A Turn in the Right Direction – Custom Residential Access Ramp

01. Introduction

A private client reached out to us with a unique challenge: they needed ramped access to their home, but space constraints and the complex layout of their garden made a straightforward ramp installation impossible. Their garden’s irregular shape and limited room meant that a standard, off-the-shelf ramp solution would not fit, requiring a more tailored approach. This is where PARS RAMPS stepped in, designing a fully custom, modular ramp that adhered to all accessibility guidelines while accommodating the intricacies of the space.

02. Process

The key challenges of this project were multifaceted:

The client’s garden didn’t have enough room to accommodate a typical straight-run ramp, which would normally be the easiest and most common solution for residential access. The shape and slopes of the garden meant that installing a ramp would require thoughtful planning and careful design to ensure it followed the contours of the outdoor space without compromising safety or accessibility.

Traditional ramps, such as concrete or timber, would have required significant groundwork and alterations to the garden, which would be both costly and time-consuming, not to mention leaving permanent marks on the property. The client needed a solution that could be easily adapted over time, whether by lengthening or shortening the ramp or even adding steps if necessary.

03. Solution

At PARS RAMPS, we pride ourselves on the adaptability and flexibility of our modular systems. For this project, we designed a custom ramp that followed the unique shape of the client’s garden, solving the space issue while providing a safe and fully functional access solution. Our design included an intermediate platform that allowed the ramp to turn and align perfectly with the garden’s layout, offering smooth wheelchair access without the need for expensive or invasive groundwork.

Our team designed the ramp system to follow the natural profile of the client’s garden. By incorporating an intermediate platform, we created a turn that allowed the ramp to navigate around the tight space, providing the necessary length for a gradual incline without compromising the garden’s layout. This customised approach meant we could fit the ramp into a space where a standard, straight ramp would never have worked.

One of the standout benefits of our modular ramp system is that it doesn’t require the extensive groundwork associated with concrete or timber ramps. The adjustable legs of our ramp system easily accommodate the undulating terrain, avoiding the need for costly digging, levelling, or permanent changes to the property. This saved the client both time and money, while preserving the beauty of their garden.

Our modular ramp system is not only customizable to fit unique spaces, but it also offers long-term flexibility. If the client’s needs change in the future, the ramp can be easily altered—whether that means extending it, shortening it, or adding additional features such as steps. The ramp’s modularity ensures that it remains a practical solution for years to come, capable of evolving with the client’s needs.

In addition to being functional, our modular ramps are designed with safety and aesthetics in mind. The ramp’s high-grip surface ensures safe usage in all weather conditions, and the neutral colour options blend seamlessly with the home and garden. The inclusion of handrails and kickledges added further safety measures, ensuring that the client could use the ramp with confidence.

Key Design Features

Seamless Access: The platform was designed to be level with the internal floor of the client’s home, ensuring a smooth, step-free transition between the indoor living space and the garden. This design not only enhances accessibility but also provides a clean, modern look that complements the home’s aesthetic.

Custom Platform Sectioning: Rather than attempting to remove or permanently enclose the hoses and waste pipes in concrete, we took advantage of our modular platform system’s flexibility. We created a section of the platform with a removable panel that allowed the hoses and pipes to remain in place and easily accessible. A kickledge was added around the section for safety, ensuring no tripping hazards were present while still allowing for full access to the plumbing as needed.

High-Grip, Self-Draining Flooring: Our platforms come equipped with high-grip, non-slip surfaces that are ideal for outdoor environments. In this case, the self-draining flooring was particularly beneficial, as it eliminated any risk associated with potential leaks from the garden hose. If water from the hoses were to spill or leak onto the platform, the surface would drain naturally, ensuring the platform remained dry and safe to use even in wet conditions.

Minimal Disruption: The installation was completed quickly and without significant disruption to the client’s garden. Because our modular systems require no invasive groundwork or permanent fixtures, the platform was able to stand on its own feet, preserving the garden’s layout and protecting any delicate landscaping features.

This project demonstrates how PARS RAMPS can overcome space and design challenges to provide safe, practical, and aesthetically pleasing access solutions for residential properties. By working closely with the client and carefully considering the unique constraints of their garden, we were able to deliver a ramp that met all accessibility guidelines, fit the available space, and preserved the beauty of the client’s outdoor area.

If you’re facing a challenging space for ramp installation or need a custom access solution for your home, PARS RAMPS is here to help. Contact us today to discuss your needs—we’re confident we’ll find the right solution for you, no matter the space or complexity.