Over 20,000m² of Forbo Flooring Systems’ Marmoleum has been installed at Salford Royal’s Hope Building, a major building in the Trust’s £200m redevelopment scheme.
Combining exceptional infection control properties with superior environmental performance and a contemporary design aesthetic, the flooring installation has helped deliver a safe and attractive healing environment.
Having specified Marmoleum extensively across a wide variety of healthcare projects, Main Contractor Balfour Beatty were already familiar with Marmoleum’s suitability for creating healthy indoor environments – most notably due to its excellent inherent bacteriostatic properties, coupled with the fact that it does not harbour allergens.
Anne Symons, Design Manager at Balfour Beatty comments: “As a sustainable product that is resistant to MRSA and other bacteria – as well as being durable, easy to clean and available in an impressive variety of colours – it was the obvious choice as Salford Royal is extremely proactive in its approach to infection control.”
Marmoleum has been proven to be naturally bacteriostatic in independent testing conducted by both the University of Glasgow and the Centre de Recherche Industrielle in Quebec, as it inhibits the growth of MRSA, Norovirus and Clostridium Difficile. In addition, Marmoleum is one of only two floor coverings to be awarded the prestigious ‘Seal of Approval’ from Allergy UK, thanks to the positive impact it has on reducing allergens, the other being Forbo’s flocked floor covering, Flotex.
“Sustainability was also a major factor in the specification of Marmoleum,” Anne continues. “The Trust was keen to involve environmental ‘best practice’ throughout the build and as it is predominantly made from natural and recycled materials, Marmoleum had proven green credentials.”
“The aim of the flooring design was to create a clean, welcoming and calming environment that is visually appealing without being either overbearing or bland. It also aided wayfinding, with splashes of colour being used in strategic areas, such as yellow to define departmental entrances, which helps improve the patient, visitor and staff experiences. We are extremely happy with the finished flooring and its performance providing durability in a demanding environment, and also a practical and hygienic solution making the cleaning and maintenance regime one of ease.” Anne concluded.
| Location | Salford, United Kingdom |
| Architect | Balfour Beatty |
