Short-listed for the 2013 Royal Institute of British Architects Stirling Prize, the Medical School at the University of Limerick has attracted high praise for its striking limestone exterior and internal use of light and space.
And when it came to specifying the flooring for this landmark building, the architects had pragmatic and aesthetic demands that international vinyl flooring specialist Gerflor was able to specifically meet.
Ger Carty, Associate Director at Dublin-based Grafton Architects, explained: “On the upper levels our environmental strategy included the use of exposed concrete to moderate the internal temperature. As a consequence a significant number of the services are provided in a raised access floor, which drove our interest in choosing tiles, as opposed to sheet flooring.
“There was also a question of durability. We were interested in Gerflor’s Attraction, as the edges of the tile interlock in such a way that you don’t readily notice the connection. This sense of a single treatment throughout, was important for us, as in certain areas there was a demand to provide spaces that are adaptable, and can be used as individual rooms, or opened up to provide a single larger space.
“The colour range was compatible with the building’s internal tonal values. Internal finishes comprise exposed concrete, pre cast concrete block and timber screens and furniture which we wanted to complement.”
Having considered all of the above factors, Grafton Architects specified the use of more than 1,000m² of Gerflor’s fast-fitting Attraction interlocking looselay tiles in Amaryllis.
The Attraction range is suitable for heavy footfall and can be also specified for retail, commercial and industrial use. The interlocking edges ensure they can be laid quickly with little or no preparation of damp and poor quality sub-floors, or straight over existing surfaces. With no adhesive to apply and dry, installation is quick and shops or facilities can stay open for business during refurbishment projects with minimal disruption.
Available in 11 colourways and two designs for flexibility, Attraction can also be specified for creating zones. The PUR+ surface treatment reduces maintenance to a minimum and with a 1mm wearlayer and 5mm thickness overall, the surface also meets Wear Group standard T and has strong resistance to static and dynamic loads.
Leading flooring contractors Crean Moisaics, of Charlestown, laid the Attraction quickly without a hitch. Sales Director David Cunningham said: “We use Attraction in a lot of projects and it’s a top class product to work with because of the way it interlocks so tightly that the join is barely visible.
"It was ideal for this contract because it allows quick access beneath, a lot faster than conventional floor coverings, and it’s very simple: removing the tiles is as quick as fitting them and no special tools are needed.”