Anglesey’s new Menai
Science Park, the first dedicated science park in Wales, required an iconic and
modern flooring solution and consulted Flowcrete UK to help.
Wholly owned by
Bangor University, Menai Science Park, or M-SParc as it’s known, is a facility
where collaborations are encouraged and ignited by chance encounters in the
shared spaces, and the client was eager for this energy to be reflected in the
building’s interior.
The energetic
working environment is provided in the form of offices, laboratories and
meeting rooms. M-SParc delivers space, support services and outstanding
facilities to businesses of all sizes. To reflect the innovative,
forward-thinking nature of the building, the interior had to be
state-of-the-art.
As designed by
FaulknerBrowns Architects, the building concept comprises a continuous white
‘Ribbon’, which wraps around the entirety of the Open Innovation Space, and so
a seamless, robust floor finish to match the pure white of the external Corian
cladding was required. To achieve the aesthetic, two different materials were
used to provide the ideal amount of contrast for the design to pop.
In order to
complement the building’s modern style, Peran Comfort from Flowcrete UK was
chosen in Light Grey and Signal White for the stairs, landing and foyer areas
of the Open Innovation Space. The noise reduction and durability properties of
this flooring system are ideally suited to these areas, where heavy footfall
and the accompanying noise is expected. The light colours chosen for the
pathways inside the building also help to reflect the light, creating the
spacious and bright atmosphere desired by the client.
In contrast to the
matt, self-smoothing polyurethane-based Peran Comfort floor coating, Flowcrete
UK’s Rustik Natural Stone was utilised in the entrance way. This material
provided a natural texture to the space, as well as a touch of glamour thanks
to its crisp white colour and modern style. As well as generating a striking
visual, its noise reduction, slip resistance and durability properties make it
ideal for use in entranceways where heavy footfall is expected on a regular
basis. Rustik’s natural stone aesthetic also provides visual continuity with
the paving in the external landscape, further emphasising how the design of the
exterior is mirrored within the interior.
The applicators
began the process by preparing the substrate and installing a levelling screed
by hand. The designs incorporated into the surface were then set out using
stainless steel rims, which acted as borders between the two materials, before
the Peran Comfort and Rustik Natural Stone systems were applied using trowels,
rollers and squeegees. The installation process was concluded with a final
sealer coat.
The application
process was completed within its two week schedule, much to the appreciation of
the clients who had planned a grand opening ceremony attended by the First
Minister for Wales as well as local businesses and dignitaries.
