Integrating Style and Safety with Handrails and Balustrades

Handrails and balustrades, often seen as mere safety features, have evolved into key architectural elements that enhance both the look and useability of buildings. This article explores options available that can help architects express their unique design visions while adhering to compliance standards.

The great misconception: pre-configured not customisable

There is a misconception that prefabricated handrail systems are not customisable as they rely on standardised components, leaving little room for personalisation. This might have been true in the past, but the reality is quite different now. While standardised components are often essential, how they interact with other design elements and are visualised provides plenty of scope for the imagination.

Powder coating: A world of colours

Powder coating stands out as a top choice for adding colour and texture to pre-engineered handrails. With a range of hues and finishes now available, from subtle mattes to vibrant glosses, powder coating enables architects to achieve the perfect aesthetic match for any project. This option is not only about visual appeal; it significantly enhances the durability and weather resistance of handrails, making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor environments.

Blending function with creativity: Custom panels

Mesh panels also offer a fusion of artistry and safety in balustrade design. These panels can be crafted into various patterns and designs, providing both a visual barrier and a safety measure to prevent falls. The versatility of mesh panels allows for creative expression, from minimalist geometric patterns to elaborate artistic motifs.

Similarly, stickered panels offer architects the canvas to embed designs, logos, or imagery directly. This option allows for the integration of brand identities or thematic elements and is a popular choice in community spaces.

Integrated lighting: Illuminating spaces with elegance

The use of integrated lighting in handrails is a sophisticated approach to blending functionality with aesthetic appeal. LED lighting can be strategically placed to highlight architectural features, improve navigability, and enhance the ambiance of a space. This option not only elevates the safety of handrails by ensuring visibility but also contributes to creating atmosphere through the interplay of light and shadow.

Blending with nature

Using wooden posts in balustrade systems for projects close to nature offers both aesthetic appeal and environmental harmony. These posts blend seamlessly with natural surroundings, thanks to their organic texture and finishes, enhancing the site’s visual appeal while adhering to sustainable practices. This design choice not only respects the landscape but also enhances the overall user experience by maintaining a connection to the natural environment.

The verdict: functional can be aesthetic.

Moddex’s innovative approach, as demonstrated in their diverse project portfolio, highlights the capacity for standard product ranges to fulfill unique design needs while adhering to safety standards.

Embrace the fusion of safety and style in your next project with Moddex.

Assistrail Public Access Handrails

Moddex

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Moddex Assistrail Public Access Handrail systems ensure safety on accessible routes for people moving in and out of buildings, and to ensure that those who are mobility impaired or vision impaired can traverse the site safely and with ease.

Easily configured to suit a wide range of applications:

DDA access ramps and stairs
Fire stairs
Schools and universities
Aged care
Public access areas
Community centres
Sport and recreation centres
Hospitals and medical facilities
Public transport
Warehouses and loading bays

Moddex Assistrail Public Access handrails are designed and manufactured in accordance with New Zealand Standard 4121:2001 and the New Zealand Building Code
Refer to Moddex Assistrail PS1 for further product specification details

Conectabal Commercial Baulstrades

Moddex

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Moddex Commercial Balustrades eliminate risk to workers, customers and visitors from falls from height in public areas.

Easily configured to suit a wide range of applications:

Retaining walls
Carparks and loading bays
Access ramps and stairs
Recreation centres
Mezzanines
Footbridges
Culverts
Fire stairs

Crowd loadings up to C5 classification on request

Moddex Conectabal Commercial Balustrades complies with the New Zealand Building Code — Clause F4 - Safety from falling.
Refer to Moddex Conectabal PS1 for further product specification details
Crowd loadings up to C5 classification on request

KlipTread — Clip-On Walkway & Handrail System

Moddex

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Moddex proprietary Kliptread™ System ensures safety and compliance on bridges by allowing walkways and handrails to be specified and fitted effortlessly.

Speed and Ease of Install

Specifically designed with KiwiRail to overcome traditional long-winded and difficult walkway installation
Cuts downtime to a fraction of previous walkway installs. (Installation completed in hours not days)
Reduce and remove the hassles of engineering and design with this pre-engineered and proprietary system, complete with a PS1.
Simple installation from above the structure
Safety of install – designed to be installed from the top which removes scaffolding costs and downtime
No drilling/welding or hot works required on site during install
Moddex offers support and training for teams to get a full understanding of install needs.

Retrofittable

Can be added to a bridge prior to any maintenance and used as an access platform.
Installs directly onto bridge structures, separate to the sleepers and tracks. This allows for the sleepers to be removed and replaced without dismantling the walkway or handrail – allowing the bridge to be safe for access prior and during sleeper and track work.
Supplied in modular kit-set form including all fixings. Packed in 6.5m sections, making transport to site straight-forward.

Safe, Compliant and Approved

Fully compliant retrofittable walkway proprietary system that is pre-engineered and certified
Type Approved (Certificate Number B-TA-1001), meaning if you are on the KiwiRail network, this solution is approved for use
Removes risk of falling during inspections and future maintenance
Modular, pre – engineered retrofit system means that JSA/SSSP requirements will be consistent and reliable, allowing for a greater margin of safety.

Moddex KlipTread™ System has been designed to comply with:

AS/NZS 1170.1 – TABLE 3.3
B1 of the New Zealand Building Code
NZS/AS 1657:2018 – CL6.1
PS1 documentation available upon request.

Tuffrail Industrial Handrails

Moddex

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Moddex Tuffrail industrial handrails deliver NZS 1657.1992 compliant protection for workers across mezzanines, stairs, service platforms, walkways and fall edges.

Easily configured to suit a wide range of applications:

Service platforms and mezzanines
Warehouses and loading bays
Retaining walls
Culverts
Roof service areas and fall edges
Suitable for coastal and high corrosion applications

Moddex Tuffrail Industrial handrails are designed and manufactured in accordance with New Zealand Standard NZS 1657
The handrails are designed for loading class C3, as set out in AS/NZS 1170.1
Refer to Moddex Tuffrail PS1 for further product specification details

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