MAPEI CONTRIBUTES TO GREEN CREDENTIALS AT INSPIRATIONAL SCHOOL CAMPUS

A complete system of eco-friendly Mapei products has contributed to a BREEAM rating of ‘Excellent’ at Highfields and Penn Fields School. Located in Penn, Wolverhampton, the dual facility occupies a single site joined by a ‘campus core’. The £42m rebuild project included installation of approximately 15,000m2 of vinyl flooring and carpet tiles, with Mapei products used to prepare the new power floated concrete substrate and install the floor coverings. Floor preparation and installation were carried out by Baker Flooring, for the main contractors, Carillion.

The Highfields and Penn Fields campus incorporates a 1500-place secondary school with a 160-place special needs facility. The inspiring learning environment is arranged around paired tapering wings of learning spaces with dramatic ‘heart spaces’ occupying double and triple height roof-lit and naturally ventilated spaces, and framing accessible outdoor classrooms.

Vinyl floor coverings, totalling an area of 8,000m2, were specified within the schools’ science labs, changing rooms, WC areas and staircases. Prior to installation, Mapei’s two-component, solvent free damp proof membrane – Mapeproof ESM – was applied, followed by Mapei Eco Prim T; a very low VOC primer which was used to improve the adhesion of the levelling compound. Mapei Latexplan Trade levelling compound was then installed, which provided low odour and high compressive strength benefits.

To facilitate the installation of the vinyl floorcovering to the new substrate – and eliminate potential health hazards – Baker Flooring used Mapei’s Ultrabond Eco VS90– a HT non-toxic, non-flammable adhesive which provides high coverage and a strong bond able to withstand intense levels of foot traffic.

Within the school’s classrooms and corridors, Baker Flooring utilised Mapei’s Ultrabond Eco Tack adhesive to install 7,000m2 of carpet tiles. Alongside environmentally friendly properties, the product provides a permanently tacky film once dried, which allows removal and replacement of carpet tiles, as required.

All Mapei Ultrabond Eco adhesives are solvent-free with low emissions of VOC.