Planning for Overhead Hoists: A Practical Guide for Architects
When designing healthcare, care or education environments, moving and handling equipment can sometimes be something that is considered later in the project. But when it comes to overhead hoists, bringing the conversation in early can make the design and installation process much smoother.
An overhead hoist isn’t simply a piece of equipment that is added to a room once the building is finished. The position of the track, the structure of the building, the layout of the room and the way the space will be used all need to work together.
That’s why we’re keen to help architects and design teams understand what’s involved before a project gets too far down the line.
When designing healthcare, care or education environments, moving and handling equipment can sometimes be something that is considered later in the project. But when it comes to overhead hoists, bringing the conversation in early can make the design and installation process much smoother.
An overhead hoist isn’t simply a piece of equipment that is added to a room once the building is finished. The position of the track, the structure of the building, the layout of the room and the way the space will be used all need to work together.
That’s why we’re keen to help architects and design teams understand what’s involved before a project gets too far down the line.
What needs to be considered?
Every project is different, but there are several important areas to think about when planning for an overhead hoist.
Room layout and how the space will be used
The first consideration is often the simplest: what does the person need to be able to do in the room?
For example, in a bedroom or care environment, the hoist may need to support transfers between the bed, chair and other areas of the room. In a bathroom, the track may need to allow movement between different pieces of equipment.
Thinking about these movements at the design stage can help make sure the finished space is practical and easy to use.
Track positioning
The position and configuration of the track will depend on the room, the transfer requirements and the equipment being used.
There are different track configurations available, including straight tracks, H-track systems and more complex layouts. The right approach will depend on what the space needs to achieve.
It is therefore useful to consider the intended transfers and movement within the room before finalising the design.
Structural requirements
Overhead hoists need to be securely supported, so the building structure is an important part of the conversation.
Depending on the building and construction method, there may be different options for supporting the track. This is particularly important in new-build projects, refurbishments and buildings where the existing structure presents limitations.
Getting specialist advice early can help identify any structural considerations before they become a problem later in the project.
Ceiling heights and finishes
Ceiling construction, ceiling voids, finishes and available space above the ceiling can all affect how an overhead hoist is installed.
These details might not seem significant at the early design stage, but they can become important when the installation is being planned.
Considering them early gives the design team more options and can help avoid having to make changes later.
Designing around the person, not just the equipment
Perhaps the most important consideration is remembering why the hoist is being installed in the first place.
The equipment should support the people using the space and the staff supporting them. That means thinking about transfers, dignity, independence, accessibility and how the room will actually work day to day.
For architects, this means the conversation isn’t simply about where a track can physically fit. It’s about understanding what the space needs to enable.
Why involve a moving and handling specialist early?
Bringing a specialist into a project early can help connect the design intent with the practical requirements of moving and handling equipment.
At Medaco, we work with healthcare, care and education environments to help with the specification, supply and installation of moving and handling equipment, including overhead hoists.
We can work alongside architects and design teams to discuss proposed layouts, identify considerations around hoisting and help explore suitable solutions for the space.
The earlier these conversations happen, the more opportunity there is to incorporate moving and handling requirements into the design rather than trying to accommodate them afterwards.
Lunch & Learn sessions for architects
We also run Lunch & Learn sessions for architects and design teams who want to learn more about moving and handling equipment and how it fits into the design process.
Our sessions can be tailored around the projects and topics that are most relevant to your team, including:
- How overhead hoists work and where they can be used
- Planning track systems into room layouts
- Structural and installation considerations
- What to consider when designing accessible bathrooms
- Common challenges when specifying moving and handling equipment
- How to involve moving and handling specialists at the right stage of a project
- Designing spaces around the needs of the people who will use them
The sessions are designed to be practical and informative, rather than a sales presentation. They give architects and design teams an opportunity to ask questions, discuss real project scenarios and understand what needs to be considered when specifying moving and handling solutions.
Interested in a Lunch & Learn?
If your practice is working on healthcare, care, education or other environments where moving and handling equipment may be required, we’d be happy to arrange a Lunch & Learn with your team.
We’ll bring the knowledge, examples and expertise — and you can bring the questions.
Get in touch with the Medaco team to arrange a Lunch & Learn for your practice.
