THE LIE OF THE LAND: KEY ACCESS CONSIDERATIONS FOR LANDSCAPING PROJECTS

One of the most essential parts of an urban experience is the visual appeal the environment creates for its visitors. Whilst aesthetics will be one of the main considerations, urban designers and specifiers must also address the functionality and durability of the public space to ensure its long-term usability. Chris George, Business Development Manager at Howe Green, discusses the key considerations that should be made when specifying floor access solutions for landscaping developments to provide a safe and efficient installation, without compromising on the overall visual effect. Urban designers and specifiers have a responsibility to prioritise public safety when designing external public areas, particularly high trafficked spaces such as parks, walkways and outdoor shopping centres. A factor that must be carefully considered for these types of commercial spaces is the floor. It must offer the highest standards of longevity and durability, whilst also providing instant access to essential underfloor services for necessary maintenance and emergency repairs. Whilst the functionality of these dedicated access areas is critical, it is also important to ensure the access solutions do not impact the overall design scheme or usability of the landscaped area. Design stage considerations By working closely with a manufacturer from the initial design stages, urban design professionals can successfully implement floor access solutions into hard landscaped areas to provide ease of access for regular maintenance and keep any potential disruption to a minimum. The hard flooring should seamlessly integrate with the floor access covers to provide the highest quality finish, without impacting the location or functionality of the services beneath. Here specifiers should look for discreet floor access covers that allow safe and simple access to concealed underfloor services, whilst simultaneously providing a flush and unobtrusive design that achieves a smooth finish and flat walkway to eliminate any potential trip hazards. The sleek aesthetic is enhanced by the access cover frame being manufactured to suit the tile module, and the edge profiles reflecting the dimension of the join between the tiles to create a unified and cohesive finish. The configuration of the access covers will be dependent on the size and requirements for access. Professionals are able to choose from a range of configurations, including single covers, duct runs and multi-part options. Many urban areas are now also adopting the introduction of trees in order to reap the benefits they bring, including improved mental and physical wellbeing for residents and a positive impact on the environment. But how can specifiers ensure they are planted in a safe and secure way? External tree pits and tree grilles are particularly popular, as they effectively provide easy access to tree root balls, whilst also providing discreet access to electrics, valves, pumps, and water features. Performance and functionality Not only do the visual aspects of urban landscaping projects play a major role in the specification process, but the choice of materials used can seriously affect the performance and longevity of the space. When specifying floor access covers, specifiers should consider solutions manufactured of stainless or galvanised steel. These materials provide long-term resistance to rust and corrosion for the highest standards of performance and can accommodate a wide variety of hard floor finishes in greater depths. When embarking on a new design project, safety and compliance are at the forefront of every specifier’s mind. How to achieve quick and straightforward access to key areas is extremely important to consider at the specification stage, as once the project is complete, the main tasks that are undertaken within these areas are usually for routine maintenance checks and emergency access. Access covers that are constructed with lifting points in the corners as standard, in addition to offering inset or barrel lifting point options, provide contractors with safe and secure methods of lifting the access cover. This ensures minimal disruption to visitors without impacting the overall security of the access cover. Choosing products that not only look the part, but perform to the highest standard, is key to a successful and durable installation. Howe Green’s team of in-house design and engineering experts offer a broad range of custom and standard tree pits and floor access covers to meet the most demanding project requirements. This includes its 1050 Series, which is available in single, duct or multipart configurations, for use in exterior areas up to 6.5 tonne pneumatic tyre wheel load. Manufactured in the UK and third party CERTIFIRE fire rated to BS 476 Part 22, these floor access covers are suitable for use with thicker and hard-wearing floor finishes enabling permanent, safe access to services concealed underneath. For further information on Howe Green’s floor access solution call 01920 463230.

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