A Mapei subfloor and tile installation system has been specified at The Crystal – Siemens’ iconic Sustainability Centre, located in East London’s Royal Docks. Designed by Wilkinson Eyre Architects and Pringle Brandon Perkins+Will, the glass-clad structure is one of the world’s greenest buildings, achieving Outstanding BREEAM and Platinum LEED accreditation. Mapei systems contributed to the eco-specification and included Mapei Topcem screed and low VOC adhesives and grout - Keraquick, Keraflex and Ultracolor Plus. Corinthian Ceramics installed Domus porcelain and stone wall and floor tiles using Mapei products, for main contractor ISG.

The crystal-shaped venue, into which Siemens invested £30 million, is home to the world’s largest exhibition focused on urban sustainability - and is a world-class centre for dialogue, discovery and learning. Features include a 270-seat auditorium, which brings together political decision-makers, experts and the general public, to develop concepts for the future of cities and their infrastructures. 

Mapei’s system was specified throughout a floor and wall surface area exceeding 3,500 m2.  It included high performance, fast-drying screed – Mapei Topcem - which reduces installation time to 24 hours for ceramic and two days for stone tiling.  Following subfloor preparation, fast-setting flexible S1 adhesive – Mapei Keraquick – was used to install Domus Evo tiles in the reception areas and Domus Architect surfaces in washrooms. In the Centre’s canteen, Mapei Keraflex Maxi S1 low-dust adhesive was specified for bonding Domus Soho. All wall and floor tiles, throughout the centre, were fixed with Mapei Ultracolor Plus; a fast setting and drying flexible grout, featuring anti-efflorescence, water-repellent and anti-mould properties.

For more information on the project and Mapei product systems, please visit www.mapei.co.uk