Hard-wearing, waterproof Creation Clic System was specified to bring the feel of a “boutique hotel” to the public areas of a new extra care housing development.
The sophisticated range, developed by international vinyl and linoleum flooring specialist Gerflor, offers a wide palette of realistic wood effect planks with bevelled edges.
And for architect Kirsty Henderson it was the ideal flooring solution for the cafe, dining room, hairdressers and multi-purpose rooms, as well as the first floor sun room, at the 32-flat complex in Penicuik, Midlothian.
She commented: “We looked at a timber floor, but the client was keen for a softer finish and it had to be fully waterproof for the cafe area and, of course, have durability.
“Also, we didn’t want it to feel like a care home as we were aiming for the quality and appearance of a boutique hotel, so it had to be convincing.”
After consulting with Gerflor, Kirsty, of Edinburgh practice Hackland + Dore, was introduced to the unique Creation Clic System. With a wear group T rating, and an overall thickness of 6mm, Creation Clic System is a series of looselay interlocking ‘planks’, available in 12 wood effect designs. With its vertical clipping method and ease of cutting and handling, flooring can be laid swiftly into corners and against edges, while planks can be replaced individually if necessary.
The Creation Clic System can be easily laid and requires no adhesive, grouting or welding and, while it wasn’t necessary for this new-build project, it can also be installed over existing subfloors, thus there is minimal disruption and no need for businesses to close for refurbishment. It is also a popular choice for office, hotel and retail environments.
As well as proving incredibly robust in independent testing, the polyurethane treatment PUR+ provides excellent resistance to scratching and chemicals and it can be cleaned easily and hygienically.
Kirsty Henderson added: “The fact it could be laid quickly without needing sub-floor preparation was also a positive consideration.”
For Tommy Gaunt, director of Scotland’s biggest flooring contractor Veitchi, using Creation Clic System is always simple. He commented: “It’s easy to cut and manoeuvre and because it’s a looselay ‘click-together’ system there are no adhesives, no harmful substances and so no need for a risk
assessment.
“We also used it recently on another contract: it wasn’t specified originally but there were moisture problems and the end-date was crucial so we switched to Creation Clic to get the job done."
Kirsty Henderson also specified Escort Decowood timber effect handrails from Gerflor’s SPM range of wall, door and corner protection solutions for the corridors. She said: “It’s a great idea to have handrails which match the flooring, it makes it look a lot less institutional.”
SPM has a complete range of ergonomic handrails providing visual guidance and wall protection, including the Performer, Starline and Escort styles. Available in anodised silver aluminium or six wood effect colours, the Escort is a round, 40mm diameter handrail, with an overall 80mm from the wall, and is screwed to the wall at 1.2m intervals, or at 80cms for heavy use. It is also specified for schools, hotels, apartment buildings and offices and is supplied with bactericidal joints optimising hygiene for end users.