Christa McAuliffe Elementary School Enjoys Multiple Benefits of Premium Rubber Flooring

Christa McAuliffe Elementary SchoolChrista McAuliffe Elementary School in Concord, New Hampshire, is one of three new, futuristic elementary schools designed to meet the changing needs of 21st-century learning. The school understands the evolution of the library and incorporates a variety of mediums and methods of consuming information. Throughout the facility, norament® grano premium rubber flooring supports open, collaborative, flexible and technology-integrated multi-use learning spaces.

“The facility is not only an elementary school but also a community building that’s heavily used before and after school for several town programs, such as the Boys & Girls Club,” says Matt Cashman, director of facilities & planning. “The durability and increased stain resistance – without the use of chemical cleaners or coatings – is a huge benefit realized by our district when compared to our previous dealings with VCT.”

elementary school rubber flooringThe selection of nora® flooring also helped the district meet Northeast-CHPS standards of sustainability. “The elimination of coatings and chemicals has been a breath of fresh air, literally,” says Rusty Bonner, head custodian. The absence of fumes often associated with these substances has positively impacted the well-being of the maintenance staff, as well as students and teachers.

“Just a few regular washes with little more than water erases any staining, allowing the floors to easily maintain their new appearance,” says Bonner. This is especially beneficial in spill-prone areas, including the cafeteria and art rooms.

“It’s an easy-maintenance flooring,” Bonner continues. “As a result, we can devote more time to cleaning alternate surfaces, such as glass.”

The rubber flooring also enhances acoustics. Open project areas throughout the school, including an amphitheater, circular story room, reading nooks and spaces for collaboration, benefit from the floor’s ability to attenuate unwanted ambient noise, allowing students and staff to better focus on listening and learning.

Sponsored by: nora systems, Inc.

Featured

  • Rowan University, HPE Partner on New Learning Initiative

    Rowan University in Glassboro, N.J., recently announced that it has expanded its partnership with enterprise technology provider HPE to improve research capabilities and hands-on learning opportunities, according to a news release.

  • Johns Hopkins Starts Construction on New Residence Hall, Dining Facility

    The Homewood Campus of Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Md., recently began construction on a new residence hall and dining facility, according to university news. The work involves demolishing the existing Alumni Memorial Residence Hall I, which was built in 1923, to make room for the new facility.

  • S4L Announces 2026 Education Design Showcase Winners

    Spaces4Learning is thrilled to announce the winners of the 2026 Education Design Showcase! Now in its 27th year, the annual awards program honors innovative solutions in planning, design, architecture, and construction across K–12 and higher education.

  • Designing Third Spaces That Do What AI Can't

    In 2026, education is evolving faster than ever. With AI reshaping everything from lesson planning to personalized instruction, schools and universities are turning their attention to what AI can’t replicate: spaces that foster collaboration, community, and creativity.