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Loft hatches

Innovative, certified and built to spec – here’s how we took a bespoke access panel from a concept, achieving certification, to being delivered, all in just 90 days.

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The Challenge

We were approached by a major data centre project in Sweden to design and develop a large custom panel that provided safe, efficient access within the facility’s high-traffic corridors while meeting crucial reaction to fire, air pressure and security requirements.

Conventional downward-opening access panels reduce clearance, present opening challenges with high ceilings and can require considerable physical effort to operate – especially with larger panels. Our goal was to design a solution that maximised space, was easy to open while still meeting all strict project requirements.

Our Solution

Through close collaboration with our design team and key project stakeholders, we went from an initial concept to full certification in just 90 days. The proposed panel would open upwards with a telescopic friction stay to reduce physical strain and improve ease of access, with insulation to improve its thermal and acoustic properties. A neoprene seal would be added to keep the panel airtight with a secure 3-point euro profile locking system to reinforce protection.

With two dedicated manufacturing facilities, we have the capacity to produce fully bespoke panels within days, allowing us to meet strict project deadlines without compromising on quality. The panel then achieved class 2 air pressure and reaction to fire certification before starting mass production, ready for dispatch.

We’re incredibly proud of our involvement with this project – we didn’t just create an access panel, we created a solution that will support ongoing operations in one of Sweden’s most important infrastructure environments for years to come.

Showcasing Solutions at Data Centre World 2025

In March, we exhibited at DCW25 and were overwhelmed by the positive reaction to our innovative access solutions. We were approached by many companies with an involvement in high-profile building projects who confirmed something we’ve known for a while:

Projects require more than just compliant products – they need partners and suppliers who can adapt, respond and deliver. That became clear from the volume of conversations we had about projects beyond the data centre scope.

From student accommodation to large scale infrastructure projects, we support projects of all sizes with the same attention to detail and flexibility. Our team is ready to collaborate with you from design to delivery, creating access solutions that tick every box: compliance, quality and performance.

From access panels, riser doors, loft hatches and meter overboxes – we’re ready to work together to support your next project.

Visit our website for more information.

Call us on 024 7518 7518 to discuss your next project.

Access Building Products cleared for Takeoff

Building Products Index Ltd Access Panels, loft hatch Leave a Comment

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National supplier of loft hatches and access panels Access Building Products is has just completed the renovation of a 40,000 sq ft former World War II hangar.

jupiter-blue-2The new premises started life as a Bellman Hangar and was used during the second world war for storage of heavy bombers when the industrial estate was known as RAF Marston Moor in North Yorkshire. Between 1942 and 1945 the base was used for training of aircrew. Probably the most famous former student being Clark Gable.

Largely untouched since the end of the war the unit has benefitted from being completely re-clad and modernised and provides the business, which is celebrating its 10th year of trading with much needed space for expansion.

MD Bob Elderton said: “This is an exciting time for the company and we have tailored the premises to our own specification and design. Purchasing our own property is something that I have always wanted to do and we plan on making this our home for the foreseeable future. It’s very satisfying to be able to breathe new life into such a historic building. Being only eight minutes from the A1(M) the new warehouse is in a brilliant location and it will allow us to double the amount of stock we’re able to hold, which will help support our ambitious growth plans. In addition, we will be advancing the work environment and leisure facilities for the staff, to a standard that will be second to none”