Specifier: Bain + Bevington Architects
Type of works: 470m² of Junckers lacquered 22mm Ash Classic was laid onto Junckers' highly-advanced UnoBat 50 fully-sprung subfloor.

Bain + Bevington Architects specified Junckers solid hardwood flooring for the large multi-purpose hall at the recently opened Lowry Artworks in Salford.

The Lowry is a spectacular performing and visual arts centre which marks the regeneration of Salford Quays. The Artworks is a new element of the complex, at the heart of which is a continuous space used for drama, ballet and contemporary dance rehearsals as well as a wide range of community activities.

Junckers' Technical Department worked closely with Bain + Bevington on the specification; one of the most technically complex of recent years. Not only did the floor have to cater for many different users, it also had to incorporate a 110m² hydraulic platform in a pit which, when closed had to appear continuous with the upper floor surface. Other considerations included movable acoustic sub-dividers and the need for bleacher seating.

The final specification for the floor was 470m² of Junckers lacquered 22mm Ash Classic laid onto Junckers' highly-advanced UnoBat 50 fully sprung sub-floor. The challenge of the hydraulic platform was solved with a series of removable panels comprising sections of both the floor and its sub-structure. With the pit closed and the panels replaced, the floor appears to be one single expanse of beautiful solid hardwood, an attractive and highly responsive surface which meets the demands of everything from professional dance to corporate events