The 3Rs Project (Reorganise, Renovate, Rebuild) marks the start of the regeneration of Aberdeen City Council’s schools estate. The initial phase saw two secondary schools replaced, seven new primary schools built, one refurbished and the incorporation of two special schools.
The project was managed by Pihl Construction, their Senior Quantity Surveyor Alan Harris explains: “This was a large and prestigious project and one where choosing the right floorcovering was very important. The main criteria we were looking for were durability, aesthetics and long term performance – all of which are achieved with Heckmondwike products. They are renowned for their experience in the education sector, so it was the natural choice for us to choose their range. We are delighted with the outcome and I am sure the students are too.”
The project required a very fast turnaround to meet the council’s requirements to complete the academies due to the pupils returning to education. Heckmondwike FB were able to respond to the required deadline thanks to their inherent commitment to meet to meet the project’s needs, coupled with their newly invested manufacturing facility in West Yorkshire.
The Heckmondwike products specified for the project were:-
Supacord Carpet Tiles – Both tough and durable, Supacord was the perfect choice for areas of heavy general wear and tear within the school environment. Supacord is equally at home in office environments, retail outlets, libraries and other public buildings.
Total Care – Tufted carpet ranges which are hardwearing and highly resistant to permanent staining due to a fully impervious backing
Diamond Entrance Area Carpet – Entrance area carpet and carpet tiles which are perfect for areas of heavy wear and tear.
Bespoke Logo Mat – The schools took advantage of Heckmondwike’s bespoke logo service. They created a real impression by proudly displaying their logos on their entrance and reception areas in order to welcome visitors.
Heckmondwike fibre bonded carpets are widely used in educational buildings and their durability and wide choice of colours make them equally suitable for office environments, retail outlets, libraries and public buildings. They also offer anti-slip and antistatic properties, both of which are a major concern for schools, which are looking to protect their students and their equipment.
Raymond Young, Area Manager at Heckmondwike FB, explains: “The 3Rs project is a major step in the regeneration of Aberdeen’s schools and the communities that they serve, and as such, we are very proud to have been part of such a prestigious project.
Supacord in particular was the perfect choice for the developments. As well as having strong aesthetics, this type of carpet is extremely robust and is great at responding to heavy wear and tear. Aside from this it offers acoustic and thermal performance properties, making it just right for a building that will be used by hundreds of students every day”.
Supacord carpet has recently gained an ‘A+’ rating from the Building Research Establishment (BRE) for education buildings, which strengthens its position as one of the most environmentally responsible floorcoverings available.