John Moores University

Liverpool John Moores University’s new Art & Design Academy has been designed by Rick Mather Architects. Described as having a serpentine form – bending and curving in response to its context – the £27million building is the first phase of the University's campus masterplan. 

To enable essential access to a wealth of underfloor services on the buildings lower ground floor, Rick Mather Architects specified a mix of 1050 and 7500 Series Stainless Steel Floor Access Covers from Howe Green.

The new 32 access panels were installed by flooring contractor A.Andrews & Sons. The panels were individually manufactured to a size of 600 x 600 to match the size of the Charcon Appalachian stone floor slabs. Laid in a mix of sand and cement, the floor slabs blend with the access panels, which feature inlaid floor slabs, providing a symmetrical finish.

The 1050 is a slightly deeper model of panel than the 7500, designed for heavy-duty flooring such as natural stone and concrete, and suitable for both internal and external applications. Once installed both panels provide the same visual appearance.

Featuring double seals to meet the highest standards of hygiene and security, they are corrosion and maintenance-free. The panels also designed to fit perfectly flush with their surround to avoid distortion and prevent any slips or trips, essentially for heavily trafficked buildings such as a University.

Now open, the building is not only home to Liverpool John Moores University’s Art & Design Academy, but is also a catalyst for a wide range of design activities and business start-ups, driving growth in Merseyside’s creative industries sector.

The five-storey building houses art and design studios, technical and teaching facilities, exhibition areas and galleries, alongside a 350-seat exhibition and conference centre. The University plans to stage both international exhibitions and displays by local artists, with space set aside for public use.

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