The robust qualities and unique geometrical design of
Forbo Flooring Systems’ Flotex Triad planks has helped to refresh the entrance
level of a busy university library in Glasgow.
The Andersonian Library, located in the Curran
building at the University of Strathclyde, is a public facility for thousands
of students and staff across Glasgow’s universities.
After years of heavy footfall, the original carpet
that was fitted in the reception area and corridors of the library was fast
deteriorating and imminently becoming a trip hazard.
Dawn McNeil, Building Surveyor at the University of
Strathclyde said: “When we saw the carpet starting to fail within the entrance
level, we knew that we needed a new flooring solution which would stand up to
the high levels of traffic, yet also able to retain its aesthetics in years to
come. What’s more, as it’s a busy library, it was important for us that the
flooring was also easy to clean, as the floors are very prone to food and drink
spillages.
“We met with Kay Kerr, Business Area Manager at Forbo
who showed us the unique Flotex Triad planks range and explained the many
benefits of the hybrid product. We really liked the geometrical designs of the
collection, as they were quite funky and different. And as the shape of the
Curran building itself is quite unusual, the actual plank format of the range
provided us with freedom to create a unique flooring scheme to match the
building.
“We chose a dark grey and green colour scheme to
complement the current colour strategy of the Curran. The interior of the main
entrance of the building possesses a lot of greens so we wanted there to be an
evident link between the public areas.”
Approximately 600sqm of Flotex Triad planks was
installed in the entrance level of the Andersonian Library. A mix of the Steel
and Green Line colourways were fitted across the floor surface, with bursts of
Green, to create a customised and striking pattern. The versatile Flotex planks
collection offers endless possibilities to mix and match colours within one
design, with a wide range of exciting colourways and highlight options
available to meet every design brief.
The unique dense construction of Flotex also combines
the warmth, acoustics and underfoot comfort of a textile with the durability
and cleaning properties of a resilient flooring – making it ideal for areas
such as the Andersonian Library. Holding the prestigious Allergy UK Seal of
Approval, allergens are trapped within its densely packed flocked pile, thereby
reducing the number of allergens in the atmosphere. It is also phthalate free,
contributing to a better indoor environment to live, work, learn and play.
Dawn continued: “The whole process of working with
Forbo was very easy. After initially speaking to Kay, we then went online to
request help from the Forbo Design Service where they were able to bring our
vision to life. It was great to be able to transfer our thoughts into a greater
detailed visual plan. The design team were very knowledgeable of the patterns
and materials and they helped to guide us in the right direction. I would
definitely use the service again for other projects.
“The students, staff and visitors are really happy
with the new floor; it is already proving that it is capable of dealing with
the high traffic of the library and we are confident that it will stand the
test of time.”
