The Royal Gwent Hospital in Newport, Wales, is well known for its comprehensive healthcare services, and it caters for a population of over 600,000 people in the local community. With more than 3,400 staff and thousands of patients passing through daily, the hospital required a complete flooring and wall covering solution that could withstand high traffic, it would also need extremely durable products that would improve the building’s longevity, and there was a necessity to bring a fresh, contemporary and modern look to its hardworking healthcare space.
When the time came for this major iconic refurbishment, the hospital turned to renowned interior specialists Gerflor to transform several key areas, including the main reception, corridors, and the sexual health clinic. The world class collections from the Taralay Premium, Taralay Impression, Tarasafe Ultra product ranges and the Mural Ultra Design wall coverings were installed on time and to budget to ensure that the Healthcare facility is future proofed for many more years to come.
The Challenge: World Class Durability, Design, Hygiene
Hospital environments demand more than just aesthetic appeal. There is an ongoing need for an interior that is functional and hard wearing, delivers consistent hygiene, whilst also creating a healing and inclusive space for all. The flooring and wall coverings required by the Healthcare Estate had to handle the wear and tear of constant use, whilst providing a safe and comfortable surfaces for all patients and staff alike. The hospital wanted to step away from typical Healthcare sterile and bland interiors, instead seeking, contemporary and warming designs that would create a welcoming atmosphere. The floor and wall covering solutions would also need to be extremely easy to clean and maintain to ensure that the healthcare environment is at the forefront of managing infection control.
Tony Thorne, Sales and Specification Manager for Gerflor South Wales, noted, “The client brief was clear … they were looking for something unique— remarkable with fresh finishes that deliver outstanding durability for high-traffic areas, and can also offer unrivalled levels of chemical and stain resistance.”
The Solution: Gerflor’s Cutting-Edge Products
Gerflor introduced a range of products tailored to the hospital’s needs, including the best in class, high performance and stylish Taralay Premium Compact and Taralay Impression Compact collections, as well as Tarasafe Ultra safety vinyl for excellent slip-resistance. These products were ideal for the communal areas, corridors, and treatment rooms. Additionally, the Mural Ultra Design wall coverings were also offered as a complete solution, as they are extremely robust yet visually appealing for high-impact zones.
This major transformation could not have been possible without a credible and experienced Flooring Contractor. TSF Contracts Ltd, were the natural choice, for this iconic refurbishment. TSF are one of Wales’s premiere refurbishment, renovation, and re-modelling specialists.
Founded in 1978 under the name T&S Flooring, the family run business has over forty years’ experience, specialising in the Healthcare, Education, Commercial & Domestic sectors. TSF Contracts pride themselves on their workmanship, offering clients a quality service, competitive prices, and short lead times.
Steve Thomas, Director at TSF Contracts Ltd praised the flexibility and quality of Gerflor’s products. “The colours and finishes specified were unique and uplifting, and the installation process was seamless,” he further added ‘“The hospital staff and visitors responded positively to the new look, with the modern designs helping to create a more homely and inviting environment.”
A successful trial: Resulting in the Facility Upgrade
Initially, the Gerflor’s flooring and wall covering products were tested in a refurbished ward as a live trial. The trial was a great success and subsequently, the products were then rolled out into other areas of the Healthcare facility where renovation was to take place.
Liza Methuen, Assistant Head of Estate, Capital, and Property Management at Aneurin Bevan Health Board, commented on the success of the trial, saying, “The flooring and wall covering products trialled are meeting all of our expectations. After several months of them being installed, I am still impressed with how the surfaces are performing and how they have dramatically transformed and improved the interiors of our Healthcare facility.”
The results: High performance and long-lasting impact
The transformation of the Royal Gwent Hospital is a testament to Gerflor’s expertise in providing flooring and wall covering solutions that excel in both appearance and function. Their products not only improved the aesthetics of the hospital but also delivered on the critical requirements for durability, hygiene, and ease of maintenance, for the busy and demanding healthcare setting.
The world class vinyl floorcoverings installed from the Taralay Premium and Impression ranges and the Tarasafe Ultra collection, were all specified for their visual look and also their exceptional technical performance. These innovative flooring surfaces are ideal for high traffic applications, suitable for rolling loads and heavy foot traffic. They all come with revolutionary surface treatments for unrivalled levels of stain and chemical resistance.
The Mural Ultra Design vinyl wallcovering was installed thanks to its decorative appeal with strong impact resistance, making it an excellent choice for the healthcare facility. The product features a coloured backing that enhances its aesthetic quality, ensuring it adds a stylish touch whilst maintaining functionality.
End user satisfaction: Delighted and impressed.
“We’ve had outstanding feedback from staff, visitors, and patients alike. We are delighted with the final transformation and the end result,” said Liza Methuen. “The success of this renovation to date ensures that Gerflor’s products will continue to be specified for future projects within the hospital, and that all spaces will maintain the very highest of standards when it comes to remarkable performance and contemporary designs, in order to meet our healthcare facility demands.”
Who is Gerflor: Innovator in healthcare solutions
Gerflor’s legacy of over 80 years in healthcare Gerflor continues to shine, with their complete flooring and wall covering solutions that meet the highest standards for durability, hygiene, safety, and acoustic performance, all whilst creating spaces that support the well-being of patients and staff.
Tony Thorne concluded, “The final outcome was absolutely superb, exceeding the client’s expectations with both the needs for a striking interior finish and lasting performance for many years to come.”
Overview of Gerflor products installed at The Royal Gwent Hospital
Taralay Premium Compact
A Best-in-Class collection that is made up of a multi-layered construction with a homogeneous wear layer for outstanding durability, it maintains a long-lasting appearance, delivers exceptional dimensional stability and it is ideal for bearing static and moving loads.
Taralay Premium Compact performs exceptionally well in heavy traffic environments, and it comes with a 1mm wear layer which has no filler, for outstanding abrasion and scratch resistance, with quick indentation recovery (0.02mm) and superb dimensional stability with minimal rucking when heavy objects are wheeled across the surface. This multi layered vinyl flooring has a long-lasting appearance through the incorporation of densely pressed colour chips in the wear layer. It is also available as a Comfort product, this offers the best acoustic and indentation performance, thanks to a Very High-Density (VHD) Foam Backing.
Taralay Premium is treated with Evercare™, the latest unique improvements in polyurethane surface treatment obtained by UV laser cross-linking. Evercare™ provides outstanding chemical stain resistance and increases the long-term durability of the flooring. This treatment has excellent maintenance characteristics; it requires no wax or polish for life. This innovative stain shield blocks even the toughest stains and delivers a soothing matt effect for a very modern look.
As with most flooring products these days sustainability is a key factor in both manufacturing and performance. Taralay Premium from Gerflor delivers the ultimate sustainable choice providing; excellent indoor air quality, VOC emissions < 10μg/m3 after 28 days.
It is M1 and FloorScore® certified and is 100% Reach compliant, Phthalate free (except recycled content). made with 53% recycled content and is 100% Recyclable.
Taralay Impression Compact
The Taralay Impression Compact range from Gerflor is the ideal solution for heavy traffic areas as it comes with a 0.70mm PVC wear layer and Group T wear rating. This vinyl flooring is safe and reliable with improved R10 slip resistance.
Treated with Protecsol® 2 surface treatment to ensure no polish is needed for the entire lifetime of the product. The Taralay Impression Compact collection also delivers a range of eye-catching innovative designs in a wide array of stunning colour choices.
It’s the perfect flooring choice for specifiers and designers who are seeking safety and durability, together with having the ability to access a range of sophisticated modern designs for healthcare projects. The product is backed by a 12-year warranty and is 100% recyclable at the end of its life, containing 29% recycled content.
Tarasafe Ultra safety flooring
The refreshed Tarasafe collection offers slip-resistant sheet flooring that complies with HSE guidelines. Made from vinyl, it features inlaid mineral crystal particles and coloured chips for a decorative finish, without using Carborundum. It is easy to transport, cut and install making projects faster and easier when time if of the essence.
Tarasafe Ultra includes a SparClean® surface treatment and is reinforced with a glass fibre grid, making it ideal for high-traffic areas requiring slip resistance, durability, and hygiene. It also has anti-bacterial and fungicidal treatments for enhanced hygiene. The product is backed by a 12-year warranty and is 100% recyclable at the end of its life, containing 29% recycled content.
Mural Ultra Design Wall Covering
Mural Ultra Design wallcoverings provide excellent impact resistance, making them suitable for medium-traffic areas. The non-porous, smooth surface ensures complete water tightness, facilitating easy cleaning and maintenance. Available in modern, soft colours, it creates a timeless atmosphere and pairs well with other Gerflor ranges.
It is ideal for hospital environments such as corridors, private bedrooms, and wards, this wallcovering features antibacterial properties, making it well-suited for healthcare settings. It is eco-friendly, containing up to 30% recycled content, and is 100% recyclable.