Gesamtschule Dellbrück

Learning on a natural floor!

Cologne comprehensive school fitted with sustainable linoleum flooring Marmorette Neocare.

In spring 2022, after a construction period of only twelve months, the extension building of the Cologne comprehensive school Dellbrücker Mauspfad was opened. The modern building complements the previous school buildings on the site and impresses with its future-oriented construction method and modern interior design - and also thanks to our extremely hard-wearing and natural linoleum flooring solution Marmorette Neocare.

Efficient construction in a public-private partnership

In order to prepare the integrative comprehensive school in the green and natural district of Dellbrück for the future and to offer the more than 630 pupils and teachers optimal learning and working conditions, the city of Cologne decided to carry out extensive renovation work on the aging existing building. In addition, a public-private partnership (PPP) with Hochtief PPP Schulpartner Köln P1 GmbH & Co. KG, a new extension was to be built for around 120 additional pupils. An existing pavilion, which was no longer up to date, had to be demolished for the new building. After demolition (according to plans by architect Dipl.-Ing. Stefan Ziep), a modern new building in solid construction was erected on the same site - sustainably realised in accordance with the passive house standard. Architecturally, the new building with its grey plaster facade fits in with the existing school buildings. The building concept is rounded off by a photovoltaic system installed on the roof - this contributes to the sustainable generation of electricity. The two-storey section of the new building houses the teaching areas for the upper secondary level, while the single-storey section houses the all-day area. The interior design impresses with a bright and friendly atmosphere and a harmonious combination of exposed concrete walls, lots of wood and glass surfaces as well as modern and colour-accentuated furniture.

Sustainable and hard-wearing contract flooring made of linoleum

Last but not least, the chosen flooring also contributes decisively to the appealing and learning-promoting ambience. A particularly hard-wearing, durable and sustainable solution was required. So the choice fell on the DLW linoleum flooring "Marmorette Neocare" - matching the interior design in the fresh and lively colours "Lime Green" and "Melon Orange". The natural linoleum flooring is composed of up to 98 % organic and mineral raw materials such as linseed oil, wood, limestone, jute and resin and has been certified with "Cradle to Cradle" silver thanks to its beneficial environmental properties. The low TVOC emissions of < 10 μg/m3 after 28 days ensures excellent air quality in the rooms. Another important plus: the contract flooring has the extremely resistant surface finish Neocare. The triple cross-linked high-performance protection by laser UV technology is solvent-free, resistant to disinfectants and cleaning agents and extremely resistant to dirt and stains. This ensures a long service life and easy and economical cleaning, even with high frequency in daily school use. It is also 100% antibacterial (EN ISO 22196) and antiviral (ISO 21702). Thanks to the marbled design, the floor covering offers a uniform and seamless look between classrooms and corridors - for a harmonious overall appearance.

Easy processing inspires

Installation professional Thomas Strauch and his team from Malerbetrieb Strauch GmbH in Wuppertal installed a total of approx. 1,300 square metres of DLW linoleum flooring in rolls in the school's extension building.

Thomas Strauch explains: "We installed Gerflor linoleum for the first time and are very satisfied. The material is easy and time-saving to cut, glue and process. We are already looking forward to the next joint project."

• Project: Expansion/Rehabilitation of Gesamtschule Dellbrücker Mauspfad (Köln)
• Owner: Gebäudewirtschaft der Stadt Köln
• General contractor: PM GLOBAL ESTATE GmbH
• Architect: Architekt Dipl.-Ing. Stefan Ziep
• Floor fitter: Malerbetrieb Strauch GmbH (Wuppertal)
• Flooring: Gerflor DLW Linoleum "Marmorette"
• Year of installation: 2022