Quantum Flooring Solutions supplies the stair nosings for a most prestigious hotel in Belfast. Recently restored, the Titanic Hotel in the heart of the old Harland and Wolff shipyard is an historical inspiration of how the past can become the future.

The Problem

Since the late 19th century up until 30 years ago Harland and Wolff dominated the dockyard scene in the heart of Belfast. Constructing world famous liners that circled the globe; entertaining and pampering their passengers in unbounded opulence and luxury. The list of famous names is endless. Olympic, Oceanic, Majestic and the notorious Titanic to name but a few. HMS Belfast (now docked on the river Thames near Tower Bridge for posterity and an attraction for visitors young and old) was also a gigantean contribution from the yard to the sea power of the British Empire.

In 1989 Harland and Wolff vacated its head office, with its famous drawing office complex, and the buildings were left to rot for nearly 30 years. However, in 2016, a partnership between Titanic Foundation, The Heritage Lottery Fund and Harcourt Developments breathed new life into the buildings; transforming a derelict landmark into a unique hotel. The public now has access to an historic building that had been derelict for years. From pictures and reports in corridors and rooms, residents can glean fascinating insights into the stories from the heady days of the famous White Star Line company and the shipbuilder that created their ships.

Whilst the background to this project is intriguing and the completion surrounding a listed building challenging, towards the end there was a flooring requirement that needed a solution.

The staircases were the original with solid timber bullnose steps. The architects insisted that they be finished in a style sympathetic with the nautical period of its heritage and above all be safe.

The Requirement

To achieve the requirement of a safe but well styled finish to the stairs, the main contractor asked a local Belfast flooring contractor, CNI Flooring Contractors, to undertake their flooring work. Having established a relationship with Quantum Flooring Solutions, based on good service over a number of years, CNI immediately called the local Quantum Area Sales Manager, Patrick Mcabe.

The Solution

Patrick responded promptly with a site visit which established what was needed. Flights of stairs with bull nosed steps needed a stair nosing specification and measuring. Patrick was able to take accurate measurements of each step there and then. After transferring the data to head office, copies of the stair nosing sizes required were sent promptly to the contractor and his distributor PFI Flooring.Heavy duty HB1 stair nosings for the bull nose step profiles were recommended; the colour chosen for the tread material was black to give a clear definition to the steps on the stairs that were fitted with a light-coloured motif carpet. To enhance the nautical appearance of the steps, a gold/brass effect anodised finish to the stair nosing carrier was also specified.

The Conclusion

With all the information to hand, the stair nosing order requirement was confirmed with PFI Flooring and CNI. After completing the anodising of the profiles, Quantum Flooring Solutions sent the stair nosings to Belfast and they were delivered to the project site cut to size, numbered by step and ready to fit.

This listed building has been sensitively restored within strict architectural heritage protection guidelines. Art Deco styles of the day predominate. The history and culture of the ship building location can be seen in the interior designs as a testament to the story of Harland and Wolff and the great ships of the day.

Quantum Flooring Solutions provided a safe and stylish stair nosing for a project of historical significance.

The job went smoothly! CNI Flooring Contractors were well pleased with the support they received from Quantum Flooring Solutions

Good specification – good service – no hassle – job done