For today, with an eye to tomorrow

Cosy rooms, welcoming communal areas and modern architecture: the Studentenwerk Hannover provides accommodation that offers students a pleasant environment in which to live and study. Since 2017, three new buildings have been added, with a total floor area of 8,300 square metres: the ‘Klaus Bahlsen Student Residence’, the so-called ‘International Quarter’ and, in 2020, the new ‘Haus am Berggarten’. Planning and construction for each were handled by the Wuppertal-based firm ACMS Architekten. As well as creating affordable accommodation for students, the focus for all the buildings was on efficient planning and short construction times.

Loose-lay design floor coverings prove their worth

When fitting out the residential and communal areas, the Hannover Studentenwerk relies on EXPONA SIMPLAY design floor coverings. These modular, adhesive-free floor coverings offer practical advantages in terms of use and maintenance. Those responsible were already able to see this for themselves back in 2015 during a trial installation in a kitchen.

“The loose-lay floors make our lives much easier,” reports Stefan Lohse from the Construction and Technology department. Whether replacing individual damaged tiles or planks, or lifting and re-laying the flooring following water damage: EXPONA SIMPLAY design flooring can be lifted and re-laid to suit the structural conditions.

“Their slightly higher purchase price quickly pays for itself thanks to the benefits they offer in the long term,” says Lohse.

A harmonious overall look

In terms of design, too, the flooring blends seamlessly into the concept of the three buildings. The wood and concrete finishes echo the clean lines of the architecture and the interior design. Various wood tones, ranging from oak to pine, are combined with matching concrete colours. This creates a uniform floor design across the living and communal areas.

Photos: ©Sigurd Steinprinz / ACMS Architekten GmbH, Wuppertal