Croxteth Primary School

Forbo Flooring System’s impressive integrated product portfolio has helped 2020 Liverpool create a stimulating and inspiring environment - which has won the Highly Commended prize in the 2013 Fly Forbo competition - for the pupils at Croxteth Community Primary School, where the flooring has been used as a key design element.

Martin Shutt, Architect at 2020 Liverpool, specified a variety of Forbo’s products: “The main design objective for the flooring was to bring the outdoor environment inside – merging the internal and external boundaries, as well as bringing an organic and natural feel to the space.

“We successfully did this by using carpet tiles to create zoned areas, giving the effect of sandy islands in a large blue ocean. This created pleasing aesthetics but has also provided the school with pre-determined areas where the children can sit, read and participate in group activities.”

Martin chose Forbo’s Tessera Teviot carpet tiles for the central area of the school. Being a modular floorcovering, Tessera Teviot is perfect for contrasting colour and pattern to create visual markers, highlighting activity zones such as workstations, play areas and study spaces.

Martin continues: “Each classroom has had a wash area fitted, so the pupils can clean up after themselves. Therefore, we needed a flooring solution for these areas that would provide slip resistance and easy cleaning in case of any spills. Forbo’s Surestep Original vinyl was perfect, as it contrasted nicely with the carpet tiles and is rated R10 slip for resistance.”

Forbo’s Coral Duo entrance system was installed at the various entrances located throughout the school. Capturing an impressive 94% of moisture and walked in dirt, Coral Duo can help protect the interior floorcoverings, which can ultimately reduce maintenance costs.

Karen McBride, Headteacher at Croxteth Community Primary School said: “Our new school is excellent. The open spaces have been greatly enhanced by the flooring designs – especially the islands, which have been a great learning apparatus.

“We have also noticed an improvement in the pupils’ behaviour and desire to attend school, which has resulted in less absenteeism.”