Project Overview

The Science Museum, London, recently unveiled the Energy Revolution Gallery, a state-of-the-art exhibition space dedicated to showcasing innovations in sustainable energy. Designed by Unknown Works and delivered by Beck Interiors, the project required a high-performance raised flooring system to overcome existing building services and build the floor height while maintaining a ability to finish the area with a continuous finish.

As a trusted stockist and supplier of the full Knauf GifaFloor FHB system, Access Floors Distribution (AFD) was chosen to supply the hollow floor solution, ensuring materials were available to be delivered safely to site, supporting programming timelines.

Challenges & Client Requirements

The project had several key requirements:

✅ Overcoming existing building services – A raised floor was needed to build up the floor height while maintaining structural integrity.

✅ Seamless finish – The flooring had to support a continuous surface, eliminating the need for future access to the void.

✅ Sustainability & durability – The chosen system had to align with the Science Museum’s sustainability goals, featuring low embodied carbon and high durability for a long lifespan.

✅ Load-bearing strength – The flooring system had to withstand high loads, ensuring longevity and safety in a high-traffic environment.

The Solution: Knauf GifaFloor FHB System

To meet these challenges, AFD supplied Knauf GifaFloor FHB38, a dry screed panel system that provided:

🔹 150mm raised void space, allowing the flooring to be built up seamlessly over existing services.

🔹 Sustainable benefits, with low embodied carbon and high recyclability—aligning with the project’s eco-friendly focus.

🔹 Direct finish compatibility, accepting almost any surface treatment without additional substrates, making it an ideal choice for a continuous finish.

🔹 High load capacity, supporting 6kN over a point load, ensuring the flooring could withstand heavy foot traffic and exhibit installations.

🔹 Fast & efficient installation, supplied on time and in full, covering 800m² between June and July 2023.

Project Execution & Installation

Installed by PD Access Flooring LTD;

🔸 AFD M16 pedestals were installed to meet specification requirements, installed at 600mm centres within the field and 300mm centres around the perimeter. All pedestals topped with Knauf Gifa Caps

🔸 FHB38 panels installed directly to pedestals in a brick or staggered format as per installation guidelines.

🔸 Knauf GIFAbond Blue was used on site to secure the GifaFloor's T&G joints, ensuring a strong and cohesive substrate.

🔸 A bespoke access solution was designed by Beck Interiors for required maintenance hatches, ensuring functionality while maintaining the aesthetic appeal.

AFD’s expertise and comprehensive stock availability allowed for efficient product delivery, ensuring the flooring system was installed without delays.

Results & Project Impact

✅ Seamless, high-performance flooring – The final installation achieved the project’s goal of a completely level, high load performance substrate

✅ Sustainability achieved – The use of low-carbon, recyclable materials supported the Science Museum’s environmental commitments.

✅ Structural strength and longevity – The 6kN load-bearing capacity ensured a durable, high-traffic-readysolution for exhibitions and visitors.

✅ Successful collaboration – Working alongside Beck Interiors, PD Floors, and Knauf, AFD delivered a flooring system that met both aesthetic and functional demands.

✅ Lifetime Warranty - Knauf UK attended site during the install and provided a site report, confirming that the system had been installed to specification standards. Knauf provide a warranty which is for the lifetime of the building.

Client Feedback & Conclusion

The successful completion of this project highlights AFD’s ability to supply large-scale, high-performance raised flooring solutions. The Science Museum’s Energy Revolution Gallery now benefits from a sustainable, structurally sound, and visually seamless flooring system that will support exhibitions for years to come.

🔹 Looking for a high-performance raised flooring solution? Contact AFD today to discuss your project requirements.

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