Space-saving Stannah passenger lift ups access in new school extension

Stannah had the challenge to supply and install a space-saving passenger lift in a new extension to St John The Baptist Primary School in Penistone, South Yorkshire.

Completed in 2019, the new building houses supplementary classroom facilities, vital for this thriving, voluntary aided school.

CLIENT: Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council

LIFT TYPE: Stannah 4-person hydraulic-drive passenger lift

CONTRACTOR: Link Contracting, Wigan

ARCHITECT: AHR Building Consultancy Limited, Huddersfield

The Stannah Solution

Stannah’s task was to supply and install a hydraulic passenger lift, to bring freedom of movement throughout the new resource. This good-looking, reliable lift welcomes people of all mobilities to the new extension’s teaching facilities. It delivers a safe, smooth ride, maximising the building’s efficiency and minimising environmental impact.

Choosing the best lift for the job 

The lift was specified by Michael Clay, Building Surveyor at AHR Building Consultancy Limited, Huddersfield, a multi-award winning architectural and building consultancy practice

He comments: “We put our requirement for a passenger lift out to tender and Stannah’s response was the best solution to future-proof access in the new school extension—in specification, aesthetic, performance and complete after-care package.

“We are delighted with our choice and are happy to choose Stannah again to supply and install their lift products in future projects.”

No ordinary passenger lift 

This particular lift is a hybrid model. This is a platform lift that looks and functions just like a regular passenger lift. Ideal for low-rise buildings where space is limited, it combines the benefits of both passenger and platform lift types:

 – Space efficient – low pit/minimum headroom requirement; fits where conventional passenger lifts can’t
 – Reduced cost – minimal builder’s work required
 – Full lift car – spacious and easy to manoeuvre
 – Sliding landing doors – easy access
 – Automatic controls – simple operation

Access for all

The lift helps anyone with compromised mobility to move quickly, easily and safely between two floors. It brings freedom of movement to pupils, staff, and visitors, including wheelchair-users and people moving school equipment and supplies between floors.

Ease of installation

The lift is wall mounted in a purpose-built lift shaft with headroom of 2500mm and a pit depth of 150mm. A lifting beam wasn’t necessary, which made installation faster and easier, with the minimum of builder’s work. 

Looks and performance

The lift exterior is in brushed stainless steel which complements the school’s neutral aesthetic. It provides a tough exterior built to withstand the knocks of daily use. The doors are 2-hour fire-rated. 

The car interior continues the theme with durable grey vinyl skin plate walls and a black non-slip floor contributing to user safety.  The lift travels a distance of 3400mm at a smooth speed of 0.15 m/s. 

As with all Stannah products, this lift meets all safety standards and legislations. 

Result

The Stannah platform lift plays a central role in the new extension’s functionality and helps the school achieve its overall goal of ‘Working together in friendship and faith, learning for life’.

Executive headteacher, Antoinette Drinkhill, comments: “Thanks to our Stannah lift there are no restrictions when it comes to all of our children, whatever their need, having access to learning.

“It allows them to move easily from classroom to classroom and indoors to outside in a safe and efficient way. This lift is easy to use by people of all ages. The lift is practical, looks attractive and does the job.”

On-going support and maintenance

Stannah has total in-house expertise and a pedigree spanning over 150 years at the forefront of the UK lift industry, 

This means St John The Baptist Primary School has the weight of a Stannah to keep their lift working at peak performance.

The East Midlands branch of Stannah Lift Services covers the lift, part of its nationwide service network. This is the case with all Stannah lifts.

To read about another passenger lift featuring at a school (this one in Surrey), click here.

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