FORBO’S CLOUDSCAPE CARPET TILES TRANSFORM BUSY UNIVERSITY SPACE

The soft and atmospheric patterns and outstanding performance of Forbo Flooring Systems’ Tessera Cloudscape carpet tiles has helped to refresh a high traffic foyer area that leads to one of the main lecture theatres at the University of Cumbria.

 

The Hugh Pollard lecture theatre, located at the university’s Lancaster campus, is used by hundreds of students every day. After many years of use, the foyer of the building became outdated, with the flooring also needing to be replaced. The new floor covering had to be durable, easy to maintain and aesthetically pleasing to help create a lasting impression for years to come.

 

Nigel Beeden, former Estates and Property Manager at University of Cumbria said: “I have worked closely with Jon Rogers, Forbo’s Business Area Manager, for a number of years and have used many Forbo products before. The carpet tiles have always fared very well and when Tessera Cloudscape was launched, we were very interested in the product as not only did it offer underfoot comfort, but the aesthetic styling of the floor covering provided a textured look and feel that we felt would add depth and variety to the area”.

 

“For the majority of the space we used the colourway Nimbus Grey with a smaller quantity of Monsoon Cloud, a lime green shade, being used in the seating area to create a feature space and also in front of the curtain walling. We didn’t want to use just a plain carpet, so the design of Cloudscape and the careful mix of colours between the grey and green works exceptionally well in this space.”

 

Tessera Cloudscape was installed in the foyer area of the Hugh Pollard lecture theatre, complementing the teal and grey furniture that is in place. The carpet tiles offer outstanding performance, even in the most demanding of heavy traffic environments, and the multi-height loop design delivers soft and atmospheric patterns that are inspired by constantly changing cloud formations – helping to contribute to the creation of a more calming, relaxed and reflective environment.

 

Nigel continued: “The cleaners are really happy with the carpet tiles as the speckled appearance is forgiving and doesn’t show hoover lines. In fact, we were so impressed with the styling, performance and maintenance of Tessera Cloudscape that we have upgraded various other corridors in different colourways from the collection.”

 

The Tessera Cloudscape collection consists of 16 naturally inspired tonal colourways, which allows the creation of light, fresh and airy spaces. Available in 50cm x 50cm tiles, which can be laid non-directional or monolithic. Tessera Cloudscape can also be installed alongside Forbo’s other popular carpet tile ranges, and their Allura Flex LVT collection, meaning clients can easily create an integrated flooring scheme to cater for different demands within every environment.

 

Cloudscape Merge is also available in all of the 16 Cloudscape colours. The product creates an interesting transition from one area to another, reinforcing the organic structure of Tessera Cloudscape and the tonal progression of colours creating an environment helping us to reconnect.

 

Dan Jones, current Estates and Property Manager at University of Cumbria, commented: “The feedback from staff, students and visitors has overall been very positive. The carpet tiles have fared very well and still continue to perform like they did the day that they were installed. Tessera Cloudscape is now our go-to floor covering and we have rolled it out as a design standard across the university.”

 

The creative flooring scheme for the foyer area of the Hugh Pollard lecture theatre has led to the project being awarded Commended in the Fly Forbo 2018/2019 competition.

 

For more information on Tessera Cloudscape please visit: www.forbo-flooring.co.uk/tesseracloudscape or for more information on the Fly Forbo 2019/20 competition and how you can enter please visit: www.forbo-flooring.co.uk/flyforbo

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Gradus carpet planks help to inspire innovation at the University of Essex

Gradus has supplied premium carpet planks for the new Innovation Centre at the University of Essex, helping to create an innovative floor design with a modern feel.

 

Located at the university’s Colchester campus, the Innovation Centre is part of the Knowledge Gateway research and technology park. The research and technology park has been developed to drive growth in north Essex and will host more than 50 start-up businesses. The £12m Innovation Centre houses the digital creative studio, where Gradus carpet planks have been installed, and will showcase technologies such as artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and virtual reality.

Gradus put together the floor plan design in conjunction with the university. Urban Myth carpet planks were installed in the main studio in colours Lead (dark grey), Steel (light grey) and Sapphire (blue). Installed in half-drop, the planks create a walkway and are used to form a gradual transition of colour across the floor which helps to define specific zones within the studio space. Additionally, Gradus Brickworks and Emphasis carpet tiles were installed in separate offices.

“The studio is all about creativity, reflecting the vibrant creative industries in Colchester and the wider area, so we wanted a floor plan that would not only deliver the practical benefits of carpet tiles, but also embody the values of digital innovation,” explains Matt Brown, Project Manager, Capital and Development Team, the University of Essex.

“That’s exactly what we’ve got with the Urban Myth solution from Gradus – a dynamic carpet floor scheme which helps visitors and occupants identify which areas of the floor are used for which purpose.”

 

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Gradus also supplied Essex University with Elite stair edgings and a large quantity of skirting for The Copse – a new-build accommodation block for undergraduates. STM7510 Stratum skirting in colour Snowdrift delivers a low-maintenance, cost-effective alternative to wood skirtings and was ideal for installation around the gentle curves in the building.

Dan Bowen, Carpet Specialist at Gradus, comments: “We worked closely with the University of Essex to ensure we delivered the right solution for their requirements. Our Urban Myth range is available in both tile and plank format, and the random design offers versatility and the opportunity to create innovative and exciting floor schemes.”

Gradus supplies a wide range of carpets, barrier matting and flooring accessories to suit a variety of applications. For further information, contact Gradus Technical Support on 01625 428922 or visit www.gradus.com

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Hammering home the need for sophisticated student accommodation

With the standard repetitive fixtures and fittings no longer ticking the box for student accommodation design, Maxwell Green Design Ltd enlisted the help of Forbo Flooring Systems to breathe a new lease of life into the communal areas of iQ Student Accommodation’s new property in Hammersmith, London.

When iQ Student Accommodation obtained the building, it realised very quickly that the communal spaces were tired, dated and very uninspiring. As such, it approached Maxwell Green Design Ltd for its interior expertise. The result is a contemporary and fun interior that will satisfy the sophisticated needs of today’s students for a long time – so much so, that it went on to be awarded the Highly Commended status in the Fly Forbo 2018/19 competition.

Lisa Green, Director of Maxwell Green Design Ltd, commented: “The student accommodation market is very different to how it was 10 years ago, with the old design model of plain and simple furniture and floor coverings that exude little character, no longer suitable for the students of today. Instead, they crave designs that reflect societal and even geographical trends. Therefore, when it came to designing iQ’s new building, we took inspiration from this very cosmopolitan region of London.

“Within the communal area, there were many different spaces, such as a games room, study area and even a cinema room, which all required their own identity, yet needed to be connected seamlessly. While we were able to add personality to each room with furniture, wall coverings and soft furnishings, we wanted to do something striking with the floor, so it didn’t just become a backdrop. As such, within the main Atrium space, we specified Forbo’s Tessera Layout and Outline carpet tiles in a plank format. With this choice, we were able to create a bold, monochrome striped design that would lead the eye naturally through the space and to the various study and break out areas, while complementing the neon colour pops used throughout.”

 

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The Tessera Layout and Outline carpet tiles were chosen in the contemporary Mono and Frosting colourways to create maximum impact when people first enter the space. Thanks to the plank format (100 x 25cm) of this range, the possibilities for designers to create stunning flooring schemes is endless.

Lisa continued: “Within the screen room we required a softer aesthetic, so we decided to opt for a different floor covering. We chose Forbo’s Flotex Concrete planks as the velvety texture provided a comfortable feel underfoot, while being durable enough to cope with food and drink spillages. We chose four different shades, Cloud, Smoke, Storm and Thunder, which were then combined to provide a contemporary twist on the traditional herringbone design. Although at the beginning iQ was nervous about the ‘concrete’ effect, they were delighted with the end result.”

Forbo’s Flotex flocked floor covering is the only product available on the market that combines the appeal of a textile floor covering, with the practical and hygienic advantages of a resilient – making it perfect for very busy locations, like the screen room on this project. It is also available in a wide range of existing colours, designs, and formats including sheet, tile and plank, or designers can have their own pattern – or logo – printed onto the surface for a completely unique aesthetic.

Lisa concluded: “We have used Forbo and its floor coverings on many projects before and it never fails to deliver, with regards to its wide portfolio of products and helpful, quick service. Time was critical on this project, as the refurbishment needed to be completed by September ahead of the students moving into the building and Forbo made it easy for us to design the flooring scheme, by supplying samples quickly and efficiently. What’s more, as the products are also quick to install, we were able to complete the project on time. And it’s not just me that is absolutely delighted with the result; iQ and all of the students are thrilled with the new interior, with the various amenities being used very frequently.”

 For more information about how Forbo can help you on your next student accommodation project, please visit www.forbo-flooring.co.uk/education or to learn more about the annual Fly Forbo competition, visit www.forbo-flooring.co.uk/flyforbo

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Pioneering school building overcomes urban landscape challenges 

Notting Hill Prep School in Ladbroke Grove, London is a split site school, with 3 separate buildings.  There was a need to build a new school building, but the constraints of the urban landscape posed a very demanding and special  challenge – it would need to be built under a motorway.

Hanson Architects were chosen to deliver this unique building and were able to design and build an acoustically separated structure below the concrete frame of Westway.  The new building houses the schools dining hall, kitchen, music, art, gym and administration  departments.  The inlay design creates a modern look which is in keeping the other school sites.

Exceptional ergonomics

nora ® floorcoverings were chosen for their resilience, durability, comfort underfoot and sound absorbing properties to reduce walking noise.  Strong and long lasting, noraplan® sentica and noraplan® stone will ensure the flooring stands up to the demands of a busy school.

Cost effective with minimal maintenance

nora floor coverings are incredibly wear-resistant, due to the dense, closed surfaces. Coupled with easy maintenance and cleaning, these floors will look as good as new after years of intensive usage and with no coatings required, they are the most cost-effective long term solution.

 

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Notting Hill Preparatory School adopts a ‘thinking school approach’, committed to developing a passion for learning in all its pupils by delivering dynamic and inspiring teaching. The environment of the new school building has to be conducive to these goals. Due to the talents of Hanson Architects and the quality and design of nora floor coverings, the new school building is one of inspiration and creativity and has been recognised as such by the AJ Retrofit Awards 2018.

 

www.nora.com 

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Defining new teaching spaces with Forbo’s safety flooring

Combining exceptional slip resistance with contemporary aesthetics, Forbo Flooring Systems’ STEP safety vinyl collection has helped to define and enhance the practical teaching space within the new state-of-the-art Physiotherapy Centre at the University of Winchester.

As part of the project team, Veale Associates were appointed to design the key finishes of the new physiotherapy facility housed inside the university’s high-profile building in Winchester city centre. The result was an impressive open plan teaching space that is safe yet functional, while promoting a modern-day learning environment.

Approximately 240m2 of Surestep Original was installed in the physiotherapy practical teaching space with an additional 20m2 of the Violet colourway also used in the changing room. Delivering guaranteed R10 sustainable slip resistance for the lifetime of the product thanks to the Step Crystals in the wearlayer, Surestep is ideal for high traffic areas susceptible to spillage risks.

 

www.forbo-flooring.co.uk/step 

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Altro Serenade reduces noise & increases comfort

Altro Serenade™ acoustic flooring has been used throughout the new £17 million Reach Free School, in Rickmansworth, providing the highest level of sound reduction and comfort underfoot.

The newly-constructed school has created places for 840 secondary level students in a cutting-edge environment. Architect ADP created a very modern design for the school, and reducing noise throughout the new building was a priority.

Altro Serenade flooring was recommended by Horizontal Limited, which installed the product. MD Jonathan Bown explained: “We needed a floor that not only had a high acoustic rating, but was also great looking, hard wearing, stylish, contemporary and very comfortable underfoot. I have been working with Altro for nearly 25 years and I knew they had a product that would fit the bill and that quality would be guaranteed.

 

www.altro.co.uk 

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Floors fit for the future with EcoTherm

EcoTherm Eco-Versal has been installed on a new modular teaching block within the Fullhurst Community College regeneration project. 

 

As part of Leicester City Council’s school expansion plan, Willmott Dixon has overseen the £14 million build programme, which has improved the existing school facilities. The new school building includes fully fitted out science labs, a music room, food technology facilities and a drama studio, all of which will provide space for an additional 3,000 pupils.

1,400 m2 of EcoTherm Eco-Versal has been installed on ground floors throughout the school by Midlands Floor Screeding, beneath their Isocrete Fast K Screed flooring system.  The rigid insulation board is faced with aluminium foil composite and can be used to insulate floors, walls, dormer cheeks and ceilings, and can achieve a thermal conductivity of 0.022 W/mK.

Louis Dewsbury, Contracts Director, Midlands Floor Screeding, added:

“We installed EcoTherm Eco-Versal on this project as it is a cost-effective solution for achieving compliant thermal performance. EcoTherm Eco-Versal was put forward by us, as it was an open specification, through our trusted supply chain partner FGF Limited. In addition, it is also robust enough for installing as part of our system to create a solid walking platform.”

The boards helped to ensure compliance with the guidance in Part L to the Building Regulations (England), which advises a minimum floor U-value of 0.18 W/m²·K for non-domestic new builds. The lightweight Eco-Versal boards also allowed easy manual handling and could be simply cut to size with a fine-toothed saw.

All EcoTherm products have a fibre-free core manufactured with a blowing agent which has zero Ozone Depletion Potential, (ODP) with a low Global Warming Potential (GWP).

 

www.ecotherm.co.uk

 

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