Forbo helps create better environment for The Core |
Forbo Flooring Systems has created a colourful, yet highly practical floor for The Eden Project's impressive education centre, The Core.
Forbo's flagship product, MarmoleumŽ, was installed through much of the building enabling an inspiring environment to be created for the generation of tomorrow.
The Core is the latest building at Eden which was originally constructed as one of the UK's Landmark Millennium Projects on the site of a disused china clay pit at Bodelva, near St Austell in Cornwall, the Eden Project has grown to become internationally-acclaimed.
Designed and built to meet the continuous increase in demand for the educational and academic programmes developed by the Eden Project, The Core provides an inspirational hub for a wide range of public events, exhibitions and learning facilities. It is also the home for Eden's innovative programmes for schools.
Grimshaw, the architectural practice responsible for the Biomes, which form the heart of the Eden visitor attraction, designed the building.
The building design is intended as an example of sustainability in construction. Described as a radical fusion of art, science and technology and an exhibit in its own right, the giant tree-like new building is constructed around a central 'trunk' with light entering through a canopy-like roof.
Jerry Tate from Grimshaw was project architect and designed the floor. He comments: "We specified Marmoleum for its excellent sustainability credentials, being made from natural materials, its ability to produce a wide variety of patterns and ease of maintenance. The end result has remained very close to the original floor concept design."
MarmoleumŽ's inherently natural composition and eco-friendly credentials were a key consideration when specifying the floor. It was also important for the floor to be hardwearing and available in many colours to help define different areas.
Forbo's MarmoleumŽ with Topshield™ is the world's leading linoleum floorcovering. It is fully biodegradable at the end of its long life span and is renowned for its hygienic properties.
MarmoleumŽ offers strength of colour and opens up a world of innovative textures and exclusive designs. Pioneering Aquajet technology, allows for maximum creativity and unlimited design potential.
Angus Fotheringhame, Managing Director of Forbo says: "We were delighted to work on this wonderful and exciting installation. Forbo has many years of experience in creating innovative, stylish and practical flooring solutions for the learning and education sectors.
He adds "The fact that MarmoleumŽ is a natural, sustainable product, and very environmentally friendly made it the ideal choice for The Eden Project.
MarmoleumŽ satisfies the demand for a floorcovering that combines exceptional performance with an exceptional environmental profile. Manufactured from natural and harvestable raw materials, it offers legendary durability. Our advanced Topshield™ finish ensures superior performance for our linoleums without compromising their exceptional environmental performance. If you are looking for a high impact floor which offers durability, easy and cost-effective maintenance with an outstanding environmental profile then our MarmoleumŽ product ranges fit the bill."
Forbo Flooring Systems delivered a bespoke design, creating a strong, dynamic floor, using warm, natural looking colours such as creams, yellows, green and apricot in a chevron design.
Simon Yeo from Unicraft Flooring Contractors Ltd, based in Exeter undertook the installation and worked hard to ensure that the intricacies of the design were maintained. The chevron design was cut entirely by hand.
Over 2,000 square metres of MarmoleumŽ were installed at The Core and a
selection of colours was used from the Dual range including Butter (795), Calico (713), Cool Green (412), Apricot (562), Gold Straw (970) and Cotswald (793). Natural Corn (3846) from the Fresco collection was also used.
David Losasso from the Eden Project says: "We are immensely pleased with the results. The floor looks fabulous and defines the space really well. It helps to create a warm and natural ambience. We have also been impressed with the ease of maintenance and durability of the floor."
For further details please contact Forbo Flooring Systems Customer Services on 01592 643777 or visit www.forboflooring.co.uk
