lifts have a rated load of 300kg so are perfect for moving heavy items. Many of our clients use them for deliveries of heavy items such as white goods whilst others use them to carry their suitcases down when going on holiday.

Laystall Street – Hidden Platform Lift

We were approached by Peldon Rose, a main contractor based in London, who were carrying out a refurbishment on Laystall Street in Farringdon. They were redeveloping the 5 storey commercial office and required a hidden lift in the ground floor reception area. The hidden cantilever lift would allow wheelchair users to reach the passenger lift and access all floors of the building. The hidden lift raises 280mm and traverses 200mm to meet the top step. It features 100mm roll-off protection on all sides which disappears into the pit when the lift is not in use and the front side lowers when the lift reaches the top step to allow the user to exit the platform. These lifts also feature a 22mm top tray which can be infilled with any material to match the surrounding floor. For this project at 12-16 Laystall Street, the top tray was filled with a concrete resin finish and stainless steel trims were used on the roll-off protection to match the contemporary appearance of the new office space. The lift is fitted with handheld remote controls which are kept with the reception desk.

This project, like many, had a floor below where the lift was installed. In order to support the lift, the main contractor fitted suspended steel beams. Our engineers then fixed the lift's pit tray down into this structural steelwork. All of our hidden lifts come with their own galvanised steel pit trays which are then fixed to the existing structure of the building. The pit trays can be fitted by the contractor prior to the lift installation. This allows the contractor to get the floor levels set and finished even before the lift is installed. The pit required for these lifts is only 155mm so means that they can be installed pretty much anywhere. In addition the pit tray can be fixed along its sides rather than down into steel or concrete therefore reducing the size of any void between the floor level and the below ceiling.

This lift was installed within 5 hours.

Purley – Outdoor Platform Lift

We were approached by a private client in Purley upon the recommendation from a couple from a previous project (South Croydon). The project was similar to the one in South Croydon as the client did not have an access route for a wheelchair or electric buggy from the pavement level to the front door level. The client decided that a lift would provide the most suitable access as a ramp would be too steep. We worked with a local builder to remove the existing hedge which lied between the driveway and existing path. This would create the space for the new lift without taking up drive way space.

The lift travels just over 1.5 metres and features a 1100mm x 1400mm platform. This platform size coupled with the lift's 400kg rated load means that it can convey even the heaviest of electric buggies as well as be used for moving heavy items such as appliances, suitcases and bins in and out of the property. The lift also features 900mm wide frameless glass gates on both the top landing and platform. We also included a handheld remote control for the client, this allows the client to be able to call the lift up or down before they have to go outside. The lift is made for external applications with all surfaces either in stainless steel or anodised aluminium. This means that the lift will not rust and will provide continued use over the years.

Brixham – Outdoor Home Lift

We were approached by a private client in Brixham. Brixham is a seaside town in the Torbay area of South Devon; famous for its fishing, it is also popular with tourists during the summer months. As with many properties in the coastal areas of the South West, this property in Brixham was located on a steep hill with the road level several metres above the main entrance into the property. The client was extensively redeveloping the property and during the works was trying to find an alternative access route to the steep steps that lead to the front door. We worked with an architect to design a lift that would provide access from the parking at street level to the two floors below. The middle stop would provide access to the holiday let attached to the property, whilst the bottom floor would lead directly into the client's home.

This outdoor home lift comes in its own self-supporting glass and steel structure. For this project in Brixham the steelwork was colour matched (RAL 7044) with the stone slabs on the top floor as well as some of the stone in the cliffside. The transparent glass panels of the lift shaft allow as much light as possible to enter down into the shaft and into the property below. In addition the lift features a panoramic glass side so the client can still enjoy the view of Brixham whilst travelling in the lift. The COP side of the lift is finished in polished stainless steel which makes the lift feel as spacious as possible and reflects the lift throughout the cabin. The lift was fitted with a security keypad in the cabin. This means that only guests with the correct passcode can travel to the middle floor to access the holiday let and there is a different passcode to travel to the client's floor.

Projects

Haywood House – Open Platform Lift with Bespoke Mesh

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

Leighton House Museum

St Mary’s Guildhall

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

External Platform Lifts at Ridley Hall, Cambridge

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

Hidden Wheelchair Lift at Il Borro Tuscan Bistro

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

Hidden Platform Lift at Broadwalk House, Exeter

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

Inclined Platform Lift in Kingswear

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

Laystall Street – Hidden Platform Lift

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

Purley – Outdoor Platform Lift

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

Brixham – Outdoor Home Lift

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