Cambridge laboratory

The challenge

Set within the renowned Granta Park science and technology campus, this laboratory in Cambridge provides premium, adaptable space designed to meet the demands of today’s life science and research sectors. Thanks to its strong connectivity, advanced infrastructure, and access to a range of shared campus amenities, this building is perfectly equipped to support organisations leading the way in scientific research and development.

The client was looking for a scenic lift to accommodate the contemporary entrance hall and provide access for disabled users and users with impaired mobility. But installing the lift came with one main challenge:

Limited pit and headroom space: The site presented tight structural constraints, with very little available pit depth or overhead clearance. These limitations ruled out conventional passenger lift options and required a bespoke solution that could meet regulatory standards without compromising the clean lines and open feel of the lift.

Our solution: Heavy-Duty Cabin Lift

With minimal pit and headroom available, we developed a bespoke solution using our APL Heavy-Duty Cabin Lift, enhanced with frameless glass finishes across the cabin, doors, and shaft structure. To support the additional weight of the glass elements while maintaining compliance, we upgraded the lift’s duty load, ensuring a minimum capacity of 385kg.

Due to restricted access at the upper level, a birdcage-style scaffold was erected to enable safe external installation of the glass panels. Now, the lift sits front and centre of the laboratory's foyer.