M-SParc, Bangor University

Providing facilities such as offices, laboratories and meeting rooms to businesses working in the low carbon, energy and ICT sector, Wales’ first dedicated science park, Menai Science Park or ‘M-SParc’, required an iconic and modern flooring solution. As designed by FaulknerBrowns Architects, the building concept comprises a continuous white ‘Ribbon’, which wraps around the Open Innovation Space, and required a seamless, robust floor finish to match the pure white of the external Corian cladding.

To complement the building’s modern style, Peran Comfort from Flowcrete UK was chosen in ‘Light Grey’ and ‘Signal White’ for the stairs, landing and foyer areas of the Open Innovation Space. The noise reduction and durability properties of this flooring system are ideally suited to this area, where heavy footfall and accompanying noise is expected. Using this system to create pathways inside the building also reflects the light, creating the spacious feeling desired by the client.

Flowcrete UK’s Rustik Glamourstone was also utilised to provide a natural texture to the entranceway as well as a touch of glamour, thanks to its crisp colour and modern style. This system provides a striking visual alongside the benefits of noise reduction, slip resistance and durability, as well as providing visual continuity with the paving in the external landscape.

The substrate was prepared by hand installing a levelling screed. The designs incorporated into the surface were then set out using stainless steel rims, before the Peran Comfort and Rustik Glamourstone systems were applied using trowels, rollers and squeegees. The installation process was completed with a final sealer coat.

The installation was completed within two weeks, ready for the opening ceremony attended by the First Minister for Wales and local businesses and dignitaries.

Pryderi Ap Rhisiart, M-SParc’s Operational Director said: “The Flowcrete flooring has really been an essential part of the building. The fantastic architecture design could have become tarnished by using internal works that were bland and did not fit in. The flooring we have compliments the building perfectly, which is essential given the large open space you are greeted with as you enter the building. It makes for a perfect first impression.”