Dural's Floorshow At Adam Smith Theatre

The Adam Smith Theatre is currently closed for a major refurbishment and Dural are delighted to be part of the project. The redevelopment of the Adam Smith theatre has been a major capital investment by Fife Council who have worked in conjunction with architect Gavin Turner.

When the theatre reopens this year it will provide the town and community with a much needed hub to work, rest and play! The first phase was to redevelop the auditorium with new seating and carpet. Phase two encompassed both design and architectural vision.

Each space needed to be both practical and functional. There is a busy foyer and box office area which will have to endure a high footfall. A bar area, lower function suite and studio space. There are areas in this project where ceramic tile flooring has been specified. In these areas the architect has uncovered a variety of floor substrates which meet at differing levels within the new spaces. Dural has been integral in offering technical advice on how to install their Durabase CI++ matting which has been specified by the main contractor on this project.

This product is a multifunctional matting system, it has a 3 layer construction which offers many more advantages than just decoupling. It has crack-bridging properties and optimised shearing force protection. The theatre is under a preservation order as its construction dates back to 1899.

It was originally created as a memorial to the great economist and philosopher Adam Smith. Interestingly the building was funded by linoleum manufacturer Michael Beveridge! Durabase CI++ matting allows new tiles to be laid successfully on old and damaged floors. In this instance the matting was placed over both concrete and timber substrates. The matting is quick and straightforward to install but offers maximum reliability. Ideal for renovation projects! The theatre entrance and bar were also all tiled, Dural were asked to supply Coloured Movement Joints for this expanse.

The beautiful tiled floor was both a practical and aesthetic choice. When considering such a large expanse of tile it is important to use both Movement Joints and Perimeter Joints. Hard flooring expands and contracts, a Movement Joint prevents the tiles and grout from cracking. Movement Joint profiles can cope with heavy stresses and distribute them evenly between the foundation and floor covering.

They protect hard floor coverings from the stresses that cause cracking and tenting. On suspended floors stress-relieving joints should be placed over supporting walls and beams, anywhere there can be a risk of flexing. For a breathtaking finish, coloured movement joints were specified.The floor needed to blend seamlessly in order to give the project a high end finish necessary for such a beautiful building.

Coloured Movement Joints are available in any RAL colour and for this project Dural matched them to the tile colour. They are often used in public spaces because of their durability. Their ability to handle a wide range of loadings and constant footfall is useful. All CMJ - Coloured

Movement Joints are designed and manufactured to exceed the requirements of BS 5385 and can be used with Slate, Natural Stone and Ceramic tiled floors.

Dural also provides highly competent advice and support for any tiling project. No matter how complex the application they can provide the perfect solution, including both products and service. www.colouredmovementjoints.co.uk