Here’s our guide to the main types of retractable seating available.
Fixed Retractable Seating Systems
Our most popular option, fixed retractable seating systems are set up in front of a wall and stored in situ once closed.
They are tethered to the building at the wall and floor.
Choose this option if you can afford the space to store the seating against the wall.
Recessed Retractable Seating Systems
Recessed retractable seating systems are designed for unobtrusive storage in a recess or under a balcony.
They are always power operated, sliding forward on a recess track before opening.
This option is popular for sports venues, allowing the seating to be stored out of the way and flush with the wall in a recess. It’s also popular with theatres and arenas, which are often designed with retractable seating in the lower tiers below and fixed seating on a balcony.
Mobile Retractable Seating Systems
Mobile Systems with Hydraulic Trucks
Our most popular mobile retractable seating systems are designed to be transported on a pair of hydraulic trucks once closed. This means they can be completely removed from the room for storage.
To move the closed unit, a pair of trucks is slid under the structure, and the hydraulic mechanism is pumped to lift the retractable unit off its wheels. The seating can then be wheeled to its storage location. One pair of trucks can be used to move multiple seating units.
Mobile Systems with Hydraulic Trucks + Power Truck
In addition to the hydraulic trucks, a MasterMover power truck can also be included to ease strain on the operations crew. This is particularly useful where the seating unit is heavy, or multiple units need moving into place.
Travelling Systems
Travelling systems can be steered forwards or backwards once closed, enabling the seating to be repositioned within your space. Typically, this might be used to create viewing areas for different sized sports courts, or to vary the size of an auditorium between larger and more intimate events. Travelling systems require a cable reel to the rear. The back of the platforms can also be clad, allowing the seating unit to double as a moveable partition.
As standard, a travelling unit travels only forwards and backwards. Optionally, it can be made steerable with motors to the left and right to manoeuvre into different positions in the room – a game changing option for complex multipurpose spaces.
