The Nelson Place development, Belfast’s largest purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA), has specified Gerflor flooring for its iconic new build, that services the growing needs of Ulster University and Student Roost. This 774-bedroom prestigious project includes high-quality accommodation, with ground floor amenities elevated to incorporate a mezzanine level. These spaces also support a state-of-the-art 4-court sports hall, gym, fitness suite, and training facilities.
Central to the success of the project was the specification of 2,600 m² of flooring products supplied by international interiors specialists, Gerflor. The flooring solutions included PowerShock 300 rubber tiles and GTI Max Technical Tiles for the gym areas, Tarasafe Impression slip resistant safety flooring in the main reception and walkway, Tarasafe Ultra and Tarasafe Ultra H²O slip resistant safety vinyl flooring for the changing rooms and WC’s, alongside their world-renowned Olympic pedigree Taraflex® sports flooring for the main sports hall. These products were chosen for their world class durability, safety, and superior performance in high-traffic environments.
The sports hall at Nelson Place featuring Gerflor’s Taraflex® sports indoor vinyl flooring, is known for its use in Olympic and other international and national sporting and leisure venues. It was carefully selected for its outstanding shock absorption properties and high slip resistance performance. It was also specified because of its outstanding safety, comfort and performance for both the casual users and competitive athletes that utilise the facilities, making it a standout and natural choice for this multipurpose recreational space.
Gerflor’s PowerShock 300 rubber tile flooring, installed in the gym, delivers exceptional impact resistance and acoustic performance, making it ideal for heavy-duty fitness environments. Complementing this was the GTI Max collection, used across the key training areas for its exceptional durability and resistance to wear in high-traffic locations. These combined robust solutions aligned perfectly with the facility’s demanding requirements for long-term performance and ease of maintenance.
In the wet and dry areas, such as the changing rooms and WC’s, the Tarasafe Ultra H²O and Tarasafe Ultra vinyl safety flooring was installed as it offered key users exceptional slip resistance, whilst also meeting HSE guidelines for these critical areas. In the reception and walkway areas, Tarasafe Impression safety vinyl was installed, carefully selected for its striking design and outstanding slip resistance.
Maggie Smith, Scotland Team Leader and Specification Manager for Gerflor, commented, “The Nelson Place project has been two years in the making between myself and Wayne Andrews – Sports Key Account Manager – North. The client had only known and experienced timber sprung sports flooring in the past and this was an excellent opportunity to show what our world class Taraflex sports flooring can achieve. Offering, not only high levels of shock absorption but also instant impact protection which timber floors can’t achieve. Wayne visited Belfast to show the client around another facility where Taraflex had been installed. The client was impressed and wanted an Olympic pedigree indoor surface that could deliver first class performance for all Users, regardless of their age and sporting ability.”
Wayne Andrews also highlighted the close collaboration with Fletcher Joseph Architects in delivering a comprehensive flooring solution. He commented “The decision to use Taraflex sports vinyl was driven by the need for easy maintenance, remarkable safety and cushioning for users, and long-term durability and performance, the flooring’s robust qualities aligned perfectly with the project’s high standards.”
Fletcher Joseph Architects, known for their innovative and sustainable designs, contributed their expertise to delivering the project. Sandy Deans, Senior Associate at Fletcher Joseph, commented that the growing student population in north Belfast created a demand for high-quality amenities. The challenge was to design facilities that catered to students’ needs, while adhering to a proven development model.
Remarking on the specification of the Gerflor Taraflex® sports flooring Sandy Deans said, “Gerflor have an established track record of supplying world class competition ready sports flooring solutions in the world’s best sporting venues. Where users from Ulster University may be training for competitions, Gerflor were a clear fit in terms of meeting the aspirations of the client and to the benefit of the end users.”
Sandy Deans further added, “In terms of construction this modern sports flooring solution avoided the requirement to integrate a traditional timber floor. This rationalised the slab design, reducing the depth of concrete and digging required and the overall material to be taken offsite for disposal. This also made way for improved thermal continuity below the slab and overall building performance.”
The design approach, influenced by post-pandemic considerations, focused on creating spaces that foster social interaction. This was achieved through three core themes: awareness, flexibility, and participation, which shaped the layout and visual connections between activity zones, including the 690 m² games hall, wellness room, physio suite, and social areas.
Sandy Deans further commented “The Gerflor products have been well received by the client team and the end users. Multiple sporting groups have praised the comfort of the flooring in the main sports hall, while others have commented on the finishes in the gym and multi-use areas. The overall quality and finish of these hardworking spaces enables a range of sporting, exercise and leisure activities and provides practical robustness, whilst future proofing the facility for many years to come.”
Wayne Andrews highlighted further “This remarkable project provided a unique opportunity to showcase a wide range of innovative flooring solutions. All the Gerflor products installed have exceeded expectations in terms of performance and aesthetics. Nelson Place has not only delivered excellent student accommodation but has also contributed to regenerating a brownfield site near Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter.”
Maggie Smith concluded, “The successful incorporation of our Taraflex sports vinyl flooring has opened doors for further opportunities for Gerflor. Residents at Nelson Place benefit from outstanding sports facilities, adding tremendous value to their living experience, whilst Ulster University’s clubs and societies make full use of these versatile recreational spaces.”
Each occupant at Nelson Place enjoys access to the sports facilities, offering exceptional value for money as part of their residency. Ulster University’s over 75 clubs, with their diverse range of requirements, are all able to also benefit from this multipurpose facility.
Sandy Deans finally concluded, “We would recommend Gerflor innovations in such settings again in the future for other key projects. The products offered, and the assistance from Maggie and Wayne at Gerflor, has been excellent. The overall project has exceeded our expectations, especially in terms of the quality of the floor finishes within the recreational facilities, which have been instrumental in the success of the project.”
Supporting Information
Gerflor Company Overview
Gerflor manufactures a comprehensive range of interior flooring solutions tailored for Universities, Colleges, and Student Accommodation, this includes vinyl, linoleum, carpets, and rubber. Their innovative products create both functional and visually appealing environments, ensuring safety, comfort, and long-term performance in high-traffic areas. Gerflor’s flooring is engineered to withstand heavy use while reducing maintenance costs, making it ideal for high traffic sports facilities for students. By working closely with the sport and education sectors and residential developers, Gerflor ensures that its solutions meet the highest standards of safety, hygiene, and accessibility for students and athletes alike.