Gatwick Airport
Airports are bustling, high traffic environments – buildings that never sleep. With an estimated 31.3 million passengers travelling through Gatwick Airport each year, with luggage, trolleys and children in tow, it is easy to see how important the right choice of flooring is. It needs to be incredibly durable, highly slip resistant and fit for purpose. As one of the chosen suppliers for BAA, Strata Tiles provided Strata Dante and Strata Dino for the Gatwick Airport ITTS station and Pier Two. Now owned by GIP, we are proud to be involved with a number of upcoming high profile projects at the airport, including the South Terminal forecourt. There are a number of key aspects that have to be taken into account when specifying for an airport environment and we offer a talk on the complexities behind specifying for airports, a short extract of which follows below:
With a building designed for almost 24/7 heavy foot traffic, how do companies like Strata Tiles succeed in working with architects, developers and airport contractors to refit and install flooring within a busy terminal?
In short, airports manage to accommodate an incredibly high level of construction in and around their working day, this is necessary in order to keep their buildings open and the passengers moving. Strata Tiles work closely to ensure this is the case by responding quickly to the key needs of these projects:
1. Durability
Providing materials that can cope with the high levels of foot traffic, luggage and trolleys. This is especially necessary in congested areas like security check points, where floor scuffing and rubbing is at its highest, so selecting the right stone is paramount.
2. Function
Our materials are complemented by the latest anti slip testing, providing architects with confidence when specifying Strata Tiles products
3. Cost
We are accustomed to working with projects, aiming to supply the best material at the very best cost. Cost savings can be made not only on the initial outlay of the stone, but also in future maintenance costs. One possibility is using our Hydrotect coated products - by repelling dirt these tiles require much less abrasive cleaning and harmful chemicals.
4. Sustainability
Strata Tiles continue to provide the best in sustainable materials and processes to our eco-conscious clients. Our Eco Bear label represents our continuing dedication to environmental responsibility.
5. Aesthetics
Look and feel of the stone is key. With stones designed specifically to mask the sight of litter or dirt, Strata Tiles have an extensive portfolio of stones that appeal to architects working within this type of environment.
After testing and meetings to discuss reports, statistics and shipping, the project can begin in earnest. A tiled surface could last for decades, in comparison with an annual shelf life for carpeting, so it is important it is laid correctly. A process of refurbishment that, for many a weary traveller, will pass unnoticed. But we take pride in the fact that our product is firmly placed beneath them, monitored and managed before installation, and remaining solid throughout the years that come.
The products selected for Gatwick Airport? Strata Dante and Strata Dino. Sleek, fully vitrified porcelain stoneware, available in a chic palette of our most popular tones. Perfect for high traffic environments, these tiles have proven their worth at Gatwick Airport and a number of other exciting projects.
To express an interest in Strata Dante and Strata Dino, email marketing@stratatiles.co.uk, quoting the reference ‘Gatwick Case Study’
