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Designing a building that houses 18 laboratories, including two shared research labs, a lecture hall, seminar room and classrooms, the university was challenged to find a flooring that would stand up to possible chemical spills. “One of the reasons we selected nora was we couldn’t find another product that would be as resistant to the chemicals used in the building,” says Bill Duquin, construction manager.
Seeking a significant upgrade from the previous sciences building, which was constructed in the 1950s, the university established several requirements for the new space. Outfitting 99 percent of the building, including 18 laboratories, noraplan environcare ™ was selected as the flooring product most resistant to possible chemical spills. The floor covering also provides long-term durability, reduces maintenance and contributes to the building’s LEED Gold certification.
Another benefit of nora was realized after the building opened. “There is a small area used for dry storage, where we have been struggling with the floor settling a bit,” says Bill Duquin, construction manager. “This space contains both VCT and nora. The VCT has completely crumbled, while nora just seems to be adapting with no problem. You’d never know. I’ve never seen anything that adapts and gives as much as the nora floor does. That’s a real highlight.”
“The building is used hard,” shares Chris Ferguson, director of contract services and risk management. “It receives a significant number of prospective student tours and is the location where we host many events. It’s not used solely for academics. Anytime there’s an open house, there can be a couple hundred people trekking through, and the floor withstands it all very well.” Duquin adds, “The nora flooring always looks clean.”
“It’s become a showpiece,” says Chris Sheffield, executive director of planning and assessment. “The university community is very proud of the building. It’s been a really beautiful addition.”
