Pavement Lights
Glass Pavement Lights | Luxcrete
Glass pavement lights can either be supplied pre-cast or cast on-site by skilled Luxcrete personnel. Pre-casting usually speeds up site installation and allows work to continue even during very cold weather. In situ casting enables the formation of larger areas and is more suitable for accommodating site falls and levels. However, careful consideration must be given to the size and shape of all panels to minimise the possibility of shrinkage. As installation is complex and involves higher material costs than standard paving, our panels are installed by experienced teams.
A selection of typical joint and edge details are available and variations are possible. The proper design and construction of adjacent structures and finishes by others is essential to avoid the possibility of water bypassing the perimeter seal. Panels can be customised with anti-slip textures and finishes to suit specific site requirements and improve slip resistance.
Glazed pavement lights have 100 x 100mm, 117 x 117mm or circular Ø117mm moulded glass lenses. Glass blocks and lenses can be supplied as clear or sandblasted, and bespoke options can be created to match or suit the surrounding architecture and design requirements.
Panels can be supplied with galvanised cast iron ventilators in place of lenses, with drip trays under if required. Some units serve as smoke outlets, allowing ventilation during a fire, and panels can be customised with specialised venting systems.
The top surface of the panels has a trowelled finish incorporating carborundum grains for added slip resistance. A variety of textures are available to enhance visual appeal and match the surrounding environment.
Rigorous load tests conducted on a wide selection of Luxcrete pavement lights and smoke outlet panels have been carried out by Building Research Establishment (BRE) Garston. The panels withstood load-bearing tests in excess of 75kN. These results are deemed to satisfy the requirements of the London District Surveyors Association in lieu of submitted calculations, for a 75kN ultimate load for accidental vehicular loading to pavement lights and smoke outlet panels. Panels are rigorously tested for safety and performance, in compliance with requirements set by local authorities, and modern pavement lights are manufactured using robust, steel-reinforced concrete and thick glass lenses to withstand wear and heavy foot traffic.
Prompt repairs and avoiding the use of corrosive materials help maintain the structural integrity of pavement lights. Glass lenses may need replacing if scratched, chipped, or discolored.
For this loading with clear spans of up to 2.4 meters it is necessary for bearings to be provided to two opposite sides with a minimum width of 100mm, except where it is required that the perimeter edges of the panel are rebated, when a minimum bearing width of 125mm must be provided. Luxcrete is able to provide proof of design that its cell unit security panels constructions can safely sustain the specified concentrated loading. Installation services often include compliance with local authority requirements, and a free consultation is available for bespoke design and quotation.
To discuss your custom requirements or to arrange a free consultation, please contact our expert team.
Luxcrete manufactures fire access hatches designed to provide a compliant and reliable means of escape from basements and sub-ground vaults in the event of a fire. These access hatches operate within wider fire safety strategies that also include fire-rated access panels, rated access panels, and other fire-rated access panel solutions, which support fire compartmentation.
All premises with basements and sub-ground vault areas must have an effective means of escape in the event of a fire. For many years Luxcrete has enabled clients to meet statutory building regulations by installing our tested and L.F.E.P.A-approved fire escape hatches over basement areas. Although distinct from fire-rated access panels or fire-rated panels, Luxcrete fire access hatches are constructed from mild steel to support dependable operation and safe evacuation in demanding environments.
Given the high cost of floor space, particularly in commercial premises, unused cellars and vaults can be converted into valuable work areas by installing a Luxcrete fire escape hatch assembly. This ensures safe access, supports ongoing building services and contributes to overall safety planning.
History of Pavement Illumination
The story of pavement illumination begins in the bustling city streets of the 19th century, when architects and engineers sought innovative ways to introduce natural light into the often dark and underutilised basements and vaults beneath pavements. Pavement lights, also known as vault lights or sidewalk prisms, emerged as a practical and visually appealing solution, transforming the way urban spaces were designed and experienced.
Originally, these floor lights were constructed using robust cast iron frames fitted with glass lenses or glass blocks. The glass lens allowed daylight to filter through the pavement, illuminating the spaces below and making them safer and more usable. Early examples, such as those produced by the renowned Hayward Brothers in London, set the standard for both function and form, with their distinctive cast iron patterns and carefully crafted glass elements.
As city infrastructure evolved, so did the technology behind pavement lights. The introduction of galvanised cast iron ventilators improved ventilation for underground spaces, while pre-cast and cast-in-situ concrete panels enhanced both the performance and safety of these installations. Reinforced concrete and new glass manufacturing techniques allowed for larger areas to be illuminated, and the use of carborundum grains on the top surface increased slip resistance, making pavements safer for pedestrians in all weather conditions.
For those interested in incorporating pavement lights into their projects, Luxcrete can provide expert guidance and free surveys. With decades of experience and a commitment to quality, Luxcrete ensures that every installation not only illuminates and ventilates but also enriches urban landscapes.
