Interdisciplinary research on common ground

nora systems SupraFAB TU Berlin

nora systems SupraFAB TU Berlin

Interdisciplinary top-level research in a communication-promoting environment – in the new building SupraFAB (Supramolecular Functional Architectures on Biological Interfaces), opened in May 2022, around 100 scientists from the departments of Biology, Chemistry, Pharmacy, Physics, and Medicine work together to explore, for example, the interaction of pathogens with cell surfaces using nanophysical methods. The building is technically extremely sophisticated: to ensure that sensitive measurements are not disturbed by external influences, it stands on a vibration-free, one-meter-thick foundation slab. When it came to interior furnishings and especially the flooring for the new building, a surface was sought that could be installed both in the state-of-the-art biology laboratories and in the atrium, communication areas, corridors, offices, and seminar rooms. It had to be as functional as it was attractive. They found it at nora: The rubber flooring noraplan sentica is not only particularly durable and media-resistant as well as easy to clean. It also impresses with a modern, monochrome look and, thanks to its permanent elasticity, supports good acoustics and an ergonomic working environment, which is especially important for staff at standing workstations. Furthermore, noraplan sentica and the electrostatically dissipative noraplan sentica ed, installed in the laboratories with protection level S2, are available in the same design, creating a harmonious spatial effect across all areas.

Various functional properties – a design

The two-story new building of SupraFAB offers researchers from around the world an attractive, communication-promoting environment. The central meeting area is the light-filled, spacious atrium with its impressive white staircase as a focal point. The contemporary, minimalist architecture is also supported by the flooring. The light gray noraplan sentica provides an attractive contrast to the white furnishings and also enables cross-functional design across different areas of use. In the laboratories, the rubber flooring was installed in the electrostatically dissipative ed variant. "The appealing appearance of the flooring has given us the opportunity to use it not only in the biology laboratories but also in the same design and color in the representative areas, such as the communication hall, offices, and seminar rooms, thus creating a consistently modern ambiance," reports the project manager from the architecture firm Nickl & Partner Berlin.

Media-resistant – for the highest hygiene standards

However, the primary considerations in choosing the flooring were its functional properties, especially media resistance and hygiene. "noraplan sentica ed is largely resistant to diluted acids, alkalis, as well as solutions and disinfectants due to its dense surface, making it ideal for biological and chemical laboratories," emphasizes Martina Hoock, nora market segment specialist for education and healthcare in the DACH region. To prevent environmentally and health-damaging substances from entering the substrate, hygienic wall-floor junctions were implemented in the biology laboratories. For this purpose, nora offers a comprehensive range of accessories available in the same color as the flooring. This allows the flooring to be hygienically extended to skirtings, fittings, walls, and drains. "We made use of this option and installed pre-finished skirtings and corner profiles in the biology laboratories," says the project manager.

Durably elastic – for a modern, ergonomic working environment

An important advantage of the rubber floors was their good ergonomic properties. Half of the workstations in the biology laboratories are standing workstations. "nora rubber floors are permanently elastic – supporting the backs and joints of employees, preventing fatigue, and being a key aspect of a modern, health-promoting work environment," Hoock continues. The permanent elasticity of the rubber floors also has another benefit: the flooring absorbs vibrations caused by walking, so sensitive measuring devices and carts in the laboratories are not disturbed.

Robust and durable – for cost-effective lifecycle costs

The SupraFAB is also a showcase project in terms of sustainability, having been awarded the Silver certification in the Sustainable Building Assessment System (BNB). In addition to measures such as efficient heat recovery and green roofs, sustainable building materials also contributed. "An important factor in conserving resources is the durability of materials and buildings," emphasizes Hoock. "The particular robustness and resulting long service life of nora rubber floors, combined with easy and low-chemical cleaning, positively impact lifecycle costs (LCC) and lifecycle analysis (LCA) – both aspects becoming increasingly important in public construction."