The Forensic Science Service

Client: Forensic Science Service
Type of works: design and manufacture of a two-tier mobile storage system to store archive boxes and files

The Forensic Science Service had a warehouse storage facility where only the ground floor area was being utilised. Compact and a number of other suppliers were asked to submit solutions to what was a vast waste of space. Conventional wisdom suggested a mezzanine structure with shelving above and below, or, alternatively, mobile shelving above and below the mezzanine structure.

Compact chose the second option but omitting the mezzanine structure all together. Building mobile shelving 5m high would have created unacceptable retrieval issues so Compact Storage decided to go ahead with the frame height but build a support system for a floating floor within the structure of the frame. This floor construction took the form of a part-open grid and part flooring grade chipboard. The open grid enabled good visibility from either level to ensure an aisle was clear prior to movement, and the solid floor addressed modesty.