16 St Martin’s Le Grand

16 St Martin’s Le Grand is a Grade II listed office building in the heart of the City of London, only a stone’s throw from St Paul’s Cathedral. The building offers 45,000 sq ft of office space across 8 floors.

Access Lifts worked with award winning London based architectural firm, Barr Gazetas, to specify a Hidden Platform Lift within the new main reception area on the ground floor back in 2022. The lift was to provide a step free access route to the ground floor level for non-ambulant visitors.

The project was awarded to London based main contractor, Structure Tone. Structure Tone then awarded the platform lift contract to Access Lifts in Q3 2023. The lift was then fitted on time near the end of the overall programme in May 2024 ready for practical completion of site by the start of June 2024.

The lift features its trims, on platform control post, upper landing gate and surface mounted wireless landing controls in RAL 9005 - Jet black in a matt finish. This colour and finish was used across all metalwork accents including railings, door frames, window frames and light fittings.

The upper landing gate was fabricated to match the railings both inside and outside the building with a bespoke pattern reminiscent of the Art Deco nature of the building. The gate features an electromechanical lock so that it can only be opened when the lift is at the upper floor level.

The lift’s floor is finished in white marble to match the rest of the flooring which strikes a beautiful contrast with the black detailing found across the lobby.

Peak Edge Hotel

The Peak Edge Hotel is a modern boutique 4-star hotel located at the foot of the Peak District only 4.5 miles away from Chesterfield. The hotel consists of 27 luxury rooms with an award winning restaurant called the Red Lion.

The hotel approached Access Lifts in late 2023 as they were looking to install disabled access to the Red Lion restaurant. The main obstacle was the tight constraints of the corridor leading up to the restaurant with no space for a conventional platform lift. Therefore the only viable solution was our Hidden Platform Lift.

The Hidden Platform Lift allowed the corridor and steps leading up to the entrance to be used as normal when the lift was in its resting position. With minimal builders work the lift features an on platform handrail with controls to allow use by a restaurant guest. We supplied the lift with remote control key fobs for use by members of staff. The design of the hidden platform lift allows the lift to be entered from either of the 2 available sides at the lower landing. This makes it easier for the end user and reduces any turning circle issues .

The lift was then finished with wooden floorboard to match the surrounding floor and steps. The black rubber trim matches the black powder-coated and the black nosings on the steps. The lift was completed in Spring 2024.

Royal Academy of Arts

The Royal Academy of Arts was founded in 1768 in Pall Mall to offer a school of design for the use of students in the arts. Initially founded with a membership of 34 artists. The Academy moved between locations at Old Somerset House, the new wing at Somerset House and the National Gallery at Trafalgar Square before settling at Burlington House is 1868, 100 years after its inception and remains there till this day. In 1998 the Royal Academy acquired 6 Burlington Gardens, an Italianate building located adjacent to Burlington House. Design development has been ongoing since 2008 in order to bring the two Grade II* buildings together to unlock a free flowing conjoined space expanding the overall gallery and teaching areas for the Academy.

Access Lifts worked with David Chipperfield Architects to specify a Hidden Platform Lift back in Summer 2021 as part of the renovation works bringing together the Royal Academy of Arts and 6 Burlington House. The main contract was won by Knight Harwood who Access Lifts have previously worked with at BAFTA, installing a lift to the main stage. The lift was installed in Spring 2024 and was finished with the original flagstones which were refurbished by the stonemasonry contractor. The lift metalwork was finished in brushed stainless steel to provide a clean finish. The lift features both an on platform control post and wireless remote control landings controls to allow the lift to be used completely independently.

The hidden platform lift is perfect for heritage projects offering discreet access whilst offering great functionality.

hidden platform lift

16 St Martin’s Le Grand

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

Peak Edge Hotel

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

Royal Academy of Arts

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