A school of architecture and design in Kansas needed a look that expressed their identity as a modern, forward-looking college. Duraamen donated products to help them achieve their goals.
Universities and design schools often look for flooring solutions that combine durability with a modern architectural aesthetic. Polished concrete floors have become a popular choice for educational buildings because they offer long-lasting performance while maintaining a clean and contemporary appearance. In the renovation of Chalmers Hall at the Kansas School of Architecture, Design and Planning, the goal was to create a more inviting and functional environment for students and visitors.
The existing flooring consisted of outdated tile and carpeting that covered the original concrete substrate. By removing these materials and exposing the concrete slab, the design team was able to transform the space while working within a limited renovation budget.
Instead of installing new floor coverings, the concrete was refinished using a grind-and-seal approach that creates the appearance of polished concrete. Two coats of a water-based acrylic sealer were applied to enhance the natural character of the concrete while improving durability and ease of maintenance.
This type of flooring system is commonly used in educational and commercial spaces because it is cost-effective, easy to maintain, and capable of handling heavy foot traffic. The finished floor helps reflect light throughout the corridor, contributing to a brighter and more welcoming interior.
By combining exposed concrete with modern architectural elements, the renovation successfully created a contemporary space that reflects the innovative spirit of the school’s design program.
The Kansas School of Architecture, Design and Planning needed to reaffirm themselves as an innovative school of designers, engineers, makers and innovators. They also needed to create the transformative architecture on a budget. Their school’s Chalmers Hall is a high-traffic area of two parts connected by a central corridor connecting the two parts from east to west.
Prior to the renovation, Chalmers Hall held a small coffee bar and a seating area that was poorly lit and uninviting. Because of the poor layout of space, the coffee bar wasn’t financially supporting itself. Through the efforts of Dirt Works Studio using the donated products from Duraamen, the coffee bar and a nearby supply shop were moved to a different part of the hall.
The previous flooring was a concrete substrate underneath outdated tile and carpeting. Those old floor coverings were removed and the concrete was exposed and refinished with two coats of water-based acrylic sealer, Perdure A03. The use of Duraamen’s Acrylic Sealer is a cost effective way to mimic the look and feel of polished concrete while enhancing the durability of the floor.
To break up the space, a 60-foot-long cross-laminated timber wall was placed near the café and supply shop. This provides visual warmth and something that can be touched. The CLT wall hides panels that can be opened and closed, providing flexible openings that connect the café and an adjacent classroom.
The project was entirely designed and built by students, on-time and under-budget. Dirt Works Studio wrote to us at Duraamen expressing their gratitude for our generosity on the project. It was our pleasure to help the school create a modern space that will attract students well into the future.
