Mapei provides eco-focused solution for surfaces at new Stephenson Building

A Mapei resilient floor system has been used to complete a floor installation in Newcastle University’s Stephenson Building.  The surface project formed part of a £68.75m transformation of the original 1950s building into a modern hub for engineering research, education and knowledge exchange. The Mapei specification provided a fast, safe installation and featured solvent-free, low odour formulations designed for high traffic environments.  The installation was completed by KJB Flooring for main contractor, Bowmer + Kirkland. Flooring designs specified included Desso carpet tiles from Tarkett, Altro Orchestra cushioned flooring and Forbo Surestep safety flooring.

Named after engineering pioneer, George Stephenson, the Stephenson Building’s rich history dates back to 1951, when it was opened by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh.  The structure has been partially demolished, extended and refurbished to provide a focal hub for the University’s School of Engineering.  Designed by NORR Consultants with JH Partners acting as M&E consultant, the striking new four-storey building features a full-height glazed aspect and houses innovative teaching and social spaces, workshops, laboratories, offices, computer clusters and maker spaces. 

Prior to the flooring installations, the subfloor was prepared with Mapei Latexplan Trade – a low odour, protein-free levelling and smoothing compound with high compressive strength.

Mapeproof ESM solvent-free and low-odour two-component pure epoxy resin, which provides a moisture barrier on cement-based substrates, was then applied along with ECO Prim T Plus universal acrylic primer – an EMICODE EC1 Plus and Blauer Engle certified formulation with very low VOC.  Flooring was then installed using two Mapei products: All-in-one universal adhesive, Ultrabond ECO V4 Evolution was used to install Altro Orchestra and Forbo Surestep.  The ready-to-use adhesive provides benefits including strong, rapid initial tack, a long open time and also has EMICODE EC1 Plus and Blauer Engle certification. Ultrabond ECO Tack TX+ - a solvent-free, non-staining acrylic-adhesive carpet tile tackifier – was specified for the installation of the Desso carpet tiles.

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