Integration of inspection hatches with artificial rock for leisure and tourism
One of the specialities of Amusement Logic, within the scope of its production activity – in other words, design, architecture and construction of water parks, theme parks, campsites, hotels and resorts, shopping centres, large swimming pools and, in general, facilities for leisure and tourism– is theming with artificial rock.
The company produces artificial rocks as part of the landscaping of such tourist and leisure attractions, or as elements of their theming. However, it also builds tunnels, caves, grottoes and other interior spaces as if they were the work of nature itself.
Coordination with MEP installations
Design that incorporates artificial rocks into the interior spaces of a tourist facility must inevitably be coordinated with the integration, operation and maintenance of MEP (Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing) installations. This requires careful planning of these facilities.
At the same time, the accesses necessary for the service and maintenance of the installations, including the inspection hatches, must be considered. In the case of the latter, it is advisable to locate them in inconspicuous or hidden areas, such as behind furniture or in nooks and crannies specifically designed for this purpose.
Thanks to BIM (Building Information Modelling) technology, Amusement Logic coordinates the position of the MEP accesses from the design phase with the geometry of the artificial rock, therefore ensuring effective integration.
Strategies for integrating hatches
There are two strategies for integrating the hatches into the aesthetic context of the artificial rock:
-Concealed access for stopcocks: in the case of stopcocks in a plumbing installation, the shape of the rock incorporates a concealed crack. This crack allows manual access to the corresponding valve without affecting the aesthetics of the surroundings.
– Themed access hatches: if wider access is required, metal hatches are created which are then filled and themed with the same artificial rock finish as the rest of the surface. This ensures cohesion in texture and colour and the maintenance of the natural appearance of the space.
By Pablo Vidal, senior architect in Amusement Logic’s Architecture Department.
