architecture - engineering - construction
AECinfo.com

AECinfo.com blog

An Introduction to Access Covers

December 12, 2016

Contemporary architecture strives to be seamless, high performance and flexible. As a result this requires intelligent and creative solutions to servicing these spaces. Integrated strategies for the provision of power, communication, data and HVAC are essential. Howe Green products enable this integration to happen.

Served vs Servant - a concept first coined by AIA and RIBA gold medalist Louis Khan, a great 20th century architect.

Our raison d'être
Here at Howe Green we take inspiration from Khan and have a range of products which enable the architectural greats of today to realize their vision. Contemporary architecture strives to be seamless, high performance and flexible. As a result this requires intelligent and creative solutions to servicing these spaces. Integrated strategies for the provision of power, communication, data and HVAC are essential. Howe Green products enable this integration to happen. The introduction of innovative solutions to building services such as voids, suspended ceilings, raised floors, false walls, service chases and service cores are a direct result of the commercial incentive of maximizing the usable space within a building. However these strategies require access, which is where Howe Green's products are used.

Types of access cover

The access covers generally fall under three types, those mounted on walls, those fitted in a ceiling system and floor based products. These systems can be used internally and externally. Howe Green products are used across the globe in challenging environments, the products have been put to use in commercial offices, transport hubs, public spaces, retail and residential architecture. It is a versatile family of products that address the requirement for high quality, accessible service space.

What can we do for you?
"Design for the present with an awareness of the past, for a future which is essentially unknown" Norman Foster. Howe Green's systems aim to add value to the architecture in which it is installed; they allow for flexibility in future demands by allowing ease of access for service updates and ease of maintenance for existing service infrastructure.

Ease of use
Howe Green Access Covers are supplied with clear and legible installation guides ideal for contractors unfamiliar with our products. The "Buildability Factor" is considered at every stage. Crucial in installation, where the access covers have a low level of complexity, are generally built to standardized construction dimensions and reduce the level of risk for the contractors fitting the product - a responsibility that must be upheld by the principle designer, client and suppliers under HSE and CDM 2015 regulations.

Responsiveness
Howe Green is a responsive company that understands the design, construction and operational process and just how fast changes occur. As an established company we have the resources invested in cutting edge C.N.C. equipment to respond to these changes rapidly; Howe Green stock products are dispatched the same day, whilst bespoke items have a 7-10 day lead time.

Precision
The fabrication and manufacture of our products is heavily influenced by sustainability; the process minimizes waste material and guarantees a precise tolerance finish for a high performance product. This ensures a quality product is delivered to the correct level of specification every time.

Integration
Howe Green's products are integrated into the BIM workflow for architects, specifiers, clients, contractors and even facilities management. This allows for the products to be introduced at concept design stage through to retrospective fittings in operation and management, which has happened recently for one of our client's – the Eagle Church Campus situated in Indiana, USA.

This high level of integration allows for costing, schedules, performance analysis all to be undertaken and documented through the whole lifespan of the design, procurement, facilities management and operation and maintenance of Howe Green's products.

Company: Howe Green US

Source: https://www.howegreen.us/howegreen/news/introduction-to-access-covers.php



Tags:

Access Covers

Ceiling

Floor

Sustainability

Wall Panels