Project overview
Subfloor preparation and flooring adhesives for the Katherine Warington School in Harpenden.
Katherine Warington School, located in Harpenden, Hertfordshire, underwent a major construction project to address the growing demand for school places. Bostik products were essential in the installation of approximately 9,000m² of floor coverings, including safety vinyl, carpet tiles, entrance matting, and sprung timber sports flooring.
Westcotes Flooring utilized Bostik's technical support and high-quality products, such as Hytec E570 One Coat, Grip A526 Universal, SL C540 Flow, SL C525 Smooth and Bostik Roll to ensure a smooth, durable, and efficient subfloor preparation and flooring installation.
The project was part of the construction of the new Katherine Warington School in Harpenden, built to meet growing demand for secondary school places in the area.
Phases of Construction:
- Temporary teaching block with communal areas, dining hall, and shower facilities
- Main school building with classrooms and specialist teaching spaces
- Final landscaping and external works
- Project Name: Katherine Warington School Flooring Installation
- Location: Harpenden, Hertfordshire, UK
- Surface Area: ~9000 m² of educational space flooring installation.
- Completion Date: Final phase completed in 2020
- Bostik Solution: Subfloor preparation and adhesive systems
- Certifications: CFJ/CFA Awards 2021 – “Flooring in Education – Schools” Winner
Products Used:
- GRIP A526 UNIVERSAL
- HYTEC E570 ONE COAT
- SL C540 FLOW
- SL C525 SMOOTH
- BOSTIK ROLL
Judges praised the technical quality, collaboration, and product performance that contributed to the school’s successful opening. Bostik’s solutions emphasized low-VOC emissions, durability, and ease of application, aligning with the school’s modern, eco-conscious design.
The project demonstrated how smart adhesive technologies can support large-scale educational infrastructure with minimal disruption and long-term performance.
One challenge was the unsuitable concrete subfloors, requiring mechanical preparation before the application of a damp proof membrane (DPM). Bostik's technical team provided onsite support, offering recommendations that ensured the success of the project. Wet areas were treated with HYTEC E570 ONE COAT, followed by GRIP A526 UNIVERSAL primer. For smooth finishes, Bostik SL C540 FLOW and SL C525 SMOOTH compounds were used.
Bostik ROLL provided strong, solvent-free adhesion for coved vinyl skirting. The project was completed on time, with positive feedback from stakeholders, emphasizing Bostik's reliability and product quality.
The construction of Katherine Warington School was divided into three phases:
- Phase 1: A temporary teaching block with communal spaces, dining hall, and shower facilities
- Phase 2: The main school building with classrooms and specialist teaching areas
- Phase 3: Conversion of the initial block into a sports hall
Main contractor Kier appointed Westcotes Flooring to handle the extensive flooring installation, which included safety vinyl, carpet tiles, entrance matting, and specialist sprung timber sports flooring.
To ensure flawless subfloor preparation and adhesive performance, Westcotes turned to Bostik, a trusted partner known for its technical support and high-quality products. Bostik’s team conducted multiple site visits, assessed moisture levels, and provided tailored recommendation reports.
One major challenge was the highly polished, dense concrete subfloors, which were initially unsuitable for damp proof membranes (DPM). Bostik advised mechanical preparation before applying their Screedmaster One Coat Membrane, followed by Universal Primer for optimal adhesion.
- High-Quality Finish Across 9,000 m²: Bostik’s adhesive and subfloor systems ensured a smooth, durable, and safe flooring installation throughout classrooms, corridors, dining areas, and sports facilities.
- Multi-Phase Delivery Completed On Time: The project was delivered in three phases, with each stage completed on schedule, supporting the school’s opening and expansion plans.
- Award-Winning Execution: The project won the “Flooring in Education – Schools” category at the CFJ/CFA Awards 2021, recognizing excellence in technical delivery, teamwork, and product performance.
- Enhanced Learning Environment: The flooring contributes to a clean, quiet, and resilient space for students and staff, supporting long-term use and easy maintenance.
- Strong Collaboration: Bostik worked closely with Westcotes Flooring and Kier Group, providing technical guidance and product support throughout the installation.
Every product they recommended was right for the application, and we could always make a call and know that Bostik would deliver what we needed, when we needed it. You can’t ask for more than that.
- Superior Subfloor Preparation: Bostik’s smoothing compounds and moisture control systems ensured a stable, level surface across diverse substrates, minimizing installation risks and long-term maintenance.
- High-Performance Adhesives: Tailored adhesives for vinyl, carpet tiles, entrance matting, and timber sports flooring delivered strong initial tack, long-lasting bond strength, and resistance to heavy foot traffic.
- Moisture Management: Advanced damp-proof membranes and primers protected against residual moisture in new-build concrete slabs, critical for educational environments with tight construction timelines.
- Acoustic Compatibility: Flooring systems were selected to support acoustic performance in classrooms and communal areas, contributing to a quieter learning environment.
- Fast Installation & Workflow Efficiency: Rapid-curing products enabled efficient multi-phase delivery, helping contractors meet deadlines without compromising quality.
- Compliance & Safety: All materials met UK education sector standards for fire safety, slip resistance, and indoor air quality, ensuring a safe space for students and staff.
