Retractable Structures
- Lecture Theatres
SIS Global Seating’s retractable structures are extensively used in schools, universities, theatres, and performing arts centres, offering a flexible and efficient seating solution. All decks and aisle steps are finished with durable commercial-grade carpet, vinyl, or phenolic surfaces, with exposed edges trimmed in aluminium for a polished look.
Optional electric operation, with a detachable control pendant, provides ease of use, while manually operated units are available for platforms up to 8 rows high. Safety rails, LED aisle lighting, and demountable or folding types are also available. Units can be joined to form larger seating banks, making them ideal for spaces of varying sizes.
Configurations:
Metalwork:
Our standard finish is an epoxy polyester powder coating in RAL 7021 Grey, providing a durable and high-quality surface. However, we also offer a wide selection of other RAL and PANTONE colors upon request.
Heavy Duty Carpet:
Heavy duty carpet available from Heckmondwike Iron Duke (top) and Burnatex 3230 Classic (bottom). Other ranges are available and carpet of customers choice can be reviewed.
Non Slip Flooring:
Technical Data:
Explore the technical data for our retractable tiering systems, featuring durable mild steel construction with structural plywood deckboards. Designed for both manual and powered operation, these systems support up to 1000kg per m² and are engineered to accommodate FD200 retractable seating and benches, with full structural assessment available.
- Retractable mild steel tiering structure with 18mm structural plywood deck boards
- Steelwork powder coated as standard, structural plywood FR rated as an upgrade option when required
- Operation
- Both manual & powered systems are available
- Wall mounted structure typically requires a blockwork wall for fixing into, however, floor fixing is possible where the floor is suitable & the design intent for the finished space allows this method
- Supporting floor load per square meter – 1000Kg
- Suitable for FD200 retractable seating & retractable benches
- Wall to wall
- Tiering can be installed so that the system runs between two walls, providing wall-to-wall tiering when deployed – depending on the design intent, side rails may not be required
- Partially recessed
- Tiering can be installed within a recess, with the tiering deploying beyond the envelope of the recess
- Open sided
- Tiering is suitable for installation against a rear-wall with a gap down one or both sides of the tiering
- Travelling / Portable
- Where required, tiering can be without fixings to a wall or floor, allowing the system to be moved within a space
- Min. riser height: 285mm
- Min. tier depth: 850mm
- Side rail height: 1100mm
- Min. stairs: 1100mm
- Min system width: 2700mm
- Our standard retractable structures conform to specifications developed & approved by our external structural engineering partner, where a non-standard solution is necessary, or clients require, project specific structural analysis is available
- BS EN 1090-1:2009 + A1 2011 Execution of steel structures and aluminium structures. Requirements for conformity assessment of structural components
- BS EN 1090-2:2018 Execution of steel structures and aluminium structures. Technical requirements for steel structures
- BS EN 1SO 141222:2016 Safety of machinery, permanent means of access to machinery – working platforms and walkways
- BS EN 1991-1-7:2006 + A1:2014 Loading for buildings. Code of practice for dead and imposed loads
- EN 13200: Installation for spectators
- EN 13200-1: Characteristics for spectator viewing areas
- EN 13200-5: Product characteristics: Telescopic seating system
- EN 1991: Eurocode 1 – Actions on structures
- EN 1993: Eurocode 3 – Design of steel structures
- EN 287-1: Welder qualification Fusion welding
- EN 15614: Description and qualification of a welding operating procedure
- BS EN ISO 12100:2010
- BS EN ISO 13849-1:2015
- BS EN ISO 13849-2:2012
- BS EN 13850:2015
- BS EN 60204-1:2018
- 2006/42/EC – Machinery Directive
- 2014/35/EU – Low Voltage Directive
- 2014/30/EU – Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive
Installations:
See our retractable tiering systems in action across schools, universities, theatres, and multi-purpose venues. Each installation demonstrates how our engineered structures maximise capacity, improve sightlines, and adapt seamlessly to the space—delivering practical, high-performance solutions tailored to client needs.
Options & Accessories:
Enhance your retractable tiering with tailored options. Add access hatches for under-deck entry, rear rails for safety, or fixed rear structures for smooth transitions. Systems can be manually operated with removable handles or powered with a motorised drive. Partial opening is also available, allowing flexible deployment to suit your venue’s requirements.
Where access is required to the volume beneath the deck boards, access hatches can be installed at key locations.
Recommended that ratchets NOT be located in walkways, or highly visible locations.
Where the system size is suitable, manual operation of the deployment & retraction of the tiering is achieved with removable handles.
Powered Retractable Tiering includes a motorised drive system & controller for deploying & retracting the system.
Requires a single 16 Amp single phase commando plug for the drive unit & a standard UK mains IP44 industrial plug for the control unit.
Fixed structure placed behind retractable unit to transition onto if required.
Seating:
To complement our retractable tiering systems, SIS Global Seating provides a wide range of retractable seating options engineered for seamless integration. Each seat is designed to fold and stow efficiently, while still offering comfort, durability, and style.
From upholstered benches to advanced tip-up chairs, our retractable seating solutions can be tailored with finishes, fabrics, and configurations to match your venue’s unique requirements.
Click below to explore our retractable seating range and see how we can deliver the perfect balance of flexibility and performance for your space.