The English National Ballet - the AJ100 Building of The Year 2020 - impressed judges with its 'pared-back, attractive simplicity'. This design restraint filters through every aspect of the build, down to the specification of a classic monochrome entrance mat using INTRAform DM Low Profile.

Using a combination of black ribbed polypropylene and multidirectional rubber inserts, Glenn Howells Architects has created a highly effective zonal matting system with a clean, simple aesthetic.

Multidirectional rubber inserts within the revolving doors provide exceptional scraping action to remove excess moisture and debris from footwear. While the extra wide fibre inserts within the primary matting absorb any remaining moisture before visitors reach the screed floor beyond.

Cost-Effective Specification

The low-cost of the build was a further factor that appealed to the Building of the Year judges, impressing them with a cost per square metre of just £3000. This economy is also considered in the entrance mat specification.

A low-profile aluminium system and ribbed polypropylene fibre insert provide a cost-effective entrance matting solution without compromising performance. The creation of a zonal system using rubber inserts within the revolving doors and an enhanced entrance matting area further heighten performance.

Measuring nearly 6m front-to-back, the matting far exceeds the BS 7953 recommended minimum and WELL recommendations on length to provide a highly effective walk-off area for a safe and slip-free entrance.

Clean Lines

Through skilled installation, the aluminium ribs of both the interior and revolving door mats perfectly align to create clean uninterrupted lines.

With the unconventional angles of the façade, the entrance matting ribs align with the inner edge of the entrance mat. This creates visual interest at the threshold and creates an angular extension of matting towards the hospitality desk and public café area which will experience the highest flow of traffic.

The resulting entrance mat installation provides exceptional performance for the many visitors to the building whilst upholding the vision of the architect and their client.