Custom matting solution delivers superior drainage
A popular water playground in the Netherlands needed a surface solution that would ensure water flow while keeping the kids safe and comfortable.
The problem
The largest campsite in the Netherlands, Camping de Paal hosts thousands of families each summer. One of its star attractions is an indoor subtropical water playground with a children’s lagoon, specially designed so kids can play with water toys and swim all year round. Knowing they had large volumes of water to drain, the campsite had originally constructed the floor using metal grates – but these were proving uncomfortable and slippery to walk on, especially for little feet. They needed a surface solution that not only self-drained but also provided comfort and grip underfoot.
The checklist
- Quickly drains large volumes of water
- Provides both 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
The hunt was on to find a mat that would effectively cover the large metal drains without constricting them in any way. Sanimat, the Belgium distributor for Plastex, suggested creating a specialist mat that built upon the features of our popular barefoot matting Heronrib – and we were up for the challenge. We worked with the campsite and Sanimat to create a 15mm thick open-grid mat with an etched surface, four-way drainage system and channeled underbars.
The elevated height and open grid creates a self-draining system that quickly dissipates large volumes of water, while the underbars help to cushion and protect bare feet. The matting was manufactured to fit the playground’s exact specifications, so it contours perfectly over the metal grating with zero seams. Permanent antimicrobial and antifungal additives helps to protect against fungal and bacterial contamination.
At a glance
Client
Camping de Paal
Brief
Cushioning matting that can contour seamlessly to metal grates, and quickly dissipates large volumes of water.
Location
Netherlands