Flooring Designed to Keep Up with Campus Life

At Chapman University’s Sandi Simon Center for Dance, flooring needed to do more than complement the architecture. With students, faculty, and visitors moving between classrooms, offices, and shared spaces, the university needed durable, low-maintenance surfaces that could withstand daily foot traffic while preserving the building’s modern industrial aesthetic. Achieving a consistent concrete-like finish across different substrates was equally important.

Westcoat Representative Bill England was consulted by Lorcan O’Herlihy Architects (LOHA), who had previously worked on the building’s interior, to determine the best flooring systems for the project. With both plywood and concrete substrates to consider, LOHA sought a cohesive, modern concrete finish throughout the center. Bill recommended Westcoat’s ALX Interior and Texture-Crete Interior systems, both offering durable, decorative finishes that complement the building’s offices, classrooms, and shared spaces. Westcoat’s local QCA, Empire Waterproofing, Inc., installed the systems, bringing the architect’s vision to life with flooring that combines lasting performance and contemporary design.

Whether it’s dancing, teaching, studying, or simply hanging out, Chapman University’s Dance Center is ready to welcome students and staff with beautiful, functional spaces designed for everyday campus life.

ALX Interior | Decorative Flooring Over Plywood

Westcoat’s ALX™ Interior System transforms plywood subfloors into durable, water-resistant surfaces with the appearance of decorative concrete. Its thin, polymer-modified cementitious application made it an ideal choice for achieving the architect’s vision without traditional poured concrete.

For educational facilities, ALX Interior offers a cost-effective, low-maintenance flooring solution with customizable colors and finishes that complement modern learning environments.

Texture-Crete Interior | Decorative Flooring Over Concrete

Westcoat’s Texture-Crete® Interior System transforms existing concrete into a decorative, durable surface designed for everyday pedestrian traffic. With customizable colors, textures, and protective sealers, the system provided the flexibility to match ALX Interior’s appearance throughout the dance center.

Ideal for campus corridors, classrooms, and common areas, Texture-Crete Interior combines long-lasting performance with easy maintenance, helping educational facilities maintain attractive, functional spaces for years to come.

Built for Education. Designed to Inspire.

Together, these systems offer several advantages for schools and universities:

• Durability: Designed to withstand daily pedestrian traffic in active campus environments.
• Low Maintenance: Protective finishes simplify routine cleaning and upkeep.
• Design Flexibility: Coordinating colors and finishes create a consistent appearance across different substrates.
• Cost-Effective Installation: Decorative toppings provide an alternative to traditional flooring materials.
• Low-VOC Options: Solvent-free and low-VOC installation options support environmentally conscious project specifications.

Interested in a flooring system for your upcoming job? 

To learn more contact us at (800) 250-4519 to speak to a local representative in your area.

Read more about this project on Architectural Record’s official website.