Corques Liquid Lino Flooring Installation – Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford

Installation Date: July 2025
Product: Corques Liquid Lino
Location: Yvonne Arnaud Theatre
Total Area: Approx. 180m²
Main Contractor: Rise Contracts
Architects: Reed Watts

Project Overview
This project involved the installation of Corques Liquid Lino across internal floor areas at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre in Guildford, forming part of a wider refurbishment of the building.

The brief was to deliver a seamless, contemporary floor finish that felt refined and comfortable underfoot, while remaining robust enough to perform in a busy public environment. With high footfall and strict performance expectations, the success of the project relied heavily on correct preparation, moisture control, and disciplined sequencing throughout the installation.

About Corques Liquid Lino
Corques Liquid Lino is a seamless, liquid-applied linoleum flooring system manufactured from natural and renewable raw materials, including linseed oil, vegetable oils, cork powder, wood, and mineral fillers. Applied at approximately 2–3mm thickness, it creates a smooth, joint-free surface with a soft, resilient feel underfoot.

The system combines durability, comfort, and hygiene, making it suitable for public, commercial, and residential environments. Its matte finish and subtle tonal variation deliver a refined, contemporary aesthetic, while the seamless application eliminates joins, welding, and unnecessary waste.

Corques Liquid Lino is low-VOC, free from plasticisers, and designed with sustainability in mind. It is easy to maintain and, after many years of use, can be re-finished rather than replaced, thereby extending the floor’s lifecycle.

Existing Condition & Preparation Challenges
Following the removal of the existing floor tiles, residual adhesive remained across large areas of the substrate. This required full mechanical abrasion to ensure all contaminants were removed and a clean, sound surface was achieved.

An epoxy primer was applied, followed by a fibre-reinforced smoothing screed to bring the floor areas flat and level in readiness for the Corques system. Given the sensitivity of seamless resilient finishes to moisture, the screed was allowed to fully dry and cure for seven days, ensuring all residual moisture had dissipated before progressing to the next phase.

System Build-Up & Installation
Once cured, the substrate was primed and a PU regulation layer applied to achieve absolute uniformity across the floor and eliminate any minor surface imperfections. This layer was allowed to cure overnight, providing the ideal base for the final finish.

The Corques Liquid Lino was applied the following day at approximately 2mm thickness across the full 180m². Installation was carried out in a controlled and methodical manner to ensure consistency and a seamless finish throughout. The floor was then left to cure overnight.

To complete the system, two coats of matt protective sealer were applied, enhancing durability while preserving the soft, natural appearance characteristic of Corques Liquid Lino.

Result & Finished Outcome
The finished floor provides a smooth, seamless surface that is both practical and visually refined, well suited to the operational demands of a theatre environment.

The Corques Liquid Lino delivers a calm, modern aesthetic with subtle natural character, while the extensive preparation and correct system build-up ensure long-term performance. The final result meets the functional requirements of the space while enhancing the overall look and feel of the refurbished interior.

Conclusion
This project highlights the importance of correct preparation, moisture management, and system sequencing when installing seamless resilient flooring in public buildings.

By allowing adequate curing times and following a disciplined installation process, we delivered a high-quality Corques Liquid Lino floor that performs as intended and complements the architectural intent of the theatre’s refurbishment.