Super Tough Screed Selected For Arnolfini Gallery
Architects for the redevelopment and expansion of Bristol's famous Arnolfini centre for the contemporary arts chose a high specification screed system from maxit to meet the need for flooring capable of withstanding heavy foot traffic over many years.
Now re-opened after a major two-year redevelopment project, the Arnolfini features a two part hard-wearing industrial standard screed from maxit ABS Durosystem on all four floors of its expanded facilities at Bush House, Arnolfini's home.
Working with main contractor Cowlin Construction, pump screed specialist Evenfloors Ltd, of Cheltenham, prepared the existing concrete floors by priming, reinforcing and installing damp proof membranes where necessary before pumping new base screeds using approximately 130 tonnes of maxit ABS 440 Durobase at an average thickness of 45 mm over electrical conduit.
A finishing screed of 25 tonnes of ABS 410 Durotop, maxit's hard wearing self-levelling industrial formula, was then applied at thicknesses of 10mm -15mm in various areas on all four floors, together with stair areas, landings, internal circulation bridges and the café bar, totalling approximately 1,200 m².
Because of the extent of the refurbishment work being undertaken, the site was frequently congested and Evenfloors Ltd laid the new screeds to accommodate the main contractor's programme. The maxit screeds provided early curing, which allowed areas to be reopened to foot traffic with minimum delay.
The waterside complex, which has been home to the Arnolfini for 30 years, now has improved and extended galleries, a new education centre, an additional 60-seater theatre, a library/archive facility, bookshop and refurbished café bar.
Architects Snell Associates worked with project artist Susanna Heron to a brief aimed at bringing "light air and space" into the building. Funding for the project has been provided by a variety of public and private sector sources including the National Lottery through Arts Council England, Bristol City Council and the South West Regional Development Agency.
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