Whitworth Art Gallery
Project Type - Heritage
Location - Manchester
Project Overview
The Whitworth Art Gallery in Manchester was transformed by a £15 million development, doubling the size of the gallery by creating new spaces for the gallery’s historic collections and research projects. As part of this project, our commercial team worked with Noma Architects to provide a neutral tone solid wood floor in prime grade across all main gallery areas.
Project Requirements
Our work at the Whitworth Art Gallery was vast and complex. Laying all the floors across very wide spaces, we worked with TRADA to calculate how much expansion we should allow between the boards to allow for natural movement. Manufactured to a very tight grading standard, the wood floor had a very small amount of knots and no sap, in board lengths up to 4 metres long. The tightly controlled project was signed off plank-by-plank by the architects, resulting in a breathtaking finish.
Why the floor was chosen
Although the floor specified was solid, you can achieve the look and durability with Ashridge.
Part of our Unfinished Oaks collection, Ashridge can be finished on-site, making the perfect blank canvas to match your vision. Although a solid wood floor was specified for this particular project, as standard Ashridge comes in quality prime grade engineered Oak, with no compromise on quality and durability. The prime oak selected for this floor creates a clean uniform appearance that displays minimal knots, sap, and colour variation. Additionally, the 6mm wear layer means it will last for generations as it can be sanded multiple times – perfect for areas experiencing high traffic.
Outcome
The team at Noma and the Whitworth was very happy with our flooring, which achieved the exact look they wanted. The project went on to be shortlisted for the prestigious RIBA Awards.
Project Overview
The Whitworth Art Gallery in Manchester was transformed by a £15 million development, doubling the size of the gallery by creating new spaces for the gallery’s historic collections and research projects. As part of this project, our commercial team worked with Noma Architects to provide a neutral tone solid wood floor in prime grade across all main gallery areas.
Project Requirements
Our work at the Whitworth Art Gallery was vast and complex. Laying all the floors across very wide spaces, we worked with TRADA to calculate how much expansion we should allow between the boards to allow for natural movement. Manufactured to a very tight grading standard, the wood floor had a very small amount of knots and no sap, in board lengths up to 4 metres long. The tightly controlled project was signed off plank-by-plank by the architects, resulting in a breathtaking finish.
Why the floor was chosen
Although the floor specified was solid, you can achieve the look and durability with Ashridge.
Part of our Unfinished Oaks collection, Ashridge can be finished on-site, making the perfect blank canvas to match your vision. Although a solid wood floor was specified for this particular project, as standard Ashridge comes in quality prime grade engineered Oak, with no compromise on quality and durability. The prime oak selected for this floor creates a clean uniform appearance that displays minimal knots, sap, and colour variation. Additionally, the 6mm wear layer means it will last for generations as it can be sanded multiple times – perfect for areas experiencing high traffic.
Outcome
The team at Noma and the Whitworth was very happy with our flooring, which achieved the exact look they wanted. The project went on to be shortlisted for the prestigious RIBA Awards.
