Linnaeus University: Modern material concept for a creative learning environment

A valuable contribution to sustainability

According to the university‘s most recent report on the planned sustainability goals and initiatives, the measures are diverse and range from internal sustainability work, which deals with the direct impact of the university on the environment, to external measures, such as research and cooperation with institutes. „So it is only a logical consequence that rubber floors from nora systems were used in a very large quantity for the floor renovation in Kalmar,“ explains Joakim Newman, Managing Director for Scandinavia of the nora product line of Interface. „After all, our floor coverings are extremely economical. They can be used for several decades and, thanks to their dense and sealed surface, they do not require coating. This not only saves the initial coating costs, but also future time-consuming and costly new coatings.“ In addition, the nora pads developed especially for nora floors can be used to easily clean the rubber floor coverings with fresh water without cleaning agents or chemicals. Another clear advantage for the sustainability of nora rubber floor coverings.

Modern and functional

„The noraplan sentica rubber flooring, which we laid at Linnaeus University, is an attractive, rather inconspicuous but very colourful floor, which brings with it numerous functional properties. It also fits perfectly into the overall architectural picture of the university,“ commented architect Malena Strömberg of the executive architecture firm Tengbomgruppen AB. „In addition, our rubber floors are highly functional and ideally suited for use in a large building with different areas,“ adds Newman. Due to its high, long-lasting elasticity, the nora floor covering in the corresponding areas of Kalmar University offers considerable standing and walking comfort. This relieves the body – especially the back and joint muscles, which can achieve a significant reduction in signs of fatigue. But not only that: Due to the rubber material, the floor has first-class acoustic properties. Its elasticity reduces the formation of noise on the ground, so that noise pollution caused, for example, by clacking heels is significantly reduced. In addition to all these properties, chemical resistance also played a major role in the choice of floor covering. „nora floor coverings are largely chemical and media-resistant due to their dense and sealed surface,“ says Newman. „That‘s why noraplan sentica is located in some laboratory areas of the university. If a substance ever enters the floor, it remains intact.“

Technical support

The project also received a lot of praise for nora‘s technical department. „Before the installation started, the responsible sales representative visited us to go through all the installation work with us,“ explains an employee of Hagbloms Golv, the installation company for the project at the Swedish University. „ At this meeting, we decided that the nora technical department would give our installers a briefing on the installation of the rubber floors at the university. In this way, we got some valuable tips and were able to achieve an optimal installation result,“ concludes the employee. As with this project, nora naturally offers all customers first-class technical advice upon request. From underfloor preparation and various installation techniques to cleaning and maintenance tips – and also on-site.