Inclusive access is a necessity, not a trend
From the vibrant, eclectic energy of Postmodernism in the late 1970s to the revival of biophilic design in the urban environment, architectural design trends have always mirrored and anticipated the changes in our world.
Shaped by technological advancements and shifts in cultural and societal values, contemporary architecture goes beyond artistic expression.
As buildings become taller and houses smaller, the architectural trends we see today often focus on minimalism, featuring open spaces, clean lines, and harmonious flow. This modern design approach offers a calming contrast to the hustle and bustle of everyday foot and vehicular traffic.
Beyond design trends, Australian Standards and stringent building codes ensure safe, equal, and inclusive access for all current and future users.
Whether refurbishing an office tower, building a new residential apartment block, or renovating an educational facility, architects, designers, and building professionals play a crucial role in creating welcoming spaces, prioritising community safety and accessibility.
Where luxury meets sustainability, and design meets accessibility, this article will discuss the importance of incorporating luxury access safety products into contemporary building designs.
The Importance of Balancing Architectural Sophistication and Inclusive Access in Modern Design
In response to rapid global population growth and the demands of an increasingly digital age, current architectural trends are embracing a holistic, human-centric approach centred on wellness, technology, and sustainability.
Fostering interconnected communities and healthy cities, there is a growing shift towards aspirational, dynamic spaces that promote health, well-being, and inclusivity within the built environment.
In addition to standard safety policies and cultural values, ensuring the health and well-being of all users requires that public and shared spaces reflect a commitment to inclusive access.
As such, architects and building professionals must focus on accommodating diverse mobility and accessibility needs in the early conceptual design and planning stages.
Poor design and failure to comply with the relevant standards can present imminent risk factors that may result in slips, trips, and falls. Combined with poor lighting and wet conditions, accidents resulting from lack of compliance can lead to time and financially costly legal ramifications for property owners.
Incorporating Luxury Access Safety Features in Commercial and Residential Spaces
Under the Australian Standards, all newly constructed and renovated commercial developments must ensure compliance with accessibility standards. These standards can also apply to residential apartment developments, rental and holiday properties, and other establishments with public access.
Luxury access safety features refer to high-end, aesthetically pleasing products that also serve a safety function, such as stair nosings, tactile indicators, entrance matting, and car park safety solutions.
These products all play important roles in both commercial and residential spaces, as outlined below.
- Stair nosings are safety strips installed on the edge of steps to enhance grip and visibility while preventing slips and falls.
- Tactile indicators are raised surfaces with a distinctive texture, used as orientational and warning cues to guide visually impaired individuals.
- Entrance matting is a slip-resistant surface placed at building entrances and exits to trap dirt, dust, and moisture and to prevent accidents.
- Car park safety solutions can include bollards, speed humps, and wheel stops to control vehicle speed, enhance traffic flow, and protect facility users.
Balancing function with aesthetics, the increasing availability of high-end, custom-designed access features ensures floor and stair safety compliance while maintaining visual appeal. These access safety solutions prevent accidents and can be seamlessly integrated into the overall design, adding elegance, functionality, and durability.
Below, we’ll explore the benefits and use cases of various access safety features in luxury hotels, commercial offices, and residential homes.
Hotels
Contributing to the overall experience, hotels must promote a safe, accessible, and luxurious space to attract new guests and encourage repeat stays throughout the year.
Installed across all common entry points, internal and external entrance matting is a crucial floor safety investment for hotels. Not only do they provide a slip-resistant surface for foot and wheeled access, but commercial entrance mats can also influence your guests’ first impressions by maintaining clean entry areas and extending the longevity of your floors.
Additionally, luxury tactile indicators should be integrated into all common areas to enhance navigation for guests who are blind or visually impaired, ensuring safe and confident access. Stylish stair nosings should also be installed in high-traffic areas such as lobbies and staircases to prevent slips and falls, providing safety and elegance.
Office Spaces
Given today’s diverse and inclusive workforce, safety and accessibility in the workplace are non-negotiables in modern offices. This approach not only enhances the health and well-being of employees, clients, and visitors but also upholds a professional atmosphere and culture.
Incorporating high-quality tactile indicators and entrance matting in office building entrances and throughout walkways ensures safety and functionality while preserving premium aesthetics. Similarly, elegant stair nosings should be used in office staircases and communal areas to minimise the risk of accidents.
Non-compliance with Australian Standards and applicable building codes can lead to significant work health and safety risks and costly legal repercussions.
Residential Properties
Like commercial projects, residential properties such as high-end apartments and upscale homes can achieve an optimised balance of safety and style with integrated, aesthetic safety features.
Customised to match interior design themes and personal preferences, luxurious safety access features can be seamlessly incorporated to add a touch of refinement and safety that requires minimal upkeep.
By choosing high-quality products and finishes, residents will enhance their overall living experience and navigate their homes with confidence and ease.
The Art of Curating Access Safety Features that Evoke Luxury
Whether it’s a residential, commercial, or industrial project, finding the perfect balance between aesthetics, functionality, and safety is vital to fulfilling your client’s design brief.
Access and safety features should be prioritised early in the architectural design process to ensure a smooth project rollout. Proactively addressing these key elements ensures uncompromising safety and ultimate design flexibility, keeping you in control of the project’s success.
Aligning with your vision, Classic Architectural Group specialises in end-to-end access safety solutions to meet your luxury design, colour, and application requirements.
Here are some examples of how we can customise solutions to complement your luxurious design theme:
- Premium materials: Discover solid brass or your choice of colours in our high-quality anodised finish, which suits all design themes.
- Bespoke finishes: Add the perfect finishing touch with architecturally designed options like timeless bronze for both light and dark spaces.
- Exclusive colours: From the latest Pantone colour trends to natural, biophilic-inspired hues, choose colours to match your architectural project.
To blend your safety features with modern architectural elements effortlessly, our team can help you select the best materials and finishes to achieve your aesthetic and safety goals.
Recent case studies featuring Classic’s luxury access safety features
555 Collins Street, Melbourne
555 Collins Street is an award-winning commercial development recently completed in the heart of the Melbourne CBD.
A towering 37-storey, 160-metre building combining office and retail spaces, the priority was to create a luxurious experience centred on occupant comfort and wellness.
Alongside various products from our extensive range, Classic’s Tredfx Solid Brass Safety Stair Nosings and Tactile Indicators were selected as a high-end finish for the grand central staircase, seamlessly matching the project’s overall luxe aesthetic.
Full case study: 555 Collins Street
Allianz, Adelaide
Home to their new headquarters in Adelaide’s bustling city centre, Allianz’s office now spans approximately 4000 square metres across two floors in the new Festival Tower.
Featuring a new internal stairwell and 350 workstations with biophilic themes throughout, we proudly supplied customised Classic Tredfx Safety Stair Nosings and Tactile Indicators to contribute to the project’s exceptional finish.
Full case study: Allianz
Endeavour Energy, Sydney
Relocating from Hoxton Park to Paramatta, the Endeavour Energy project paid respect to Indigenous elements while creating a welcoming corporate environment.
A physical and cultural shift to celebrate a new era as one of Australia’s leading energy providers, the sustainable, tech-innovated space is also among Western Sydney’s most energy-efficient buildings.
With both warm and industrial elements, Classic customised blackened steel plates and tactile indicators to highlight the building’s three-storey spiral statement staircase.
Full case study: Endeavour Energy
Future Trends in Luxury Architectural and Access Safety Design
Current architectural trends and future outlooks show a continued shift toward sustainable manufacturing, smart technology, and integrated solutions.
Green buildings, minimalist designs, and eco-friendly materials are gaining popularity, and there’s a strong preference for safety features that blend seamlessly with architectural styles.
Biophilic architectural design, a concept with ancient roots, remains influential in today’s digital age. High-end developments are expected to adopt access features that ensure safety and align aesthetically with the building and surrounding nature, enhancing the overall living experience.
Trust Classic to Incorporate Luxury Access Safety Solutions Without Compromising Your Design
At Classic, we work closely with architects and building professionals Australia-wide to deliver bespoke access and safety solutions.
Ensuring impeccable craftsmanship, luxurious finishes, and seamless integration, our floor and stair safety products are designed for architectural excellence and uncompromising compliance.
Committed to helping you get your compliance right every time, download our comprehensive compliance guides for the latest updates.
To explore our current product range, download our latest catalogue and contact our friendly team for a product sample, a quick quote or a tailored consultation today.
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