The Challenge
Durham University had an ageing lift at Palace Green Library that needed to be removed and replaced with a new two-floor panoramic platform lift.
The main challenge was carrying out the lift replacement and installation while working carefully around the historic and listed features of the building, including the parquet flooring, wooden staircase and carpeted areas.
Space within the stairwell was also restricted, meaning the new platform lift needed to provide suitable wheelchair access without compromising the surrounding architecture.
The stairwell lighting also had to be incorporated into the lift design. S&D Lifts ran the cabling for lighting, lift power and communications from the plant room beneath the lift to the top of the shaft, all within the slim lift structure, avoiding visible external conduit.
The Platform Lift Solution
S&D Lifts specified an MC2000 platform lift for the project. The MC2000 uses a chain-drive system with two chains positioned on either side of the platform and driven from a shaft at the top of the lift. Unlike systems requiring a screw or hydraulic mechanism directly behind the platform, this design allows for a significantly smaller footprint.
This was particularly important at Palace Green Library, where the restricted stairwell opening required a compact wheelchair platform lift capable of providing accessible travel between two floors.
The lift was finished in a light grey powder coating and incorporated glazed panels on all sides, creating a panoramic platform lift that retained views across the historic stairwell and feature window. Fully automatic doors were also specified to make the lift easier to use for wheelchair users.
The Result
The completed platform lift installation provided Palace Green Library with a reliable and accessible solution while respecting the historic character of the building.
Durham University was delighted with the finished lift, which now provides dependable access for visitors and is expected to serve the building for the next 15–20 years.
S&D Lifts will also provide biannual lift maintenance to help maintain the reliability and performance of the platform lift over the long term.
