Bike racks and accessibility ramp for modern student living

GBT Steelwork, a leader in bespoke steel fabrication, recently completed an extensive project for Urban Nest, a premier student accommodation provider in London. The project involved producing hundreds of steel bike racks for four of Urban Nest’s properties across the city and fabricating a disability access ramp for the Battersea property. To ensure maximum longevity, GBT Steelwork collaborated with Joseph Ash Galvanizing to protect the access ramp and 300 bike racks with a long-lasting hot dip galvanized finish.

Meeting the needs of modern student living

Urban Nest’s properties, known for their modern design and convenience, cater to the diverse needs of students living in London. The addition of these bike racks outside the properties shows their commitment to promoting eco-friendly transportation while enhancing the functionality of their accommodations.

As well as the bike racks, a new disability access ramp was designed for the Battersea property to ensure accessible accommodation for residents and visitors, adhering to the highest safety standards.

The role of hot dip galvanizing

GBT Steelwork chose Joseph Ash Medway to hot dip galvanize the steel bike racks and accessibility ramp. Hot dip galvanizing was chosen as the steel protection method of choice as it is an effective method of protecting steel against corrosion.

The galvanizing process involves immersing steel in molten zinc, creating a robust protective coating where the zinc metallurgically bonds to the steel. This method provides several key benefits that are particularly valuable for urban infrastructure projects:

Corrosion resistance

The primary benefit of hot dip galvanizing is its enhanced corrosion protection for steel, including in outside environments. The zinc coating protects the steel from rust and weathering, making it ideal for the bike racks and ramp.

Longevity

Galvanized steel has a significantly longer lifespan compared to untreated steel, ensuring the bike racks and ramp remain functional and protected against visually unappealing rust for decades. It also means the racks and ramp won’t need to be re-coated and replaced as frequently, saving disruption on downtime for the residents.

Cost saving

Thanks to its increased longevity and protection against corrosion, there are fewer costs from re-coating, maintaining, and replacing the steel.

Promoting sustainable and inclusive living

The bike racks and disability ramp are more than just functional additions; they reflect Urban Nest’s vision for sustainable and inclusive student living. By encouraging cycling, Urban Nest helps reduce carbon emissions while promoting a healthy lifestyle among students. The accessibility ramp, on the other hand, ensures that no resident or visitor is unable to access the property.

Hot dip galvanizing fits into the principles of a circular economy and is an ideal choice for companies who are mindful about sustainability.

A step forward in urban development

Andy Thompson from GBT Steelwork said “This project highlights GBT Steelwork and Joseph Ash Galvanizing’s ability to deliver durable, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing solutions for modern urban challenges. It’s great to be able to work on projects that are not only aesthetically pleasing and inclusive, but also practical and durable.”

Joseph Ash Galvanizing has protected the steel for several GBT Steelwork projects over the last few years, including some balconies for a prestigious Knightsbridge apartment. The partnership was great for this project, as GBT Steelwork’s expertise in steel fabrication and Joseph Ash’s galvanizing process ensure that Urban Nest’s investment is practical and sustainable.

GBT Steelwork can fabricate all types of architectural and structural steelwork, anything from steel beams to gates, bike racks to agricultural pens, balconies to staircases. For more information about GBT Steelwork’s fabrication services contact Andy Thompson on aftommo@hotmail.co.uk or 07872507973.