Roof Access Ladders are a big help when there are multi-level roofs and it is not feasible to have interior access by way of a roof hatch to each portion of the roof. Using a standard loose ladder in this situation is risky for the user and for the integrity of the roof.
It is also helpful to have a permanent roof access from grade for one story buildings. But you may want to locate the ladder behind a fence, or inside a courtyard. The other solution is the  lockable cover for the lower portion that you see on nearly every fast food restaurant. Grade-set roof access ladders to roofs over 20' above grade require a cage.
Anchorage of the ladder is fairly simple in masonry construction. Masonry veneer or EIFS construction requires structural angles anchored to studs to carry the weight. Ideally, make provisions in the anchorage of the ladder that allows the ladder to be installed after the wall is complete. 

Where there are multi level roofs or a tall parapet, you will need to flash the roof into the abutting construction. Extending the roofing, say EPDM, up more than 18"-24" invariably fails.


The detail below shows all the relevant issues. Although the sealant is a maintenance issue, it is easy to inspect and repair. Counterflashing built into the masonry requires less maintenance; but it is harder to determine if it needs maintenance; and it is harder to repair. 

Anchoring the counterflashing to the surface of the abutting construction only works if the construction is basically smooth. Where the abutting construction is not smooth, consider providing a smooth panel for the counterflashing to attach to and then starting the other construction.

Also see our detail Roof Expansion Joint - New To Existing

Stage floors are usually wood on a sleeper assembly. This detail shows the stage floor with a concrete substructure descending into an orchestra pit. In more elaborate theatrical settings, there is often accessible space below the stage.  
Placing the stage floor over sleepers provides for some spring in the floor. A 'sprung' floor is desirable for dance and theatrical presentations as well as other types. 
The key features of the detail are the:

• construction of the stage floor including sleepers
• anchorage of the floor at the edge
• edge configuration and construction
• safety lighting recess to denote the edge in darkness
• acoustical panels in the orchestra pit (which are optional)

A change of level railing is a code requirement for safety, but there are places where a low wall is appropriate. This detail shows a railing wall at an orchestra pit; but with some modifications, it would be suitable in many other interior locations. The detail relies on a substantial wall forming the change in level so that there is adequate anchorage for the structural angles that give it rigidity. 

This railing can be curved, but that greatly increased the complexity for the contractor. NOTE that in most situations, the height would be required to be 42"! Not the 40" shown here.

The decorative finishes have nothing to do with the structural concept. In other situations, painted drywall would work just as well. In a straight railing, a continuous steel tee could be used in place of the double plywood top plate. 

There are a number of venues that require large audio speakers - churches, assembly halls, theaters. A little coordination with the AV contractor will let you work out where and how large an area is needed for the speakers so that you can enclose them for aesthetics.

The enclosure is a simple drywall on metal studs "soffit-bulkhead". The speakers will have their own mounting brackets to allow the direction of the sound to be fine-tuned. The tricky part, if you haven't done it before, is the fabric screening for the speaker opening. 

The fabric comes in several types and hundreds of colors. Ask the AV contractor for a contact or samples. The detail shows how to set up a frame and anchorage system to hold the fabric in place. The enclosure is far superior to letting the speakers visually intrude.