The University of Huddersfield’s gym area gets a functional flooring boost and a brand new look, in just five hours

In 1992 Huddersfi eld Polytechnic changed its name to The University of Huddersfi eld. The writing was on the wall that this centre of learning would indeed surpass all academic expectations on both delivery and student environment. In January 2014, the university opened Student Central, a £22.5m development which brought together support services, access to the library, computing facilities, sport and leisure, together with a range of eating and social spaces under one roof. Huddersfield was recently named the Times Higher Education University of the Year. This follows on from a highly successful 2013 in which the university was awarded two Queen’s Awards for Enterprise and in 2012 the prestigious Entrepreneurial University of the Year at the Times Higher Education Awards.

Today, student numbers have reached over 24,000 with over 130 countries represented on campus. And like most red brick universities the sports and leisure facilities feature very heavily in student life. These sports areas take a hammering and need to be both resilient and functional. The Gerfl or brief had to offer a suitable solution for an ‘under rig’ flooring area which was positioned directly underneath the sports centres ‘Technogym Omnia’ system. Chosen for its comfort and safety performance properties Tarafl ex™ Sport M Evolution (7mm) in Anthracite, Gold and Beige would be the specifi ed product.

Comfort and performance
Laurie Nettleton, Sport and Leisure entre manager commented: “Gerfl or recently installed a bespoke flooring solution at our sports centre in order to provide protection underneath the functional rig. The floor was fitted in less than five hours and the team were efficient, friendly and professional.”

Taraflex™ has been used in every summer Olympics since 1976 and is available in 17 colours and two wood effect designs. The Sport M Evolution product offers a P1 category shock absorbency 25-35% and meets the EN 14904 Standard for indoor sports surfaces. Taraflex™ is also recognised for its durability, safety and comfort without impairing performance. The range offers greater than 45% force reduction, making it unrivalled in the market in terms of comfort for users.

Nettleton adds: “Members of the gym have been very impressed with the Taraflex floor and have welcomed the flexibility that it provides.”

At this recent project, Gerflor was also able to utilise its bespoke water cutting, HD printing and line marking service. Nettleton says: “Team Hud sports staff are also impressed and find the markings helpful when delivering functional training classes. I personally love the solution, so much so that we’re planning to expand the flooring into other areas in our new fitness suite.’

Taraflex™ meets the EN Standard of 22196 for anti- bacterial activity (E. coli - S. aureus - MRSA) (3) returning >99% levels of growth inhibition. It’s treated with Protecsol®, which renders polish redundant, has a double density foam backing and it’s environmentally friendly.