PSBJ March 2016 Supplement

www.psbj.co.uk

Download the PSBJ app for iPhone, iPad & Android Search 'PSBJ'

Floors, Walls & Ceilings Focus

March 2016

ACOUSTIC PERFORMANCE

OPEN-PLAN CULTURE

ENHANCED PORTFOLIO

Armstrong ceilings help create a stimulating learning environment

Interface gets creative with Birmingham City University

Mapei demonstrates commitment to research and development

add style add add style style add style

add support add add support support add support

add protection add add protection protection add protection

We’ve extended our Yeoman Shield Guardian Handrail Range with an innovative new product. The 50mm Dia. PVCu Handrail We’ve extended our Yeoman Guardian with an innovative new product.

The 50mm Dia. PVCu Handrail comesShield in a range of 10Handrail coloursRange with either matching or contrasting accessories.

We’ve extended our Yeoman Shield Guardian Handrail Range with an innovative new product.

The 50mm Dia. PVCu Handrail comes in a range of 10Handrail coloursRange with either matching or contrasting accessories.

We’ve extended Yeoman Guardian with PVCu an innovative new brackets product.

The 50mm Dia. PVCu Handrail We also offer a our Timber and Shield Stainless Steel on Cream underslung with Stainless Steel accessories. comes in a range of 10Handrail colours with either matching or contrasting accessories.

We also offer a Timbercomes and Stainless Steel Handrail on Cream PVCu underslung brackets with Stainless Steel accessories. in a range of 10 colours with either matching or contrasting accessories.

We also offer a Timber and Stainless Steelwhilst Handrail on Cream underslung brackets against with Stainless accessories.

The Twin Handrail offers support protecting bothPVCu the rail and wall surfaces impact Steel damage.

The Twin Handrail offers support whilst protecting bothPVCu the rail and wall surfaces against impact Steel damage.

We also offer a Timber and Stainless Steel Handrail on Cream underslung brackets with Stainless accessories.

The Twin Handrail offers support whilst protecting both the rail and wall surfaces against impact damage.

Twin Handrail offers support whilst protecting rail and wall surfaces against impact damage.

For aTheFREE brochure call 0113 279 5854both or the email guardian@yeomanshield.com

For 0113 279 5854 or guardian@yeomanshield.com For aa FREE FREE brochure brochure call call w 0113 279 5854 orsemail email guardian@yeomanshield.com w w . y e o m a n h i e l d.com For a FREE brochure call w 0113 279 5854 orsemail guardian@yeomanshield.com w w . y e o m a n h i e l w w w . y e o m a n s h i e l dd .. cc oo m m w w w. y e o m a n s h i e l d . c o m

...to the EDITOR IN CHIEF Hannah Frackiewicz hannah@mixedmediainfo.com EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Rebecca Kemp rebecca@mixedmediainfo.com PRINT & DIGITAL ADVERTISING Sam Ball sam@mixedmediainfo.com Steve Gull steve@mixedmediainfo.com STUDIO MANAGER Chris Lilly chris@mixedmediainfo.com PRODUCTION Jack Witcomb jack@mixedmediainfo.com

Floors, Walls & Ceilings Focus

I

n this dedicated supplement, PSBJ profiles the industry’s most trusted floor, wall and ceiling solutions. From new products through to high profile case studies, these pages are full with inspiration and information to help you make informed decisions.

Welcome Note

Welcome Among the highlights, ROCKFON shares its delight at being acknowledged as a finalist in the Commercial Interior Surface category at this year’s Surface Design Show. The awards recognised the contribution ROCKFON Eclipse islands made to the impressive main atrium in the outpatients building at Morriston Hospital in Swansea. Turn to page 7 to find out more.

Elsewhere on page 14, Interface has helped Birmingham City University (BCU) create a contemporary, open-plan culture for its Vice Chancellor’s Office and some of its Professional Services departments by providing a robust flooring solution that would withstand the test of time for its new base, University House.

We hope you enjoy this special focus. For further information about any of our contributors or would like to comment on a particular article featured within this supplement, please don’t hesitate to get in touch at the usual address.

ARTWORKER/SUB-EDITOR David Perry david@mixedmediainfo.com ACCOUNTS Simone Jones simone@mixedmediainfo.com MANAGING DIRECTOR Sam Ball sam@mixedmediainfo.com

Hannah Frackiewicz | Editor in Chief | hannah@mixedmediainfo.com Follow us on Twitter:

@psbjmagazine

Download the PSBJ app for iPhone, iPad & Android Search 'PSBJ'

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

Contributions are invited and when not accepted will be returned only if accompanied by a fully stamped and return addressed envelope. No responsibility will be taken for drawings, photographs or literary contributions during transmission or in the editors hands. In the absence of an agreement the copyright of all contributions, literary, photographics or artistic belongs to Mixed Media Information Ltd. The Publisher accepts no responsibility in respect of advertisements appearing in the magazine and the opinions expressed in editorial material or otherwise do not necessarily represent the view of the publisher. The Publisher does not accept any liability of any loss arising from the late appearance or non publication of any advertisement.

FRONT COVER:

Contents 05 Durable wall solutions Yeoman Shield is approached to improve the durability and sustainability of key areas within Pinderfields Hospital.

07 ROCKFON’s contribution to healthcare ROCKFON is acknowledged as a finalist in the Commercial Interior Surface category at this year’s Surface Design Show.

08 Optimum acoustic performance Armstrong has helped transform a 1970s tower of teaching into a stimulating learning environment.

11 True design freedom Heradesign ceiling and wall panels, from Knauf AMF, offer outstanding Class A sound absorption helping to reduce reverberation.

The impressive main atrium in the outpatients building at Morriston Hospital in Swansea. See page 07.

13 Enhanced product portfolio Mapei UK unveils its latest offerings, designed to enhance the quality and performance of floorcoverings.

14 Timeless flooring design Interface has helped Birmingham City University (BCU) create a contemporary, open-plan culture.

16 Finishing touches Instarmac reveals its new look decorating solutions from brand Wondertex, and showcases the elegant finish of UltraFloor Level IT Bond.

18 Sika scores highly Mixed Media Information Pear Platt, Woodfalls Farm, Gravelly Way, Laddingford, Kent, ME18 6DA Tel: 01622 873229 Fax: 01622 320020 www.psbj.co.uk www.mixedmediainfo.com

Sika’s ComfortFloor systems achieve the highest Green Guide Rating available.

3

HERADESIGN® acoustic solutions  Excellent sound absorption, up to αW 1.00 (class A to EN ISO 11654)

 PEFC and FSC certification available

 Impact resistant (class 1A acc. EN 13964 Annex D)

 Class 0 building classification as standard (EN 13501-1 B-s1, d0)

 Customised colour options (RAL, NCS, BS or StoColor)

 5 different face patterns  Different thickness and edge details to suit various applications

Knauf AMF Ceilings Ltd. 1 Swan Road, South West Industrial Estate Peterlee, Co. Durham, SR8 2HS Phone.: +44 191 51 88 600, Fax: +44 191 58 60 097 info@knaufamf.co.uk, www.amfceilings.co.uk/heradesign

ACCREDITED MEMBER

Floors, Walls & Ceilings Focus

YEOMAN SHIELD COMPLETES THE PICTURE AT PINDERFIELDS HOSPITAL Cofely GDF SUEZ, in conjunction with Consort Healthcare and Mid Yorkshire NHS trust, engaged with Yeoman Shield to improve the durability and sustainability of key areas within Pinderfields Hospital in Wakefield, West Yorkshire. on the basis of W orking offering a more pleasant and non-clinical looking environment to patients, staff and visitors, the external entrances and gateways to the departments of the hospital are decorated with printed graphics using aesthetically pleasing colours and designs.

However by the very nature of a busy hospital building used 24/7, the movement of trolleys, beds, equipment and footfall results in wallcoverings at low-level becoming subject to a high degree of wear-and-tear damage over a relatively short period of time.

improve the situation with an enhanced quality product that would not only blend in with the original design but would also make the walls more durable, sustainable and easier to maintain.

The preferred solution was Yeoman Shield Imagery with the concept of bespoke shapes and designs inlaid in a protective wall panel to blend with the existing wall coverings.

Durable walls The Capital Works Department, working in conjunction with Consort Healthcare and Mid Yorkshire NHS, were keen to

The movement of trolleys, beds, equipment and footfall resulted in wallcoverings at low-level becoming subject to a high degree of wear-and-tear damage

Yeoman Shield’s contract department diligently set about copying images and dimensions from the original printed graphics

Once agreed upon, Yeoman Shield’s contract department diligently set about copying images and dimensions from the original printed graphics.

This was then brought to the in-house CNC machining department who replicated the shapes in FalmouthEx 2.0mm thick wall panels. The colours were matched for both the blue and green areas from their extensive colour range.

Excellent result Installed by Yeoman Shield’s directly employed fixing operatives, the wall protection sheets on the lower wall were matched up perfectly to the original covering on the upper wall. A protective grey plastic rail completed the new wall protection.

“Everyone from the start of the project worked hard resulting in an excellent end product, which we are exceptionally pleased with," concluded Michael Kenward of Cofely GDF SUEZ. 

 www.yeomanshield.com  sallyann@yeomanshield.com  0113 279 5854

5

TPA Horwath, Vienna Metal R-Clip with mirror finish

Yes, we can do it.

Armstrong’s range of metal ceiling systems provide cost effective, performance solutions to meet state-of-the-art interior project designs.

Delivering the ultimate in design flexibility.

www.armstrongceilings.co.uk www.armstrongceilings.ie

ROCKFON is delighted to have been acknowledged as a finalist in the Commercial Interior Surface category at this year’s Surface Design Show.

The awards recognise the contribution ROCKFON Eclipse islands made to the impressive main atrium in the outpatients building at Morriston Hospital in Swansea. recent £102m T heredevelopment at Morriston Hospital has reshaped the way hospital services are delivered in South West Wales.

It is well documented that a well-designed healthcare environment can contribute to the healing process and patient wellbeing. There is also an increasing recognition that art can have a positive impact on health. Various works of art were commissioned at Morriston to help create a welcoming and attractive environment for patients. The art in the building was inspired by the Welsh landscape and its people, and included Alan Goulbourne’s striking wall sculptures in the

double height atrium. White blocks of acoustic material in various sizes are clustered in groups reminiscent of the roughhewn blocks used in traditional stonewall construction.

ROCKFON Eclipse islands are suspended in the atrium to provide sound absorption and continue the visual theme. These islands are suspended at different heights, angles and different sizes to create a wave formation, floating in the centre of the space.

Patterns derived from fractured striated rock are printed on their surface to continue the theme.

These versatile islands are available in a range of sizes and shapes including: squares,

There is an increasing recognition that art can have a positive impact on health

Floors, Walls & Ceilings Focus

ROCKFON, MORRISTON HOSPITAL AND THE SURFACE DESIGN SHOW AWARDS

It is well documented that a well-designed healthcare environment can contribute to the healing process

rectangles, circles, standard geometric shapes and custom formats and can be ordered in any colour, or printed with a pattern or design. Eclipse islands are easy to install and can be suspended from many structures including concrete, wood and steel.

Acoustic performance Mike Sealey, Design Manager for BAM Construction explains why ROCKFON was chosen for the project: “BAM had already chosen ROCKFON for its outstanding acoustic performance, cost and infection control properties.

When we discovered the sculptor often used building materials in his work we knew ROCKFON

would be the perfect fit. The use of ROCKFON Eclipse helps keep reverberation levels to a minimum in this busy area and provides a fascinating sculpture which lends patterns of light and visual variety to the large space.”

ROCKFON MediCare Plus – installed throughout the wards, treatment rooms, corridors and dental school rooms – fulfil all healthcare environment hygiene requirements and comply with the Department of Health’s HBN and HTM guidelines. The white, water repellent surface is resistant to bacteria and mould growth and can be effectively steam cleaned.

ROCKFON MediCare Plus has obtained a Bacteriological Class B1 certification and does not contribute to the growth of MRSA. ROCKFON technical services and sales team helped in the selection of suitable materials for the ceilings and sculpture panels in meetings with the University Health Board and BAM. Mike Sealey valued their help and advice: “It’s always useful to discuss new projects directly with ROCKFON because they are very knowledgeable. Organising the sculpture was out of the ordinary, but the ROCKFON team were pleased to help and took it in their stride.” 

 www.rockfon.co.uk  info@rockfon.co.uk  0800 389 0314

7

Floors, Walls & Ceilings Focus

ARMSTRONG CEILINGS HELP TRANSFORM THE PARSONS TOWER

An unparalleled range of acoustic ceiling systems from Armstrong has helped transform a 1970s tower of teaching into an exciting and stimulating learning environment to reflect 21st century education.

£13m refurbishment T heof the 11-storey Parsons Tower, which was built in 1973 shortly after the amalgamation of the College of Further Education and Technical College to form Newcastle College, features multiple material ceiling systems in areas ranging from the main canteen through the lecture hall to a bespoke children’s AV space.

Sean Gallagher, Associate at regular Armstrong specifiers, Red Box Architecture, said: “Key spaces such as the ground floor reception utilised linear metal plank solutions with integral light fittings – Armstrong’s B-H 300 microperforated system with OP19 acoustic infill – to create a dynamic light and airy feel

8

to the main visitor experience.

Suspended acoustic rectangular and square canopies on a black plasterboard background – Armstrong’s Optima L 1200 x 2400mm and 1200 x 1200mm canopies – provided a variety and interest to the main refectory, and classrooms benefited from the additional reflected light from white metal ceilings – Armstrong’s metal MicroLook 16 microperforated 600 x 600mm tiles with OP19 – throughout for background lighting.”

The 7000m2 of Armstrong systems used at Newcastle College include Axal Vector metal lay-in tiles, Dune Max Tegular, Parafon Hygien and black Nevada Board mineral tiles, black mesh metal tiles, B-H

300 metal planks, MicroLook 16 microperforated metal tiles and Optima L canopies. In addition, Armstrong’s Axiom Vector profiles provided a seamless transition between plasterboard, other acoustic finishes and Axal Vector metal tiles.

Visual effects They were specified by Red Box Architecture as they “represent good value for money and give optimum acoustic performance combined with long-term durability and low-maintenance which are essential factors for large educational establishments”.

Sean Gallagher added: “The ceilings are fundamental to the visual appearance of all key spaces, providing the architect

The £13m refurbishment of the 11-storey Parsons Tower features multiple material ceiling systems

with a varied palette of functional options and visual effects.”

More about rejuvenating the building than a simple superficial refurbishment, the work has given the building a new lease of life, extending its usable life by 30 to 40 years.

Externally, it presents a completely new face to the Newcastle city skyline while internally the floor plates have been altered to provide new and quality environments offering first-class learning and real life working experiences for the expanding curriculum of Health and Enterprise.

This includes training environments such as the hospital wards on levels two to seven, where Armstrong’s MicroLook 16 microperforated metal tiles have been used, as well as childcare and specialist care where the students can practice and develop their knowledge.

Reconfiguring the ground floor, which had been the target for vandalism, and entrance/break out/lobby areas with Armstrong’s unique secure, but accessible, metal Axal Vector tiles has improved the arrival experience of staff, students and visitors and

Floors, Walls & Ceilings Focus The work has given the building a new lease of life extending its usable life by 30 to 40 years

includes Armstrong’s black mesh metal tiles above the semi-circular reception desk, a cafe where Armstrong’s metal MicroLook 16 microperforated tiles have been used, and kitchen where Armstrong’s ISO 5 standard Parafon Hygien tiles have been used for their balance of white visual comfort, washability and cleanroom performance. At this level there is also the refectory – where Armstrong’s square Optima L canopies have been used – student services and a Learning Resource Centre.

Nearby, a double-height lift

lobby features Armstrong’s rectangular Optima L canopies while levels eight to 10 now feature a mix of classrooms and a Learning Resource Centre for higher education students.

The Armstrong systems were supplied by SIG Interiors Tyneside and installed over eight months by Omega Contractor Bill Mordue Interiors.

“The client is delighted with the end result,” said Sean. 

 www.armstrong-ceilings.co.uk  sales-support@armstrong.com  0800 371849

The 7000m2 of Armstrong systems used include Axal Vector metal lay-in tiles, Dune Max Tegular, Parafon Hygien and black Nevada Board mineral tiles

Armstrong’s MicroLook 16 microperforated metal tiles have been used in training areas on level 2

9

Floors, Walls & Ceilings Focus Heradesign can help create a sense of well-being and improve concentration, efficiency and performance

WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH One of the legacies created by London 2012 was to generate interest in sport and encourage people to get involved. As a result, sports halls have taken on a higher profile in schools, universities, colleges and council-owned leisure centres to become modern, multi-purpose spaces. halls are large areas S ports that experience highlevels of activity which need to withstand heavy impact from a number of different sports. Now they are also hired out privately for a variety of activities to generate additional income. The interior must appeal not only to sports enthusiasts but also the wider public.

Getting the acoustics right in sports halls can be a challenge.

A typical interior is fitted with hard, highly reverberant surfaces that are strong and durable but can create an echoey, noisy environment.

Acoustic control can be achieved by installing sound absorbent ceiling and wall panels. Heradesign, from Knauf AMF, offers outstanding Class A

sound absorption helping to reduce reverberation resulting in a comfortable space where people can exercise without intrusive noise.

used elsewhere in the building.

Heradesign is available in a wide selection of face patterns, edge details and bespoke sizes.

Panels can be installed as either rafts, baffles, fins or directly onto walls or ceilings, offering further design opportunities.

Sports halls are subjected to tough daily use. Installed surfaces need to withstand the impact of heavy ball use and wearand-tear. The lifetime of these surfaces is determined by their impact resistance. Heradesign is manufactured from sustainably sourced wood-wool and has a durable woven surface that offers the highest Class 1A impact resistance. Heradesign is a cost-effective solution for heavy-duty areas because it can

last more than 80 years, even in the toughest environments.

An architect chose Heradesign for a sports hall installed at a RIBA awardwinning school building “for its great versatility, acoustic benefits and colour opportunities. The acoustic nature of Heradesign satisfied the requirements for this hard, reverberant space. The use of colour was really exploited, using a mix of different coloured Heradesign wall panels to add a contemporary warmth and visual energy”. 

 www.amfceilings.co.uk /heradesign info@knaufamf.co.uk   0191 518 8600

Encouraging fitness The use of bright colours and shapes is taking the sports hall into a new and dynamic era.

Architects are using colour to create a hall that is visually stimulating and inspires people to want to exercise. Colour can help denote areas for different activities and give these spaces a visual identity. Heradesign offers architects true design freedom as it can be specified in any colour using popular colour systems including RAL, NCS and StoColor. Its surface can be matched to existing colours

Heradesign can be matched to a colour of your choice

11

SBP ARY

LIBR

sustainable-buildingproducts.com

Scan this code with your smart phone

Public Sector Build Journal

swipe to see more!

The

app

for iPhone, iPad and Android Free swipe to see more!download available now BROWSE | SPECIFY | SOURCE | DIGEST The smarter way to access news and products for the sustainable building market.

With its easy-to-navigate format, users can benefit from a variety of useful tools, such as the magazine’s latest issue, digital archive, suppliers and newsbank. The App is also synced with SBP Library (www.sustainable-buildingproducts.com) providing an essential specification portal. | Bespoke, reader-friendly features tailored to professionals on the move | | Timely industry news delivered at the touch of a button | | Manage print & digital subscriptions |

MAPEI UK HAS GOT FLOORING COVERED Throughout 2015, Mapei demonstrated its commitment to research and development with a whole host of new and improved products. Here, PSBJ highlights the company’s recent launches, that are designed to enhance the performance and quality of floorcoverings. is pleased to M apei announce the recent

Mapei’s new and improved Ultraplan Renovation Screed 3240 is a fibre reinforced self-levelling compound

Ultrabond Eco VS90 Plus is extremely easy to apply

launch of Ultrabond Eco VS90 Plus to its range of Ultrabond Eco Adhesives. Ultrabond Eco VS90 Plus is a ready to use, light beige paste, which benefits from a fast, strong initial grab, allowing traffic after only 3-5 hours.

Ultrabond Eco VS90 Plus is extremely easy to apply with good peel strength with high resistant to shear stresses, with the added advantage of being a high temperature adhesive.

It can also be specified to install floor coverings in many environments including those subjected to chairs with castors.

Ultrabond Eco VS90 Plus is solvent-free and classified as EC1 Plus under the GEV EMICODE accreditation system.

The environmentally friendly adhesive is extremely versatile in its use and consequently has a universal application range, being ideal for bonding many textile floorcoverings with all common backings.

Mapei UK has also added the Mapefloor CPU range which includes five new products to its Industrial Flooring line. The

products benefit the chemical and food industry providing floor systems that will be in compliance with current EC norms regarding hygiene and safety within areas used for food and beverage production and storage areas.

Mapefloor CPU/Cove is a three-component polyurethane/cement-based mortar which can be used to create coves, mould fillets and create seamless walls and floors within the industrial sector. It is ideal for coating channels and drains around plinths and can also reconstruct edges and chipped joints.

High resistance products Mapefloor CPU/RT is a threecomponent high-strength polyurethane/cement-based mortar with high resistance to chemicals for coating industrial floors in layers of 6-9mm thick, with a textured finish. It is easy to apply and is best suitable for floors subjected to heavy traffic, aggressive chemicals and high temperatures.

The Mapefloor CPU/MF also comes in three parts but

is a self-smoothing multifunction mortar which has high resistance to chemicals for coating industrial floors in layers of 3-6mm thick. It can be used to create a durable smooth or textured finish for floors in demanding areas.

Also within this range is Mapefloor CPU/TC, which again is in three parts and is ideal for coating walls and for finishing coats on the CPU products as well as coves.

Offering a smooth ‘top-coat’ finish, this protective coating is easy to clean and has excellent resistance to abrasion within areas subject to intense traffic.

Finally, the last product added to this range is Mapefloor CPU/HD, a threecomponent, high strength polyurethane/cement-based mortar, specifically designed with high resistance to chemicals for coating industrial floors in layers of 6-9mm. It can also be applied by trowel in one application. This then provides the floor with a protective layer resistant to high temperature, chemicals and heavy traffic.

Mapei’s new and improved Ultraplan Renovation Screed 3240 is a fibre reinforced self-levelling compound, specifically designed for the renovation or refurbishment of existing subfloors. The high coverage, low VOC screed can now be applied to a thickness of 3-40mm, in one application, and is suitable for prepared concrete, screed, stone, ceramic, timber (plywood, chipboard, plywood, parquet) and terrazzo.

Suitable for both commercial and domestic applications, Ultraplan Renovation Screed 3240 is ideal for smoothing and levelling floors ready to receive tiled finishes, resilient floor coverings or wood flooring.

It can also be used alongside capillary underfloor heating and electric undertile heating systems. 

Floors, Walls & Ceilings Focus

Mapei UK has also added the Mapefloor CPU range which includes five new products to its Industrial Flooring line

 www.mapei.co.uk  info@mapei.co.uk  0121 508 6970

13

Floors, Walls & Ceilings Focus

it stayed looking good for as long as possible.

“University House was intended to be BCU’s shop window to attract new business partners, as well as provide an enjoyable and comfortable place to work for staff,” explained Kevin Singh, a Professor at BCU and Architect at The Space Studio – the firm leading the renovation. “With this in mind, the vice-chancellor requested an interior with a fresh, corporate feel that would stand the test of time, and stay looking smart despite the heavy footfall.”

United zones

The university wanted to change from a traditional cellular working culture to a new open-plan approach

INTERFACE'S TIMELESS FLOORING DESIGN

BCU has a long-standing relationship with Interface, so had no doubt that it would be able to provide the right flooring solution. The Space Studio worked closely with Andrew Raisen, Account Manager at Interface, to create the ideal floor design for the building, using the manufacturer’s Urban Retreat collection.

The Urban Retreat 303 ash flooring tile was chosen for use across the whole building.

Using a single, striking shade throughout the interior helps to unite all the individual zones in the development into a single office, encouraging workers to use the entire space, including

communal areas, without feeling restricted to their own desk or pod. The solution’s eye-catching, linen-like texture complements the elegant decor and furnishings, creating a modern, yet ageless look.

Selecting a modular flooring solution for the building also meant that the installation was simple and straight forward for the contractors carrying out the renovation work – GTH Construction – enabling it to complete the project within a very tight timeframe.

Singh added: “Using a modular solution also means that individual tiles can be easily replaced once they are worn, rather than needing to fit a full new carpet. This is ideal for a busy office environment, like University House, helping to cut maintenance costs, while minimising the impact of daily wear-and-tear on the look of the space.

“The brief for the renovated space was a timeless interior, and the Interface product helped us to deliver this. The flooring unifies the whole space into a single office, rather than a host of small workspaces, which really helps to support an open-plan culture.” 

 www.interfaceflor.co.uk  interface.uk@interface.com  0207 490 3960

Interface has helped Birmingham City University (BCU) create a contemporary, open-plan culture for its vice-chancellor’s office and professional services departments by providing a flooring solution that would withstand the test of time for its new base, University House. project saw BCU T herelocate some 200 staff, including the vice-chancellor’s office, the international office, and the marketing team, to a new home in a refurbished five-storey office building in the heart of Birmingham.

As part of the move, the university wanted to change from a traditional cellular working culture to a new open-plan approach. Break-out spaces, an honesty coffee bar

14

and a cafe, as well as other communal meeting points, were created to encourage team work and creativity. To reflect this transformation, BCU wanted a modern interior that would bring the space together harmoniously.

Another key requirement for the project was that the flooring should be able to withstand heavy use – it needed to be durable and easy to maintain in order to ensure

The project saw BCU relocate some 200 staff, including the vice-chancellor’s office, the international office, and the marketing team

Floors, Walls & Ceilings Focus

SBP ARY

LIBR

sustainable-buildingproducts.com

Scan this code with your smart phone

Swipe to see more

‹‹‹

The

app

for iPhone, iPad and Android Free download available now BROWSE | SPECIFY | SOURCE | DIGEST The smarter way to access news and products for the sustainable building market.

With its easy-to-navigate format, users can benefit from a variety of useful tools, such as the magazine’s latest issue, digital archive, suppliers and newsbank. The App is also synced with SBP Library (www.sustainable-buildingproducts.com) providing an essential specification portal. | Bespoke, reader-friendly features tailored to professionals on the move | | Timely industry news delivered at the touch of a button | | Manage print & digital subscriptions | 15

Floors, Walls & Ceilings Focus

UltraFloor Level IT Bond scores at Wembley Stadium UltraFloor’s Level IT Bond, the rapid drying, all purpose smoothing underlayment, has been used to refurbish a prestigious hospitality suite at Wembley Stadium. The project was secured by long-standing UltraFloor customer, Mighty Flooring who carried out the work in the suite over a three-day period.

Level IT Bond was applied onto a concrete substrate and overlaid with a wooden vinyl to create an elegant finish, perfect for entertaining private guests during Wembley Stadium’s matches.

Level IT Bond has exceptional adhesion characteristics making it suitable for use over a wide variety of subfloors and substrates without the need to prime.

The two components are mixed to provide a rapid setting, free flowing, smoothing underlayment which is protein free and suitable for biologically sensitive areas.

Its rapid setting properties allow for floor coverings to be laid after only four hours reducing valuable time spent onsite. Level IT Bond can be laid at a thicknesses from 2-12mm, has an open time of 15-20 minutes, is compatible with underfloor heating and is moisture tolerant.

A successful back catalogue of projects has established Level IT Bond as the product of choice for many contractors including Mighty Flooring, who state that they are “very happy with the flow and dry time, and the overall finish”. 

 www.ultra-floor.co.uk  ultrafloor@instarmac.co.uk  01827 871871

New look decorating solutions from Instarmac's Wondertex brand Wondertex, the internal finishing brand from the Instarmac Group, is pleased to announce the launch of prem texture and prem adhesive. The new-look decorating solutions are perfect for professional painters and decorators looking to source a seamless finish.

These products were previewed at last year’s National Painting and Decorating show to an excited audience, and are now available nationwide. prem texture is a decorative finish material which can be applied to ceilings or walls to create or remove a variety of textured patterns. prem adhesive is suitable for fixing all gypsum and fibrous mouldings including cove and cornice systems.

Both products boast improved formulations and new eye-catching longlife bags. Extensive in-house research and development was used to perfect the new formulations for professional painters and decorators. Both new bags

16

offer greater protection and ensure complete freshness due to the addition of a polyethylene liner layer, which reduces moisture ingress. prem texture’s enhanced formulation provides a crack free finish perfect for over painting. The product is available in 25kg bags/48 bags to the pallet. prem adhesive is now available in new size 15kg bags/56 per bags to the pallet and offers the strongest adhesion yet with a 60-90 minute working time. 

 www.wondertex.co.uk  wondertex@instarmac.co.uk  01827 871871

Floors, Walls & Ceilings Focus

P B S SBP RY A R LIB

sustainable-buildingproducts.com sustainable-buildingpr sustainable-buildingproducts.com

LIBR

ARY

sustainable-buildingproducts.com Your essential new reference for sustainable building product information web | mobile | tablet 17

Floors, Walls & Ceilings Focus

The A+ rating for Sika ComfortFloor will help design teams achieve the highest BREEAM score possible

environmental performance of products, Green Guide ratings can be used to gain points in the Materials section of the BRE’s Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM), which sets the standard for sustainable building design, construction and operation.

Pioneering sustainable solutions

TOP RATING FOR SIKA COMFORTFLOOR SYSTEMS Sika ComfortFloor systems, Sikafloor PS23 and PS24, have become the first resin flooring systems to achieve manufacturer-specific BRE Green Guide ratings – attaining an A+, the highest rating available.

BRE Green Guide to T heSpecification enables users to quickly determine the environmental performance of a wide range of typical UK construction specifications.

With a simplified A+ to E ranking system that’s based on Life Cycle Assessment data, the BRE Green Guide enables specifiers and designers to consider comparable systems or materials that will collectively reduce the environmental impact of their buildings.

As part of a comprehensive evaluation process, a BRE representative visited Sika’s two manufacturing sites in Deventer, Netherlands and Stuttgart, Germany to verify the information provided by Sika. After completing detailed assessments and data analysis, the BRE attributed Sika ComfortFloor with the highest possible Green Guide rating – a first for the resin flooring industry.

18

Dr. Sarah Peake, Product Sustainability Manager, said: “Environmental responsibility is a key consideration for Sika.

As such we strongly believe in the holistic approach to sustainability and therefore encourage the use of a full

system approach rather than stand-alone assessments of individual products. As the first resin flooring system to achieve an A+ rating, this marks an important development for Sika and the resin flooring industry.”

As well as summarising the

“Well done to SIKA for achieving the highest green guide rating with Comfortfloor,” commented Victoria Blake, Associate Director, Sustainable Products, BRE. “Every positive action taken by a manufacturer to reduce the adverse environmental impact of their product drives the market forward, giving specifiers ethical choices and bringing the reality of an environmentally friendly construction sector closer.”

Dedicated to sustainable development, Sika remains committed to pioneering sustainable solutions and achieving this with the lowest impact on resources. As more and more designers and specifiers are demanding flooring with the highest Green Guide ratings, the A+ rating for Sika ComfortFloor will help design teams achieve the highest BREEAM score possible for all project types, minimising the environmental impact of any building. 

As the first resin flooring system to achieve an A+ rating, this marks an important development for Sika

 www.sika.co.uk/flooring  enquiries@uk.sika.com  01707 383872

NEW

Beauty & performance come together Heavy commercial LVT collection of 16 authentic wood designs, with an innovative 2mm gauge making it ideal for installing alongside 2mm vinyl sheet flooring Image Shown: Affinity255 Huckleberry Oak alongside Expona Flow Taupe

Browse through the new comprehensive brochure online at polyflor.com/Affinity255

POLYFLOR LTD. PO BOX 3 RADCLIFFE NEW RD WHITEFIELD MANCHESTER M45 7NR TEL: 0161 767 1122 FAX: 0161 767 1128 E-MAIL: INFO@POLYFLOR.COM WWW.POLYFLOR.COM

KARNDEAN TALKS: EDUCATION Our stylish, durable and low maintenance flooring helps you to create safe and inspiring educational environments for students of all ages.

Specify Karndean for high traffic areas including corridors, classrooms and laboratories, safe in the knowledge that it’ll last.

It’s easy to incorporate your client’s logo or a design feature into their floor. This is a great way to add interest to large reception areas or hallways.

A hygienic and anti-allergen environment is important in educational environments and Karndean Designflooring is an ideal choice.

Unlike many carpet and textile floorcoverings, it won’t harbour dirt or dust mites.

If you’re looking for a product that’s quick and easy to install, look no further than Karndean LooseLay. Our new format LVT features a friction grip backing that holds the product in place. It’s also suitable for raised access flooring and is easy to repair.

For more flooring ideas visit us online at www.karndean.com/education

If you’re out on site with a customer, use our new augmented reality app to demonstrate what their floor could look like right there and then. The app lets you select and view different floors in the space of your choice and take images to share and compare. See www.karndean.com/app for more details.