Issue 35 autumn 2022 - Flipbook - Page 76
Summary
It is fantastic to see so many of our historic buildings being
returned to their former glory or being brought into the
21st Century by changing the internal configurations. We
are fortunate to have so many heritage sites in the UK,
but the onus is on the developer and the owner/occupier
to ensure that the renovations meet with all current regulations. Fire risk and accessibility form the backbone of
the requirements for these types of structures so it’s vital
that you work with a competent professional who understands the subtleties and nuances that exist within the regulations that can enable a building that is well over 500
years old to still be compliant with current regulations. It’s
also important that these buildings can be enjoyed by
everyone and accessibility is the key to ensuring this happens – building with everyone is mind is vital. Our history
is what makes us all who we are today and protecting
that legacy is the job of everyone involved in heritage
construction projects.
- Install a platform lift. Lifts can either have a rise of less
than or greater than 1m. Platform lifts are a good way
to provide access but there can be challenges aroun
volume of users and speed. Some users can also feel
slightly ill at ease in a platform lift.
- Install a retracting stair lift. The design of stair lifts has
improved significantly and can now be designed to be
completely sympathetic to the surrounding, often
almost completely camouflaged. Horizontally
retracting stair lifts can be installed either with a lift
below 1000mm rise or above a 1000mm rise. Vertically
retracting stair lifts are also available where space is
at a premium.
Access to heritage sites is a complex and difficult area to
tackle when it comes to making alterations to a building.
The best approach is to speak to both planning and building control early in the process and take advice from people who have experience of successfully delivering these
types of projects. They may be able to offer insight that
saves time and money and delivers a more comprehensive
solution.
Below, Notre-Dame fire 15 April 2019
i
i
Conservation & Heritage Journal
74