Grade I Heritage Site

The challenge

Overlooking the River Thames, this 11th Century iconic British landmark stands as one of the oldest and largest inhabited castles in the world.

Over a million visitors a year explore this site for a rich blend of architecture, art and traditions. Therefore, we needed to create accessible solutions that could accommodate everyone.

We collaborated closely with architects, designers, consultants, and the client to deliver a suite of lift installations, taking into accountability the design, functionality, and compliance. The result was a set of some of the finest lifts we have ever installed.

The project included four lifts across three different locations—each with its own unique design challenges.

For the first lift, we worked alongside a specialist joinery company to incorporate handcrafted timber from the surrounding area into our platform lift. Great care was taken to accommodate the routing of lift controls and safety circuits while ensuring that nearly all visible elements of the lift were constructed from solid timber. This approach maintained full compliance and ensured smooth, reliable operation, all while celebrating the craftsmanship of the joinery.

Lifts two and three were installed in the grand entrance of a public area. To preserve the aesthetic of the space, we fabricated custom railings that mirrored the existing architecture and fitted each lift with bespoke brass handrails. The finished results are visually striking, maintaining symmetry within the area and blending in perfectly as if they were always part of the original design.

Lift four presented the most significant challenge. We delivered an oversized platform lift designed to provide public access to the building. With a travel height of 3 metres and a platform measuring 2,500mm wide by 1,500mm deep, we had to overcome spatial constraints while maximising functionality.

The design was inspired by a historic cast iron railing found elsewhere on the site, dating back several centuries. We created detailed molds and cast exact replicas of the railing in lightweight aluminium, allowing us to combine traditional aesthetics with modern performance and accessibility.

Our solution: Prestige Platform Lift

Four APL Prestige Platform Lifts were installed with bespoke timber and metal gates to deliver full accessibility in a heritage setting without compromising its character.

For lift 1, the custom oak gates echo the Gothic-style arches and timber features of the vaulted stone interior, whilst the powder-coated metal railings designed for lifts 2 and 3 match existing architectural details. For Lift 4, the precise replicas of the historic cast iron railings—mirroring those found elsewhere on site—enhance the installation with an authentic, traditional charm.

All elements were mounted using non-intrusive fixings to protect Grade I listed material, and finishes were meticulously matched in order to look seamless.