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Christchurch Boys' High School

Rubber flooring for easy movement between buildings

Sector

Education

Applications

Stairways

Photographer

Dennis Radermacher

Writer

Folio

Products used

R01 Series

Neoflex

Express Delivery R01 is sustainably made from virgin and recycled EPDM rubber, offering durable, anti-slip flooring. Designed to withstand heavy rolling loads, it’s ideal for commercial, sports, and recreational spaces. Stocked in New Zealand.

THE IDEA

Making stairwells the best they can be


In creating two new learning facilities for Christchurch Boys’ High School, Athfield Architects have made stairwells a prominent feature, using Neoflex rubber flooring from Advance to manifest a sense of movement within and between the two buildings.


Both buildings are two storeys. Caddick Block features 22 modern learning classrooms, as well as a learning commons, library and music department, while Caldwell Block is a dedicated science facility with 12 labs. The two buildings are situated around a central quad, accessed by a series of open, glass-fronted stairwells.


‘Stairwells are typically expressed at corners and act as entrance markers around the school,’ says Charles Collins of Athfield Architects. ‘They are clearly visible and referenced from outdoor spaces, providing good visibility and a means of wayfinding.’

THE DESIGN

Adding warmth and style to utilitarian spaces


Collins describes the stairwells as ‘gold boxes’ due to their pine plywood walls and gold anodised lighting pendants, which act as beacons when viewed from outside. ‘Stairwells are positioned to receive sunlight, so we’ve used materials that complement this.’ The rubber flooring provides a dark contrast, further enhancing and highlighting the warm golden timber accents.


Each of the stairwells accommodates up to 700 students at peak times. Such high traffic required a flooring material that would provide durability, comfort and sound-damping properties. The RS100 range of 100% recycled EPDM rubber from Neoflex was the ideal solution.


In addition to its aesthetic appeal, Neoflex was chosen for both its resilience and acoustic properties. The rubber is soft underfoot, with a nice flex. This cushioning significantly reduces impact noise, which is such an important factor in the public spaces of a learning campus.

THE OUTCOME

Guided movement with seamless joins


‘The transparent treatment of stairwells helps to express movement both internally and externally,’ says Collins. ‘Stairwell spaces open to ground levels and connect directly with external quad spaces; this creates open, collegial spaces while accommodating the busy flows experienced during the school day.’ The use of Neoflex rubber flooring seamlessly connects these spaces, with directionless sheets that finish with no visible joins.

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