"bituminous flooring"

Forbo Flooring Systems’ integrated portfolio of solutions played a vital role in helping to achieve a welcoming, stimulating and caring learning environment for the early learners of a new purpose-built nursery in Hamilton, South Lanarkshire.

The Bikram Yoga studio on Bristol's High Street and in Highbury and Islington, London are teaching and learning centres for all things Bikram Yoga. Gerflor's Taraflex Multi-Use 6.2 in Wood was the flooring contractors' choice for these studios.

Lifestyle Fitness in Manchester faced noise disturbances caused by everyday impacts within their gym. iKoustic came to the rescue with our MuteMat® Gym 70 soundproof flooring tiles, effectively resolving their noise problem.

Cottrell + Vermeulen Architecture has designed new, bright and airy postgraduate accommodation for Churchill College, Cambridge with interiors featuring Junckers’ solid maple flooring. Cottrell + Vermeulen won a competition to design the new buildings, 16 years after the studio completed a housing scheme on a neighbouring site. The 35 new units of accommodation comprise five studio flats and 30 en suite rooms with spacious communal areas on each floor, spread across three buildings. The design builds on the original architectural scheme, designed as an extension to CVA’s previous work on the site. The architects sought to recreate the warmth and brightness of the original college rooms from the 1960s and found Junckers maple flooring a good match. The choice of two-strip boards, where two staves of wood make up one floorboard, was also a reference to the narrow boards used in the original rooms. The naturally pale tone of the maple floor is matched by joinery in birch faced plywood to form a comfortable and welcoming space, ready for students to move into at the start of the new academic year. The floor was installed by VA Hutchison Flooring. Quiet floors in multiple occupancy buildings An important consideration for student accommodation is how impact sound travels through floors from one dwelling into another. Building regulations set out minimum standards for impact and airborne sound through floors which apply to residential buildings and buildings converted to new uses, including hotels and care homes. The floor finish will usually act in combination with other elements of the building to achieve the target levels of sound insulation. The design of the subfloor and ceiling beneath play an important role, as does the way the floor finish may need to be isolated from the walls that surround it, but there is no question that the right acoustic floor will control the transmission of impact sound. Junckers has a range of acoustics systems available which comply with building regulations. The newly updated New Era acoustic system is a height adjustable system for use on structural concrete slabs, block and beam floors and almost any other type of sound, dry load-bearing base. The New Era system uses acoustic cradles with 10mm thick recycled rubber pads, factory-fitted to the underside. The cradles are height adjustable using purpose-made packers, supporting laminated timber battens. 50mm thick mineral wool insulation is placed between the battens and Junckers 20.5mm or 22mm thick solid wood floorboards are fixed to the battens to complete the installation. The use of 36mm thick battens achieves an impact sound reduction of 27dB; and a 48mm thick batten achieves an impact sound reduction of 28dB, thus complying with building regulations. For Junckers 14mm thick solid wood flooring installed with Junckers’ Clip System, an impact sound reduction of 19dB can be achieved with Junckers’ 5mm thick CA2 Acoustic Underlay, loose laid with the floorboards installed on top as a floating layer, no fixings required. Junckers’ floor system specifications are available on NBS Plus and draft NBS clauses are available on request. Junckers also provides BIM Objects for all systems. Junckers solid hardwood floor systems are guaranteed for 25 years when installed by a Junckers Approved Contractor. Junckers Approved Maintenance Contractors offer a care scheme where the client’s floor is periodically inspected and maintained so as to keep floor in good condition and to  maximise its lifespan.

A selection of floor coverings from Forbo Flooring Systems, combining aesthetics, functionality and exceptional performance, has helped Maze Workplace to create a dynamic and flexible Next Generation Workspace for Insight Direct's new office in Manchester.Global IT solutions company, Insight Direct has relocated from an existing office in Salford, to a smaller, but more central 9,000 sq ft premises in Manchester. The new office space offers employees a contemporary mix of alternative co-working environments and includes open plan hotdesking for 44 people, arranged in smaller ‘neighbourhoods’, two hot offices, five meeting rooms, two open/soft meeting areas as well as a well-being room and a large games area.The office’s urban location is represented throughout by Maze Workplace’s clever and creative choice of products. This is clear as soon as you enter the office, particularly in the reception area. Here Forbo’s Allura Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT) have been used to visually connect the outside pavement area with the interior of the building, by using a concrete aesthetic. Kate explained: “We used Forbo’s Allura in the warm concrete dots colourway in the reception area, which added a nod to the urban location and offered something different from the standard ‘concrete’ look.” Warm underfoot and easy to maintain, Allura LVT provides exceptional dimensional stability, strength and performance, making it the perfect solution for the high traffic reception are

In the refined finishes and the elegance of the accessories, the design of the Luxury Design apartments located in the historic centre of Verona finds an informal dimension. Between the wooden elements and the natural stone details, the identity of the city's architecture comes to life. The choice of flooring respects these elements. The beautiful herringbone floor with Allura Hungarian point planks in different colours creates both an authentic as well as luxurious atmosphere.

The designers for this project, SKS would be at the top of their game to deliver an interior that could meet a raft of challenges. Stepping up to this challenging remit from SKS, International flooring specialist Gerflor would be supplying two of their most iconic and stunning flooring products. Gerflor’s LVT Creation and smart-looking GTI would be the designer’s choice to grace this newly re-furbished office.

The new flagship Pencoed Primary School near Bridgend in Wales needed the ideal flooring for the project across a range of environments within the school. They specified a range of Gerflor products included their award-winning Taralay Impression Control and Taralay Impression Comfort, their Tarasafe Ultra and Ultra H20 together with Mural Calypso shower wall and 300m2 of Taraflex Multi Use sports flooring.

In a recent refurbishment of the Sea Life centre in Brighton, international flooring specialist Gerflor supplied 670m2 of vinyl flooring. The project included a fusion of their GTI Max Technical Tiles and Tarasafe Ultra Safety flooring collections.Neil Harris, General Manager, Sea Life Brighton commented, “We chose Gerflor’s GTI Max and Tarasafe Ultra products because we needed a fast-track solution for a unique and challenging environment, which sits within a 150-year-old grade two listed building. Gerflor specialists were on hand, having visited the site, they offered the best solution for our unique building and considered all the various environmental factors that we manage.”Neil Harris further added, “We would absolutely specify Gerflor flooring again. In fact, some of our on-site partners immediately reached out to Gerflor to highlight their interest in having similar work carried out in other parts of the building. Gerflors’ customer service was also brilliant, with incredibly open and honest communication, with a desire to achieve our needs as a customer at all times.”

Sunderland Royal Hospital’s Emergency Department has undergone a large refurbishment with a three-storey extension and a new colourful paediatric department featuring Forbo Flooring System’s Marmoleum Marbled floor covering. Designed by P+HS Architects, the new development provides a vastly improved environment for patients and staff, and has been shortlisted for best refurbishment at the 2017 Healthcare Estates Awards. The scheme is also entered into this year’s Building Better Healthcare Awards.The existing Emergency Department building previously housed both the adult and paediatric services, however to make the environment more welcoming for children, the refurbishment has seen the creation of two separate entrances. The children’s paediatric ward has been clearly defined by the use of six bright colours from the Marmoleum Marbled collection.

When the Coleg y Cymoedd (translated meaning is the College of the valleys) in Wales needed to totally refurbish the flooring element of their campus in Ystrad Mynach (near the town of Caerphilly), they turned to international flooring specialist Gerflor to supply over 1000m2 of flooring for numerous areas and spaces throughout the campus. It was a project that provided Gerflor with the perfect platform to showcase a raft of high-quality flooring solutions ideal for the concerned demanding education environment.Tony Thorne, Gerflor Sales and Specification Manager - South Wales commented, “This project started at the specification stage with the Architects Austin-Smith: Lord. Over several meetings, we looked at a number of products to be used in various areas of the building scheme. The installation at the Ystrad Mynach campus is an outstanding example of how a mix of Gerflor innovations can achieve world class results. Mixing gym tiles with sheet vinyl, safety flooring and LVT, yielded incredible results for this college refurbishment project.”Kate Thomas, Director Austin-Smith: Lord commented, “The refurbishment project, part-funded by the Welsh Government’s 21st Century Schools and Colleges Programme, formed part of the college’s plans to continually invest in new facilities and equipment that will allow learners across its catchment area to have access to the latest training opportunities and career paths.”Mark Bond, Estimator and H&S Manager at Floor Furnishings commented, “The client is extremely impressed with the end results. We regularly work with Gerflor products and recommend Gerflor where suitable, in line with our client’s requirements and expectations. Gerflor’s staff are particularly skilled in being able to work in collaboration and alongside both the end user clients, as well as contractors in achieving an excellent final result that is pleasing to the client and meets the complicated design brief.”

When the idyllic village of Tormarton nestled in the Cotswolds wanted to transform the main room in their village hall, the committee responsible for organising and specifying a replacement floor would choose Taraflex® Multi-Use from international flooring specialist Gerflor.Tormarton has a population of about 350 people from a wide variety of backgrounds. At the centre of village life is the parish hall which provides a blank canvass for a raft of local community activities.Stewart Waters, Chair of the Tormarton Parish Council commented, “We specified Gerflor Taraflex® Multi-Use indoor sports surface as it would cater for a variety of needs. The new Taraflex® sports vinyl floor is much easier to maintain and clean and so much brighter than the old, dated tiles.”Commenting on the project Chris Pursey, Gerflor Area Sales Specification Manager, Southwest & Channel Islands said,” The existing subfloor consisted of old vinyl tiles, which although were well bonded to the substrate, presented a health and safety risk if removed due to possible presence of asbestos.” Chris Pursey added, “For this reason, we specified that the installation should ideally be over an Isolsport membrane, which left the tiles undisturbed and also enabled the installation to be done quickly with minimal floor preparation.”Stewart Waters ended by saying, “We have had lots of positive comments and all parties are really pleased with the refurbishment. We would definitely choose Gerflor flooring again.”Taraflex® sports flooring has been fitted at every Olympic Games since 1976. Approved by many National and International governing bodies as a world class sports surface, it is also widely installed within the education, community, leisure, health, and fitness sectors.

In constructing the new STAR Hub facility, the specification of the flooring choice would be at the very top of the agenda to enable only the very best products to be used. The ultimate decision would fall onto specifying some 320 sq m of Taraflex® vinyl sports flooring from international flooring and interiors specialist Gerflor.

The Reflex GameChanger flooring system was installed at this leisure centre.

Inspired by the mountainous views to the west and seaside views to the east, McCarthy O'Hora (MCOH) architects reflected the colours of the natural world that surrounds Temple Carrig School by specifying an array of vibrant shades from Forbo Flooring Systems' Marmoleum range.

In 2015, Quinn London Ltd started the refurbishment of The Market Building, in Brentford which involved the conversion of Offices to residential dwellings as a ‘Material Change of Use’ project. Soundis provided acoustic solution options for this project, in order to ensure a cost effective Value Engineering Exercise, on behalf of the Main Contractor.As the 1st floor required a deep void system due to new soil pipes and waste pipes having to be installed along the corridor within the building for kitchens and bathrooms, it was agreed to utilise Soundis Cradle & Batten System. This provided a service void for the pipes of 300mm whilst the other areas of the floor were treated with the system at 80mm FFH. The Soundis cradle & batten acoustic floor was then overlaid with a Soundis a high quality, interlocking dry screed system gypsum fibreboard.The Soundis cradle & batten floor system has been installed on the existing concrete and existing timber structural floors to provide a level floor over the un-even sub-deck. The service void provided by Soundis cradle & batten system can be used for other flooring applications, such as underfloor heating.Our Cradle and Risers are manufactured from 100% recycled materials assisting to the sustainability targets of projects.

The only BBA accredited commercial gutter lining product available in the UK. Specialist roofing company APS Safety Systems chose Sharman's Plygene Gutterline system as the permanent solution for the complex gutter lining work at Headlam Flooring’s offices in Scotland.

Taraflex Sport M Comfort from Gerflor was specified and their sports hall would need a total of some 600 sq m of this remarkable product. The existing old 2mm vinyl and lino floor that had been on the sports hall for some twenty years. Gerflor’s Taraflex Sport M Comfort went down over the old floor bringing it up immediately to the new European standards for shock absorption.

Having trouble viewing this email? Click here to view onlinePRESS RELEASE:Towering triumph for Gerflor’s Taraflex® at Beaconsfield High SchoolBeaconsfield High School, in Buckinghamshire have been delivering a highly successful academic culture for more than over 50 years. Creativity and physical activity are just some of the additional life skills and behaviours that are taught to pupils. When the school wanted to refurbish their main sports hall, the natural choice was to turn to international flooring specialist Gerflor to supply 635m2 of their world class Taraflex® Performance vinyl sports flooring, in Light Blue, to successfully complete the project.Taraflex® Performance is a synthetic indoor sports flooring that can be specified for a wide range of sports applications, in a variety of sectors and is available in an extensive choice of vibrant designs, making it the ideal choice for a host of locations. With a complete range of outstanding sports surfaces that can meet specification requirements for compliance with P1/P2/P3 shock absorption Taraflex® sports floorings are perfect for delivering optimal safety and protection for users, regardless of their age and sporting ability.

Hatfield Place, a luxury country house wedding venue, chose Junckers solid wood flooring fitted with Leveldek underfloor heating system for its newly developed building. The new foyer, ceremony hall and wedding breakfast room overlook the original walled garden, with views of the beautiful parkland to the rear. The redeveloped building is bright and airy with large feature windows and high ceilings. In the foyer, a spacious room with seating for up to 300 guests, Junckers 22mm Oak Variation flooring provides a warm and lively backdrop, adding character with its subtle colour variations and natural grain patterns. In contrast, the ceremony hall and wedding breakfast room were fitted with Junckers’ Oak Harmony plank flooring, a wide board floorboard which gives a more uniform impression required for the formal spaces. Both floor types were pre-finished in Junckers’ popular Ultramatt lacquer, a strong and durable finish with no surface sheen. Delivered pre-finished, the floors are ready to walk on as soon as they have been installed and will withstand years of dancing and dining with the correct maintenance. The floors in all three rooms were installed over Leveldek, Junckers’ fully integrated underfloor heating and levelling system. Working in partnership with Jupiter Heating Systems, the Leveldek system was developed to simplify the specification process to offer a versatile levelling system, underfloor heating and solid hardwood floor from a single point of supply. Underfloor heating is the most efficient way of heating a large, open area. Specifying Leveldek offered Hatfield Place an all-in-one solution whereas traditionally, installation of the heating system, levelling system and the floor itself would have to be separately sourced. The system is efficient and cost effective to run, ideal for use in a large space. For energy efficiency and fast acting warm-up time, the heating pipes are installed directly beneath the floorboards and the panels are insulated and reinforced for outstanding heat output. The system can be used on an uneven substrate as varying heights can be achieved with the stacking cradles. For more than 30 years, Junckers’ wooden floors have been recognised as the only type of solid hardwood flooring on the market stable enough to be guaranteed for use over underfloor heating. Junckers offers a full guarantee for the system, which is recommended for residential and commercial buildings as well as sports and dance. The flooring contractor was PICA Floorings. 

This large project installed DYNAMIK Komfort Elite in their Performance Sports Hall, Fitness Studios and Multi-Use Sports Hall. Complementing the floor they chose DYNAMIK Solid and Acoustic (Perforated) Sports Wall panels in Galiano Oak CPL wood-effect finish.

This prestigious residential development in Knightsbridge demanded the highest specification for all trades. New Era Acoustic cradle system was specified to conform to Document E regulation. The floor height was 125-165mm using a 46mm batten at 400mm centres with a 22mm T&G plywood glued and screwed to the battens. This gave a perfectly acoustically isolated sub-floor for the carpets and oak flooring to be fitted on

Situated in Portsmouth Historical Dockyard, the Boathouse was a development that required an acoustic raised batten system for hardwood decking, Oak plank flooring and a plywood substrate for the 1st floor. New Era Cradles were specified to provide a finished floor height range from 74-190mm and was fitted at 400mm centres. This proved a versatile and cost effective way to overcome all the different levels

Garratt Lane in Tooting is located in the South East of London, close to the Northern Line on the London Underground, making it a residential building perfect for commuters.Works started on Garratt Lane towards the end of June 2014, where we supplied approximately 2,350 m2 of Soundis cradle & batten acoustic flooring to provide a deep service void and a level floor on the un-even concrete structural deck. Our Cradle and Risers are manufactured from 100% recycled materials assisting to the sustainability targets of projects. The extremely un-even sub-floor throughout the premises combined with project specific requirements of a deep service void for Under Floor Heating soon meant the Soundis Cradle System was the only solution in maintaining a 125mm finish floor height throughout the project.The quality of installation by our installation partner UK Acoustic Systems was made clear upon the release of the acoustic flooring testing results as noted below. The average reduction and improvement of Impact noise was 22dB, with Airborne performance averaging 56dB, which is significantly higher than ADE and RD regulations.

One of the advantages of installing a sprung sports floor, such as the DYNAMIK Athen system finished with a solid sports wood effect vinyl, is its versatility in allowing the space to not only be used for sports but to be hired out for non-sporting events such as meetings, community groups and social occasions. In a community setting such as The Greenhouse Centre, the opportunities to maximise the space is made easier with the right floor. Old and new features can be combined to create a functional space.

Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council approached international flooring specialist Gerflor to supply 20m2 of their fast track GTI Attraction® for a trial area. The requirement was for a hard wearing, durable, and heavy traffic resistant flooring solution for their apartment block corridors that is easy to maintain. In addition, Dudley MBC wanted the flooring to be loose laid to keep sections of the area open and to minimise the time and cost of installation.

In the three dance studios Harlequin supplied and installed a fully-floating Harlequin Activity sprung floor with Harlequin Cascade and Harlequin Standfast performance surfaces totalling over 330 square metres. Harlequin Ballet Barres and Harlequin Mirrors completed the dance studio facilities. In the Performance Teaching Space a Harlequin WoodSpring basket weave sprung floor system with a Harlequin Standfast top surface was supplied and installed to an area of over 180 square metres.

Cavendish School in Hemel Hempstead, a Specialist Sports school, were having a new purpose built Sports Hall constructed during their summer break. Gerflor’s Taraflex Sport M Plus flooring was their preferred option as it provides their users with a safe, technically advanced sports floo

FORBO FLOORING SYSTEMS’ ALLURA DECIBEL AIDS IN CREATION OF DESTINATION OFFICE After over a decade of operation, 299 Lighting decided it was time to invest in a new office space, creating a destination office for its team of lighting engineers. Tasked with revamping a 90-year-old building for this purpose, interior designers Fable and Form looked to Forbo Flooring Systems’ Allura Decibel and Furniture Linoleum ranges to reduce impact noise, as well as providing a warm and friendly finish throughout the office. A former industrial unit that was converted into a bakery in 1946, Cadena House got its name from the Cadena Cafes brand, and has been used for a variety of purposes over the years. 299 Lighting spotted the potential the old building had and purchased it in December 2020, with the view to renovate it completely, reimagining the space into a new team orientated office.  Sara Barnett, Co-founder and Director at Fable and Form, commented on the design brief she received, saying: “299 Lighting wanted to strip back the building to its shell, with the view to maximise the sustainable solutions that could be added to it. With this in mind, they asked for our help to uncover the full potential of the space, as they realised engaging in the design process early would mean their imaginations could be successfully realised.  “When looking at the aesthetic requirements of the design, we took inspiration from 299 Lighting’s branding; balancing the bold and fresh company brand, with the nurturing and supportive attributes of the co-founders. This helped to create an environment which is truly unique and innovative – just like them!” The wellbeing of staff was also paramount to 299 Lighting. With this in mind, Fable and Form’s design team looked for materials that would fit the stripped back feel of the space, whilst also contributing to the biophilic design. Stevie Cleverly, Co-Founder and Director at Fable and Form explained further: “With the aim to create a sustainable and healthy space for 299 Lighting’s employees, it was important that we carefully selected the materials we used in this project. It was for this reason that we specified Forbo’s Allura Decibel Luxury Vinyl Tiles.” A unique proposition in the market, Forbo’s updated Allura Decibel collection meets the demand for stylish, luxury acoustic floor coverings no matter what the application area. Offering 19 dB impact sound reduction, the collection is available in 49 contemporary colourways, which are split between the following ranges: woods, and stones and materials. Stevie continued: “We specified Allura Decibel in a contemporary concrete colourway across the entire first floor for continuity. This decor was in keeping with the building’s original materials and matched the concrete ceilings, which were shot blasted to its original look. Not only this, but with a 19 dB impact sound reduction, unnecessary noise could be reduced in the office, helping to create a better space to work in. “In keeping with our sustainable design principles, we also included Forbo’s Furniture Linoleum into the meeting tables and breakout furniture, providing a warmer and more tactile finish to touch points.”  Forbo’s Furniture Linoleum is a natural surfacing material and has recently been confirmed to be climate positive (cradle to gate) without offsetting. In addition to this, it is antistatic – stopping the build-up of dust and fingerprints on surface tops.  Work on the building began in early 2021 and was finished in seven months, with 299 Lighting saying: “What we have achieved is even more than we envisaged would be possible.” Find out more about Forbo’s solutions for offices, here: www.forbo-flooring.co.uk/offices.

English National Ballet and the English National Ballet School have moved to a brand new world-class home at London City Island. Designed by award-winning architects Glenn Howells Architects working together with fit-out and refurbishment experts BW, the new building provides 93,000 sq ft of unprecedented facilities. The enormous project for Harlequin Floors involved the completion of eight rehearsal studios. Harlequin Activity sprung flooring was installed with Harlequin Cascade vinyl performance surface.Completed installation of over 1900m2 of Harlequin Activity sprung floor and Harlequin Cascade vinyl surface and a further 200m2 of Harlequin Standfast vinyl performance surface in fitness and rehab facilities. Additionally, 225m2 Harlequin Liberty sprung floor panels were supplied for the Company to take on tour. Initially hired as temporary floors for the rehearsal studio space at Here East during the construction phase, these were then purchased for touring use. 

Junckers solid wood flooring has been installed at Spanish City in Whitley Bay as part of major refurbishment works. Architects ADP brought the seaside pleasure building back to its former glory by carefully restoring original decorative features in the Grade II listed building. The works included revealing the magnificent dome in the rotunda by removing a mezzanine floor, restoring the triple height ceiling to create a large, circular space. The grand room required a complimentary floor and the choice fell on Junckers’ Black Oak, which has been fitted in a striking concentric dodecagon pattern. Installed by Junckers’ Approved Contractor Stenhouse Flooring, the project features mitred joints which require a high level of skill and experience. Junckers’ solid wood flooring was also installed in several other areas in the building, which now includes bars, shops, restaurants and a suite of rooms for events, conferences and weddings. 

Two Kingspan raised access floor systems were used, over a 25,000 sq. m. area, which helped the building achieve LEED Gold. A PSA medium grade RMG system was used in office spaces and PSA heavy grade FDEB_H system was installed in server rooms.

Hannah House student accommodation accommodates 458 students in stylish apartments and en-suite rooms with comfortable modern interiors. Gerflor’s, 19db acoustic, Taralay Impression Comfort in Nest Black, which was specified by Vastint Hospitality’s in-house design team with 1500 sqm installed by MacGregor Flooring.

When Base Architects wanted to re-develop their Shrewsbury office, they turned to international flooring specialist Gerflor to supply a mixture of their Gradus carpet products. The project would include Gradus Latour2 Howden and Dovedale, together with Gradus Emphasis Orange and the Gradus Boulevard 5000 range in colour Moorhen.

High performance sheet flooring from Polyflor was used to create a statement design floor in The Armoury Café and Kitchen at the Imperial War Museum Duxford in Cambridgeshire. Designed by London based SHH Architecture & Interior Design, this refurbished restaurant area at Britain’s largest aviation museum features a monochrome floor design which was created using 300 m² of Polyflor’s Classic Mystique PUR vinyl flooring. Installed by flooring contractors Key Floors, the Smokestone, Nocturne and Quartz shades form concentric circles that echo the Royal Air Force logo.

An old Edinburgh Woollen Mill store in Buxton was recently transformed into a bike shop to cater fro the needs of the avid cyclists in the local area. Peak ascent Cycles also specialises in bike servicing and repairs which in turn, results in dirt and moisture from threads of wheels being rolled into the shop on a daily basis. Recognising the necessity to stop dirt in its tracks and protect the shop's shiny interior floor coverings, Patrick Healy, the owner of Peak Ascent cycles had our Coral Duo entrance flooring system installed at the front door. In a green Bellagio colourway- which is new for 2021- the vibrant green shade matches the bike shop's brand colours perfectly and reflects its ethos of nature and the great outdoors. Indeed Coral Duo is proven to stop up to 95% of dirt and moisture from entering a building and can reduce cleaning time by up to 65%.