Tarkett Leads the Way to Learning at the Roundhouse, Derby College

Tarkett Leads the Way to Learning at the Roundhouse, Derby College

The Roundhouse at Derby College provides 18,000m2 of learning and teaching space, and was part of a £48m regeneration scheme in the heart of the city. The project was part-funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and included renovation of a previously derelict grade II* listed building alongside new buildings that complement the character of the original premises. The Roundhouse is now a social hub for students and college staff, as well as a Visitor Centre providing education on the importance of the railway to the industrial, economic and social history of the city.

Tarkett was specified for the main corridor and circulation route within the Learning Resources Centre, utilising Tapiflex 163 acoustic flooring in a vibrant Yellow with a digital Orange square dot matrix pattern. Chris Radcliffe, interior designer with Maber Architects, explained the flooring choice: “During a period of historical and archaeological discovery on site, we noticed inherent qualities and patinas to the materials that inspired our choice of materials and colour palettes throughout. This included yellow flooring, inspired by lifting cranes and other machinery, while the dot matrix pattern suggests Information Technology and new ways of learning. The acoustic properties of the Tapiflex range were also important for the LRC to help limit sound reverberation in this quiet study zone. Tarkett flooring proved fit for purpose, and the colour options matched our requirements perfectly.”

Tarkett’s Tapiflex 163 is designed for all heavy traffic commercial areas, including educational establishments, hospitals, shops and offices. The high-density closed cell foam backing gives Tapiflex 163 its high performance impact sound reduction (up to 19dB) and shock absorbency properties, reducing impact transmitted noise and softening steps. Its unique construction gives the perfect balance between acoustic properties and resistance to indentation (0.15mm). The PUR-reinforced wear layer gives good resistance to abrasion and scuffing and the flooring needs no wax or polish throughout its lifetime. Cleaning is easy and maintenance costs can be reduced by up to 30%, while the built-in Sanitized treatment protects the flooring from premature ageing ensuring it continues to look good throughout its life.

Tapiflex 163 features a printed design layer and is available in 6 design ranges, including a wood effect and Matrix Phospho (with phosphorescent particles) for added impact.

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