NEW USE FOR FLOOR ACCESS COVERS

An unusual use of floor access covers can be seen in the newly opened Pendley Manor Hotel at Tring. This 74-bed refurbished hotel includes a brand new swimming pool complex incorporating a specially constructed deck, supplied by Stage Systems, to convert the pool into a solid wood floor for dancing and other functions. In order to save space, architect Antony Moyes has designed a 3m x 2m storeroom directly below the swimming pool surround to house the demountable floor structure and 1.2m square wood floor modules. This is accessed via six easily removed Howe Green covers set in the tiles. Not only do the covers resist the ingress of water into the store but, when closed, provide a flush surface and complete safety underfoot. Elsewhere, another single cover provides access to conventional water and other services. Another unusual feature is the choice of new high impact PVC showedges instead of normal brass or aluminium. The various standard colours of black, white, terracotta, forest green, slate grey and sandstone give designers greater flexibility in blending with or complementing different floor finishes. Special colours can be supplied to order.