This hinged roof access covers a showcase glass staircase to provide access to a roof terrace. It hinges opens from one end to come to rest at a pitch matching that of the staircase underneath. This design not only provides the required design aesthetic, but also means that the open roof provides an overhead cover to protect the space below from the worst of sudden rain showers.

Even though forces in the drive and hinging system are considerable, the roof is designed in such a way that the hydraulic rams are small and tucked neatly into the corners, creating a sense of the roof ‘floating’ when open. All the pressure created by the open roof is restrained within our chassis systems to avoid undue stress to the building structure.

As this is to be installed in a typhoon zone, the 1200kg opening roof has been especially reinforced for high winds. Nevertheless, there is concern for the building integrity if the roof is left open, so the automation has a wind sensing function. Users are alerted by an alarm system when the roof needs closing.

Three invisible safety light beams protect the frame edges from trapping people or objects when closing. Similarly, a ‘safety curtain’ of light beams similarly prevents the inner face of the glass from contacting obstructions.

meia are happy to design units for anywhere in the world. We test them in our factory before carefully packing them for shipment. Our expert installation team travels out to fit the roof to our customary high standards for a long and trouble free life. Local agents are then appointed and trained to carry out routine maintenance and respond to emergency calls, all supported by our London technical team.