Loft Lines, GRP Riser Flooring
At a Glance
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Client
Graham Construction
Location
- Belfast
- , Northern Ireland
Services
- Design, Fabrication, Installation
Products
- Riser Guard
Problem/Challenge
Graham Construction engaged Relinea to design, supply, and install a comprehensive GRP riser guard system. The specification required Relinea’s Re-Grid riser flooring solution, featuring a 38mm deep grating with a 38mm mesh and a grit top finish. The system was designed to accommodate a uniformly distributed load of 3kN over 2m² and covered a total area of 319.7 square metres.
A safe, structurally sound solution was needed to cover vertical service riser openings throughout each building. These risers form part of the essential building infrastructure, carrying mechanical and electrical services from floor to floor. During construction and long after occupation, they pose a potential hazard if not properly enclosed or accessed.
The main challenge was to provide a riser flooring solution that would offer excellent load-bearing capability, meet stringent health and safety requirements, and enable flexible coordination around complex service layouts. Additionally, the solution had to be lightweight for easy manual handling during installation while offering long-term resistance to corrosion, wear, and environmental exposure. Given the profile of the development, a premium quality finish and reliable performance were non-negotiable.
Solution
Relinea delivered a tailored GRP riser guard system that met the specific technical and safety demands of the project. The Re-Grid 38mm riser flooring, selected for its high strength-to-weight ratio and anti-slip grit surface, provided a robust and secure platform across all designated service riser areas.
The design included the strategic placement of a continuous front beam to support the area in front of the service runs, complemented by GRP angle supports to both adjacent walls, ensuring structural stability and consistent load performance throughout.
GRP was chosen for its many advantages in this type of application. Unlike traditional materials such as steel, GRP is non-conductive, making it a safer choice when working near electrical installations. It is also resistant to corrosion and will not rust, even in humid or exposed environments, which significantly reduces maintenance requirements over the system’s lifetime.
The lightweight nature of GRP made the installation process more efficient and less labour-intensive, a crucial benefit in the confined and repetitive workspaces that riser zones typically present. Furthermore, the integrated grit surface provided superior slip resistance underfoot, enhancing safety for construction teams and future maintenance personnel.
Relinea’s ability to manage the full process from design through to installation ensured seamless integration within the construction schedule, delivering a reliable and cost-effective safety solution that supports the long-term integrity and operability of the development’s core infrastructure.
Relinea’s GRP riser guard system plays a vital role in ensuring both the construction and future operation of Loft Lines is carried out safely and efficiently. As Belfast’s first major build-to-rent development, the project sets a new standard in urban living, and the use of innovative GRP technology aligns perfectly with its forward-thinking vision. Through expert delivery and high-performance materials, Relinea has once again demonstrated the value of composite solutions in modern high-rise construction.
