ASB North Wharf floor by Hardwood Technology

Spotted gum pre-finished flooring enlivens the interior of the ASB North Wharf building. This was supplied and installed by Hardwood Technology, a company that provides a full turnkey operation for commercial and residential flooring.

Director Mark Slane says the spotted gum is a new species for the company, which sources its products direct from international suppliers. "We were able to incorporate our existing methodologies for the flooring system, which helped with the installation. Our supplier graded the timber to minimise knots and shakes."

Slane says there were several advantages to laying pre-finished timber. "It removes the time and difficulty associated with applying polyurethane coats on a busy construction site, and it also means what you see is what you get in terms of colour."

In the Boathouse cafe on Level 3, the flooring is laid to resemble ship decking, with black rubber strips between the boards. More than 4km of rubber caulking was applied to this part of the project.

Slane says the main challenge involved the preparation the floors and stairs had to be levelled and plywood underlay installed and evened out to ensure the surface would be completely flat.

To minimise noise in the open-plan offices and breakout areas, Hardwood Technology used an acoustic glue for the stairways. This helps reduce step sound and vibrations. The steps also incorporated aluminium tread inserts for additional slip resistance.

HARDWOOD TECHNOLOGY

PO Box 58771, Manukau 2141Phone (09) 274 9712 Fax (09) 274 9217www.hardwood.co.nz info@hardwood.co.nz

Story by: Trendsideas