Handrails and Ballustrades in a Retail Environment
Getting the balance right
Roy Bradburn, Director at Laidlaw looks at achieving that balance between functionality and aesthetics, when specifying handrail and balustrading systems for a retail environment.
When choosing a handrail and ballustrading system for a retail environment there are a number of considerations; from the overall performance in terms of its load bearing capabilities and durability, to the system finish – whether that’s purely from an aesthetic point of view or in terms of visual contrast.
First and foremost, safety is key and “
even the most demanding horizontal uniformly distributed line loading requirements – and what’s more there are no gaps through which a child could squeeze, nor can it be easily climbed.
Structural stability doesn’t have to be to the detriment of design.
”
depending on the location, a system needs to be able to withstand stipulated uniformly distributed line loads.
Within a retail environment, galleries in assembly areas may be subject to overcrowding by the general public and therefore a uniformly distributed line load of up to 3.0kN/m is generally required. Systems such as 3kN from Laidlaw offer this, due to the 60mm diameter of the uprights and the 4mm thickness of the steel tube for the top rail. However, structural stability doesn’t have to be to the detriment of design – and there is a wide choice of options available to also achieve a desired aesthetic.
Laidlaw’s structural glass balustrade system, for example, is based on the concept of a free‐ standing balustrade, which does not require separate uprights and infill panels. This makes for a sleek, unimposing aesthetic that also lets in light. The system can be designed to meet
Glazed balustrading can also be customised according to the needs of the store – vinyl applications featuring the company logo or bespoke designs can be applied, to reinforce the brand or reflect the store design. Alternatively, Nylon balustrading can add a splash of colour. Whether it’s purely aesthetic, in line with the design scheme – often it is matched to the ironmongery – or for wayfinding. With colour ranges including light and dark LRV (Light Reflective Value) colours, it can also be chosen to adhere to visual contrast guidelines.
In a retail environment aesthetics and visual branding are key to maintaining a professional look and feel. For specifiers unsure where to start, a specialist company that can help suggest a suitable system is key and can ensure a safe, visually appealing retail environment as a result.
Contact Laidlaw
+44 (0)1902 600431
www.laidlaw.net
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