Jazz Duo Rubber Flooring installed at the ABC from Safety Flooring

Flooring choice is as simple as ABC

Deciding to undertake a series of major shop refurbishments is a brave move in the current economic climate but iconic brand ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) has taken the plunge and is set to totally refurbish all its Australian stores as part of a national rollout.

Many of Australia's leading brands sought to be specified as part of the national re-design, so when it came to choosing the flooring for the fit-out, getting it just right to suit such a broad target market was paramount.

That's why Jazz Duo supplied by Safety Floorings* was selected to provide the flooring for the seven stores already completed. Safety Floorings specialize in quality products that provide flooring solutions for most commercial floor applications ensuring an aesthetically pleasing floor covering that's built to last.

The ABC Store's redesign and fit out, designed by renowned architectural interior design company Morris Selvetico has brought a new level of diversity and quirkiness to the ABC brand.

"The greatest challenge was to design a space that would resonate well with such a broad target market," said Alexandra Morris from Morris Selvetico. "From kids to adults, the ABC means something to everyone and so we consciously sought to provide a shopping experience that could be enjoyed by all with small hints of fun and quirkiness to liven the overall space."

Specifying the floor covering for the national roll out became a major challenge.

The Morris Selvetico team wanted a product that not only fulfilled the client's design brief but most important - ahead of aesthetic and durability considerations - was they wanted an Australian made product which would thus be readily available and of course the product had to be cost-effective.

"Ultimately we wanted a flooring product that met all the criteria, but the availability factor was at the top of the list to ensure consistency across the national roll out," said Ms Morris. "When you're talking about over 1300 square metres of space, across the seven stores already completed, the flooring choice is a key specification and needed careful consideration."

Jazz Duo manufactured by A1 Rubber is 100% Australian made and is manufactured from 30% recycled rubber and 70% EPDM synthetic and recycled rubbers making it a very environmentally sustainable choice. Suitable for both commercial and domestic applications, it offers great underfoot comfort, absorbs walking noise, is slip resistant to meet Australian standards and comes in a varied range of colour options to match any interior design.

Post installation, Jazz Duo has low maintenance requirements and in most cases need only be brushed or vacuumed followed by a damp mopping to ensure removal of surface debris. If heavy cleaning is necessary a solvent-free heavy cleaning agent can be used meaning low ongoing maintenance costs.

"We sought a good looking floor which makes a clear design statement when you enter each store plus one which offered both staff and customers softness underfoot. Jazz Duo fulfilled these criteria and more."

"The black/grey speckled colour combination provided a basis for a neutral colour palatte," said Ms Morris.

Installation over existing sub-base was easily achieved using sikasense, the specified adhesive, and then the floor required two coats of ECOsheen sealer.

"A comprehensive installation guide, including some handy tips to ensure the best possible result is an added bonus provided to floor installers of all our products," said Loretta Pearson, Director, Safety Floorings.

"Feedback from staff at the Brisbane store has been very positive with the underfoot comfort factor riding high in the commentary."

"The flooring choice has proved to be an overall success," she said.

*Safety Floorings is the exclusive NSW distributor of A1 Rubber's commercial flooring range