Cloudburst at Bircham Newton Construction College

Bircham Newton Construction College, a leading institution for construction education, sought a flooring solution for the bedrooms and corridors within its new accommodation block. This modern constructionarium building was designed to provide a comfortable and conducive living and learning environment for students visiting Norfolk for intensive courses. The facility includes 26 en-suite bedrooms and dedicated breakout areas for dining and leisure activities. The key requirements for the flooring were durability, comfort, aesthetic appeal, and superior acoustic performance to ensure a quiet and pleasant atmosphere for the students.

The Challenge

The college needed a flooring material that could withstand heavy foot traffic typical of student accommodation while also contributing to a serene and comfortable living space. Specifically, there was a desire to visually elongate the rooms and corridors, provide a soft underfoot feel, and significantly reduce impact noise, which is crucial in a multi-occupancy building.

The Solution: Cloudburst Carpet Tiles

After careful consideration, Cloudburst carpet tiles from Paragon Carpets’ Elemental Collection were chosen for their unique blend of aesthetic and functional benefits. The installation was expertly carried out by Next Level Flooring. The decision was driven by several factors:

• Broadloom Aesthetic: The carpet tiles were expertly laid in a broadloom fashion. This specific installation technique was pivotal in achieving the desired visual effect, effectively elongating the appearance of both the individual bedrooms and the extensive corridors, contributing to a more spacious and inviting feel.
• Comfort and Texture: Cloudburst’s soft-textured, multi-level loop construction provides exceptional comfort underfoot. This feature is particularly beneficial in bedrooms and breakout areas, where students seek relaxation and a homely atmosphere after demanding study sessions.
• High Impact Noise Reduction: A critical requirement for student accommodation is effective noise control. A recent study highlighted that 61% of students blame noise for their mood. Cloudburst’s construction delivers a high impact noise reduction, minimising disturbances from foot traffic and ensuring a quieter environment conducive to rest and study.

Product Features and Environmental Considerations

Cloudburst carpet tiles offer a robust set of features and are designed with environmental responsibility in mind:

• Durable Construction: The tiles feature a Tufted 1/10″ gauge loop pile, ensuring longevity and resistance to wear in high-traffic areas.
• Sustainable Materials: The yarn is made from 100% Solution Dyed Nylon, which itself contains 100% recycled content. The backing, 100% Envirobase, is composed of a minimum of 75% recycled material, contributing to a total recycled content of 78% for the entire product.
• Performance for Modern Environments: Cloudburst is anti-static (less than 2Kv), making it suitable for use with computers, and it is compatible with underfloor heating systems up to a maximum of 27°C. It also boasts a Heavy Contract Class 33 wear classification, ensuring it can withstand intensive use, including castor chairs.
• Safety and Air Quality: The product meets stringent flammability standards (BS EN 13501 Class Bfl-s1) and has an E1 VOC content rating in relation to EN 14041:2004, contributing to better indoor air quality.
• Long-Term Assurance: Cloudburst comes with a 10-year warranty, reflecting its durability and the manufacturer’s confidence in its performance.

Outcome

The installation of Cloudburst at Bircham Newton Construction College successfully met all project objectives. The broadloom layout has visually enhanced the spaces, creating an illusion of greater length and openness. Students now benefit from a comfortable and quiet living environment, thanks to the soft texture and superior noise reduction properties of the carpet. The durable and easy-to-maintain nature of Cloudburst, combined with its environmental credentials and a 10-year warranty, ensures that the college’s investment will provide long-lasting performance, contributing to a positive and productive experience for countless students in the years to come. This project stands as a testament to Cloudburst’s ability to combine aesthetic appeal with high-performance functionality in demanding commercial settings.