Project Portfolio: Hinged Glass Well Access Hatch

Project Overview

• Client: Nick, Residential Interior

• Location: UK – Delivered. 

• System: Bespoke Hinged Glass Floor Well Cover 

• Mechanism: Gas-Strut Assisted Opening

• Safety: Toughened and Laminated Walk-on Glass

• Service: Design, Manufacture, and Delivery

Merging Heritage with Modern Engineering

Nick’s discovery of a brick-lined well within his living space required a solution that balanced visibility with accessibility. Unlike a fixed glass panel, this hinged hatch allows the homeowner to open the well for cleaning or inspection without compromising the structural integrity of the floor.

• Seamless Access: We integrated gas struts that allow the heavy laminated glass panel to be lifted effortlessly. To maintain the clean aesthetic Nick desired, the strut mechanism was located within the well shaft itself despite the brick overhang coverage of glass required. 

• High-Clarity Visibility: The clear glass panel acts as a window into the past, showcasing the original brickwork of the well while allowing ambient light to reach the subterranean space.

• Walk-on Safety: As with all Dio-Met glass floor systems, the panel is engineered to support residential foot traffic, ensuring it is as safe to walk over as the rest of the tiled kitchen floor.

Technical Expert Insight: Managing Motor and Strut Longevity Near Water

When installing a hinged glass hatch over an old water well, managing the micro-environment within the shaft is critical for the longevity of the hardware. Old wells naturally retain moisture, which can cause standard steel gas struts or motorized actuators to corrode over time. At Dio-Met, we utilize stainless steel gas struts and high-quality EPDM gaskets to protect the mechanical components from the humid ascent. Furthermore, we ensure the framework is hot-dip galvanized and powder-coated to prevent rust. This attention to material science ensures that Nick’s well cover remains functional and rust-free, even in the damp conditions inherent to historical subterranean structures.

Why Choose Dio-Met for Your Glass Floor Feature?

• World-Leading Manufacturer: We are the direct supplier of wine cellar doors and glass hatches nationwide and worldwide.

• Simple Installation: Our hatches come fully assembled, making installation straightforward for any competent person or local builder.

• 30+ Years of Pedigree: Since 1991, we have been the UK's leading experts in bespoke structural glazing and metalwork.

Explore More from Dio-Met

Bespoke Glazing Solutions:

• Electric Wine Cellar Doors: View our range of automated, motorized glass floor hatches.

• Fixed Glass Well Covers: For a non-opening, permanent view into historical features.

• Walk-on Glass Floors: Bring natural light into basements and lower levels.

• See All Projects: Browse our latest residential and commercial case studies across the UK.

Contact the Experts

Unlock the potential of your home’s hidden history. Contact our Sheffield workshop for a technical consultation or a quote on your bespoke glass floor project.

• Email: sales@diometonline.co.uk

• Phone: 0114 243 9009

• Global Shipping: We manufacture in Sheffield and ship our fully assembled kits worldwide.