The Geneva Fitness Center installation presented a highly complex set of challenges requiring exceptional precision and craftsmanship, not to mention product that would perform long term in a challenging environment requiring aesthetics, hygiene and above all safety. The project demanded a completely water-tight, slip resistant flooring system in a high chlorine, high humidity environment utilizing epoxy adhesives, heat welding, specialized caulking and primers, with no allowance for self-leveling products due to multiple drain pitches throughout the space. Additional complexities included flash coving at inside and outside corners, curved walls, fully wrapped multi-level stairs, and the integration of water-tight floor signage—all within tight, confined installation areas.
The existing floors were outdated 2″ x 2″ mosaics with a tired tile wainscot around the walls. We demoed the tile floors and walls and performed moisture testing with the Wagner probes. The deck came back with high moisture content, so we utilized Mapei’s system. We ground the substrate to achieve a proper bonding surface of CSP 2-3. Applied Planiseal VS 2-Part Epoxy Moisture Mitigation System. Then applied Primer X with to promote bonding to non-porous surface. Then shaped the pool deck with Mapecem Quickpatch to pitch towards the drains.
The pool deck utilized Toli North America- Pathways slip-resistant sheet flooring. All flooring and tile were selected to provide durability, moisture resistance, and long-term performance in an indoor pool environment while supporting safety. Steps, pool edges, utilized visually impaired stair treads.
The project was completed within the required timeframe, delivering a durable, high-performance flooring solution from Toli North America that balances safety, functionality, and visual impact. The expansion of the project scope and the facility’s enthusiastic response underscore the exceptional quality of this installation, solidifying it as an example of performance-driven flooring excellence.
Nancy Thiel, founder and principal of Thiel Architecture + Design, is a licensed architect and an interior designer. With 40+ years’ experience working with luminaries in the architecture world, including Michael Graves, Robert A.M. Stern, and Rockwell Group, where she served as a studio leader, Thiel’s extensive portfolio includes single-family homes and multi-story residences, hotels, restaurants, retail, fitness clubs, offices, theaters, schools and shopping centers. She is a member of the AIA, holds NCARB certification and is a LEED accredited professional. Prior to her career in architecture, Thiel was a dancer and choreographer.
Thiel Architecture + Design is an award-winning multi-disciplinary architecture, interior design, planning, and product design firm with offices in CT and NY. The firm’s work focuses on high-end residential design as well as hospitality, contract, and retail projects. Thiel Architecture + Design’s work has been featured in Interior Design, Architype, New York and Connecticut Cottages and Gardens, Connecticut Magazine, Archello, and Fast Company magazines. In 2022, the firm received a Connecticut AIA Excellence award for Interior Architecture. Thiel earned a BA from Penn State University and her Master of Architecture degree from Syracuse University.
