Learn more about what you need to know when specifying synthetic grass for sport and leisure. Information for architects and specifiers tells you the key questions you need to be asking clients, as well as reasons for selecting artificial grass over natural grass.

1. INFORMATION
FOR ARCHITECTS
We understand that when it comes to business, everyone’s time is valuable.
And we also understand that unless you are currently working on a project that
requires synthetic turf you won’t necessarily want to hear from us right now.
But we wanted to introduce ourselves so that if you ever do need to know more
about artificial surfaces, you’ve got this handy little document to refer to. We’ve also
included our contact details and a link to a specially developed page on our website
just for architects like yourselves. That way if you ever need us you can get in touch
in your own time. Also, if you fancy a chat we’re on Twitter and would love to hear
from you. Our blog is also uploaded weekly and is full of insightful comments on the
sport, leisure and play industries.
Specialist surfaces can also be created for
SO WHY CHOOSE ARTIFICIAL TURF? playground safety as well as domestic synthetic
turf that can be used in your garden at home.
The flexibility and diversity of the products
available has grown over the years, and
products have come a long way since the
Astroturf that took your skin off.
WHO WE ARE, WHAT WE STAND FOR
This is the question everyone should be asking,
and there are various answers. Benefits include
the fact that performance levels can be Pl it h
Playrite have b been established f over 20 years
t bli h d for
maintained at all times while minimising the and are the only manufacturer in the UK to make
loss of revenue due to poor weather conditions. woven, tufted and needlepunch artificial surfaces
There are a range of surfaces which can offer a for sport, leisure and play. We are experts in
choice of playing performances due to different what we do and are known for our innovation
manufacturing processes, enabling a sports and this is reflected in the products we produce
facility to maximise their revenue alongside and our corporate values. We have a genuine
offering their clients optimum flexibility. Massive interest in local community and aspire to improve
developments have been made in the industry both revenue and functionality for all projects we
over the years in terms of infill and yarn work on - Playrite are prepared to go that extra
characteristics, with surfaces tailored to specific mile to ensure our customers transform
sports as different kinds of industry standards their facilities to further benefit society and
exist nowadays. the environment.

2. WHAT SHOULD I CONSIDER WHEN Which sport
or sports
SPECIFYING SYNTHETIC GRASS? take priority?
Specifying synthetic grass can The answer can be very dependent on the type
be confusing, especially as there of surface you specify. The PE teacher will possibly
list multiple sports that will be played throughout
are so many companies out there the year’s curriculum, yet many of these specific
offering similar looking products. sports may only be played for a few weeks at a
time. It is important to select a surface based on
Above all it is important to which sports will be played the most.
remember that each project
Do we
will have different requirements. require a
Here are a few questions to keep shockpad?
in mind whilst selecting a sports
surface for your client: This again is a question that requires some
thought & planning if high intensity & impact
sports are to be played a shockpad is
recommended. Certain Governing Sports
Bodies for example the Football Association
prefer a shockpad for soccer, and if the project
is receiving a high proportion of funding the
Sports Bodies will generally stipulate their
performance standards are met.
How easily
can the
product be
installed?
CAD design systems can help to plan for a
smoother installation, whereas some products
are available in kit form to reduce installation time.
Often a manufacturer will be able to recommend
various installers in a specific area of the UK who
know their products and have done countless
successful installations.
What
maintenance
schedule is
actually
achievable?
Will your client have in house maintenance,
or will they need to source external contract
maintenance? What costs and what is in the
budget to provide maintenance? The total
budget for the project can be very decisive
on the size of project to be built.

3. PROJECTS WE’VE WORKED ON
We’ve worked on projects all over the UK, Europe and the World.
Here are a few of our favourite and most typical installations:
COMMUNITY CENTRE FACILITIES CAN NOW BE USED ALL YEAR ROUND
Mildenhall Leisure Centre serves the wider community in Bury St. Edmunds and is heavily relied upon by
the surrounding community. As a not-for-profit organisation the centre needed to ensure the quality and
the durability of their facilities, to ensure the playing surfaces are fit for years to come. It was decided that
installing Matchplay 2 needlepunch surface from Playrite was the best option as it meets EN15330 Part
2 and is classified to International Tennis Federation Category 2 Medium Slow. This was installed with
Playrite’s Matchpad – a cushioning surface laid underneath the playing surface so both young and old
can enjoy an ergonomically sound surface.
DEESIDE LEISURE CENTRE GETS THE ATTENTION IT DESERVES
With over 4,000 m², consisting of 6 football pitches, the entire site was in a derelict state, being
unusable and unsafe for public use. The new product that was selected was a 60mm sand/rubber
infilled 3G monofilament synthetic grass, Conqueror 60 MF. A newly developed tufted turf, chosen
due to the fact it is a dedicated football surface, which meets FA Community Approval and is rated
to the IATS FIFA 1 star equivalent. The 3G product looks like grass and offers similar playing
characteristics, and when installed over Matchpad shock absorbing layer, Conqueror 60 MF
offers extra comfort and increased playing performance.
STATE OF THE ART ARENA MAKES TOP CHOICE FOR MULTI-SPORTS SURFACE
Currently the largest of its kind in Europe, the new state of the art Meadowbank Sport Arena provides the
widest range of unbeatable premium indoor and outdoor facilities for sports, other activities and events.
Over 9,000m² of Playrite’s multi-sport, low maintenance system Matchwinner, which meets EN15330
Part 2 standards, with Matchpad shockpad was installed last year. The total surface measured 137m x
70m on which a whole host of sporting activities can take place simultaneously. In just one hour you can
see soccer, cricket, lacrosse and tennis being taught in a single PE lesson.

4. Visit our website
IF YOU’D LIKE TO KNOW MORE...
www.playrite.co.uk
THEN GET IN TOUCH
Email us directly on
technical@playrite.co.uk
Call our friendly sales team on
01924 412488
Tweet us
@PlayriteSurface
Scan the
QR code
with your
smart phone
or visit
www.playrite.co.uk/
information-for-architects
We have just launched our RIBA approved
CPD presentation so if you’d like to learn
more about specifying synthetic grass for
sport and play we can arrange for one of
our Area Sales Managers to visit your
practice – and we’ll even bring lunch.
Just get in touch using either of the
above methods