Forbo offers range of floor treatments at hospice

Forbo Flooring Systems was recently involved in a major refurbishment project at Naomi House Children’s Hospice in Winchester, supplying a range of products that have helped to create stimulating and calming environments whilst addressing safety, hygiene and infection control concerns.

David Golland of Building Surveying & Project Management Ltd managed the partial demolition and rebuild. He commented: “I’ve worked with Forbo many times so I have a good relationship with them. They were very helpful in assisting with the selection of appropriate floor coverings for this project.”

A particularly challenging area was the main corridor that curves around the building. Forbo proposed Marmoleum Striato in Colourstream which has multi-coloured crayon-like stripes. Carefully shaped and cut, the resulting floor is hygienic and hardwearing and makes a strong visual statement.

Flotex Vision in a calming cobblestone pattern has been laid in an area used by parents taking a break whilst visiting their children. Forbo’s unique hybrid floor covering is very durable as the pile is constructed from millions of tightly packed upright nylon fibres that also give the flooring excellent sound absorption properties. David said: “The area has full height glazing so parent can enjoy views of the garden and the cobblestone pattern ‘brings the outside in’. The flooring is fully washable and resilient but has the feel of carpet, so it really helps to create a comfortable environment.”

In bathrooms, Surestep Laguna safety flooring was specified as it provides barefoot and footwear slip resistance and has been designed to maintain its fresh and clean appearance. Made from 60% recycled materials and 100% recyclable, it offers an environmentally friendly flooring solution.

Mark Smith, Chief Executive of Naomi House said: “A key part of the project design brief was to balance the clinical needs of a modern hospice with our desire to create a homely environment. Forbo helped the team to select floor coverings for the different parts of the building, creating innovative design solutions whilst satisfying the requirements of infection control. The result is a fabulous interior which is enjoyed and admired by all who use it.”