With potentially 7,000 students accessing the new Opus One building at Anglia Polytechnic University, a hard-wearing floor was considered an essential. Ryebrook Resins was awarded the contract by the main contractor, William Verry Ltd, to lay the Sikafloor 261 system, delivering a scratch resistant, seamless finish that is easy to keep clean. Finished in light grey for a hi-tech appearance, the resin floor offers a modern alternative to vinyl with unparalleled advantages, with respect to wear resistance, for busy locations. Ryebrook was responsible for a total area in access of 1,300mē, including a student bar and refectory, as well all main walkways and stairwells.
On the first floor of Opus One, Ryebrook used a high powered, 3-phase diamond grinder to prepare the concrete base. A primer was laid before applying by trowel the solvent-free, epoxy resin system, Sikafloor 261 at a nominal 3mm thickness. Incorporating a slip-resistant aggregate, a final layer of Sikafloor 261 was used to create a textured top coat,
With a high relative humidity, the concrete base on the ground floor first needed specific treatment to ensure the long lifespan of the resin floor. After shot-blasting, the water-based Sikaprimer 155W was applied to the concrete, followed by Epocem 81 epoxy damp proof membrane. Having effectively overcome the high moisture content with the substrate seal, Ryebrook was able to continue with the same procedure as for the first floor.
The landings and four stairways were treated with a combination of the epoxy screed, Ryescreed with three coats of Sikafloor 261 to finish.
