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.”