SITUATION:

In Germany, the current trends in school architecture are light and airy. A school is not only a place of learning, but also a place to spend time, relax and socialise. Studies show, this architectural style may have positive long term effects on learning, student happiness and success. When designing this new secondary school the architect wanted to reflect that style. Other design factors the architect wanted to take into consideration were Passive House Energy Standards and to incorporate the region’s surrounding geological landscape. To achieve this balance, Hascher Jehle Architects of Berlin turned to ARDEX Germany.

CHALLENGES:

  • 2,400 m2
  • High Traffic area
  • Staircase with individually crafted steps
  • Passive House Energy Standards

SOLUTION:

PANDOMO® TerrazzoBasic was the perfect solution for this installation. PANDOMO TerrazzoBasic stands apart from a traditional terrazzo floor system by incorporating local aggregates instead of the traditionally more expensive decorative aggregates. PANDOMO TerrazzoBasic is also faster than traditional terrazzo to install, which is important for installation with limited time.

This installation was divided into 55 m2 sections to a depth of five to seven centimetres. Depending on the area’s designed color scheme either white or beige binder was poured with special locally sourced blue or black quartz aggregates. This design was carried up the staircases and required special attention on the central spiral staircase where each step was individually hand crafted. The final effect was an overall homogeneity with an irregular look and distinctive regional character.

PANDOMO TerrazzoBasic helped meet Passive House Energy Standards design with its high mass and thermal retention properties. The school has been awarded the European Union’s “Green Building” Certificate as it meets high standards of energy efficiency.

PARTICIPANTS:

Architect:

  • Hascher Jehle Architect – Berlin, Germany

Installer:

  • Hascher Jehle Architect – Berlin, Germany

SITUATION:

The Old Synagogue in Essen is considered one of the most architecturally important free standing synagogue buildings in Europe from the 20th Century. When time came to refurbish the building the architect wanted to increase the interior quality of the building, give it a more spacious design and ensure a long lasting durable floor for the high traffic areas.

CHALLENGES:

  • 1,200 m2
  • High traffic area
  • Seamless floor system

SOLUTION:

USED PRODUCT:
PANDOMO® FloorPlus

The architect decided to use PANDOMO® FloorPlus. PANDOMO FloorPlus offered the designer a spacious effect caused by using a flooring system with minimal joints. Installation consisted of 1,200 m2 of PANDOMO FloorPlus in discreet warm apricot colors which covered the main floors and was carried up the staircases.

PANDOMO FloorPlus is similar to PANDOMO® Floor with the exception of a special hand trowel technique and fine mineral float added to the surface to create an even stronger, more durable surface. The final result was a modern reduced design giving the floor a clean and noble look.

PARTICIPANTS:

Installer:

  • Farbecht Maler GmbH – Köln, Germany

Architect:

  • LJY Lothar Jeromin Architect – Essen, Germany

Interior Designer:

  • Lorenzo Piqueras Architect – Paris, France

SITUATION:

Germany has many old school buildings that do not meet the current building standards therefore many require renovations. Studies show schools are an important living space for students as well as a place of learning and may have a beneficial positive atmosphere.

The Theodor-Heuss School project was constructed in two phases. The first one was completed in 2011 and the second started in winter 2012. The goal of the renovation was to install a durable, high-quality floor. The architect and client were interested in classic terrazzo, but were bound by a limited installation schedule. Traditional terrazzo floors take months to complete.

CHALLENGES:

  • Fast-track installation
  • Design must meet new building standards
  • High traffic area
  • 700 m2 installation area

SOLUTION:

ARDEX Germany offered PANDOMO by ARDEX to meet the requirements of the installation schedule. PANDOMO TerrazzoBasic white and locally sourced aggregates were selected by the client and the architect. PANDOMO TerrazzoBasic requires only days for installation instead of the months required for classic terrazzo and is also highly durable, so it was the perfect choice to meet the requirements of the architect.

In the first three days, PANDOMO TerrazzoBasic white was installed to a depth of 70mm. The product cured in 48 hours and the grinding process commenced. For the finishing touches any pores were filled and the floor was sealed.

The combination of the new PANDOMO TerrazzoBasic floor’s reflectivity and the large deep windows resulted in maximum daylight in the rooms. The simple terrazzo style floor seemed to make the areas look very spacious and open. The new areas have become meeting points for the school.

PARTICIPANTS:

Installer/Applicator: Kessler GmbH – Schliengen, Germany
Architect: hotz + architekten – Freiburg, Germany