Bespoke Floor Provided for The Blue Planet

Flowcrete has developed a unique flooring solution especially for the new National Aquarium Denmark, Den Bla Planet which reflects light to create a captivating underwater illusion.

The new National Aquarium Denmark, The Blue Planet, is Northern Europe’s largest and is set to become the country’s newest architectural landmark, having already won awards for its stylish design. The building, by Danish architects 3XN, flows in the shape of a giant whirlpool with organically curving walls, innovatively integrated water features and shimmering floors – all designed to make visitors feel immersed in a marine environment. A key part of this illusion is the swirling, watery lights cast onto the floor of the aquarium’s viewing areas. This effect is most dramatically created in the main entrance room, which is lit up with flickering lightspots across the floor. This effect is produced by lamp light falling in waves onto the flat resin surface, adding to the visitor’s impression of having been transported beneath the ocean. The chosen floor also had to have a smooth, light reflective surface yet be strong, reliable, easy to maintain and able to withstand heavy and continuous traffic from the 800,000 anticipated annual visitors. To create the desired finish 6,600m2 of Flowcrete Group flooring solutions were installed throughout the aquarium. 5,000m2 of the highly resistant, epoxy resin coating Flowcoat TL was used in the public areas and technical rooms of the building and 1,200m2 of Flowseal EPW was installed in the stairwells to ensure an easy to maintain, dust free environment. 200m2 of the sealer Peran WW was also installed along the walls of the aquarium to provide a hygienic yet simultaneously attractive, gloss finish. This combination of systems created a smooth, solvent-free, anti-slip floor surface with a crisp colour that would be able to retain its appearance and functionality in the face of heavy use.

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