For over 20 years, Comfortech has proudly partnered with Como Building Products, a Melbourne-based manufacturer renowned for its precision-engineered access hatch solutions. This enduring relationship is built on shared values of innovation, quality, and responsiveness to the needs of architects, contractors, and facility managers across New Zealand.

Through this partnership, Comfortech has introduced Como’s specialised access hatch systems to a wide range of projects — from commercial buildings to high-performance healthcare and research facilities — ensuring that New Zealand clients benefit from solutions that are not only functional but also tailored to local requirements.

Hygiene, medical and lab access solutions

In environments where cleanliness, airtightness, and ease of maintenance are critical, such as hospitals, laboratories, and research facilities, Como’s range of airtight and antimicrobial access hatches offers a reliable solution.

These hatches are available for both plasterboard walls and ceilings, with options including:

• Flanged and set bead plaster-in frames
• Custom sizes to suit project-specific needs
• Multiple lock types for security and ease of access

Project Highlight: Lincoln University Science Building & AgResearch by Lab Works Architects

A standout example of this partnership in action is Comfortech's collaboration with Lab Works Architects in Christchurch. The challenge was to provide access to services in pressure-sensitive grid and tile ceilings, which typically require tiles to be clipped down, making maintenance difficult and disruptive.

The solution: a Como access hatch designed to match the module size of the suspended ceiling grid, allowing seamless integration. This hatch maintains the airtight and antimicrobial properties of the ceiling system, ensuring compliance with hygiene standards while enabling easy access to services above the ceiling for maintenance. The hatch also features non-magnetic construction as it is made of a stainless steel frame with an aluminium door and lock. It is compatible with both Armstrong aluminium and steel clean room grid systems.

Originally developed for the Lincoln University Science Building and Ag Research projects, it has been branded the Como LAB-Series hatch and has been added to Como’s standard range. Information about the LAB-Series hatch, available exclusively in New Zealand through Comfortech, can be found on Comfortech's website www.comfortech.co.nz or give them a call on 0800 45 4000.