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ACCESSIBILITY & LIFTS
but in many cases a ramp is fitted to the front of the shaft to conserve the existing floor material.
The self-supporting shaft is also freestanding and doesn’t require any fixings, leaving sensitive wall fabrics untouched. In some cases – especially with a department store, warehouse or factory style building, an existing lift shaft can be used.
Wenlock Works
With the advancement in design of platform lifts, even historic environments are now achieving access through sensitive alterations
he five-year project to restore and reinvent the Grade II listed Bodmin Jail from its derelict state into a luxury boutique hotel and leading visitor attraction
required the installation of
disability access lifts. Platform Lift Company’s expertise was called upon by the main contractor, CField Construction, to provide a two-stop vertical platform lift for the historic 18th century building and the new stone gabion clad ‘Dark Walk’ experience building.
A platform lift was required to create step free access from the entrance level of
the new building to the lowest of the ‘Dark Walk’ experience.
level The
appearance of the product needed to blend in with the theme of the buildings which transport visitors back to Cornwall’s murky past.
The Platform Lift Company built a bespoke platform lift in a matt black finish to meet the specification. The hydraulic platform lift complete with a self-supporting shaft was installed using a ramp system to avoid digging a pit into the floor which
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had already been constructed as part of the new building.
When visitors reach the original jail building from the ‘Dark Walk’ experience, they are taken up a level which is accessed by stairs. A platform lift would overcome this architectural barrier but limited space within the 18th century building presented
This 1980s building in east London has been renovated into a refurbished contemporary office designed to tie in with the unique industrial architecture of Shoreditch. Fit-out contractor Thirdway specified a platform lift with a unique finish, and one which could comfortably reach a total ‘travel’ of 3,555 mm, as well as fitting in the existing shaft. The clean-lined model chosen combines a large platform size with a small external footprint, plus a low noise level and dual guided chain system. Featuring a fully glazed door, it was supplied with a special narrow platform to accommodate the current shaft. A non-standard jet black finish was used to co-ordinate with other structural elements. Glazed panels were incorporated
Bodmin Jail Attraction T
into the shaft on the upper ground level, contributing to the natural light. Installation was carried out over two days with minimal building works. The three-stop lift has made both floors fully accessible from the street level entrance and overcome steps between office suites.
Disability access
Creating a new injection of life into a building gives so much opportunity to not only conserve historic features or its industrial past, but also to embrace change. Over 20% of the population have a disability, so accessibility is a vital element of the future of any public or private building that is destined to become a home, workplace or a community space. It is a careful balance of retaining the integrity of the historic architecture, the heritage of the building, and introducing modern design to enable the environment to be accessed by all. Architectural solutions like wheelchair lifts can help transform derelict buildings to produce positive accessible results for the future.
Sean O’Sullivan is managing director of The Platform Lift Company
a challenge. The Platform Lift Company proposed the Motala 2000 because of its small external footprint. This model of lift fitted the available space and could provide the 4 metres of travel needed to reach the upper floor. With no modifications required, a standard white platform lift was installed. The clean appearance of the lift remains sensitive to its historic setting and clearly shows modern intervention has been successfully used to enable the building to be accessible.
Results
Both the platform lifts were installed within the given timeframe and fulfilled the architectural and structural requirements of the new and old buildings. Bodmin Jail Attraction is fully accessible, welcoming all to its unique immersive experience.
For more information please visit Platform Lift Company’s website.
01256 896000
platformliftco.co.uk
18/11/2022 12:45 ADF DECEMBER 2022
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