Founded in 1919 in Spain, this company is today based in Paris and now employs a workforce exceeding 100,000 worldwide. In 2013, the company inaugurated a new research and development location in the Dutch city of Utrecht: the Danone Innovation Centre. Here, about 400 employees are committed to the development of food recipes for those who are vulnerable, like babies, pregnant women and people with health issues.
When considering the design of the new research location, Danone expected high innovation and quality. The build was highly successful and was awarded a 4 star BREEAM certificate for its sustainability. This decision was also swayed by the choice of rubber floor coverings from nora systems.
Functional and cost efficient
Developed in 1990 in Great Britain, BREEAM stands for "Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method" and is the most common certification system in the world for sustainable building. BREEAM awards a quality label for eight assessment categories according to a simple points system. The assessment extends to all phases of a building project, including planning, execution, usage, and the building’s entire lifecycle. "We chose a nora flooring because it is sustainable and it helped us to receive a 4 star BREEAM certificate," explained Chris Pachen, Interior Architect and Planner at the Danone Innovation Centre.
nora rubber floorings present the ideal solution in more than one respect when it comes to sustainable buildings in industry. Characterised by its durability and very dense material, rubber flooring is extremely robust and resistant to laboratory testing and other damaging effects. It is also very easy to clean and looks as good as new, even after decades of heavy use. Furthermore, nora rubber floor coverings do not require a coating and so eliminates costly and time consuming maintenance work. Moreover, it does not contain any plasticisers (phthalates) or halogens, is a low emissions material and therefore promotes a healthy indoor climate.
Optimal room acoustics
A major concern of the planners was to create a pleasant working environment in the Danone Innovation Centre. Therefore, nora systems installed 3600m2 of its three millimetre thick noraplan signa acoustic throughout the building, providing a high level of walking and standing comfort. In addition, it completely absorbs footfall noise, lowering noise levels in the building. "We attached great importance to this requirement. The Danone Innovation Centre presents a characteristic open design, so optimal room acoustics is essential," stressed Pachen.
As well as the good footfall noise insulation, the design also swayed the decision in favour of this rubber flooring. With its light beige colour, noraplan signa acoustic reinforces the open atmosphere in the research building. The flooring helps to boost the friendly, open and modern characteristics of the light flooded rooms. The Danone Innovation Centre in Utrecht is a certified example of how sustainability, functionality and cost efficiency can be integrated in a pleasant and modern working environment.
