Science, Engineering & Environment (SEE) Building, University of Salford
Flooring Package £1.2m
Building the Future: Flooring Solutions for Salford’s Hub of Innovation and Collaboration
Objective
The SEE Building was designed to serve as a state-of-the-art hub for teaching, research, and industry collaboration at the University of Salford. Our role was to deliver high-performance flooring solutions that would support this innovative, multidisciplinary space, align with the university’s sustainability goals, and enhance the overall functionality of the facility.
Approach
To meet the SEE Building’s diverse needs, we installed a range of advanced flooring systems, including heavy-duty screeds for strength and thermal efficiency, and epoxy finishes for durability and precision. Vinyl, carpet tiles, and rubber coverings were selected for their functionality across different spaces, while movement joints were added to accommodate structural shifts and ensure the flooring’s longevity.
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A big project with a multitude of different specialisms.
To provide a strong, reliable foundation for the building’s flooring, we installed 75mm Heavy Duty K Screed on 100mm EPS expanded polystyrene insulation board throughout key areas. This combination delivered both thermal performance and structural strength, essential for supporting the building’s dynamic activities. Additionally, we applied a 10mm cementitious self-smoothening industrial grade flowing screed by pump application, working to floor trims and joints ensuring a flat base for the subsequent floor coverings.
In areas requiring exceptional durability and precision, such as stairwells and workshops, we utilised advanced epoxy flooring systems. This included an epoxy bonded screed for the stairwells and an epoxy self-smoothening topping in the civils workshop, achieving fine-defined tolerances necessary for high-spec environments.
A pigmented water-dispersed epoxy seal coat was applied to other areas to enhance the durability and aesthetic of the floor, providing a sleek, professional finish.
To meet the varied needs of the SEE Building, we installed a range of versatile floor coverings, including vinyls, carpet tiles, and rubber floor coverings in stairwells. Each flooring type was carefully chosen for its specific performance characteristics, contributing to a cohesive design that supports both practical functionality and aesthetic appeal. The vinyl flooring provided a durable, easy-to-clean surface ideal for high-traffic areas, while the carpet tiles added comfort and acoustic benefits to collaborative spaces and offices.
Given the building’s dynamic use and structural requirements, we installed movement joints tailored to various details throughout the facility. These joints were essential in accommodating structural shifts and ensuring the longevity of the flooring systems, especially in high-traffic and high-impact areas.
The completed SEE Building at the University of Salford now stands as a testament to modern educational design, where innovative flooring solutions contribute to a flexible, high-performance environment. By integrating a range of advanced flooring systems tailored to specific needs, we helped create a space that not only meets the university’s current requirements but also supports future growth and collaboration in science, engineering, and the environment.