Gerflor’s
highly proven slip-resistant Tarasafe™ Standard vinyl flooring was found to be the perfect
safety flooring solution for the heavy-duty, high slip-risk areas within the
City of Hull’s new state-of-the-art, multiple events complex, named the Bonus
Arena.
BAM Construction was
awarded the £36.5m Design & Build contract by Hull City Council, which
included construction of the ultra-modern, steel and glass structure complex.
Located on a site of
previously redundant and neglected buildings, the aim of the landmark project
was to revitalise the heart of the city and put Hull firmly on the map as a
major events and top visitor destination.
Opened in 2018, the
iconic events building is managed by SMG Europe. It is a 3,500 capacity arena
with the flexibility to reduce to a 2,500 all-seated event and a 2,000 sqm
exhibition space, plus an 800-capacity auditorium.
The aim was to
provide a lasting legacy as Hull’s UK City of Culture year in 2017 drew to a
close.
As quality was not
to be compromised by budget, products were needed for the development that
could provide,exceptional value-for-money. Therefore, straightforward to
maintain floor coverings that met exacting specification criteria and which
could handle exceedingly high levels of footfall whilst retaining their
aesthetically pleasing appearance were essential.
James Needler of CFI
Flooring, Hull, floorings contractors for the project, said: “We were able to
save the client money on the flooring specification as Gerflor’s products
provided both value for money and world class performance. I had every
confidence that their products would deliver as I have a close working
relationship with the company and use their floorings regularly.”
Having been put
forward for specification by CFI Flooring, Tarasafe’s colour choices were then
made in collaboration with project architect AFL Architects and main contractor
BAM Construction.
As a result, just
under 1000sqm ofGerflor’s R10 slip-resistant Tarasafe Standard in colours, Poppy,
Marbre, Noir and Storm were installed in the toilet and bar areas with 500 sqm
of R12 slip-resistant Tarasafe Super in Dove Grey within the kitchen area, where
a higher level of slip resistance was needed.
“The building’s
palette of colours was very important to us as this is a venue of
entertainment,” said Rita Ochoa, Project Architect, AFL Architects. “We took
the unusual step of agreeing colours at the outset to inform us on other
aspects of the building and therefore needed products that combined
specification, budget and colour requirements.
“The arena has
highly visible, golden coloured aluminium cladding with a neutral grey
concourse floor to familiarise people with the building on arrival. But in the
toilets we wanted to have fun, to add surprise and emphasise that toilets don’t
have to be secondary to a project.
"Gerflor’s
Poppy red, in particular, reflected the red auditorium seating. It also adds
immediate impact within the 3,500 capacity arena as the flow of people to the
toilets can happen within minutes.”
Complete with
built-in anti-bacterial and fungicidal hygienic treatments, the Tarasafe vinyl
safety flooring collection comes in a range of R10-R12 slip-resistance rated
products which meet HSE guidelines, while Tarasafe Standard also has an
easy-to-clean PUR surface treatment.
Group T wear rated
Tarasafe floorings have therefore been developed for where outstanding levels
of durability, slip-resistance and hygienic flooring qualities are required in
demanding contract applications. With a host of benefits, Tarasafe’s unique construction
includes reinforced, glass fibre grid technology for both strength and
flexibility and deep inlaid mineral crystal particles to enhance the design,
colour and brightness of the product for life. It does not contain carborundum.
Due to its advanced technical composition,
Tarasafe is particularly flexible and quick and easy to install. It contains
recycled materials, is 100% recyclable and has an environmental rating of A+
(BRE),plus it has a 12 year product warranty.
