The purpose of handrail is to keep people safe, but over the past couple of years it has become increasingly clear that handrail can also pose a risk to health, especially with some of our most vulnerable members of society, seniors.
Prior to the pandemic, retirement and long-term care homes, especially in Ontario, were slated for a series of upgrades or expansions to address the increasing numbers of wait lists for new residents. With the arrival of Covid-19, care homes priorities shifted. Now needing to comply with new stringent daily cleaning protocols, equating to a higher level of hygiene maintenance, brought to light many shortcomings of existing building materials, specifically wooden handrail.
Time for an upgrade
The Kingsway is a 107 suite retirement home in the historic Edenbridge-Humber Valley neighbourhood approximately 20 minutes from downtown Toronto. Looking to up-scale and embrace the vitality of the area and the residents, they embarked on a a full makeover. This home is not only enjoyable outside with a full patio and walking paths; inside it includes a pub, elegant dining room and many more amenities for residents to feel at home.
The existing handrail aesthetic was outdated, and did not seem to embrace the bright vision that the design team had in mind. One of the options being considered was to refinish the wooden handrail already in place, although very costly. In the end, Belroc was able to offer an alternative option for wall protection, selecting the Inpro 910 round handrail with a woodland colour. By accepting our proposal, the owner was able to have significant cost-savings without compromising on the key design elements requested.
Before
Directing and delivery
Through the tender bid process in mid-2021, Belroc entered an agreement with Scott Construction to assist with a series of renovations for Revera Senior Living, now Venvi Lving. Shortly after the contract was awarded, we made our first site visit to The Kingsway in Etobicoke to review the project requirements in detail and complete a full measure up.
With all measurements and scoping decisions complete, Belroc was able to build a schedule with the contractor to complete the install without interrupting the residents currently occupying the care home. Installation was completed mid-2023.
This project is a great demonstration of the way that our 3DX process works to ensure a seamless outcome for every client regardless of the circumstances at play.
After
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