
Beaulieu Convent School is a Roman Catholic independent school for girls located in St Helier, Jersey. When the education facility needed an urgent refurbishment, the well-established Catholic convent school would see international flooring specialist Gerflor supply a wide range of its internationally acclaimed floorcoverings. This included its Olympic pedigree Taraflex sports floorings, Creation LVT and Tarasafe Safety vinyl. Alongside this, Gradus matting and finishing solutions were also installed as part of the refurbishment program, for a complete package for the building project.
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:
- An easy to clean and maintain compacted nonporous surface.
- Enhanced colour, design, and brightness of mineral crystal particles
- Stain and chemical resistant SparClean® surface treatment, no polish for life!
- 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.