"heavy duty tile flooring"

Ronacrete was called to a site meeting at The Brunswick Centre in February 2017 to discuss detailing of Ronafix floating screeds laid to falls where the required balustrade heights on the podium decks restricted the minimum screed thickness. It was agreed that a minimum screed thickness of 35mm could be applied if plant and materials were only positioned on thicker sections of screed until after granite paving had been laid, to ensure that heavy point loads did not cause deformation of the insulation boards.

This South East Water contact tank has a constant output of 18.1 million litres per day, it contains water which is treated with Sodium Tripolyphosphate and sodium hypochlorite before entering the distribution network. The structure is of a ‘certain’ age and has a number of active leaks that have progressively worsened over time. As the tank is in constant use, it cannot be taken off-line and so a solution was required which could be undertaken against heavy flow of water with the tank still in use. 

The MFU1200 door hardware was used for a walk-in closet door in the entrance area of a private residence. The goal of the product was to create a hidden door.In this article, the benefits and objectives of this product will be explored. Specifically, the purpose of this project which was to fulfil the client’s request to “have the closet door look like a wall when it is closed.”PROBLEMKey IssuesThe design goal was to create a closet door that could blend in and look like a wall when it was closed.SOLUTIONThe SolutionThe push-to-open door functionality eliminates the need for a handle to be installed on the front of the door.*The door's handle-less design enables it to flawlessly integrate into the wall and give the impression of being practically invisible.Seamless blending into walls*The MFU1200 is a push-to-open type door hardware that does not require a handle to be installed into or on the front of the door. The handle-less design allows for the door to seamlessly blend into the wall and appear to be almost invisible.*Requires handle on back side of door.Click here to see how it works. This “secret” door is only noticeable when you push it, making it a fun and functional design choice.Maximising space in closetsThe benefits of this product are not limited to its appearance.With conventional swing doors, you have to make room in the opening direction of the door to accommodate its opening radius. However, the MFU1200 allows the door to slide open laterally, maximising the space available in the closet.Maximum 70kg for heavy doorsThe door used in this project has a door height of 2700 mm, a door width of 1200 mm, a load capacity of up to 70 kg and has passed 100,000 open-close tests*, making it suitable for marble doors such as those used in this mansion.In addition, the sliding mechanism is equipped with dual dampers. As a result, the door opens and closes softly and gently, the door an upscale feel.The client commented that the heavy marble doors used with the MFU1200 “closed flat against the wall and moved smoothly.”*Internal testing.This product can be used to create wall-like doors, save space and is compatible with heavy doors making it a versatile product for a variety of home interiors.Click here for product videoClick here for installation video

Long-standing UltraFloor customers, Specialist Flooring Group have used Level IT Two to install 800sqm of vinyl sheet flooring throughout Kingston Hospital.BackgroundIn August 2023, work began on a much-needed extension to Kingston Hospital in Surrey. The project included installing brand-new screeds, as well as working with the existing substrates in some areas.The ChallengeKingston Hospital is an extremely busy building, operating 24 hours a day. With that in mind, it was crucial that disruption was kept to a minimum and patients were kept as comfortable as possible during the renovations.Healthcare environments are in constant use and so choosing subfloor preparation materials that would provide a super smooth and hard-wearing finish was equally as important. With hospital staff moving beds, wheelchairs and equipment along the corridors, it was crucial that the floors were completely level and devoid of any lumps, bumps and trip hazards.The SolutionUltraFloor have a long and successful history of providing subfloor preparation products to the healthcare sector. They were delighted to once again partner with flooring experts, Specialist Flooring Group, to complete a 800sqm project at this very busy Surrey hospital.To begin, the screeding division of Specialist Flooring Group installed a 75mm K Screed to the new areas of the hospital. Once complete, they handed over to the flooring arm of the business who primed the entire area with UltraFloor Prime IT Multi-surface Primer.Formulated to promote the adhesion to all UltraFloor smoothing underlayments, Prime IT Multi-surface Primer reduces pinholing, minimising the risk of costly failures. With a coverage rate of 200sqm at 3:1 dilution, Prime IT Multi-surface Primer is a must-have product for all flooring installation projects.After Prime IT Multi-surface Primer had cured, Level IT Two was trowel applied to a depth of 3-5mm.There are many reasons why Level IT Two has become UltraFloor’s most popular floor leveller. Its exceptional flow characteristics make it a very easy material to apply to a variety of subfloors in both commercial and domestic flooring projects.Level IT Two is protein free, reducing the risk and spread of disease as the types of dangerous and contagious bacteria that thrive in protein are eliminated, and is low odour, providing a pleasant environment for both staff, contractors and recovering patients.With a set time of 2.5 hours, Level IT Two can receive bonded floor coverings after just 8 hours, making it an ideal choice for projects with a tight deadline. What’s more, because Level IT Two is available as a two component system, it takes the guesswork out of mixing, reducing site errors and guaranteeing a perfect application every time.Level IT Two created a beautifully smooth subfloor – the perfect preparation for the installation of the Polyflor Verona, Polyflor Palletone and Burmatex Osaka carpet tiles.ResultsOn working with UltraFloor, Riley Goatham, Project Coordinator at Specialist Flooring Group Ltd, commented: “We have a great continuing relationship with Instarmac. We use UltraFloor materials as they are of a great standard, and we receive amazing technical support from the UltraFloor team. This ranges from site visits to having specifications provided to us for certain projects.As always, the materials were great for this project. Level IT Two allowed us to use one levelling compound throughout, regardless of the substrate type, and provided us with a nice level floor to work with.”The project began in August 2023 and finished in October 2023.For further information about UltraFloor and how you can benefit from their expertise, please contact their team of flooring experts by emailing ultrafloor@instarmac.co.uk or calling 01827 254400.

Circle Square is an exciting new neighbourhood in the heart of Manchester.Working with Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, we developed a bespoke colour to reflect the Victorian heritage of the surrounding red brick buildings. We also worked with the specialist contractor to design the tile configuration which was incorporated into pre-fabricated offsite fully glazed units.

The project required the stripping and re-covering of the existing 100-year-old roof which was failing. Due to the prominent location of the building on campus, and it being of historical local interest, Keymer’s handmade Traditional Antique and Elizabethan tiles were selected to ensure a sympathetic renovation that was in keeping with the existing building design principles of Queens’ College.

Client: Manchester Airport Group Architect: Pascall Watson Consulting Engineer: Burro Happold Main Contractor: Laing O’Rourke Specialist Contractor: Thelwell Flooring Main Products Used: Emseal SJS System and Emshield DSMThis new 9-storey car park with 3,800 spaces, was built as part of the £1 billion Terminal-2 redevelopment for Manchester Airport Group (MAG). To save time and space on site, the consultants used an innovative design, with a hybrid combination of steel delta beams and precast concrete, then on site the hollow-core precast floor slabs were topped with a 100mm thick reinforced concrete screed. To fully accommodate the anticipated levels of thermal movement and loadings in service, the engineers incorporated wide, high movement capability, structural expansion joints across the parking decks, between the different sections of the building. Given the dimensions of the deck joints (100mm) and the high movement capability required (100% = +/- 50%), with simultaneous exposure to the elements whilst under frequent heavy traffic, the joint sealing solution could only be specified as the Emseal SJS System. This unique structural expansion joint system easily accommodates high levels of movement in more than one plane, plus it has an integral coverplate to provide protection of the central movement section and the joint arrises. Importantly, the Emseal SJS is bonded into position with a structural epoxy adhesive from above, therefore requiring no access from below and enabling other works (e.g. M&E cable works etc.) to continue, plus as it is fully bonded, the SJS system requires no potentially damaging drilling into sound concrete to install mechanical fixings. In less trafficked wide joints at the perimeter, the Emseal DSM System was used, as a cover plate was not necessary.

EH Smith worked with CZWG Architects to develop a bespoke mauve coloured ceramic rainscreen. We are able to match any RAL colour in glazed tiles, so the exact colour that was desired was achieved.We were also able to work with the specialist contractors on the project to design a bespoke engineered support system to accommodate the unique geometry of the façade.

The renovation to the domes on the historic Harrods Repository was a fascinating project to have become involved in. Extensive concrete repairs were carried out using Koster corrosion protection and mortar repair materials followed by waterproofing systems installed internally and facade treatments externally on the tiled surfaces.These domes will dominate the London skyline for many years to come!

The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art in Edinburgh is housed in an imposing neo-classical building and is residence to Scotland’s outstanding national collection of modern and contemporary art. The gallery is open all year round and admission is free so attracts large numbers of visitors. As a public building the safety of those visitors and staff needs to be considered on the stairways. However the style of the interior also needed to be taken into account so it will match up to the building’s heritage and architecture and the art which is it is home to.

A large number of Decimetric modular stainless steel sinks, from GEC Anderson, were specified for the Environmental Science Laboratory at The University of Liverpools new Central Teaching Laboratories (CTL) for the Faculty of Science and Engineering. The specification called for a high performance and durable solution that was easy to maintain.Decimetric sinks provide a flexible and versatile framework of sizes in 100mm x 100mm increments so as to enable versatility and easy specification. This particular project required large double sink bowls (400 x 400 x 250m deep) set in 1400 x 600mm tops. Each sink was fitted with GEC Anderson V220 Sand Traps to collect solids and to prevent blockages.The bulk of the sinktops were installed on the first floor Environmental Science Laboratory situated in the East Wing. They run the full length of the windowed wall and provide washing facilities for 170 individual work stations.The client demanded high specification of internal fittings and a high concentration of laboratory fittings which would endure heavy usage during their life time. Hard wearing and highly functional, the professional grade brushed satin stainless steel tops provide a long life with very low maintenance. Torsten Bauszus from ADP LLP Architects said, GECA were chosen for their ability to provide modular, professional grade stainless steel tops with no joints at the sink which will make them very easy to clean and maintain.

In the west district of the Dutch town of Wallwijk an innovative multifunctional structure was recently built, combining residential and commercial spaces in a single project of contemporary design.Atlas Concorde outdoor porcelain stoneware tiles were selected for the architectural design, providing the look of natural stone and excellent technical properties.The Dutch complex includes private homes, apartments and a health and wellness center.The outdoor spaces and walkways in the green areas of the modern Dutch structure feature Trust 2 cm thick stone-effect porcelain stoneware tiles. LASTRA 20mm is the Atlas Concorde outdoor project that includes a wide selection of surfaces perfect for both commercial and residential contemporary outdoor spaces.For the Koetshuis project, the LASTRA 20mm version of the Trust collection in Titanium shades combines the extraordinary aesthetic power of the look and detail of faithfully reproduced split stone and exceptional technical performance. Thanks to Atlas Concorde, the outdoor walkways in the heart of the garden and the outside area surrounding the hotel are safe surfaces, both slip-resistant and resistant to weathering. 

Ecoprod recently undertook a complete refurbishment of the washrooms at Dukes Court – 220,000 sq ft of premium office space in central Woking. The project started in January 2020 and handover was July 2020, somewhat later than expected due to the effect of the Covid 19 lockdown in Spring 2020.This project was delivered in collaboration with Designer Contracts Interiors UK Ltd who managed the flooring, walls, ceilings, doors, lighting, tiling, decorating and mirrors. Ecoprod supplied and managed the installation of the cubicles and IPS systems, all mechanical works, and the sanitaryware schedule and equipment.Cubicle and IPS systems – Petrus range by Formwise and Abet Laminati finish in Grey Zebrano5 WCs – Siamp Samoa Deluxe3 waterless urinals – URIMAT Ceramic Compact C22 URIMAT ESG urinal privacy dividers5 miscea LIGHT taps2 Tristone pure white wash troughs2 URIMAT Favorit hand dryers1 Mitsubishi Smart hand dryer1 Bespoke shower enclosure by Mega Glass1 Triton 80i shower setAccessible toilet – WC and handrail set by Disabled Toilets, basin by Conti +, tap Ultra by Conti+

BackgroundThe Injured Jockey Fund (IJF) Oaksey House rehabilitation centre in Lambourn, Berkshire, was opened in 2009 by the IJF Patron, HRH The Princess Royal. Oaksey House provides specialist rehabilitation treatment for physical and neurological injuries, it has a fully equipped gym which includes a state-of-the-art anti-gravity treadmill. The centre has respite accommodation available for those receiving extended treatment and their carers. Educational courses on fitness and nutrition for the general well-being of young and aspiring jockeys are also on offer.Oaksey House is not only a rehabilitation centre for jockeys, but anyone with physical or neurological injuries. Although the centre was only opened in 2009, it was decided that a refit was required to make improvements to further support the people that pass through its doors. The refit included moving the gym to the first floor and building a hydro pool on the ground floor.The ChallengeRelocating the gym to the first floor was no easy task, primarily because the building structure was composed of a steel tray and concrete base. To accommodate gym activity, the floor build-up would need to be enhanced to prevent noise and vibrations travelling through the building.As a charity, the IJF had limited funds to work with, so flooring specialists, Sport & Fitness Flooring, worked with the architect and an independent consultancy to identify an effective solution within the specified budget. Moreover, the floor had to be designed to meet the needs of four distinct areas: a cardiovascular zone, a running track, main gym area and an entrance lobby.The project was unique because various performance requirements had to be met across the four areas but the floor level needed to be consistent throughout to make it accessible for wheelchair users. Sport & Fitness Flooring consulted CMS Danskin Acoustics – Gym Flooring Division to advise on potential solutions to address this challenge while remaining cost effective.The SolutionCMS Danskin Acoustics worked with Sport & Fitness Flooring to undertake on-site subjective testing to determine the level of sound reduction and vibration control that would be required. The primary objectives were to prevent vibration travelling into the structure of the building thus resulting in potential structural damage or unwanted noise levels on the ground floor below. Samples of different build ups were provided by CMS Danskin Acoustics on site for testing within a day of the initial request.“Throughout the planning stages CMS Danskin Acoustics acted as a ‘springboard’ for our ideas. They were extremely helpful in offering their expertise to find solutions to meeting the performance requirements of the floor,” said Darren Wood, Director of Sport & Fitness Flooring.Sport & Fitness Flooring worked with CMS Danskin Acoustics to identify a way of raising the floor in different areas to meet a consistent 84mm thickness throughout, without having an adverse effect on the acoustic performance of the flooring. CMS Danskin Acoustics developed a bespoke specification for the four key areas, with solutions subsequently presented to the architect and approved for use on the project.The ResultCMS Danskin Acoustics was able to meet the performance, volume, and diversity of product needed to effectively treat the floor at a competitive price and on budget.In the main gym area, a high-performance combination of everroll® Multitile (everroll Multitile 27mm) was bonded to Regupol® 40/80 Acoustic Foam and fitted to Regupol® Vibration 300. In the cardiovascular zone, Multitile (everoll Multitile 27mm) was bonded to Regufoam® 270 acoustic PU foam and fitted to ply which was adhered to Regupol® Vibration 300. The track was treated with BOK Sprint track bonded to a everroll® Impact Pad elastic layer, ply build up and Regupol® Vibration 300. Finally, concrete effect Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT) were used to create a purpose-built ramp up to the 84mm floor level from the entrance lobby.On day one of the build schedule, there was a timed delivery of the material. The bespoke order was exactly as specified and allowed installation to begin immediately with no delays. CMS Danskin Acoustics attended Oaksey House to provide expert on-site support and technical guidance on the installation. The project finished a week ahead of schedule, on budget and the flooring met all the performance requirements that were specified. Crucially, a consistent floor level was successfully achieved throughout the gym.“It’s quite common for suppliers to just sell a material and move on, but CMS Danskin Acoustics deliver a first-class expert and professional service from initial technical involvement, to tracking, delivery, installation and sign off. We regularly work with CMS Danskin Acoustics on various bespoke projects and are always confident in the solutions and expertise provided,” concluded Darren.

The brief for the Aquatics Centre in Aberdeen, Scotland – a joint venture between the University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen City Council and sportscotland – was extremely demanding. Sustainability was put at the forefront of the design. The specification included the awardwinning Cabrillant shower cubicles, plus the versatile, durable Marathon range of Conform cubicles and Wet lockers. The locker doors are manufactured from toughened and laminated glass, which allowed the architect to incorporate quality normally associated with high-end health clubs without compromising safety of use within this heavy traffic public facility.

This project involved sealing a metal gutter in Glasgow. Leaks were present at most of the steel profile joints and rust was evident throughout. Heavy rust and soiling was first removed and then the entire length of the gutter was treated with Liquasil's corrosion primer, to prevent further rusting. Once cured, Liquasil Non Sag Sealer was applied to all joints. Non Sag Sealer has 1400% elasticity, to cope with extreme thermal movement. The whole gutter was then coated with Liquasil One to form a seamless and leak-free gutter lining.

The Big Chill, a bar in King’s Cross, was creating a public roof terrace on an existing structure. The deck was complicated with many changes of level and multiple objects present. A single ply membrane was installed. Paving and decking was required. Adjustable pedestals were laid directly onto the surface and their heights altered so that the upper surface of the 50mm paving slabs and the 125mm decking frame would be level. Nothing penetrated the membrane and the weight tolerance of the ASP and TD pedestals meant even very heavy traffic on a public bar was accommodated.

Standing at almost 310 metres, the viewing platform at the Shard is a `must-visit` for Londoners and indeed tourists, offering breath taking views across London and beyond. The architect required a support system that delivered perfect levelling for this iconic site, and the obvious choice was the Buzon DPH pedestal system. The end result was a millimetre perfect installation, laid onto falling insulation. The second criteria was the ability to support high live loads due to the heavy foot traffic, and with the DPH offering in excess of two tons per pedestal…the problem was solved.

Limes Place is a modern collection of 19 family homes, situated in Upper Harbledown, on the outskirts of Canterbury. The new Persimmon Homes development features a range of three, four and five bedroom detached houses priced between £377,000-550,000. While the surrounding area is encompassed by rural farmland and rustic woodland, it is also situated close to the busy A2 carriageway which regularly experiences heavy traffic heading to and from Dover and the M2 motorway, generating unwelcomed levels of noise pollution for existing and prospective residents.

Capital One recently turned their attention to breathing new life into their washrooms to give their staff the very best facilities throughout their office.Venesta Unity toilet cubicles were specified and complement the décor of the new washroom areas. Stylish, modern and easy to maintain the Unity toilet cubicles feature setback satin anodised aluminium pedestals fixed to the partitions for a contemporary floating appearance.The cubicles were specified in Solid Grade Laminate which is ideal for heavy use commercial washrooms.Read the full case study for more details.

The Marks and Spencer (M&S) store in Peterborough is situated in a key location, right at the heart of the Queensgate Shopping Centre. With over 90 shops, 15 places to eat and thousands of brands, Queensgate attracts a heavy footfall, acting as a real hub for shoppers in the area. As part of the Shopping Centre’s £30million redevelopment plans, the M&S store underwent a complete refurbishment. Tarkett has worked with the M&S group for over five years and - given the success of their previous work - they were the natural partners for this project too.

Working with specialist London practice Threefold Architects, Helo was invited to submit a proposal for a wellness suite as part of a complete refurbishment of a mews house in London’s fashionable Chelsea. The design brief was for sauna and steam room to coordinate in dark and light shade. The dark slate tile for the steam room was carefully matched in size and design with the smooth blond aspen panel for the sauna.