The project is based in Hitchin and achieved planning approval just before Christmas and tenders for the works are now out for this complex extension and refurbishment project.

The works include new accessible bathrooms, wider doors and ramps, level access throughout, a new accessible kitchen and provision for hoists throughout.

For further information on the disabled adaptations and refurbishment projects that we carry out all over the county please visit our main disabled adaptations architects section in the website

The building will function mostly as an administrative office for the management team who oversee the running of the allotment site.

The creation of the allotment centre is an essential part of the restoration project for the St Ann’s allotment site, as agreed and financially supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund.  The aims and aspiration for the centre have remained unchanged as a focal point for the site:

• In support of site management and maintenance
• As a meeting point and resource for allotment holders, for the wider community interested in any aspect of the site, offering information, displays, workshops and a base for a wide range of activities connected with:
• community gardens and projects
• history and remaining historical features
• wildlife areas
• open days and special activities

It is to be a facility which is environmentally sound and in tune with the character of the whole allotment site.

These include adaptations for wheelchair access, ramp access, accessible showers and bathrooms as well as any other internal modifications required.

We carry out measured surveys of existing properties and prepare feasibility plans to explore the various layout options that could work as well as consider the need for additional extensions .

We prepare all planning and building control drawings and submit all applications as well as tender the works and oversee the contract administration of the project to completion.

The design phase of our work includes planning for a person with a disability, carrying out a building acessibility audit and ensuring compliance with  BS8300 guidance  for bathroom, living accommodation and kitchen layout design.

We can design accessible wet rooms, and accessible kitchens as well as swim therapy and hydrotherapy pools and specify the right equipment you wil need.

We know how to incorporate environmental controls in a project and  integrate specialist equipment and hoists into the home in a way that is not institutional.

Our recent case studies for private individuals and the charity SCOPE can be found on the following projects link

Ramps should be no more than 1 in 12 for distances of less than 5m, for longer ramps they need to be designed to 1 in 15 up to ten metres and 1 in 20 for a longer approach. The width of an accessible ramp should be 1200mm and handrails to both sides

Accessible Doors

For wheel-chair users the minimum distance between the door stop and the face of the door when in the open position is 800mm for an entrance door, 775mm for an internal door when approached at 90 degrees and 750mm straight on. To achieve these clear dimensions door leafs are often 926mm and 826mm using standard metric doors. Door handles should be at 1m above floor level. Front entrance doors are often automated so they open on approach, another approach is to have ‘easy open doors’ which are power assisted and entrance doors should have low level 15mm acceible thresholds on them. Doors on corridors should also have vision panels

Accessible Bathrooms

Accessible bathrooms need to be a minium of 2.5m x 2.7m but where assistnace is required these become 3.5m x 2.7m. Refer to our Cropwell Butler project

Working with Bartons plc we oversaw the design and on site project management to create this unique new performance space; raising from the ashes the burnt out wreck of a building to deliver this industrial rugged architectural interior . The first charity ball for the Flying Seagulls at bartons was a roaring success and paves the way for many more large scale events. The season leads to the carnival of monsters which last for a month which then ends with Oxjam

Watch this space….

Compliant with BS EN 15312, the safety requirements and test methods for free-access multi-sports equipment, and PAS 30:1998, the standards governing outdoor recreational multi-sports equipment, they provide a concentrated and enclosed area for ball sports that in turn allows smaller children to play uninterrupted in the playground.

Disabled right to access.  goods, services, facilities and premises
The Equality Act 2010 provides important rights not to be discriminated against or harassed:

• in accessing everyday goods and services like shops, cafes, banks, cinemas and places of worship
• in buying or renting land or property
• in accessing or becoming a member of a larger private club (25 or more members)
• in accessing the functions of public bodies

Everyday services
Disabled people have important rights of access to everyday services. This includes services provided by:

• local councils
• doctors’ surgeries
• shops
• hotels
• banks
• pubs
• post offices
• theatres
• hairdressers
• places of worship
• courts
• voluntary groups such as play groups
• Non-educational services provided by schools are also included.

Access to services is not just about physical access, it is about making services easier to use for everybody.

DisabledGo and Direct Enquiries are online directories with detailed access information about venues across the UK. You can search the database, and filter results so that you can check whether a venue is suitable for your own individual needs.

(All the information above is taken from the DirectGov website for more details on any of the above issues please click here)

The scheme was designed such that it could be converted back to individual apartments for the private market should the client wish to do so in the future.

Its dominant feature is the aluminium ‘sail’ that cantilevers from the building on the main elevation and is set against contrasting black brickwork panels and feature red windows.

The scheme was so successful that it was fully let in two weeks nine months from completion.

The project was extremely well received by the planning department and went through unopposed in thirteen weeks and now stands as an exemplar of how student accommodation architecture can be delivered sustainably and commercially in a tough economic market.