Custom matting solution delivers superior drainage
A popular indoor water playground at a campsite in the Netherlands sought a drainage mat to keep young users safe and comfortable, without disturbing or hindering the water flow.
The problem
Camping de Paal, the largest campsite in the Netherlands, had a unique problem at one of its star attractions, a subtropical indoor water playground. Specially designed so children could swim and play with water toys year round, the children’s lagoon featured a floor constructed of metal grates that was proving slippery and uncomfortable to walk on, especially for little feet. Knowing they had large volumes of water to drain, management needed a custom floor mat that not only self-drained but provided comfort and grip underfoot.
The checklist
- Quickly drains large volumes of water
- Provides grip and comfort underfoot
- Protects bare feet from bacterial contamination
- Covers a large surface area with as few seams as possible
- Creates a fun and visually appealing environment for kids
The solution
When Sanimat, Plastex’s distributor in Belgium, suggested the creation of a specialist grate mat that built on the features of our popular Heronrib barefoot mats, we were up for the challenge. The key was to effectively cover the large metal drains without constricting them, so we worked with the campsite and Sanimat to create a 15mm thick open-grid mat with an etched surface, four-way drainage system and channelled underbars.
The elevated height and open grid of this drainage mat creates a self-draining system that quickly dissipates large volumes of water, while the underbars cushion and protect bare feet. Permanent antimicrobial and antifungal additives help to protect against fungal and bacterial contamination.
In this case, the matting solution was also manufactured to fit the playground’s exact specifications, so it contoured perfectly over the metal grating with zero seams.
At a glance
Client
Camping de Paal
Brief
Cushioning barefoot mats that can contour seamlessly to metal grates, and quickly dissipate large volumes of water.
Location
Netherlands