Specification Support for Architects

NBS specifications, BIM objects, CAD downloads, CPD seminars, and dedicated project support — everything you need to specify access panels, riser doors, and hatches with confidence.

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RIBA CPD Provider, NBS Source, ISO 9001, Constructionline Gold, UK Manufacturer

What specification resources do architects need for access panels?

Architects specifying access panels, riser doors, loft hatches, and meter overboxes need manufacturer-provided technical resources that integrate directly into their design workflow. This includes NBS specification clauses for incorporation into project documentation, BIM objects and Revit families for model-based design coordination, CAD drawings in DWG/DXF format for traditional 2D detailing, technical data sheets with fire, acoustic, smoke, and airtightness performance data, fire test certificates to BS EN 1634-1 for Approved Document B compliance, and RIBA-approved CPD seminars covering fire compartmentation, acoustic separation, and building regulation requirements.

A UK manufacturer who provides these resources alongside design services and dedicated technical support enables architects to specify with accuracy and confidence from RIBA Stage 2 through to Stage 5.

The Challenge

Why Specifying Access Solutions Is More Complex Than It Looks

Access panels and riser doors sit at the intersection of multiple design disciplines — architecture, fire engineering, building services, and acoustic design. The specification must satisfy fire compartmentation requirements under Approved Document B, acoustic separation under Approved Document E, thermal performance under Approved Document L, and the practical access needs of the M&E engineer — all while maintaining a clean aesthetic finish.

For many architects, access panels are specified late in the design process. The fire strategy dictates fire ratings, the M&E layout dictates locations and sizes, and the acoustic consultant may require additional performance. Coordinating these requirements across disciplines, finding the right product, and producing a specification that covers all performance criteria takes time — time that could be spent on design.

The problem is compounded when manufacturers provide limited technical resources. Without NBS clauses, the architect must write the specification from scratch. Without BIM objects, the access points are represented as generic placeholders in the model. Without clear test evidence, Building Control submissions are delayed.

Working with a manufacturer who provides comprehensive specification support — and understands the architect's workflow from concept to construction — removes this friction entirely.

How We Help

Everything You Need to Specify with Confidence

NBS Specifications

Pre-written NBS specification clauses available on NBS Source, covering all product types and performance ratings. Copy directly into your project specification with confidence that the technical content is accurate and current. Saves hours of specification writing time per project.

BIM Objects and Revit Families

Manufacturer-authored BIM objects for all product types, optimised for Revit workflows. Accurate geometry, performance data embedded as parameters, and lightweight file sizes for efficient model performance. Available for free download from our Resource Library.

CAD Downloads

Full product detail drawings in DWG and DXF format for 2D documentation. Elevation, section, and plan views for all standard products. Bespoke drawings available on request for non-standard configurations.

Technical Data Sheets

Comprehensive product specifications including fire rating, acoustic performance (dB), smoke leakage classification, airtightness, dimensions, weight, material composition, and finish options. Everything you need for your design submissions and technical approvals.

Fire and Compliance Certificates

Full fire test certificates from BRE and Warringtonfire, tested to BS EN 1634-1. Acoustic test reports to BS EN ISO 10140-2. Smoke test reports to BS EN 1634-3. Declarations of performance for CE/UKCA marking. All available for download — no registration required.

RIBA CPD Seminars

Approved RIBA CPD sessions covering fire compartmentation and access solutions, acoustic performance in residential buildings, and Building Regulation compliance for access products. Available as in-practice presentations, webinars, or online learning. Contact us to book a session for your team.

Sample Requests

Physical product samples delivered to your practice for material review, finish assessment, and client presentations. Available for all product types and finishes. Request online or through your dedicated contact.

Design Services

When standard products do not meet your design intent, our design team works with you to develop bespoke solutions. Custom sizes, non-standard configurations, special finishes, and multi-panel arrangements — manufactured to your exact requirements with full test evidence where applicable.

Dedicated Project Support

A single point of contact from specification through to delivery. Our technical team provides specification review, product recommendations, technical submissions for contractor design portions, and coordination with your M&E consultant and contractor. Supporting you from RIBA Stage 2 through Stage 5.

Products

Product Range Overview

Access Panels

Wall and ceiling access to concealed services. Fire rated up to 120 min, acoustic up to 45dB.

Riser Doors

Services riser access through fire-rated walls. Bi-directional fire testing, 60 & 120 min.

Meter Overboxes

Gas and electric meter fire enclosures. External and bespoke options.

Loft Hatches

Roof void access maintaining thermal envelope. Part L compliant, insulated.

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Resources

Technical Resources for Architects

  • NBS Specifications — Pre-written clauses on NBS Source for all product types
  • BIM Objects — Revit families with embedded performance parameters
  • CAD Downloads — DWG/DXF product detail drawings
  • Technical Data Sheets — Full specifications for every product
  • Fire Test Certificates — BS EN 1634-1 reports from BRE and Warringtonfire
  • Acoustic Test Data — BS EN ISO 10140-2 test reports
  • Declarations of Performance — CE/UKCA DoPs
  • Installation Guides — For contractor coordination and site quality checks
  • Architects Brochure — Complete product range overview with specification guidance
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Ready to specify with confidence?

From NBS specifications to on-site support, we are here to make your job easier. Whether you need technical resources, design support, or a dedicated contact for your next project — let's talk.

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Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Pre-written NBS specification clauses are available on NBS Source covering all product types and performance ratings. These can be incorporated directly into your project specification. Our technical team can also provide bespoke specification wording for non-standard requirements.
Yes. Manufacturer-authored BIM objects are available for all product types as Revit families. Objects include accurate geometry and embedded performance parameters (fire rating, acoustic performance, dimensions). Available for free download from our Resource Library.
Our access panels and riser doors are available in 30, 60, 90, and 120-minute fire ratings, tested to BS EN 1634-1 at UKAS-accredited laboratories. The required fire rating depends on the compartmentation requirements of your project — refer to Approved Document B, BS 9999, or BS 9991 and the project fire strategy.
Yes. We manufacture to your exact dimensions with no minimum order quantities. Bespoke products are typically delivered within 5–10 working days. Our design services team can also develop non-standard configurations, special finishes, and multi-panel arrangements to suit your design intent.
Yes. We are an approved RIBA CPD provider offering sessions on fire compartmentation and access solutions, acoustic performance in residential developments, and Building Regulation compliance. Available as in-practice presentations, webinars, or online learning. Contact us to book a session for your team.
Product samples are available for all product types and finishes. Request online through our website or contact our team directly. Samples are delivered to your practice free of charge for material review and client presentations.
Our acoustic-rated access panels and riser doors achieve up to 45dB sound reduction, tested to BS EN ISO 10140-2. Acoustic upgrades are available across the range to meet specific dB requirements under Approved Document E. Our technical team can advise on the appropriate specification for your project.
Access panels provide occasional maintenance access to concealed services through walls and ceilings — typically smaller openings with lighter-duty hardware. Riser doors are designed for regular pedestrian-frequency access to services risers — typically larger openings with robust hinges, multi-point locking, and higher durability. Both are available in fire-rated, acoustic-rated, and smoke-tested configurations.
Yes. Our technical team provides specification support from RIBA Stage 2 onwards, including product selection, fire rating guidance, coordination with M&E consultants, and technical submissions. You receive a dedicated point of contact for your project. Contact us to arrange a technical consultation.
Rapid Access holds ISO 9001 (Quality Management), ISO 14001 (Environmental Management), ISO 45001 (Health & Safety Management), Constructionline Gold membership, and RIBA CPD Provider status. All fire-rated products are tested at UKAS-accredited laboratories including BRE and Warringtonfire.
Yes. Full product detail drawings are available in DWG and DXF format covering elevation, section, and plan views for all standard products. Available for free download from our Resource Library. Bespoke CAD details are available on request for non-standard configurations.
Our fire-rated access panels and riser doors maintain compartmentation integrity as required by Approved Document B (Fire Safety). Products are tested to BS EN 1634-1 with full test evidence for Building Control submissions. Our technical team can advise on the correct fire rating for each location in your fire strategy.

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