PSBJ March 2018 Supplement

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Floors, Walls & Ceilings Focus

March 2018

STOP, LOOK, LISTEN

MEET THE DEMANDS

A SOUND ENVIRONMENT

Armstrong Ceiling Solutions creates wow factor at Ystalyfera school

How to meet the acoustic demands of public sector multi-purpose buildings

Poor acoustics can have an adverse impact on those living with dementia

A BOOK 2018 Armstrong Ceiling Solutions delivers insight into the most pressing demands facing architects while showcasing inspiring projects from across Europe in a handy specification resource to help architects achieve their ambition.

#AmbitionAchieved Find your inspiration and download your A Book 2018 at www.armstrongceilings.co.uk

...to the EDITOR Rebecca Kemp rebecca@mixedmediainfo.com EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Paige Smith paige@mixedmediainfo.com PRINT & DIGITAL ADVERTISING Sam Ball sam@mixedmediainfo.com Andrew Soper andrew@mixedmediainfo.com PRINT DESIGN MANAGER Jack Witcomb jack@mixedmediainfo.com DIGITAL DESIGN MANAGER David Perry david@mixedmediainfo.com PRODUCTION ASSISTANT Sofia Franchi sofia@mixedmediainfo.com ACCOUNTS Charlie Ivy charlie@mixedmediainfo.com MANAGING DIRECTOR Sam Ball sam@mixedmediainfo.com 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:

Floors, Walls & Ceilings Focus

n this dedicated Floors, Walls & Ceilings supplement, PSBJ highlights some of the public sector's most significant case studies; from the world of biophilicinspired floorcoverings, acoustically-sound ceiling systems and efficient preparation products. This edition looks into the complexities of achieving the perfect acoustics for all types of public sector buildings, such as schools, sports halls and care homes, and explores how flooring can collectively change the ambience of an establishment.

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Welcome Note

Welcome

Among the highlights in this month's supplement, on page 12 modular carpet expert, Interface, explains how the integration of its Highland-inspired flooring range transformed the atmosphere of the foyer at the University of Nottingham's Business School South. Meanwhile, on page 04, Knauf AMF looks at the acoustic requirements of multi-purpose public sector buildings that all architects and specifiers should consider when designing multi-use establishments.

We hope you enjoy this issue. For further information about any of our contributors or if you wish to comment on a particular article featured within this edition, please do not hesitate to get in touch at the usual address.

Rebecca

Rebecca Kemp | Editor | rebecca@mixedmediainfo.com Follow us on Twitter:

@psbjmagazine

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Contents 04 Disparate needs call for disparate measures Multi-purpose public sector buildings call for a diverse selection of acoustic requirements. Here, Knauf AMF examines what should be considered.

06 Enhanced acoustics for Welsh secondary school Having specified Armstrong Ceiling Solutions before, Neath Port Talbot Council turned to the ceiling specialist again for the design and build of a secondary teaching block for Ystalyfera Welsh medium comprehensive school.

08 A sound environment for dementia-friendly design Here, Andrea Harman at Ecophon looks at how the right design can eliminate stress for those with dementia.

11 New offering from The Deck Tile Co. The Deck Tile Co.'s new website allows architects to view the company’s sought-after Levato Mono paving system range on a user-friendly, easy-to-follow interface.

12 Grand entrance for University of Nottingham In this dedicated Floors, Walls & Ceilings supplement, PSBJ highlights some of the industry’s most trusted solutions to enhance the aesthetics and performance of public sector buildings.

The University of Nottingham's Business School South lobby has been transformed with the help of modular flooring specialist, Interface.

15 World-class sound for world-class science centre When designing the Experimentarium, the use of hard surfaces turned the architect’s attention to acoustic requirements. Their solution was to install Troldtekt ceiling panels for an acoustically-sound visitor experience.

17 24/7 protection for North Birmingham Academy Yeoman Shield finds the perfect solution to help a school to maintain a pristine and attractive interior.

18 First-class flooring installation at University of Glasgow F. Ball has been involved with an extensive floor installation at the University of Glasgow's Library.

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

19 History restored in stately home NFTMMS member, JW Restoration, has successfully restored an historic ceramic mosaic floor. NFTMMS talks to JW Restoration about the project's technicalities.

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Floors, Walls & Ceilings Focus

Thermatex ceiling baffles absorb sound in the noisy areas of Calthorpe School library and minimise disturbance in the quieter spaces

MEETING ACOUSTIC DEMANDS IN MULTIPURPOSE BUILDINGS

Heradesign maintains a comfortable acoustic level for audiences in the lecture theatre at Erasmus University

Knauf AMF Commercial Director, Peter Symons, examines the acoustic requirements to consider when designing multi-purpose buildings for the public sector. multi-use L arge-scale developments are one response to the wants and needs of modern living and are associated with the pressures on available space and the high cost of land – particularly in the public sector.

Universities, schools and leisure centres are examples of multi-purpose buildings that offer spaces with activities from communal recreation to areas for quiet study, which are often serviced by food preparation and washroom facilities. For these discrete functions to work in harmony, interior design and acoustics must be tailored and comply with specific regulations.

With different functions taking place in adjacent spaces, speech and the sound of people involved in various tasks can become an issue, making the need for acoustic control evermore significant.

Acoustic ceilings are available as suspended ceilings, with concealed or exposed grids, or hung as rafts or baffles. They are manufactured in a range of materials and finishes with textured, smooth or monolithic

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surfaces in many shapes and any colour. They offer a myriad of design solutions, enabling architects to answer the brief whilst enjoying the freedom to add visual appeal to an interior.

Auditoriums and lecture theatres have complex acoustic needs as they are designed for human voice presentations, acoustic and electronic music concerts and other events. In the lecture theatre at Erasmus University, in the Netherlands, an acoustic ceiling system ensures the correct balance of sound absorption and sound reflection, so each audience member enjoys the same experience.

Ceiling baffles, fins and rafts offer versatility. Rafts can be positioned above potentially noisy areas to help improve speech intelligibility and create a pleasant atmosphere. Varying the size and spacing of the baffles can achieve the desired acoustic performance.

Vertical ceiling baffles are affixed to thick concrete soffits in the classrooms and library at Calthorpe Park School in Hampshire. The baffles provide the correct levels of acoustic

absorption and attenuation in this key learning environment and reduce noise levels throughout the open-plan breakout areas.

Wall absorbers can work in conjunction with acoustic ceilings or independently to improve room acoustics.

The sports hall at Oldham Leisure Centre called for a bespoke solution to control reverberation and meet the

high specification demanded for the project. The wall absorbers chosen offer high sound absorption which is ideal for sports halls and schools to ensure compliance with the acoustic standards of Building Bulletin 93.

Ceilings with high fire safety ratings remain stable in the event of a fire and do not contribute to flame spread, which helps make public buildings safer.

When designing multipurpose public buildings with complex acoustic needs, look for a manufacturer that offers a range of ceiling solutions which meet or exceed required performance specifications to ensure the disparate needs of our multi-use developments work well. 

 www.knaufamf.com  info@knaufamf.co.uk  0191 518 8600

Heradesign wall absorbers offer the highest sound absorption together with impact resistance to provide a hard-wearing finish at Oldham Leisure Centre

LEVATO MONO

Porcelain paver system and coordinating internal tiling The Deck Tile Co’s new website www.surface360.co.uk now has +150 colours and finishes in their Levato Mono 20mm porcelain ranges plus co-ordinating internal tiling – enabling seamless visual transition between internal and external spaces.

20mm porcelain pavers 40x80 45x90 60x60 75x75 80x80 30x120 40x120 60x120

Highly abrasion and stain resistant Highly slip resistant ; R11 AB+C

Ideal for balconies, roof terraces and piazzas, for both commercial and residential use

‘Floating floor’ – installation over single ply membranes Eternal product - zero maintenance required – offering massive over-life savings

Lightweight – 45kgs per m2 High load bearing and impact resistance Timber, stone & cementitious effects

Frost proof Height adjustable/slope correcting support system ranging from 9mm up to 550mm

Completely non porous

INTRODUCING OUR NEW WEBSITE: WWW.SURFACE360.CO.UK

Floors, Walls & Ceilings Focus

ARMSTRONG CEILINGS HELP WITH SOUND AND SIGHT IN A NEW TEACHING BLOCK

Used throughout the new 6500m2 building, the D-H 700 metal Hook-On canopies with acoustic fleece were installed in classrooms whilst the Axiom Knife Edge with Ultima+ Vector tiles were used in other areas

A mixture of metal and mineral fibre systems from Armstrong Ceiling Solutions were specified for a new teaching block for several reasons at least.

2000m of S ome Armstrong’s D-H 700 2

microperforated metal HookOn canopies, Axiom Knife Edge canopies with Ultima+ tiles and MicroLook 8 wood-effect metal tiles were specified

by Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council for the £12.5m new secondary teaching block at Ystalyfera Welsh medium comprehensive school in the upper Swansea Valley in South Wales.

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Used throughout the new 6500m2 building, the D-H 700 metal Hook-On canopies with acoustic fleece were installed in classrooms whilst the Axiom Knife Edge with Ultima+ Vector tiles were used in other areas.

Perla 600 x 600mm mineral fibre tiles were also fitted in classrooms and toilet areas.

In addition, the 1200 x 300mm MicroLook 8 Lay-In tiles finished in an oak wood-effect and featuring a 100mm Axiom

Classic profile were used in spaces such as circulation and break-out areas and the threestorey atrium.

The two- to three-storey steel-frame building replaces a 1970s three-storey CLASPtype teaching block to bring accommodation into the 21st century and was designed to BREEAM 'Excellent' and BIM Level 2 standards.

Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council has used

Armstrong systems before on numerous school projects, and at Ystalyfera school, Armstrong was specified for several reasons.

A spokesman for Neath Port Talbot Council said: “They are aesthetically pleasing.

The ceiling rafts in the classrooms complied with sound and visual requirements but also allowed us to use the exposed structural slab as thermal mass.”

Floors, Walls & Ceilings Focus The 19-month-long build by main contractor Dawnus Construction as part of the South Wales Regional Contractors Framework was challenging due to the tight site and restricted working spaces.

A team of eight from specialist sub-contractor SAM Drylining installed the Armstrong Ceiling Solutions over five months.

SAM Drylining Contracts Manager, Ian Bartlett, said: “This was a large extension to a comprehensive school and consisted of several different ceiling make-ups, including Armstrong’s metal acoustic rafts and Knife Edge canopies, all floating in different areas with no ceilings above, and then several thousand metres of Armstrong Lay-In grid.

“The programme was a challenging one but was

Some 2000m2 of Armstrong’s D-H 700 microperforated metal Hook-On canopies, Axiom Knife Edge canopies with Ultima+ tiles and MicroLook 8 wood-effect metal tiles were specified

coordinated closely with all other sub-contractors on site.

If alterations to sequence or design were required, Armstrong’s technical team attended the site to discuss and were able to agree changes at site level, making the installation as painless as you’d expect.”

Armstrong Area Specification Manager, Adam Mansell, said: “Armstrong’s portfolio of different product materials and finishes really came into its own on Ystalyfera. From the standard suspended ceilings to Axiom, metal and metal woodeffect canopies, these offered a greater flexibility in design for

the architects. This was a team effort in which Armstrong’s architectural specialties team worked closely with the specifiers, main contractor and ceiling contractor.” 

 www.armstrongceilings.co.uk  sales-support@armstrong.com  01895 251122

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Floors, Walls & Ceilings Focus

SAFE AND SOUND: THE IMPACT OF ACOUSTICS IN DESIGNING DEMENTIAFRIENDLY BUILDINGS Poor acoustics in a building can have a detrimental impact on people with dementia. Andrea Harman, Concept Developer for Healthcare at Ecophon, looks at some of the effects and how they can be improved with the right design. we get older, our A shearing and sight are affected as part of the ageing process and we lose the ability to hear the high-frequency range of our hearing as we age.

People with dementia can also find noise particularly distressing and isolating; they often experience constant background noise and extreme noise sensitivity, which can increase stress levels, anxiety, confusion, blood pressure, heart rate and fatigue. Noise can also be perceived as pain and there is a correlation between noise levels above 70 dB and an increase in the use of pain relief for patients in hospital. Moreover, the hallucinations associated with certain types of dementia are sometimes linked to noise.

A recent study found a link between high noise levels and “unwanted behaviour” in people with dementia, whilst pleasant sounds were found to

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be “positively stimulating”. It concluded that good acoustics should be “one of the key architectural efforts in care environments for people with dementia”.

Design in tranquillity A calm environment helps to relieve stress and improve the peace of mind of building occupants. Of all the senses, hearing is the one that has the most impact on the quality of life of a person with dementia, so it’s important to keep noise sources as far as possible from quiet areas.

Smaller room sizes reduce reverberation, and it is important to differentiate public and private space and keep them separated.

Bedrooms should be located away from bustling communal areas or workspaces. Avoid placing single rooms and/or beds directly facing each other to minimise noise and increase privacy.

Install a high level of sound insulation Sound insulation between rooms is important as when people with dementia can hear others in a corridor or adjacent room, they can think it is someone coming into their room. Doors often prove to be a weak point for sound insulation, and if two doors or beds directly face each other, sound may travel more easily between the two.

In care homes, sound insulation between bedrooms and workspaces such as kitchens is important so that residents are not kept awake by noise or confused by noise they cannot place.

Consider Class A finishes A Class A sound absorber can help reduce sound pressure levels, lower reverberation time, increase speech privacy over distance and speech clarity in close proximity. This is especially

Open-plan design is often easier to navigate as people can see what they need, however, it is important to think about what the space is to be used for; as an open-plan space often becomes noisier than smaller rooms

important in open-plan areas and spaces with high levels of background noise, such as communal and activity areas.

Compliance with Approved Document E for sound absorption is often specified in care homes as best practice. This states that common areas in communal dwellings including corridors, stairwells and entrance halls must be treated to a minimum of sound absorption Class C in order to reduce reverberation.

Improve visibility People with hearing loss rely more on visual clues to go about their daily business. Make sure that what is important is easily visible, for example, if bathrooms and toilets can be easily seen then people will remember to use them.

Open-plan design is often easier to navigate as people can see what they need, however, it is important to think about what the space is to be used for; as an openplan space often becomes noisier than smaller rooms. 

 www.ecophon.co.uk  info@ecophon.co.uk  01256 850977

Improving the indoor environment for people with dementia through colour and sound

Photographer: Petra Appelhof,

Recent research has shown a link between hearing loss and dementia, individually these are socially isolating however a combination can lead to anxiety, frustration, aggression and loneliness. Using products that absorb sound to calm the environment and aid hearing; giving consideration to the siting of noisy equipment and processes; and affecting noisy behaviour to reduce sound and introduce constructive sound can have a positive effect.

Both ageing and dementia also affect our eyesight, making visual elements of a space more difficult to interpret; often leading to trips, falls and misunderstandings. Consideration to both natural and artificial light levels alongside colour, pattern and signage can all enhance the environment and make it easier to navigate.

Ecophon has been investigating the effects of changing the indoor environment in care spaces to reduce these barriers and so enhance life for both the people living and working there.

To learn more contact Andrea Harman on 07771565382 email andrea.harman@ecophon.co.uk or visit www.ecophon.com/uk

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Floors, Walls & Ceilings Focus

THE DECK TILE CO. LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE The new website www.surface360.co.uk from The Deck Tile Co. is now offering an extensive range of Levato Mono paving finishes and coordinating internal tiling.

Mono Porcelain T hepaverLevato system from The Deck Tile Co. is a flexible external flooring solution for the design-conscious with over 150 stone, timber and cementitious effects to choose from plus coordinating internal tiles – enabling a seamless transition between internal and external spaces.

The system facilitates a fast and cost-effective installation over most surfaces including; single-ply membranes; roofing felt and other delicate waterproofing systems.

Available in standard 600 x 600mm size and now larger formats, 450 x 900mm/600 x 1200mm/800 x 800mm etc, the porcelain pavers offer high

abrasion and stain resistance, are frost-proof and achieve R11 slip resistance.

With its key beneficial features – such as height-adjustable and slope-correcting supports; high load-bearing and weighing only 45kg per metre square; low ongoing maintenance – Levato Mono is the ideal system for balconies, roof terraces, patios and piazzas; for both residential and commercial use as specified on numerous hospitality and restaurant venues, apartment blocks and educational establishments throughout the UK. 

 www.surface360.co.uk  info@surface360.co.uk  0118 391 4120

Ideal for balconies, roof terraces and piazzas, for both commercial and residential use Frost-proof Highly abrasion and stain resistant Light weight – 45kgs per m2 High load-bearing and impact resistance Timber, stone and cementitious effects Completely non-porous

20mm porcelain pavers 40 x 80, 45 x 90, 60 x 60, 75 x 75, 80 x 80, 30 x 120, 40 x 120, 60 x 120 ‘Floating floor’ – installation over single-ply membranes Eternal product – zero maintenance required – offering massive over-life savings Height-adjustable/slope-correcting support system ranging from 9 up to 550mm Highly slip resistant ; R11 A, B and C

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Floors, Walls & Ceilings Focus

INTERFACE WEAVES A WARM WELCOME IN UNIVERSITY FOYER Interface has helped to transform the lobby of the University of Nottingham’s Business School South into an inviting, welcoming space. Taking inspiration from the tranquil surroundings of the Jubilee Campus where the school is sited, the university wanted to create a stylish foyer that put students in the right frame of mind for lectures.

The open-plan space now features dedicated breakout areas, delineated using flooring from the World Woven collection’s Scottish Sett

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B+M Installations was supported by Interface’s concept design team, a specialist service dedicated to helping architects and designers bring the latest flooring trends into interiors

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uiza da Silva, Interior Designer at B+M Installations, the fit-out specialist that led the renovation, explained: “The university wanted to find a way of bringing a more homely, calming feel to the straight lines and muted tones of the space’s business-like interior. We turned to Interface to help us create the perfect flooring scheme for the lobby.”

B+M Installations was supported by Interface’s concept design team, a specialist service dedicated to helping architects and designers bring the latest flooring trends into educational, public and commercial interiors.

The open-plan space now features dedicated breakout areas, delineated using flooring from the World Woven collection’s Scottish Sett. The distinctive tweed-inspired pattern of this range, as well as the strands of orange, perfectly reflect the coarse woven texture and bold colours of the sofas in these activity zones.

The workstations, meanwhile, are marked out using the World Woven collection in charcoal tweed, helping to define the quieter study areas from the zones for group interaction.

“To achieve the university’s goal, we felt it was crucial to tap into the current trend for bringing the kind of artisanal fabrics and materials normally found in the domestic environment into public spaces,” explained Donna Dent,

Concept Designer at Interface.

“The Scottish Sett collection is ideal for this – the traditional feel of its tartan-like texture, inspired by the hand-woven fabrics of the Highlands, contrasts nicely with the contemporary flooring scheme used elsewhere in the space.

It helps provide a comforting oasis where students can relax before and after lectures.”

Finally, a defined pathway bisects all of the distinct zones to draw visitors from the building’s doorway to the auditorium. Skinny Plank carpet tiles from Interface’s On Line & Off Line collection are laid in a herringbone format to create a striking focal point to the space. Its neutral grey tones reflect the colours of the shifting shadows of the trees outside the windows, while its bright orange accents further complement the colour scheme of the furniture in the room.

Speaking about the end results of the refurbishment, Stavros Pourikas, Capital Projects Officer at the University of Nottingham, concluded: “We particularly like the Scottish Sett, it works really well with the rest of the space. The design scheme really does create a warm, welcoming environment for visitors. Our students love using the space, and we’re thrilled with the end result.” 

 www.interface.com  interface.uk@interface.com  01274 690690

Speaks for itself.

Knauf AMF – modular ceilings and more‌

www.knaufamf.com

knauf.amf.ceilingandwalldesign

Floors, Walls & Ceilings Focus

THE SOUNDS OF SCIENCE

Experimentarium in Tuborg near Copenhagen is one of the most exciting buildings to open in recent months. Designed by CEBRA architects, this world-class science centre provides families, school children and science-lovers high-quality science exhibitions where they can touch, play and experience science in an innovative new way. fascinating project T his is full of contrasts meaning that the structure itself is as much an exhibition as the attractions and sights within. Inevitably, the use of hard surfaces throughout, coupled

with the noise and chatter from thousands of daily visitors, meant the architects had to pay special attention to the acoustics.

Their solution was to install Troldtekt ceiling panels which provide a very high performance

sound absorbing surface which contrasts dramatically with the copper, aluminium and glass elements and complements the interior atmosphere. In addition, because the ceiling is suspended it can be removed or adapted

Because the ceiling is suspended it can be removed or adapted to accommodate exhibition changes within the 11,500m2 of public spaces

The architect’s solution was to install Troldtekt ceiling panels which provide a very high performance sound absorbing surface which contrasts dramatically with the copper

to accommodate exhibition changes within the 11,500m2 of public spaces.

Extended above the original red brick walls of the old brewery, the Experimentarium comprises several new floors clad in perforated aluminium enclosing inspirational spaces and atriums accessed by curved helix-shaped stairways. It is designed like a theatre with large areas backstage housing staff facilities, workshops, creative rooms and offices.

Specified throughout the UK and Europe, the benefits of 100% Troldtekt natural woodwool panels include high sound absorption, high durability, natural breathability, low-cost lifecycle performance and sustainability as documented by Cradle to Cradle certification at ‘Silver’ level.

They are specified to improve acoustics in many different projects such as schools, leisure centres, pools, commercial, private and public buildings. Available in various sizes and in four grades from extreme fine to coarse, they can be left untreated or painted in virtually any RAL colour. 

 www.troldtekt.co.uk  info@troldtekt.co.uk  01978 664255

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Smoked Butternut RKP8107

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Reduces noise transfer by 19dB

1420mm x 225mm Extra large planks

Korlok’s 5G locking mechanism

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Visit www.karndean.com/korlok or call 01386 820200 for more information.

YEOMAN SHIELD PROTECTS 24/7 AT NORTH BIRMINGHAM ACADEMY

North Birmingham Academy opened the doors of its £23.6m state-of-theart facilities in 2013. Not only does the building cater for the everyday requirements of a school environment for 11 to 19 year olds, but it also accommodates out-of-hours school clubs and activities, like The Zone sports hall and conference facilities, open to the general public.

"B

ecause of the myriad of uses and the amount of people and equipment that moves around the building almost 24/7, we

noticed that very quickly the new walls particularly were getting marked and damaged detracting from the appearance of the academy.

“Image says a lot to both pupils and visitors about a school and with the amount of money invested into the building we were very keen

The wall of the academy’s frequently used sports changing rooms were also protected with Yeoman Shield FalmouthEx wall panels

to find a solution that would halt the damage and help to maintain a pristine and attractive interior. That’s when we contacted Yeoman Shield for advice on its wall and door protection products,” explained the premises manager for NBA. Yeoman Shield’s area sales manager undertook a free site survey and furnished North Birmingham Academy with a fully itemised quotation along with samples of the products.

FalmouthEx 2.0mm-thick wall protection panels were fitted, by a team of Yeoman Shield’s directly employed fixing operatives, at 1250mm high along the busy first and second floor corridors.

Having to coordinate with the contemporary decor scheme already in place, Yeoman Shield’s new Aubergine colour proved to be the perfect choice.

The wall of the academy’s frequently used sports changing rooms were also protected with Yeoman Shield FalmouthEx wall panels, this time in a Mushroom colour which whilst guarding against everyday wear and tear has proved easy to clean.

The busy reception area of The Zone sports hall, which is frequented by students and is also open to the public between 17:00 and 22:00 on an evening and over the weekend, benefited from wall panels fitted around the notice board area in striking Regatta Blue and Mushroom.

“Fitting Yeoman Shield will definitely show a saving on our annual redecoration budgets which can cost anywhere up to £50.00/m2 for the repainting of walls. It will also save staff time who will be able to be redeployed to other important projects helping us get through our workload more efficiently.

“We were thrilled with the service and workmanship from Yeoman Shield and we will be continuing to roll out the wall protection throughout North Birmingham Academy,” concluded the academy’s premises manager. 

Floors, Walls & Ceilings Focus

Having to coordinate with the contemporary decor scheme already in place, Yeoman Shield’s new Aubergine colour proved to be the perfect choice

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

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Floors, Walls & Ceilings Focus

The fast-track system comprised Stopgap F77 waterproof surface membrane, Stopgap 1200 Pro high-performance smoothing underlayment and Styccobond F46 pressure-sensitive acrylic adhesive

F. BALL PRODUCTS USED TO INSTALL FIRST-CLASS FLOOR AT UNIVERSITY OF GLASGOW LIBRARY

A floor preparation system from F. Ball and Co. has been used to install 2700m2 of floorcoverings as part of a renovation project at the University of Glasgow Library. Contractors from A&H Flooring installed a variety of floorcoverings over both plywood and concrete subfloors in the ground floor entranceway and the downstairs breakout area of the library. on individual W orking sections of the library at a time and using fasttrack products meant that floorcoverings could be installed quickly and the building could remain in use throughout. The fast-track system comprised Stopgap F77 waterproof surface membrane, Stopgap 1200 Pro high-performance smoothing underlayment and Styccobond F46 pressuresensitive acrylic adhesive.

Firstly, the contractor removed old linoleum floorcoverings from the concrete subfloors in both the entranceway and downstairs area of the library. Following a moisture test, it was discovered that a 200m2 section of concrete subfloor had a relative humidity (RH) of 92%. It is essential to ensure subfloors are dry enough (<75%RH) to receive floorcoverings. Where relative humidity levels are greater

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than 75%, the application of a waterproof surface membrane is required to prevent floor failure.

Over this area, the contractor applied Stopgap F77 highperformance waterproof surface membrane. Stopgap F77 impedes the passage of construction moisture and rising damp up to 98% RH with a single-coat application. It is fully cured after three hours at 20°C, so it is ideal for when flooring needs to be installed as quickly as possible.

On the concrete sections of the subfloor in both the entranceway and lower level of the university library, Stopgap 1200 Pro high-performance smoothing underlayment was applied. Stopgap 1200 Pro is a two-component smoothing underlayment developed for use over old adhesive residues, without the need for priming.

It is low-odour, self-smoothing and fast-drying. Applied at

a thickness of 2 to 5mm, the compound is dry enough to receive floorcoverings from as little as four hours.

Adjacent to the entrance of the library, a ramp constructed from plywood led to another area of the building. The contractor applied an F. Ball primer over this section before applying Stopgap 700 Superflex fibre-reinforced smoothing underlayment to create a smooth surface ready to receive floorcoverings. Stopgap 700 is a fast-drying, fibre-reinforced, self-levelling smoothing underlayment designed especially for use on flexible subfloors, such as plywood and steel, prior to the installation of new floorcoverings.

Contractors then installed multiple floorcoverings onto the prepared subfloors. Styccobond F46 pressure-sensitive acrylic adhesive was selected to install

wood-effect vinyl sheets on approximately half of the area in the entranceway, including the raised plywood ramp near to the entrance.

Styccobond F46 was also used to install vinyl safety flooring in the area directly in front of the entrance’s sliding glass doors. Styccobond F46 is a solvent-free, pressure-sensitive adhesive that provides strong initial tack and high bond strength. It will also reduce the incidence of trowel serrations showing through thin vinyl floorcoverings when rolled with a paint roller.

F. Ball’s Styccobond F41 carpet tile tackifier was used to install luxury grey Milliken carpet tiles on the other half of the entranceway area and on the entire lower floor.

Styccobond F41 dries to create a permanently tacky film that prevents ‘loose-lay’ carpet tiles from moving, but allows individual tiles to be lifted and replaced easily when worn or damaged; ideal for high-traffic areas like the library entranceway. 

 www.f-ball.co.uk  mail@f-ball.co.uk  01538 361633

F. Ball’s Styccobond F41 carpet tile tackifier was used to install luxury grey Milliken carpet tiles on the other half of the entranceway area and on the entire lower floor

Restoring the historic ceramic mosaic floor in the game larder at one of the UK’s leading historic houses has been undertaken by National Federation of Terrazzo, Marble and Mosaic Specialists (NFTMMS) member, JW Restoration. to federation A ccording spokesperson, Brian James, this exemplifies the quality of the skills and craftsmanship of NFTMMS members which can produce the most spectacular results.

The game larder, which dates from 1909, was used to hang game that was shot on the estate. It became derelict following the arrival of modern refrigeration techniques and was subsequently used to house chickens in the 1950s and 1960s.

“We were specified for this project due to our expertise in mosaic restoration and our extensive experience of working within listed and historically-important buildings,” comments Oliver Wood of JW Restoration. “It proved to be a fascinating and challenging project but also one which was hugely rewarding.”

The initial report revealed that the large octagonal mosaic floor was missing large sections of ceramic tiles, called tesserae, and there was damage where the original internal metalwork had been removed. In addition, the game larder had suffered from exposure to the elements for many years and acidic attacks from years of chicken waste.

“One particular challenge was matching the different-coloured ceramic tesserae,” explained Oliver. “The light and dark green tesserae proved the most difficult to match, but it was critical for all concerned that we

achieved the closest possible fit to minimise the visibility of the restored areas.”

JW Restoration hand-cut the tesserae to the correct size and appearance to match the original precisely. It worked from a rubbing of a section of the mosaic which allowed the federation member to replicate the fan pattern of the original and the missing sections were then made in its workshop and transported to the stately home for the installation.

“Once the large missing sections were installed and grouted, we were able to give the mosaic a nonabrasive deep clean to remove the years of organic soiling that had accumulated,” said Christian Jeeves.

JW Restoration was hired by specialist contractor Croft Building & Conservation, which oversaw the project and worked closely with architect firm Inskip Jenkins and specialist tile manufacturer, Craven Dunnill.

The NFTMMS represents companies who wish to maintain and improve the standards of craftsmanship and technical control on which the industry depends. It includes companies involved in terrazzo, mosaic, marble, granite, limestone and quartz, and NFTMMS members freely offer technical advice and assistance with specifications. 

 www.nftmms.co.uk  bjames@nftmms.org  0845 609 0050

Floors, Walls & Ceilings Focus

NFTMMS MEMBER RENOVATES HISTORIC CERAMIC MOSAIC FLOOR AT MAJOR STATELY HOME The initial report revealed that the large octagonal mosaic floor was missing large sections of ceramic tiles

JW Restoration hand-cut the tesserae to the correct size and appearance

The NFTMMS member worked from a rubbing of a section of the mosaic

The game larder had suffered from exposure to the elements for many years and acidic attacks from years of chicken waste

We were specified for this project due to our expertise in mosaic restoration and our extensive experience of working within listed and historically-important buildings – Oliver Wood of JW Restoration

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