SITUATION
Rolf Benz is Germany’s best-known, design-oriented furniture brand. Worldwide, it’s known for premium furniture, a classy look and outstanding quality. The manufacturer recently decided to redesign the exhibition centre at its headquarters in Nagold, Germany.
SOLUTION
The outcome is impressive: an elegant cube houses the new, central reception along with three showrooms. A distinctive decorative floor displays a unique character, providing the Rolf Benz entrée with a prestigious feel and perfectly augmenting the sense of high-quality spaciousness. The modern cube, made of concrete and glass, was designed as a joining element linking two existing buildings. The plain cube was chosen to express restraint, in terms of its shape and material, resulting in modern, high-quality architecture.
The challenge was to produce the 400 square metres of flooring for the new entrée in the centre of the complex whose appearance corresponded to that of the two older, adjoining halls. The highly frequented floors in the reception area called for an extremely hard-wearing material that, at the same time, was very flexible in its design and would forge a link with the existing floors. PANDOMO Loft by ARDEX was chosen; an extremely durable, decorative smoothing compound with an unusual surface finish that can be installed particularly quickly.
Three layers of thinly troweled PANDOMO Loft were applied to the underlying cement screed in a light shade of gray. To achieve the required finish matching the neighboring halls, it was decided to design a smooth, calm look using a special technique to achieve the look-and-feel of the existing magnesite screeds: when it came to troweling the final layer, instead of using the usual special tools recommended for light floors, they used plain metal trowels, creating the unique metal patina – a sort of “used look”.
The outcome delighted the planners and clients alike. The floors are one of a kind, highly individual, spacious and virtually seamless bearing their own distinctive signature.
SITUATION
In 2019, ADIDAS was looking at a new store concept for their locations all over the world. ARDEX was fortunate to work with Stadler Interior Service to adopt the concept, starting with their first store in Wertheim, Germany at the end of 2019.
SOLUTION
The product chosen for the store concept was PANDOMO K 3 FloorPlus, which is a gray, cementitious floor covering allowing for an almost unlimited range of design options. The product’s load-bearing capacity is equivalent to that of parquet floors or natural stone which makes it a durable solution for retail stores. All stores ranged from 500 and 1,200 m²
After the completion of the first store in Germany, many more facilities following, including locations in UK, Denmark, the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. Most recently, the stores in Salzburg, Austria and Brussels, Belgium were realised in May / June 2021. More shops will follow this year in Spain and France.
The next projects are already in the works for China and Hong Kong – showing ADIDAS is also interested in the concept from Europe there.
To learn more about the PANDOMO line of products, visit the website here: www.pandomo.com
SITUATION:
Apple Inc. is a multinational technology company that designs, develops, and sells consumer electronics, computer software, and online services. Apple store Kai Chui road is located in the heart of Hongkong which are packed with people.
Apple requested a quick dry, durable and low odour water-based polyurethane sealer to protect the sand stone flooring at it’s retail shops.
SOLUTION:
ARDEX had to complete the work overnight in a very short time period. Therefore, ARDEX R65 P was selected to perform a durable protective layer. It does not affect the appearance of the existing sand stone flooring tile. It penetrates & cures within the pores of the surface providing a seal for extended service life.
Additionaly, the product has:
- Good water & chemical resistance.
- Good abrasion resistance.
- UV Resistant.
PARTICIPANTS:
H.S. Tech.
SITUATION:
Times Square was officially opened in April 1994 and is one of Hong Kong’s largest shopping mall and one of the most popular tourist destination in Hong Kong. Situated at Causeway Bay, the most vibrant mega-mall in town with foot traffic over 150 thousand each day.
In early of May 2013, the Facility Management (FM) Team from the Times Square Limited started to look for a suitable methodology and a reliable product for the flooring renovation work at the Basement one.
SOLUTION:
For the 750m2 flooring renovation work, they planned to divided into 10 phases and all the work should be done overnight after the weekend.
“With ARDURAPID-Effect” , “Walk ability after 3 hours” & “Ready to receive any floor coverings after 1 day” are the features of ARDEX A 35.
Site work was commenced on 26th August 2013 and to be completed by 27th November 2013.
We are not only to provide engineered solutions but follow through until the client’s satisfaction.
PARTICIPANTS:
Owner: Wharf Properties Limited
SITUATION:
De Fazio Commercial Tiling has recently completed the tiling of all common areas at The Emporium, a premium retail space in the heart of Melbourne CBD. The overall project took three years to complete with the tiling taking twelve months.
CHALLENGES:
Ardex Australia supplied a complete system for the tiling installation including waterproofing, adhesive and grouting products to all public areas. The tiling covered an enormous area of more than 21,000 m2.
SOLUTION:
ARDEX S16 Rapid Hardening and Rapid Drying Tile and Natural Stone Adhesive, the main tiling product used, was chosen for its rapid drying and reduced risk of water-staining. Early access to the tiled area was viable which helped to fast track the installation. Ardex A38 rapid set cement screed was also supplied. It produces a screed that improves onsite efficiencies by allowing traffic shortly after application and the laying of the floor covering on the same day.
The project presented a number of challenges with much time spent on-site assessing the various areas for tiling and undertaking quality assurance for the Ardex system. Tiling was specified above 2.7 metres which required particular attention and utilised the Ardex WA100 epoxy.
The central CBD location made deliveries more challenging with Ardex having to adhere to very exact delivery times. The centre contains 225 stores over five levels so product had to be distributed throughout the entire centre. “Ardex Australia was thrilled to be involved with the overhaul of such an iconic building,” explained Fabian Morgan, Sales and Marketing Director, Ardex Australia. “The project demonstrated the scope of Ardex tiling products and combined with quality and skilled workmanship, has achieved an outstanding result.”
PARTICIPANTS:
DeFazio Commercial Tiling
SITUATION:
In consultation with Westfield Design & Construct, Terrazzo Australian Marble engaged Ardex to investigate different options for the retiling of the existing centre of the Westfield Shopping Centre at Miranda, in Sydney’s south.
The main criteria when looking at the different options were speed of curing for the screed and tiling adhesive as work had to be completed at night & the centre to be ready in the morning for minimal disruption to walkways.
A traditional sand & cement screed was compared against the ARDEX A38 Rapid set screed to view what the best solution for was the project.
SOLUTION:
The ARDEX A38 Rapid set screed was chosen to rescreed the walkways following removal of existing tiles and screed. Having the ability to accept heavy foot traffic within 8 hours of installation, the A38 screed system ensured strict timeframes were met during the installation of this critical part of the system.
Achieving a compressive strength of 35 MPa and being dimensionally stable, the A38 ensures the base of the tiling system contains the perfect mix of strength and flexibility. With the high compressive strength, scissor lifts can be employed directly on the screeded floor, something which is difficult to do with traditional sand & cement screed. The A38/S16 system also complies with low VOC emission requirements which were also a consideration for this project.
As Ardex are committed to ensuring contractors are exposed to high quality training in the installation of their products, Ardex conducted on site training of the A38 rapid set screed at Terrazzo Australian Marbles headquarters, with representatives from Terrazzo Australian Marble & Westfield attending.
The following night the areas containing the A38 screed were cleaned and prepared for the ARDEX S16 Rapid Hardening and Rapid Drying Tile and Natural Stone Adhesive to install the Terrazzo tiles and natural stone.
Besides being ideal for installing natural stone susceptible to moisture sensitivity, the main benefit of using this adhesive on the project is the curing time and the ability for traffic to walk on the flooring, 2-3 hours after installation in suitable conditions. This allowed large areas to be tiled overnight and made ready for trading each morning with no disruption to shoppers. As with the A38 screed, the S16 tile and natural stone adhesive’s low VOC rating meets Green Building Council of Australia Green Star IEQ-13 requirements.
Although the system was only originally specified on the existing shopping centre flooring, Westfield were so happy with the performance of the products and the response from Ardex to ensure the project ran smoothly, they specified the system on the new areas of the shopping centre being installed by Saba Brothers Tiling. In all, the project totalled approximately 12000m2.
PARTICIPANTS:
Builder: Westfield Design & Construct
Contractor: Terrazzo Australia Marble (Existing areas); Saba Tiling (New areas)
CHALLENGES:
The 6000m2 of walkways at the Canberra Centre needed an upgrade, however minimal disruption to the walkways was of key importance to allow shoppers to move freely around the centre.
This meant that the new screed and tile adhesive needed to be able to have heavy foot traffic walk on it in a matter of hours. As some of the work conducted was to outside areas in the middle of winter, the temperature also provided a challenge to Ardex as the temperature would get down to as low as 2 degrees.
SOLUTION:
Ardex specified the ARDEX A38 Rapid set screed to be used to re-screed the walkways after existing tiles and screed were removed. Large areas of the project could all be done in the one night as the A38 screed has a walkability time of 8 hours and achieves 20MPa compressive strength after 1 day, achieving 35MPa after 28 days. The shopping centre walkway could then be covered to allow foot traffic in the morning and throughout the day.
Areas which had a smaller depth to level before tiling were covered with ARDEX LQ92 Under Tile Levelling Compound which can be accessed in 4 hours after installation in suitable conditions & achieve a 0-25mm thickness.
The ARDEX S16 rapid drying and hardening tile & natural stone adhesive, mixed with ARDEX E90 Admix was then used in order to allow the tiling to be done on the 2nd night. With it being trafficable after 2-3 hours in suitable conditions the Ardex S16 allowed the tiling component of the project to be performed efficiently to allow the walkways to be open and ready for foot traffic at the start of the day.
A special batch of the Ardex A38 Rapid Set Screed was produced for the 500 m2 outside areas, which experienced single digit temperatures throughout the winter installation.
On top of the high performing system components, Ardex’s Key Account Manager for tiling, Ralf Sablowski kept in constant contact with the project, ensuring products were delivered within 24 hours, organising Ardex system recommendations so everyone on site was on the same page & being available to view installation & respond to any questions.
As the total system was supplied by Ardex a system warranty could be provided in order to ensure the high quality components are working together to provide an efficient, robust base and floor.
PARTICIPANTS:
Marble & Granite specialist PDA
SITUATION:
ARDEX Middle East (AME) converted Nike ME from polished screed Mapei to ARDEX PC-T and was offered to do the biggest Nike store in the world at Yas mall, Ferrari world, Abu Dhabi. Because of the Formula-1 Grand Prix Finale, AME had just 15 days to finish and handover the project before the Finale.
CHALLENGES:
- Largest Nike Store in the world
- Short fit out period required day and night shifts coordinating installation and polishing teams
- After screeding, the floor was uneven and rough
- 1400 m2 out of which polished area is 550 m2 of seamless floor, Duplex store
- Fast turnaround
- Multiple trades working simultaneously
- Traffic over the uncompleted floor
- Cold water was necessary to extend the working time for 30°C temperature
- Client required high gloss and easy maintenance
SOLUTION:
The screed laid by the contractor had a variation ranging from zero to 3 cm when checked with laser machine. The client wanted seamless floor with only the structural joints. So a smoothing layer of ARDEX K 80 was installed with reinforcing mesh to reduce the risk of cracking.
After 24 hours, ARDEX PC-T was laid. After 36 hours, the grinding processes started according to the seven steps per the ARDEX Middle East method statement. After that, line marking was placed with ARDEX R35E according to the Nike theme on both floors.
Nike agreed that the project was to be managed exclusively by ARDEX AME who were present throughout the project to ensure that the full ARDEX system was installed as per the recommendations.
The entire team from Nike, Inc. was present for the opening of the store. The lead designer, Jerry Ulysess Conduff, loved the floor and assured continued projects with ARDEX PC-T flooring for Nike. AME has completed two stores in Dubai and one each in Abu Dhabi, Bahrain and Kuwait, further stores are being upgraded in Doha, Dubai & Muscat.
Ms. Klairi, Nike Marketing, expressed her joy by saying she “can’t take her eyes off the floor which is enhancing the look of the store.”
Nike is very pleased with the exceptional service and AME has secured orders for around 70 stores for 2015.
PARTICIPANTS:
Installer: Dinworx Decorating, LLC
General Contractor: Bond Interiors, LLC
Architect(s): Sun & Sands Dubai with Nike in-house team
SITUATION:
In 2015/2016 Dunnes Stores in Stephens Green Shopping Centre underwent renovation to provide customers with a ‘stunning new shopping experience’. During the refurbishment of Dunnes Stores, Ardex Ireland worked closely alongside the main contractors, ArdMac. The basement, ground and first floor levels were prepared and completed using Ardex products.
CHALLENGES:
- This was a fast track refurbishment of one of Dunne Stores Flagship shops
- Ardex were on-site with technical support right through the installation of the new large format tiles
- This was a functioning shopping centre while work was been carried out
SOLUTION:
The fact this was a busy retail enviorment and the renovation of the store done in stages it was imperative to keep the dust to a minimum. Once the old floor was removed Arditex NA was used to encapsulate any old residues that were on the floor. Then the BAL Stone and Tile was used to ensure Solid bed fixing was acheived under the large format floor tiles. All products were used sucessfully and the project was completed on time.
PARTICIPANTS:
Installer/Applicator: Floorform Ireland
General Contractor: ArdMac Construction Ireland
Architect(s): Power Architectural Design Ltd, Frank Crowley & Associates
SITUATION:
Tesla Motors Showroom was scheduled to open in Washington Square Mall in Portland, Oregon. The 2,000 square-foot space had been converted multiple times by previous tenants. As a result, the floors were in severe disrepair. After the old vinyl flooring was removed there were height variations of zero to three inches throughout the floor. These slopes and gouges had to be addressed before the new tile flooring could be installed. Per Tesla Motors specifications, the finished floor had to be flat and smooth.
CHALLENGES:
- 2,000 square- foot installation area
- Four-day installation time frame
- Showroom space being converted after several previous tenants
- Extreme height variations up to three inches
- Zero floor height variations tolerated
SOLUTION:
On day one, the Pure Floors, Inc. crew shaved and grinded the subfloor to achieve a medium-high surface elevation throughout the floor. The floor was then primed with ARDEX P 51™ Primer. The next day, ARDEX V 1200™ Self-Leveling Flooring Underlayment was poured to achieve a smooth, flat, stable floor. Paragon Tile & Stone was astounded by the ease and the flatness result of ARDEX V 1200. ‘This is the flattest floor I’ve ever been able to set tile over and I’ve been doing this a very long time!’ The floor was now properly prepared to receive the tile; ARDEX X 5™ Thin Set Mortar was used by Paragon Tile & Stone, Inc. to install the large format 12” x 24” porcelain tiles on the walls and floors. ARDEX X 5 is ideal for setting large format tile on floors and walls because of its very good shear strength and sag resistance.
The combination of ARDEX Tile & Stone Installation Systems and ARDEX substrate preparation products provided Tesla Motors with a five year ARDEX SystemOne™ Warranty. ARDEX Sales Professionals William White and Jon Esteve were available throughout the project to address installation concerns and provide recommendations for both Pure Floors and Paragon Tile & Stone, Inc. ARDEX high-performance products got the job finished on-time and on budget allowing Tesla Motors to showcase their highperformance automobiles in a premium brand environment.
PARTICIPANTS:
Contractor: Pure Floors, Inc. – Portland, OR
Installer: Paragon Tile & Stone, Inc. – Tigard, OR
