Forbo’s Sarlon acoustic floor coverings in a carefully selected combination of colourways have helped to create a welcoming and uplifting environment for young patients, visitors and staff at the Royal Aberdeen Children’s hospital.
Ewan Buchan, Associate Architect at Tinto Architecture, and The Archie Foundation, the hospital’s official charity, followed the principles of colour psychology when devising the new child-friendly design scheme for the reception, family waiting area and adjoining cafe at the main entrance.
The reception is bright and spacious with panoramic views of newly landscaped gardens. A large tree structure, encircled with bold concentric rings of Forbo’s Sarlon Uni acoustic vinyl in avocado, lime and blue, forms the centrepiece. The green tones of the flooring were not only chosen to establish a visual link with the gardens and to reflect its calming nature, but also to offer reassurance and create harmony and balance. The rich blue outer border adds a striking contrast, and the overall effect is intended to invoke trust and add to the serenity of the area.
Whilst colour choice was a critical to the specification, acoustics were also important. Sarlon offers up to 19db impact sound reduction in heavy traffic areas, with minimal residual indentation, and therefore presented an ideal way to reduce noise levels and promote well-being and comfort to all the users of the building
In the family waiting area and cafe, Eternal Wood in Elegant Oak was specified to blend with the overall ‘outdoor’ theme. Completing the floor scheme Coral Welcome entrance flooring has been teamed up with Nuway Tuftiguard barrier matting to protect all the interior floor coverings and to help keep floor surfaces clean, dry and safe.
For more information please telephone 0844 822 3928, email info.flooring.uk@forbo.com or visit www.forbo-flooring.co.uk/healthcare
