Fast-track flooring is transforming how retail refurbishments are delivered, offering a solution that prioritises speed, performance and minimal disruption. In environments where downtime directly impacts revenue, flooring must support rapid installation and immediate usability, rather than delaying project completion at the final stage. Traditional glue-down flooring systems can create challenges in live retail settings. Lengthy subfloor preparation, adhesive curing times and complex installation processes often lead to extended programmes, increased labour costs and disruption to day-to-day operations.

For retailers working within tight deadlines, overnight schedules or phased refurbishments, these constraints can become a significant commercial risk. Fast-track flooring systems, including interlocking and loose-lay solutions, address these issues by simplifying installation. By reducing or removing the need for adhesives and, in many cases, allowing installation over existing floors, these systems enable faster turnaround times and greater flexibility. This allows contractors to complete work more efficiently, often without requiring store closures, ensuring continuity of trade.

Performance remains essential in high-traffic retail environments. Flooring must withstand constant footfall, heavy rolling loads and regular cleaning, while maintaining safety and visual appeal. Fast-track systems are designed to deliver long-term durability, slip resistance and low maintenance, ensuring they perform from day one without compromising on quality.

In addition to operational benefits, these solutions can support sustainability goals by reducing waste, limiting emissions from wet trades and extending product lifespan. With a wide range of design options available, fast-track flooring also enables retailers to achieve strong visual impact and consistent branding across multiple locations.

Overall, fast-track flooring provides a practical, efficient and commercially valuable solution for modern retail spaces, helping to deliver high-quality environments with minimal disruption.

Human Diversity and Patient Recovery and Well-Being 

Gone are the days of designing healthcare environments containing long sterile, white corridors, and noisy communal living, entertainment, and dining areas. Inclusive design is for everyone and it’s a process that considers the full range of human diversity with respect to ability, language, culture, gender, age, and other forms of human difference. Overall, thoughtful design choices in the healthcare environment can have a significant impact on patient recovery and well-being, making it an essential aspect of healthcare design. Incorporating natural elements like wood, water, and minerals into the interior design can help reduce stress, stimulate positive emotions and promote healing.

Biophilic design integration on Floors & Walls

Designers and specifiers can choose floor coverings that are inspired by nature and are made from hard wearing vinyl, carpets or linoleum. These innovative solutions offer a wide variety of tones, textures, patterns, shapes, and colours that can evoke natural elements, such as plants, minerals, water, or the sky. They also deliver outstanding comfort, durability, and ease of maintenance to ensure the longevity of healthcare facilities.

Floors & Walls with Gerflor & Gradus

The Gerflor MyTaralay digital printing floor covering service offers a versatile solution for biophilic design, with customisable patterns and colours that bring natural elements into interior spaces. Whether it’s calming wood tones or organic textures, MyTaralay helps specifiers create environments that support wellbeing; while meeting compliance, durability, and hygiene standards, Floor coverings can be combined with robust wall protection for a complete themed design finish.

Gradus SureProtect Artworx is a wall cladding system that allows bespoke images to be printed on to the PVC-u sheet. This allows specifiers to incorporate murals into healthcare spaces and introduce biophilic design elements whilst still achieving durability and infection prevention. Recently launched, the SureProtect Artworx® Wall Protection collection, was created in collaboration with Kate Bond, a designer who specialises in biophilic design for use in healthcare environments. Artworx® pays tribute to the stunning scenery of the nearby Peak District.

Gradus also has 14 new SureProtect Pure Hygienic Wall Cladding Satin colours, specifically designed for healthcare environments with finishes that can enhance the biophilic design of a healthcare setting. These subtle and classic hues enhance the aesthetic appeal of healthcare facilities and also prioritise hygiene and durability. The collection offers superior protection against wear and tear, ensuring long-lasting surfaces that withstand the rigors of daily use. The smooth PVC wall cladding is easy to clean, helping to maintain a sterile environment crucial for patient safety.

Conclusion

Given the positive impacts associated with biophilic design, particularly through quality views and daylighting, and the financial benefits that can be tied to improving the patient and caregiver experience, it is no surprise that the healthcare industry has shown momentum toward incorporating biophilic design principles into interiors.

While most research on the topic has centred on acute-care hospitals to date, it is likely that similar benefits can be realised within outpatient-focused facilities. Fortunately, as more large healthcare networks reap the benefits of biophilic design in their hospitals, it is natural that similar design principles will be applied to outpatient offices and will be incorporated into healthcare spaces of all specialties and sizes.

By catering to the unique needs and challenges of healthcare environments, architects and specifiers can create interiors that prioritise patient care, enhance staff performance, and contribute to the overall health and happiness of all individuals within the facility. Through wise choices of colour and design the goal is to create spaces that not only provide excellent medical care but also promote healing, improve overall well beings and create a sense of comfort for patients, staff and visitors. Need Support Choosing the Right Solution?

For tailored advice on Biophilic design specification, Darren Curtis is available to support NHS and Private Healthcare decision-makers at every step of the process.

Reach out to Darren Curtis | LinkedIn

Contact Us For further information on flooring, wall protection, and interior solutions that can help bring your biophilic design to life speak to the experts at Gerflor and Gradus. Our solutions help deliver environments where patients, staff, and visitors can thrive.

Gerflor Flooring Visit: gerflor.co.uk Tel: 01625 428 922 Email: contractuk@gerflor.com

Gradus Accessories Visit: gradus,com Tel: 01625 428 922 Email: imail@gradus.com

A sports floor surface is arguably the most important element of a sporting facility to its players, and to those who design, build and manage indoor sports premises (whether this be in the education, leisure, fitness market), their requirements high on the agenda is the need for a high quality and sustainable sports floorings that consistently delivers the comfort, safety and performance aspects that are so crucial to everyone taking part in sport.

The fundamental importance of the role of indoor sports floorings to environments like clubs, gyms, sports halls, leisure centres and multi-use facilities can therefore not be underestimated, regardless of whether they are low-impact or elite performance sports locations. This also extends to educational establishments like schools, colleges and universities where long-term injuries to the bones, joints and ligaments of budding athletes, especially those still growing, could cut short a potential sporting career.

Clearly aesthetics, acoustics, hygiene, resistance to wear, easy maintenance and good indoor air quality are key factors to sports venues. But when it comes to reducing the risk of injury, minimising the severity of an injury should it occur, and helping to prevent both short and long-term impact injuries, then the choice of sports flooring is critical.

For specialist sports facilities with volleyball, badminton and other racket sport courts, for example, it is a case of selecting the ideal sports surface for the game so specifiers may need guidance from specification specialists. Equally important is the correct choice of flooring for multi-use venues where there is a need to accommodate other activities in addition to sport such as concerts, assemblies and examinations which require the use of occasional tables and chairs.

Flooring manufacturers specialising in sports flooring have therefore developed new product innovations to provide the best possible flooring solutions to meet the needs of varying sports facilities and to achieve the perfect balance between co-efficient of friction and easy movement.

There are different types of sports floors and the most commonly used include point elastic flooring for multi-use to elite sports venues, area elastic sports such as sprung wooden floors that are good for ball bouncing games, and combined area-elastic and point elastic flooring offering differing benefits. European sports flooring standard EN 14904 outlines the minimum performance requirements for floor coverings classified as indoor sports flooring.

Point elastic flooring offers three levels of shock absorbency depending on the centre for different usage. A point elastic P1 flooring provides 25% shock absorbency retention, with P2 35% and P3 45% respectively. A P3 flooring provides the greatest level of impact control and will instantly absorb impact with the floor thereby meeting the requirements of elite sports flooring.

Additionally, the Impact Protection Index (IPI) indicates the protection levels a sports flooring will provide. The higher the IPI level, the higher the protection gain and impact injury when falling, diving or sliding on the floor. The highest-level achieving products on the market have an IPI of 88%, giving greater protection to players of high-risk sports. Whereas an IPI of 50% is more suited to lower risk sports.

Combined elastic and double density foam sport floor systems also enable foam technology that allows the lower layer to compress while the upper layer remains firm. This prevents fatigue through twice the area of the foot allowing for greater freedom of movement in rotation whilst permitting a secure foothold that minimises risk of injury.

Multi-layer shock absorbing P3 floorings are 12mm thick with a foam layer and an IPI level of 88%. P3 floorings comprising vinyl PVC sheets reinforced with fibre glass grid also give outstanding stability. A P1 flooring with a double fibre glass grid offers greater resistance to indentation in multiuse locations.

In some sports flooring systems built-in, easy maintenance, intelligent surface treatments provide a perfect compromise between slide and grip when appropriate sports shoes are worn.

Timber sports floorings are also popular for their traditional good looks. However, certified hardwood sports flooring, available when installed with an undercarriage system provides a resilient sprung floor with the values of area elastic and shock absorbency.

Today’s indoor sports floorings couple visual impact with advanced technology to provide the heightened performance and safety characteristics that sports environments demand. Attractive designs in PVC flooring, including wood effects, provide specifiers the choice needed to create interior spaces that reflect brand and image.

As the performance qualities required differ from sport to sport and venue to venue, the next generation of sports floorings is rising to the challenge of delivering champion solutions.

Taraflex® sports flooring from Gerflor has been fitted at over 47% Olympic Games since 1976. Approved by numerous National and International governing bodies as a world-class sports surface, it is also widely installed within the education, community, leisure, health and fitness sectors.

Taraflex® is ideal for new build projects and refurbishments and is extremely durable and costeffective to maintain. Over 6 million pupils every day enjoy the benefits of Taraflex® sports flooring, as it delivers a versatile range that can be used for various multi-specialist applications.

Taraflex® is treated with Protecsol®, which renders polish redundant. With its triple action meaning no polish is ever required, it contributes to easy maintenance and anti-friction burn and slide/grip. Meanwhile, surface reinforcement and abrasion resistance is provided by a D-Max fibre glass grid. The flooring offers maximum hygiene with bacteriostatic and a fungistatic treatment which provides easy maintenance, friction protection and ‘intelligent’ sliding coefficient.

Sports can play a huge part in everyday life. With a complete range of shock absorption P1/P2/P3, Taraflex® sports floors from Gerflor deliver the right solution every time, whether it is for leisure, exercise and play for all ages and abilities.

Let’s Talk about Gerflor!

For more than 80 years, Gerflor has been designing, manufacturing and marketing innovative, decorative and sustainable solutions for floors, walls and finishes. Gerflor is a leading manufacturer of comprehensive contract interior products, including vinyl, linoleum, carpets, and rubber that are ideal for a host of applications and meet each customer’s need across the contract and residential and sports markets. Gerflor Group achieved in 2024 a turnover of around 1,500 M€, operating in over 100 countries and employing 5,000 people.

Gerflor innovations help to create attractive, comfortable, and functional environments, as well as enhance and protect a vast range of interiors. Gerflor solutions are proven to enhance the longevity of a building whilst reducing long term maintenance costs. Gerflor works in partnership with a large array of sectors to ensure buildings are safe and accessible for all users.

Contact us for further information

Learn more about Gerflor solutions, ask for a free sample or contact us to speak to a specialist today by calling 01625 428 922, emailing contractuk@gerflor.com, or visiting gerflor.co.uk for the latest flooring and finishing innovations.

Commenting on the project Gareth Murphy, Gerflor Area Sales Manager, Ireland said, “The scope of the project required a complex and achievable plan, incorporating a large mix of products over a short period of time, in order to ensure a cohesive and comprehensive flooring solution for the entire facility renovation.”

On specification and the remarkable elements of the project Gareth Murphy added, “This was a challenging project that had a short installation timeframe. Due to limited storage space on site, we worked closely with the contractor on a clear delivery plan, to maximise efficiency within the installation process.”

In order to fit out the vast 6430m2, a tailored selection of Gerflor high quality products were required. On entering the building, customer facing areas, corridors and receptions, DLW Marmorette Linoleum, with its patented Neocare™ surface protection, offered the perfect solution both hygienically and aesthetically. This was complemented with Gradus Latour2 Carpet Tiles and Creation 70 Connect LVT in the office areas, which gave a sleek and modern look to these hardworking spaces for healthcare staff. Both product ranges were selected for their eye-catching finishes and impressive easy to clean and maintain credentials.

In addition, the changing rooms and shower areas were also transformed, with the installation of Gerflor’s Tarasafe Standard and Tarasafe Ultra H20 floorcoverings, ideal for the locations, thanks to their unique design and exceptional performance delivering outstanding safety and slip resistance for all patients.

Another driver for the client’s specification was the requirement that all flooring products installed in the healthcare building would need to be exceptionally easy to clean and maintain. This would be fundamental for the facility, as it would significantly reduce lifecycle costs and time invested to maintain optimum hygiene within the interiors.

Sustainable solutions needed to be factored into the specification, with Gerflor’s unique and patented surface protection treatments, this ensured that the client would also reduce their detergent and water usage as part of an intensive maintenance regime.

A spokesperson for the Primary Care Facility in Cork City said, “Choosing Gerflor and Gradus products enabled this project to be completed very swiftly and on time, which was one of the crucial elements of the specification requirement. The flooring would need to also look exceptional and deliver on quality, performance and safety, all these factors were critical and key parts of the tender process. Gerflor have delivered this and exceeded our expectations.”

The large amount of flooring and accessories required for the healthcare project would be initiated by a Mayo-based flooring contractor. Crean Mosaics TA Crean Contract Flooring was formed in 1968 by the late William Crean. William began his career in mosaics while working for a company called Irish Mosaics formed and owned by his late brother John Crean in the 1950s.

Since 1968, Crean have been committed in the pursuit of delivering excellence in the provision of floor and wall finishes, to the residential and commercial construction industry in Ireland and the UK. In 2008 Crean opened their office and warehouse facility in Blanchardstown Corporate Park Dublin. From 2022 they now trade as Crean Contract Flooring positioning themselves as “Ireland’s flooring contractor of choice”.

David Cunningham, Sales Director at Crean Contract Flooring said, “Crean Contract Flooring were asked to price the project and won the tender.” On specification David Cunningham commented, “We absolutely love working with Gerflor and Gradus as they have innovative and superior high quality products and they always deliver an excellent service.”

On timescales for the project and staffing David Cunninham went on to say, “We had approximately eighteen fitters with the project phased over a three-month period to completion. The Gerflor and Gradus products are very easy to work with and laying them is never a problem. The floorings and accessories that we installed are more than meeting the high expectations set by our client.”

Gareth Murphy concluded, “This was an iconic project to be involved with. The sheer variety and volume of floorcoverings that we supplied, is a real testament to our high quality products. The client is pleased with the final result and now has a new range of flooring that not only looks exceptional but delivers high performance and safety where needed. The local community is proud to have this modern healthcare facility on its door step, that is future proof for many years to come.”

In conclusion David Cunningham ended by saying, “We would be delighted to work with Gerflor and Gradus products and the teams again. The final result is both spectacular and totally fit for purpose and more than meets the criteria set by our customer.” The spokesperson for Cork City Primary Care Facility ended by saying, “We are absolutely delighted with the finished look of the facility with its new flooring from Gerflor and Gradus. As promised, it’s delivering on all aspects of our specification needs and we would happily use and recommend Gerflor and Gradus again.”

Learn more about Gerflor solutions, ask for a free sample or contact us to speak to a specialist today by calling 03332 412901, emailing contractuk@gerflor.com, or visiting gerflor.co.uk for the latest innovations.

Learn more about Gradus solutions, ask for a free sample or contact us to speak to a specialist today by calling 01625 428 922, emailing imail@gradus.com, or visiting gradus.com for the latest barrier matting, wall protection, lighting, and flooring accessory innovations.

Available in 85 designs, 10 themed worlds, several technologies, multiple formats and sizes, the breath-taking Creation LVT range is ideal for designers and specifiers who wish to unleash their creativity. With endless possibilities, the Creation LVT collection is perfectly suited for a host of applications including housing, offices, hospitality, retail, public spaces and much more!

Creation LVT can also be mixed and matched from ‘floor to floor’ or ‘floor to wall’ with Mural Revela wallcoverings, perfect for creating unique spaces that leave a lasting impression for all. Thoughtfully created to ensure that decors can be coordinated across a build environment.

Hannah Parkinson, Marketing Product Manager, comments ‘With the new 2026 Creation LVT collection, we’ve redefined what’s possible in design led flooring. This world class range brings together elevated design, exceptional durability, and effortless installation giving our customers the freedom to create spaces that feel both inspiring and enduring. It’s a collection built for the future, shaped by real world needs and our commitment to sustainable innovation.”

Read the full press release here.

Commenting on the project Tony Thorne, Gerflor Sales and Specification Manager, South Wales said, “The refurbishment of the school’s sports hall flooring was a proven example of how Gerflor’s Taraflex Evolution SL sports flooring was able to supply the ideal solution for the client, with the minimum of fuss and disruption to the schools’ day-to-day activities. Specifying the Taraflex SL sports floor covering also pressed a number of eco buttons which was high on the school’s agenda.”

From a sustainability perspective, the project incorporated the Taraflex Evolution SL product, a loose-lay flooring solution selected for its environmental benefits. By removing the need for adhesive, this option not only reduces the environmental impact but also allows the floor to be recycled at the end of its 25-year life cycle. Installed using double-sided tape, the floor can be easily removed, enabling minor repairs to the undercarriage before a new floor is laid. In contrast, using adhesives would have compromised the undercarriage, making Taraflex SL Sports Flooring the natural choice as a more sustainable and practical solution.

Delivering a solution that was both visually striking and highly practical for a demanding sports facility was a challenge expertly met by Cardiff-based Trefoil Interiors. Dan Townsend, Commercial Director at Trefoil Interiors said,” It was clear that there are very few products on the market that could meet the specific requirements for this education project. Due to time and cost constraints, a screed system simply wasn’t viable, With the Taraflex SL sports flooring solution and also with the exceptional support throughout the process from Tony Thorne at Gerflor, the end result would not have been possible, a successfully delivered fit for purpose sports floor for the school and the variety of its users.”

The Taraflex^® sports range of products continue to be a popular choice for community centres, sports, and leisure facilities, as well as education sports halls across the UK, Republic of Ireland and worldwide. Taraflex^® is the Name Under the Game… it’s where Champions Begin, Learn, Train, and Play.

When Headingley required a major refurbishment of their indoor cricket training facilities, the design team led by GCP Chartered Architects introduced Gerflor, the international flooring expert, to deliver the ideal sports floorcovering solution for this critical and much needed facility upgrade. Taraflex® Performance SL (Sustainable Looselay) Olympic pedigree sports flooring was specified on this iconic project. The renovation was completed ahead of the England vs India Test series to deliver performance, precision, and pace thanks to the innovative looselay solution, which reduced installation times and cost on site.

Commenting on the project, Wayne Andrews, Gerflor Key Account Manager for Sport and Education said, “This highly prestigious project came to us via The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and their longstanding advisor GCP Chartered Architects. The Taraflex Performance SL flooring that was installed was the natural choice for Headingley, as it is approved by the ECB and meets their rigorous requirements on performance. They were seeking a world class sports surface that would ensure players can perform at their best while staying protected.”

Taraflex Performance SL can withstand high impact ball bounce, support quick movement and repeated use, whilst keeping athletes safe and comfortable with all the benefits of:

• True and consistent ball bounce, essential for realistic play and skill development

• Excellent shock absorption, reducing stress on joints during batting, bowling, and fielding drills

• Durable and high-performance surface, built to handle intensive play and heavy use across all levels

To meet the stringent criteria set by both YCCC and the ECB, the installation of the new Taraflex® Performance SL vinyl sports floor needed to be both innovative and completed to a very high standard. Established in 2008, Durant Cricket specialises in the design, manufacture, and installation of cricket facilities including scoreboards, ground equipment, non-turf pitches, and netting systems.

All installations are carried out by their expert in-house team, managing projects from planning through to completion.

Cristian Durant, Owner, and Managing Director explained, “This project was delivered on behalf of Construction North Group Ltd CNG and GCP Chartered Architects. Our role focused on surfacing and safety within the stadium’s high-performance zones. The programme began with over 800 m² of sub-floor remediation, including extensive grinding and profiling to create an optimal base for new finishes. It was critical to get this stage right, ensuring the surfaces would perform to elite standards over time.”

Inside the indoor training facility, Durant installed 351 m² of ECB-approved Gerflor Taraflex® Performance SL in ‘Mint Green’, a durable and striking option for cricket training and was complemented with153 m² of ‘Clay’. Taraflex® Performance is also available as a fast track loose lay solution, and with it being specified in this format for the project, no adhesives were required on site, which simplified the process and significantly reduced installation time and cost.

Cristian Durant went on to add, “As a finishing touch, we marked out fresh crease lines, making the space fully compliant and match-prep ready. These upgrades don’t just modernise the space, they support a broader health and safety strategy by aligning with the latest ECB technical guidance.”

The colour scheme was developed by GCP Chartered Architects’ Matt Bonney with specialist input from YCCC coaching staff and the ECB. GCP Chartered Architects have worked with the ECB for over 15 years setting the standard for indoor training facilities, which include the development of design guidance. The goal with this project was to deliver the most inclusive flooring solution in the country.

This was achieved by testing the contrast of 17 colour options against the red, white, and pink ball and with consideration given to the three most common forms of colour-blindness. The testing process culminated with a site review at the Gloucestershire County Cricket Club Bristol Cricket Centre indoor training facility, also remodelled and refurbished by GCP in 2019, demonstrating performance under similar LED-ECB compliant lighting.

Matt Bonney, Project Architect and Sustainability Lead at GCP Chartered Architects, explained that “Health and safety are primary concerns for the ECB within indoor cricket centres. From considering LED light flicker to material reflectivity, being able to track a ball travelling at 90 mph is critical. Historically, players with red/green colour blindness have had difficulty picking up the red ball on a green floor. Through analysis of the Gerflor colour range we could ensure that the Headingley facility achieves the highest standards for all users.”

Headingley is no stranger to iconic cricket moments, such as the dramatic 1981 Ashes comeback when England, led by Ian Botham and Bob Willis, overturned 500/1 odds to beat Australia. This legacy, combined with its modern facilities, cements its reputation as one of the most famous cricket grounds in the world.

Wayne Andrews concluded, “The client is extremely pleased with both the performance and the aesthetics of the Taraflex Performance SL sports flooring that was installed at Headingley Cricket Club. It’s worth noting that this facility is where the England Cricket Team also train. Being specified for this elite training venue underscores the speed, resilience, and high-performance standards that Gerflor sports flooring consistently deliver.”

Cristian Durant ended by saying, “It was an honour to help raise the already high standards at such a prestigious venue and to deliver it on time for a historic Test series. We are proud to work in collaboration with Gerflor and GCP Chartered Architects and specify Taraflex sports floorings, thanks to their sporting surfaces being of exceptional quality and their reliability when it comes to performance for cricket play and other sporting applications.”

To prove compliance with ECB standards, GCP commissioned Labosport, international testing consultancy via the main contractor CNG.

Supporting Information

Gerflor Company Overview

Gerflor is a leading manufacturer of contract interior flooring solutions, offering vinyl, linoleum, carpet, and rubber options. Their products are designed to enhance safety, accessibility, and sustainability across sports, leisure, and education environments.

Overview of Gerflor products installed at Headingley Cricket Ground

Taraflex® Performance SL

A new member to the Taraflex® Olympic pedigree sports flooring family, a sustainable choice down to its unique sustainable attributes including its product construction, recycled content, ease with which it can be reused and recycled at end of life, as well as reduced cleaning and maintenance requirements for the lifetime of the floor. The Taraflex® range of products continue to be a popular choice for Community Centres, Sports, and Leisure facilities, as well as Education Sports Halls across the UK, Republic of Ireland and worldwide. Taraflex® is the Name Under the Game… It’s where Champions Begin, Learn, Train, and Play.

Environmental Commitment

Taraflex® Performance SL combines sustainability with high-quality standards. Its adhesive-free installation eliminates the need for glues, improving indoor air quality and laying comfort while reducing installation time. The flooring’s P2 category ensures safety and performance, making it ideal for clubs, competitions, and educational facilities.

Sustainable Design

Crafted with eco-friendly materials, Taraflex® SL features textile fibres made from recycled plastic bottles. Easy to install and remove with Tarafix® SL holding strips, it can be reused or recycled. Manufactured in Europe with a low CO2 footprint, it meets stringent environmental standards, including 100% REACH compliance and formaldehyde-free composition.

Unmatched Quality and Performance

Taraflex® Performance SL delivers superior quality and performance, comparable to traditionally adhered Taraflex® flooring. Its reinforced textile backing and Tarafix® SL strips ensure exceptional durability and dimensional stability, avoiding common issues like inflations and extra thickness.

Time-Saving Benefits

With a 25% reduction in installation time compared to adhered installations, Taraflex® Performance SL saves time and ensures high-quality performance durability. At the end of its lifecycle, the flooring can be reused or recycled, preserving the slab for future use.

Versatile Application

With a legacy of use in every Olympic Games since 1976, Taraflex® is trusted by national and international governing bodies for its world-class quality. Ideal for new builds and refurbishments, it offers exceptional durability and cost-effectiveness for various sports and leisure applications.

Hygienic and Safe

Treated with Protecsol®, Taraflex® ensures easy maintenance, anti-friction burn, and optimal slide/grip. Bacteriostatic and fungistatic treatment enhances hygiene, making it suitable for all ages and abilities.

Overall Taraflex sports flooring range summary

Taraflex® sports flooring has a long-standing legacy, having been fitted at every Olympic Games since 1976. Recognised and approved by numerous National and International governing bodies as a world-class indoor sports surface, it is also extensively utilised within the education, community, leisure, health, and fitness sectors.

Ideal for both new build projects and refurbishments, Taraflex® boasts exceptional durability and cost-effectiveness in maintenance. Over six million children benefit from Taraflex® sports flooring every day, enjoying its versatility for various multi-specialist sports and leisure applications.

With a complete range of shock absorption P1/P2/P3, Taraflex® sports floors from Gerflor, deliver the right solution every time whether it is for exercise or play for all ages and ability.

It’s noteworthy that Gerflor offers a diverse range of sports flooring solutions beyond the Taraflex® range. With first-class leading sub-constructions for increased shock absorption or linoleum playing surfaces such as the DLW Sports range, there is no facility that cannot be improved with the introduction of a sports surface from Gerflor.

Learn more about Gerflor solutions, ask for a free sample or contact us to speak to a specialist today by calling 01625 428 922, emailing contractuk@gerflor.com, or visiting gerflor.co.uk for the latest innovations.

Gerflor has played a key role in the project’s success, supplying over 14,000 m² of high-performance flooring solutions including Taraflex® sports flooring, DLW Marmorette Linoleum, Tarasafe Safety flooring, and Powershock 300 rubber tiles. Alongside this, Gradus accessories including stair nosings and a variety of trim finishes were also supplied, the combined package of products from both Gerflor and Gradus were specified for their exceptional durability, safety, and style to meet the needs of the various areas across the facility.

The large variety of Gerflor and Gradus products were specified for key areas throughout the school, including the games and sports halls, fitness studio, circulation areas, reception, corridors, classrooms, changing rooms, WC’s and kitchen and servery areas. The project also extended to other versatile spaces designed to support the needs of students and staff, with flooring solutions that deliver long-lasting performance, practical design, and aesthetic appeal for diverse spaces across the facility interiors.

Commenting on the project, Maggie Smith, Scotland Team Leader at Gerflor, said, “We initially had only our Olympic pedigree Taraflex sports flooring and Powershock 300 Rubber tiles specified with the architects on this project. As partners on the Framework Agreement with BAM, we collaborated closely with them to review the overall project and identify areas where cost savings could be achieved on the flooring package, which had originally been specified by another supplier. This approach allowed us to ensure the best possible outcome for both the client and the project.”

Elaborating on the specification decision, Maggie added, “At Gerflor and Gradus, we were able to offer a comprehensive flooring and accessories package that not only met the project’s functional and aesthetic requirements but also delivered significant cost efficiencies. By tailoring our solution to align with the budgetary goals without compromising on quality, we demonstrated the value of working with a supplier who can provide both innovation and cost-effectiveness.”

The responsibility for installing the flooring products and accessories for this high-profile project fell to Veitchi Flooring, one of the UK’s largest and most respected flooring contractors.

Recognised as a market leader, Veitchi Flooring has built a reputation for setting the benchmark in quality and professionalism across the industry. With headquarters in Glasgow and additional offices in Dundee and Aberdeen, Veitchi Flooring offers the capacity and flexibility to handle contracts of any scale across the UK. Their extensive expertise and specialist knowledge allow them to provide tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of each customer, ensuring exceptional results every time.

Commenting on the specification of Gerflor and Gradus products, Jamie Cargill, Contracts Supervisor at Veitchi Flooring, said, “The Dunfermline Learning Campus project was awarded through an open tender process, competing against other major flooring contractors across the UK. The client required a range of options to achieve cost savings without compromising quality. We recommended Gerflor and Gradus products because of their exceptional design appeal, durability, performance, and competitive price point … these were key factors in delivering an effective overall solution.”

Discussing the installation process, Jamie Cargill added, “Our team on site ranged from four to ten fitters, including one apprentice and a visiting supervisor. The project was completed within a fifty-week timescale, from start to finish, ensuring we met all deadlines while maintaining the highest standards of workmanship.”

The creation of Dunfermline Learning Campus has been a true collaborative effort, bringing together key stakeholders such as Fife Council, Fife College, the Scottish Government, and the Scottish Futures Trust. The project was procured and managed by hub East Central Scotland, ensuring that the campus was delivered on schedule and to the highest quality standards, meeting the needs of both the educational institutions and the local community.

Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, Jenny Gilruth, commented, “This is an important milestone for the Dunfermline Learning Campus, and I know that the new school building will be of significant benefit to pupils, teachers and the local community.” Her statement reflects the broader impact of the project, highlighting its long-term value to the educational experience and for the area as a whole.

Summing up the project Jamie Cargill ended by saying, “Veitchi, BAM construction and the client are extremely pleased with how the new school has turned out. We have used Gerflor and Gradus products in the past on many varied projects with outstanding success. We will continue to specify Gerflor and Gradus for their consistently high-quality products that excel in both performance and design.”

Not only a centre of learning excellence the building is also a great asset to the local community. The modern sports facilities are fully accessible by pupils, teachers, parents and the wider community and can accommodate the needs of both large groups and individual users alike.

Maggie Smith concluded, “The new installation of interior flooring and accessory products from Gerflor and Gradus deliver an impressive visual impact. The school has only been open a few months and the client is delighted with the final finish and overall performance of our world class products.”

With the addition of the Gerflor Winsford Warehouse in 2020/21, which boasts over half a million m² of flooring readily available on its shelves, the Dunfermline Learning Campus project benefited significantly from streamlined supply chain management. This state-of-the-art facility not only ensures an extensive stock of bestselling products but also reduces lead times and supports efficient distribution across the UK.

For the Dunfermline project, this meant having immediate access to the required flooring materials without delays, ensuring that the project timeline was met seamlessly. The strategic location of the warehouse further enhanced logistical efficiency, enabling quick and reliable delivery to the site. By leveraging the scale and capability of Winsford’s operations, Gerflor demonstrated its ability to handle large-scale projects with precision and consistency, reinforcing its reputation for excellence in supply chain management.

The range of products specified for the project included Gerflor’s Olympic pedigree Taraflex^® Multi-Use sports floors, Taralay Impression heterogenous vinyl, Tarasafe Impression safeties, Powershock rubber tiles, together with GTI Max Technical tiles, and Gradus RT247 anodised aluminium ramp edge trims.

Juliette Chapman Specification Area Sales Manager, Gerflor, Northwest and Yorkshire said, “This was a unique project to work on in that it provided cross-selling opportunities where we were able to provide solutions for each requirement within the building project brief, “ Making comment on the specification decision Juliette Chapman went on to expand, “Pozzoni Architecture chose Gerflor products for several reasons when comparing with other manufacturers in the marketplace, Commenting on the development Martin Bransby, Director at Pozzoni said, “Initial feedback from the centre has been extremely positive. We and our Clients could not be happier with the final result, and in fact we presented completion photographs of Mablethorpe to other Clients who immediately said, ‘we want that’.”

Paynters Contract Flooring ensured that the Mablethorpe Leisure Centre would benefit from the specified range of Gerflor and Gradus products in delivering the high standards of installation that the project so demanded. Rob Dixon, Estimator at Paynters Contract Flooring said,” We specify both Gerflor and Gradus on a host of projects as their innovative products are cost effective, work well, look impressive and are easy to get hold of for fast renovations.”

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The interior collections both from Gerflor and Gradus were specified for their aesthetical appearance but also their trusted reliability for delivering the optimum levels of safety, comfort, performance, and durability that the education facility required.

Beaulieu Convent School was founded in 1937 by the Sisters of the Order of the Immaculate Conception and moved to its current site in 1951 and in 1999, the Sisters gifted the school via a trust to the Island of Jersey under the condition it would remain a Catholic school. Beaulieu Convent School is based on one campus, and is divided into preschool, primary and secondary departments, and it also operates a sixth form. Courses of study offered at the school include GCSEs, A Levels and BTECs. Beaulieu Convent School offers a broad and balanced education, placing every student at the heart of what they do, with a special blend of academic focus and pastoral excellence. Their community has strong values, rooted in a Catholic tradition established by the Sisters of the Immaculate Conception, which provides students with a warm sense of belonging.

Chris Pursey, Gerflor Specification Area Sales Manager, Southwest, and Channel Islands commented, “Sport has a significant role and contribution to play in in Jersey …right through from schools to state facilities and community hubs. This centre is at the forefront of facilities on the Island and is used both by both the students and local sports clubs alike. It’s a cleverly designed building, clinging to the hillside above St Helier, offering a first-class education and sports facility to the local region.”

When it came to the onsite renovation program, the project involved more than one location that required refurbishment works. The priority was to upgrade the main sports hall with Gerflor’s Olympic pedigree Taraflex Sports vinyl floor coverings, specified for its outstanding credentials and reliability when it comes down to safety, comfort and performance. Creation 55 LVT was also specified for the Corridors and Fitness suite for its design finishes and ease of cleanability, whilst Tarasafe Safety Vinyl was chosen for the Changing rooms thanks to its unique surface treatment for easy maintenance.

In the Linking corridor, Stratus carpet tiles were chosen for their design aesthetics. In addition to Gerflor floorcoverings, a variety of Gradus products were also specified and installed, including Esplanade 8500 (external matting), Boulevard 5000 (internal matting), A range stair nosing’s, capping & coving finishing products, as well as SO100 sit on skirting, so that the End User could have a  complete solution for the entire project from both businesses.

The overall responsibility for the refurbishment project would be managed by St Helier-based, Page Architects. Page Architects was founded in 2003, by George De Sousa and Paul Van Bodegom, with the philosophy of creating architecture that would exceed the Client’s expectations. Page Architects has since developed into a bespoke practice that is design detail-oriented, with the goal of providing imaginative architecture that responds to their clients’ briefs in their landscapes.

Commenting on the Beaulieu Convent School project George De Sousa, Director and Co-Owner at Page Architects said, “The project was developed to improve the sports facility offering to the pupils at Beaulieu, prompting their health and well-being. The success of the sports hall has enabled the school to rent the facility to various after school clubs and the community at weekends which has proved to be a great success.”

On specification George De Sousa explained, “We specified Taraflex sports vinyl flooring, after an element of research and receiving positive feedback regarding Gerflor’s sports offers following close collaboration with the school’s PE department.”

The overall management of the project would be tasked to Jersey-based AC Mauger. Founded in 1947, AC Mauger & Son Limited, was acquired by the Style Group in 1982 and has continued to deliver excellence in all aspects of the building industry. AC Mauger forms a major part of the Style Group and has been at the forefront of construction in Jersey for many years, delivering excellence in all aspects of the building industry.

AC Mauger is able to take on projects of all sizes within any element of the industry and has a proven track record throughout the island. They deliver projects on time, within budget and to the very highest standards. As the company has gathered many years of experience in the industry, their team of experts are well placed to advise customers on a variety of products, materials and design options which best suit the design and build requirements of any particular client. This in turn enables AC Mauger to produce the best finish within the required time, budget, and design brief.

Mark O’Shea, Contracts Manager at AC Mauger said, “We have been actively involved and working on various phases of Beaulieu Convent School for approximately four years, the Sports Hall being one of the last phases. Gerflor’s Taraflex sports flooring was specified by Page Architects as the best option for the project, thanks to its outstanding cushioning properties, exceptional comfort, and optimum safety for all users regardless of their age and ability and activity on the indoor sports surface.”

Mark O’Shea also commented,” In addition to the Taraflex sports floorings, we were delighted to be able to procure and specify other flooring solutions from Gerflor including Creation LVT for the Fitness suite and Corridors and Tarasafe Safety vinyl for the changing rooms. Working in partnership with Gerflor also enabled us to have the opportunity to access the Gradus portfolio, for Matting and Finishing solutions. Both the Gerflor and Gradus products specified are absolutely meeting the high expectations set by both the Architect and Beaulieu Convent School. We would definitely specify both Gerflor and Gradus flooring and finishing products again for other Education projects.

Mark O’Shea added, “This has turned out to be an incredible project to be involved with. We have received tremendous feedback from both the School and the Architect involved in this key transformation project. I am also aware that many leading sporting organisations are using the sports hall out of school hours and their comments on their user experiences have also been extremely positive and supportive to the facility upgrade.”

The installation element of the Beaulieu Convent School project would be undertaken by London-based JW Contract Flooring Ltd whose expertise and floor installation skills would deliver the high levels of finishing required.

Based near Hounslow in Kingston-upon-Thames, the Installer was established in 2008, their core activity is business-to-business installation services, backed up by a team with many years of combined experience in the supply and installation of premium quality floor and wall finishes. Respected for working to tight deadlines on installation projects through a willing team of professional flooring contractors, they are reactive to the needs of clients and help in the delivery of successful projects, across the commercial sector. They work professionally at all times and trade with a refreshingly honest approach to business, whilst maintaining high standards of workmanship at a competitive price.

James Waters, Company Director at JW Contracts commented, “We were delighted to be invited by Gerflor to see if we would like to be involved in this iconic project.”  On specification James Waters added, “The majority of the flooring finishes were already originally specified as Gerflor products. We decided to also put forward additional Gerflor and Gradus products for the refurbishment program, for the intended use of the spaces across the facility. The Gerflor and Gradus flooring and interior finishing products are extremely easy to install, user friendly and of a high quality whilst being competitively priced. There has been a lot of media interest in the project and on that basis, I would deem the project as an accomplished success.”

In conclusion Mark O’Shea said, “I would just like to add a big thank you to all parties involved. Gerflor and Gradus were extremely helpful in recommending a high-quality subcontractor, whom we had never worked with in Jersey before. This made the whole project very straight forward and reduced project delivery times.”

Summing up the Beaulieu Convent School project, James Waters said, “We would definitely choose Gerflor and Gradus products again. We have a strong working relationship with their specification teams and are looking to further build on it. The main contractor is now bidding for a much larger gymnasium project in Jersey alongside Gerflor. It has been a great pleasure working with the Gerflor and Gradus specification teams on this valuable project. It was completely seamless in terms of arranging the logistics and the lead times on the products were remarkable, especially considering the location of the project and that we are primarily a UK mainland contractor.”

Chris Pursey, Specification Manager, ended by adding, “It was a pleasure visiting the facility now that it is complete and fully operational. It was remarkable to be able to specify solutions for every part of the building, from the main sports hall, dance studio, gym, changing rooms and corridors. Even the finishing accessories including stair edgings and matting.”

George De Sousa concluded, “The Gerflor floor coverings and Gradus finishing solutions that we have recommended and then were specified are more than meeting the high expectations we set. We would definitely choose Gerflor and Gradus products again for other projects in the commercial and public sector. The final result throughout the school looks simply stunning, and as we had hoped, has made a real difference for the staff, pupils and other users and visitors across the board.”

Gerflor company overview

Gerflor is a manufacturer of comprehensive contract interior flooring solutions, including vinyl, linoleum, carpets, and rubber. Gerflor innovations help to create attractive and functional environments, as well as enhance and protect education interiors. Gerflor solutions are proven to enhance the longevity of a building whilst reducing long term maintenance costs. Gerflor works in partnership with the education sector to ensure buildings are safe and accessible for all users.

Gerflor products overview specified for Beaulieu Convent School

Taraflex® Performance Sports Vinyl Floorcovering

Taraflex Performance® is available in 22 all over colours and 4 wood-effect designs as standard, with an addition of 110 solid colour options available. It offers a P2 category shock absorbency of 35% to 45% and has a Triple Action Protecsol® surface treatment so that no polish is ever required for the lifetime of the floor and makes it easy to clean and maintain. Taraflex® Performance offers maximum hygiene with bacteriostatic and a fungistatic treatment and comes with the Triple Action Protecsol® surface treatment which provides easy maintenance, friction protection and ‘intelligent’ sliding coefficient. The surface reinforcement which delivers durability and abrasion resistance is provided by a unique D-Max fibreglass grid.

The Taraflex® range of sports floorings are available with a complete range of shock absorption P1/P2/P3 ratings, so that the right solution can be specified every time, whether it is for exercise or play or both and for all ages and ability. The family of Taraflex® sports floorings are sustainable solutions thanks to their unique product construction.

Taraflex® sports flooring has been fitted at every Olympic Games since 1976. Approved by many National and International governing bodies as a world class indoor sports surface, it is also widely installed within the education, community, leisure, health, and fitness sectors. Taraflex® is ideal for new build projects and refurbishments and is extremely durable and cost effective to maintain. Over six million children everyday enjoy the benefits of Taraflex® sports flooring, which can be used for various multi-specialist sports and leisure applications.

Creation 55 LVT

The Creation 55 LVT Collection delivers a myriad of design classics in both contemporary wood and mineral decors. Available in tile and plank formats with a high definition of design & structured emboss for added ultra-realism. The crystal wear layer ensures an authentic finish and products come with bevelled edges. The revolutionary ProtectShield™ surface treatment delivers enhanced scratch and stain resistance and reduces maintenance costs as the product range is extremely easy to clean.

Available in Dryback, Solid Clic, Rigid Acoustic and Looselay formats, with new Herringbone Classics for all hardworking interiors. Suitable for contract applications including Education, Offices, Public Spaces. When a customised interior is at the forefront of a designer’s eye the need to explore the world of possibilities by mixing and matching colours with specific designs really becomes crucial. With Creation 55 LVT, if a Mix and Match floor scheme is required, designers can combine, contrast, or mix up references completely for a unique and customised floor scheme. The options are simply limitless providing a vast palette of incredible choices.

Tarasafe Safety Vinyl Floorcovering

Tarasafe Standard is a range of slip resistant safety sheet flooring that meets HSE guidelines. It is constructed from vinyl with deeply inlaid mineral crystal particles (patent pending) and coloured chips for a decorative design. It contains no Carborundum and is reinforced with a glass fibre grid for additional dimensional stability and is suitable for use in all areas of heavy traffic where slip-resistance, durability and hygienic conditions are required.

This safety flooring benefits from Sparclean® surface treatment for extreme resistance to soiling and staining. It is also treated with an anti-bacterial and fungicidal treatment. This particular product comes with a 12-year warranty and is 100% recyclable, when the product is at the end of its’ life. Additional benefits include:

1. An easy to clean and maintain compacted nonporous surface.
2. Enhanced colour, design, and brightness of mineral crystal particles
3. Stain and chemical resistant SparClean® surface treatment, no polish for life!
4. Maximum hygiene with bacteriostatic and fungistatic treatment

Gradus Stratus Carpet Tiles

Gradus Stratus Carpet tiles are suitable for heavy commercial environments and provides the ideal solution for commercial office and education environments. They have an Impact Noise Rating of 23dB which means the physical impact of footsteps, furniture moving, and objects being dropped, is reduced by 23dB. Stratus comes with a 12-year wear warranty meaning the carpet is more durable and requires less repair or replacement during the building’s lifecycle. This therefore reduces the operational carbon impact of a building.

Gradus Stratus also scores highly on the environment front as it contains 78% total recycled content, and its yarn is 100% ECONYL regenerated Solution Dyed Nylon yarn which is produced using nylon waste that is recovered from oceans and landfill. The nylon waste goes through a regenerated and purification process and recycled back into its original purity and then used to manufacture Stratus carpet tiles. The Bitumen backing of Stratus also contains 75% recycled material.

Learn more about Gerflor solutions, ask for a free sample or contact us to speak to a specialist today by calling 01625 428 922, emailing contractuk@gerflor.com, or visiting gerflor.co.uk for the latest flooring innovations.

Gradus company overview

Gradus is a manufacturer of comprehensive contract interior solutions, including stair edgings, floor trims, barrier matting, lighting, and wall protection. Gradus innovations help to ensure that buildings are safe and accessible, whilst also providing inclusive environments for all users. Gradus products enhance safety, aesthetics, and sustainability in schools and across other educational facilities.

Gradus products overview specified for Beaulieu Convent School

Esplanade 8500 Matting

Gradus Esplanade 8500 is a primary entrance barrier mat constructed from rubber wipers and aluminium scraper linking strips which are held together with galvanised steel wires. The rubber wipers are available either plain or interwoven with polyester fibres in a choice of Grey or Black giving options for both interior and exterior environments.

The aluminium scraper linking strips are anodised for use in internal environments to help reduce glare/strobing in brightly lit areas and are available in a silver anodised finish for use with grey wipers and black or a choice of bronze finishes for use with either black or grey wipers. The scraper linking strips for use with plain wipers are mill finished aluminium.

Esplanade 8500 is available in 12mm and 18mm thicknesses, open and closed construction and in a single or double wiper configuration. It is tested to withstand weights of up to 150kg per wheel (dependent on finish) to a minimum of 30,000 passes. It is also tested for flammability and slip-resistance.

Esplanade 8500 can be manufactured to most shapes subject to approval of a template and has a warranty of up to 10 years (dependent on finish and subject to terms & conditions). For a complete matting solution Esplanade 8500 can also be used with Boulevard secondary barrier matting.

Boulevard 5000 Matting

Boulevard 5000 is a tufted cut pile; high performance barrier matting manufactured from ECONYL® regenerated solution dyed nylon. It incorporates a light scraper for dirt removal and features a heathered design to disguise the effects of soiling. It also offers excellent moisture retention properties. Boulevard 5000 is suitable for interior use in most contract environments including retail, education, healthcare, and commercial office. It is ideal for use in circulation areas such as foyers & receptions, lift lobbies, staircases, corridors and walkways, vending & canteen areas, and service points.

Boulevard 5000 is available in 500 x 500mm bitumen backed tiles and 2m sheet with impervious pvc backing for easy installation. It is also easy to maintain, being resistant to bleach solutions.

Learn more about Gradus solutions, ask for a free sample or contact us to speak to a specialist today by calling 01625 428 922, emailing imail@gradus.com, or visiting gradus.com for the latest barrier matting, wall protection, lighting, and flooring accessory innovations.