Over 20,000m2 of Forbo Flooring Systems’ Marmoleum has been installed at Salford Royal’s new Hope Building, a major building in the Trust’s ï¿¡200m redevelopment scheme.
Combining exceptional infection control properties with superior environmental performance and a contemporary design aesthetic, the flooring installation has helped deliver a safe and attractive healing environment.
Having specified Marmoleum extensively across a wide variety of healthcare projects, Main Contractor Balfour Beatty were already familiar with Marmoleum’s suitability for creating healthy indoor environments – most notably due to its excellent inherent bacteriostatic properties, coupled with the fact that it does not harbour allergens.
Anne Symons, Design Manager at Balfour Beatty comments: “As a sustainable product that is resistant to MRSA and other bacteria – as well as being durable, easy to clean and available in an impressive variety of colours – it was the obvious choice as Salford Royal is extremely proactive in its approach to infection control.”
Marmoleum has been proven to be naturally bacteriostatic in independent testing conducted by both the University of Glasgow and the Centre de Recherche Industrielle in Quebec, as it inhibits the growth of MRSA, Norovirus and Clostridium Difficile. In addition, Marmoleum is one of only two floor coverings to be awarded the prestigious ‘Seal of Approval’ from Allergy UK, thanks to the positive impact it has on reducing allergens, the other being Forbo’s flocked floor covering, Flotex.
“Sustainability was also a major factor in the specification of Marmoleum,” Anne continues. “The Trust was keen to involve environmental ‘best practice’ throughout the build and as it is predominantly made from natural and recycled materials, Marmoleum had proven green credentials.”
Marmoleum contains 97% natural raw materials, 72% of which are rapidly renewable, and has a 43% recycled content. It has been awarded more environmental quality marks than any other floor covering product, including the Swan Mark which is presented to the best product in class. It also achieves an A+ rating in healthcare, as assessed by BREEAM. Additionally, Marmoleum incorporates a water based Topshield finish for easy and cost efficient cleaning and maintenance, ideal for the hospital environment where it will be frequently subjected to heavy footfall and wheeled traffic in the form of hospital beds and equipment.
Available in a wide range of colours and styles, Marmoleum is also a versatile design solution for healthcare environments. Using Marmoleum Real in Dove Grey as the main palette, the installation features large colour blocks of contrasting shades, including Emerald, Fresco Blue and Hyacinth, to mark out receptions and seating areas, as well as defining bed bays and other zones within the floor plan.
Additionally, Marmoleum’s fiery Bleekerstreet was installed in the Mayo building, a teaching block for nurses to gain extra training and embark on refresher courses, which incorporate meeting rooms, a library, break out areas and mock up wards.
“The aim of the flooring design was to create a clean, welcoming and calming environment that is visually appealing without being either overbearing or bland. It also aided wayfinding, with splashes of colour being used in strategic areas, such as yellow to define departmental entrances, which helps improve the patient, visitor and staff experiences.
"We are extremely happy with the finished flooring and its performance providing durability in a demanding environment, and also a practical and hygienic solution making the cleaning and maintenance regime one of ease.” Anne concluded.
