Seven of the latest flooring products

Step into Staffordshire Police HQ

A selection of Forbo Flooring Systems’ products have been specified for the Staffordshire Police Headquarters, including Allura luxury vinyl tiles (LVT), Tessera carpet tiles, SureStep safety vinyl and Coral entrance flooring systems. Forbo was chosen as the company was able to provide a wide selection of different floor types. Forbo’s Allura LVT was specified for the corridor, open areas and cafe space, in a selection of different finishes and tones. Tessera Mix - Canyon was specified, continuing the interior design theme for muted, natural tones. Coral duo was chosen for the entrance area because it retains 10% more dirt in the first few metres than any other textile entrance flooring system, making it an ideal choice for smaller entrances.

Forbo
www.forbo-flooring.co.uk/modularity

Oooh, it’s bamboo

Wabi Sabi Design has launched Timboo, an alternative to wood that is made from 100% compressed bamboo fibres. The company says that Timboo can be used for a wide range of architectural and interior design applications, including ceiling linings, floors, stairs, panelling, kitchen counters and cupboards, furniture, turning blanks and general joinery. It is available in more than seven possible grain figure and colour combinations, and sizes include 8in x 4in panels in thicknesses up to 40mm.

Wabi Sabi Design
www.timboo.co.uk

Fast setting mortar

Mapei has extended its range of Ultratop flooring systems. The company says that Ultratop is a fast setting, self-levelling mortar, which can be tailored to either a polished or non-polished finish. The firm adds that it can be used for a range of environments, including: industrial areas, hospitals, retail environments, showrooms, offices, restaurants and domestic properties. Available now in seven colours: light grey, white, beige, anthracite, rust red, light brown and new Extra White Ultratop, it can also be enhanced further with the use of coloured aggregates.

Mapei
www.mapei.co.uk

Primer for gallery flooring

The Gazelli Art House, a commercial art organisation, specified Sika Primer MB and Sika Acoubond products for its newly refurbished gallery in Dover Street, Mayfair. The two-part epoxy resin primer was used in conjunction with the Acoubond soundproofing system to help install high-end and fashionable Dinesen Douglas fir flooring in the gallery’s ground and first floors. The products were chosen because the founder and director of Gazelli had visited the Saatchi Gallery in Chelsea and had liked the compelling effect of employing large, long Dinesen Douglas fir boards installed using Sika’s Primer MB and Acoubond products, in a gallery context.

Sika
www.sika.com

Flooring ideal for retail

The Bargain Booze development team has turned to Gerflor’s GTI and Creation Clic vinyl flooring ranges. Bargain Booze is a franchise that includes off-licences, newsagents, garage forecourts
and grocerie, with various sized stores. The company first started specifying Gerflor products as an alternative to traditional ceramic flooring. Gerflor is specified for the retail chain because the fit-out and build can follow on as soon as the flooring is laid so stores do not need to close so lose minimal trading time. Both products ranges are are extremely durable and are easy to maintain.

Gerflor
www.gerflor.co.uk

Fire station stays warm

Gaia Climate solutions has supplied a complete underfloor heating (UFH) system to Suffolk Fire Service’s new £18m Ipswich fire station. Gaia supplied and installed the 898m2 of underfloor heating, plus 965m2 of screed and insulation, for the whole station. Instead of electric heating elements, the system works by circulating water at low temperatures through a series of pipe loops laid within a screed, or between timber joists, beneath the floor surface. The company was chosen, largely, on the strength of its reputation in the sector.

Gaia Climate
www.gaiacs.com

Repair system for concrete floors

Permaban has launched a concrete repair system. The company says that BetaEdge AR fixes damaged construction joints in industrial and warehouse floors. The damaged portion of concrete around the joint is cut out. BetaEdge AR is held in place with brackets which is supplied with the fixing kit, while the area is filled with repair mortar. Once the mortar has cured, the brackets are removed and the area ground for a smooth, durable finish. The product is made from tough galvanised steel, making it a versatile choice for both internal and external concrete repairs.

Permaban
www.permaban.com

MOVERS & MAKERS

• Flowcrete has announced an updated, RIBA-approved CPD, which is designed to help specifiers get the level best from flooring screeds. Entitled Floor Screeds - How To Avoid Failure the presentation outlines the different types of floor screeds and their applications, identifies areas of failure, and offers advice on the avoidance of problems. The CPD also offers recommendations for the correct specification of sand and cement-based screeds. Aimed predominantly at architects specifying screed systems in commercial environments, the CPD also caters for construction managers and other property professionals. For more information email: cpd@flowcrete.com
• The Concrete Polishing Association of America (CPAA) has released a glossary of accepted definitions of terms in the polishing industry that can be used internationally. In an effort to establish industry standards, the following terms and definitions are now available from CPAA: polished concrete, bonded abrasive polished concrete, burnished polished concrete and hybrid polished concrete among others. To view a table describing these definitions visit: www.concretepolishingassociation.com/glossary.php
• Flooring company Tarkett has published a guide called Designing Alzheimer’s Facilities. It gives an overview to understanding the condition and provides ideas to consider when planning interior spaces for use by those affected, such as hospitals and care homes. The guide suggests the different flooring and lighting to use in different areas to aid memory and calm patients. As well as flooring, the guide covers lighting and room layout in communal, reception, walkway and treatment areas and is the first in a series of guides produced by Tarkett to aid professional designers and architects.
• Thermoboard, Wavin’s Underfloor Heating (UFH) division, has added an online specification tool to its website. Called SystemSelect, it is based on a decision “tree” that guides the user to the right choice for any particular project. The company says that the system simplifies the specification process so that in a matter of minutes anyone choosing a UFH system can understand which of Thermoboard’s UFH systems will suit their project, without having to consult all the product literature. Once the relevant UFH systems are shown, specifiers can then download the detailed product literature or order the hard copy online at: hermoboard.wavin.com
• Kingspan Access Floors has won its second largest order in Russia - a contract to supply 25,000m2 of raised flooring for new premises in Moscow for Mail.Ru Group, the leading Internet company in Russia. Mail.Ru Group is expanding and consolidating its operations under one roof by occupying the entire Tower A at Skylight, a mixed-use complex of two 27-storey towers connected by a sky bridge and linked by a five-floor area in the centre of Moscow’s business district.