Altro Flexiflow works for dramatic Brighton office space

Sovereign House
Altro Flexiflow works for dramatic
Brighton office space
Altro Flexiflow™ 20
Innovative Altro Flexiflow resin flooring is providing a practical
Julia Hamson continues: “Specifying flooring for the reception and
yet visually appealing solution to a challenging space in one of
ground floor atrium was a challenge, because the entrance comes
Brighton’s most unusual and striking office buildings.
in on a diagonal. This unusual space meant that floor tiles wouldn’t
Built in the 1980s, Sovereign House has recently undergone
have worked.
extensive refurbishment, and has been transformed into a
“We needed a solid, high quality, visually appealing surface that
dramatic, modern space with a spectacular glazed atrium at the
was flexible enough to go down on the existing substrate, without
heart of building.
cracking or bending with any structural subfloor movement.
Ben Adams Architects was tasked with creating the new look.
“In addition, we wanted flooring that could stand the test of time.
Architect Julia Hamson explains: “Our brief was to re-design
Sovereign House is a busy office building, with 800 people walking
the front facade and reception of the building to create a more
in and out every day. So we needed something that could tolerate
welcoming and dramatic entrance, and to provide a new office infill
heavy use, and stay looking fresh, long term.
within the existing oversized and underused atrium.
“Altro Flexiflow was the ideal solution for this project. It’s tough,
“The infill features full-height glazing and a top-floor mezzanine
flexible, and can withstand the kind of movement that other resin
office space, complete with balconies to look down on the atria
floors cannot. It’s designed to recover from scuffs and knocks, so
below. The installation adds a new ambience to the communal
it’s perfect for the day-to-day wear and tear of high traffic areas.
spaces, maximising light into the reception and accentuating the
new finishes and clean detailing.
the future is safer with altro
“In addition it’s visually appealing - in keeping with a striking,
Installer Resincraft was appointed to lay the flooring at Sovereign
modern building - with a smooth, matt finish, and a great choice
House. Director Mark Brewer, says: “We have been laying Altro
of colours. We selected a light grey, called Doe, to complement the
resin flooring for 30 years and we consider it to be the best, so the
surroundings.”
majority of the product we use is Altro.
Altro Flexiflow is an elastomeric polyurethane self-smoothing,
“Altro Flexiflow is a very easy product to use but like all resin
flow-applied flooring, which offers high structural resilience,
flooring, preparation is key. It’s essential to keep the working area
flexibility, toughness and durability. The product boasts good
clean and free of contaminants and dust, so it needs to be isolated
indentation recovery and high impact resistance, which is ideal for
from other contractors.”
protecting a wide range of environments.
Resincraft Director Richard Mitchell says: “On day one we prepared
Altro Flexiflow is available in three options - Standard (which
the floor by grinding down the existing quartz resin flooring, an area
was used at Sovereign House), Comfort, for increased comfort
of 150m2, to create a key. Then we applied one coat of primer,
underfoot, and Acoustic, which satisfies the requirement E4
which was AltroProof Solo™.
of Building Regulations and BB93 acoustic design of schools.
“On day two we trowelled on one layer of the main Altro Flexiflow
The product is available in 28 standard pastel, solid and bright
colours, with the option of bespoke shades, giving complete design
freedom. There is minimal requirement for joints, and because the
product is self-levelling, the result is a seamless and uniform finish
with uninterrupted lines.
product, then on days three and four we put down two layers of
Altro Flexiflow top coat. It took five of us four days to complete the
work at Sovereign House during last year’s Christmas shut-down,
which is very fast for a resin flooring. Both the main contractor,
Wates, and the client, were very co-operative and gave us the time
In addition, its matt surface is mark resistant, so it will stay looking
and space we needed to do the job properly.”
good for longer. Altro Flexiflow features a PUR top coat for UV
Martin Arnold, Customer Services Manager at main contractor
colour stability, durability and ease of cleaning.
Wates , Smartspace comments: “The entire installation process of
the Altro Flexiflow flooring was excellent. Resincraft was one of four
installers we looked at, and we chose them because they were very
positive and proactive and planned the work thoroughly from start
to finish.
“Their preparation was spot on - they understood the challenges
and client needs - and they were completely professional. The floor
looks lovely, and is proving an ideal solution for Sovereign House.”
Karim Grant-Riach at Sovereign House, says. “We were delighted
with how well the flooring installation went; very professional and
the end result is a fantastic finish. It’s been down a few months
now and it still looks like new and it standing up well to busy daily
foot traffic.
“Having a contemporary-style flooring is very important for
Sovereign House, because it’s a very modern building, and the
Altro flooring really complements the environment.
“It’s also very easy to clean,” adds Karim. “We use a buffing
machine in the evenings, and spot-clean it if necessary during
the day. It comes up beautifully and any marks or dirt come off
very quickly. I’d say it’s the ideal floor for a location that needs
something practical, long-lasting, yet stylish.”
All information is correct at the time of print and is subject to
change without prior notice. Visit us at www.altro.co.uk for more
information and updates.
For further information on Altro’s vast product range of integrated flooring and hygienic wall cladding systems:
01462 707604
[email protected]
www.altro.com