Widex Headquarters – Denmark

General Contractor:

• Asnaes Carpet Center – Asnaes, Denmark

Architects:

• White Architects – Copenhagen, Denmark

Products Featured:

• ARDEX P 51™ Primer
• ARDEX K 14 System Leveling Compound
• ARDEX K 22 F Fiber Reinforced, Calcium Sulfate Leveling Compound
• ARDEX A 31 Primerless Fine Filler
• ARDEX EP 2000™ Substrate Preparation Epoxy Primer

Challenges:

• Environmental considerations during the construction process
• Cover existing cracking on a molded deck
• 2 mm (.0787 inch) thick
• Fast-track installation

Problem:

When Widex began building their new headquarters, they desired an environmental flooring solution that aligned with their corporate business model. Widex also needed a system that would prevent cracking through the self-leveling compound and could be installed at a thickness of 2 mm. With these challenges in mind, the contractor was worried they would not be able to meet their fast-approaching deadline.

Solution:

ARDEX Technical Service Representatives recommended the Asnaes Carpet Center contractors use ARDEX K 14 System Leveling Compound. ARDEX K 14 was the natural choice, because it has a GEV-EMICODE rating of EC 1. GEV-EMICODE is a green quality control rating that ensures a product has very low or no solvent content that contributes to indoor air pollution caused by volatile organic compounds (VOCs). ARDEX K 14 can also be poured to a depth as low as 1.5 mm when needed over dense or primed areas. To start the process, ARDEX Technical Service Representatives completed a demonstration on site. This product demonstration proved the recommended system would meet Asnaes Carpet Center’s time constraints and prevent a third party from having to assist in the installation. With confidence Asnaes Carpet Center started the installation. In the areas where the concrete slab had cracked, ARDEX K 22 F Fiber Reinforced, Calcium Sulfate Leveling Compound filled the larger cracks. ARDEX EP 2000™ Substrate Preparation Epoxy Primer was then used to fill the smaller cracks and prepare the cement for the ARDEX K 14 topping over areas of substrate cracking. ARDEX EP 2000 can be used as crack filler and helps prevent cracks from coming through the self-leveling compound. In areas where the concrete had not cracked, Asnaes Carpet Center used ARDEX A 31 Primerless Fine Filler to fill defects in the concrete substrate and then coated the slab with ARDEX P 51™ Primer. ARDEX P 51 is solvent free and has no VOCs. ARDEX P 51 also greatly improves the bond of ARDEX toppings and greatly increases the strength of the bond between the ARDEX K 14 and the substrate. With the help of ARDEX Technical Service, Widex Headquarters was completed on time. The new Widex Headquarters hosts 800 employees and is a prime example of an environmental building. With green construction products, an onsite windmill and solar paneling, the Widex building is CO2 neutral and delivers excess power to the local grids.