According to the latest statistics, one in five disabled people believe that their accommodation is not suitable as their home requires adaptation.
Research by national charity, Aspire, has determined that fewer wheelchair accessible homes were built in 2013 than in 2005, with 24,000 wheelchair users in England waiting for appropriate social or affordable housing.
P C Henderson’s innovative, automated sliding door hardware - Evolve - provides the ideal solution for easier access in and around rooms, particularly for those with limited mobility, in new or existing homes.
Fergus Pickard, Research & Development Director at P C Henderson, comments: “It is natural for individuals to want to be independent in their own homes for as long as they can, regardless of age or disability. Our Evolve range of sliding door hardware provides users with a safe, easy to operate, automated system that allows sliding doors to open at the push of a button or by activating a motion sensor.
“Utilising sliding door hardware, rather than a traditional swing door, provides the added benefit of an entirely clear floor space, allowing for a smooth flow between rooms.”
Building Regulations and standards such as Lifetime Homes are helping to drive the push for housing which can accommodate changing needs of inhabitants over its lifespan. Homes that enable easier mobility via wider openings, layout and design are in high demand by many people who rely on wheelchairs and walking aids to move around.
P C Henderson’s Evolve range is available in three product variants to suit a number of different applications. Evolve 60 utilises a Pocket Door system, whereby the door slides smoothly into a cavity wall; this is particularly suitable for applications such as toilets and bathrooms where maximising space is a must. Evolve 80 utilises the company’s Husky 100 hardware system whereby the door slides along an adjacent wall. The Evolve 80 SIM is designed for simultaneous bi-parting double doors, making it ideal for wider apertures.
Suitable for interior use, the Evolve range of hardware is extremely versatile with the ability to move wooden or glass doors in a variety of door weights. It is simple to fit and comes complete with track, hangers, floor guide, track stop, drive unit and remote control as standard. A number of sophisticated optional extras are available that can enhance the system further.
P C Henderson has been manufacturing sliding door hardware systems for over 90 years in the UK. Its British engineered systems are cost efficient and combine high performance with aesthetic appeal, meeting the requirements of architects and their clients. With an experienced in-house technical team, customers can expect unrivalled service and support.