With Recycled Glass and No Seams, Floors are the Spotlight of TV Medical Examiner’s Facility

In 2009, the District Nine Medical Examiner’s Office in Orlando, Florida, moved to a new, 40,000 sq. ft. facility. Daily operations included performing routine autopsies and also serving as a production space for the hit Discovery Health Channel show Dr. G: Medical Examiner. Epoxy and granite tile floors in the former office posed a cleaning challenge for District Nine staff, who sought to replace them with a seamless, easy-to-clean surface. They also desired a sustainable product for a “green” design aimed at achieving LEED Silver certification.

Stonhard was selected to manufacture and install seamless floors that would be durable, long-lasting, and easy to clean. In the morgue and autopsy suites, Stonhard installed Stonblend GSI-G, an epoxy mortar system that uses a 12% recycled glass aggregate and exudes a camera-ready terrazzo-like appearance while offering a chemical and wear-resistant surface. The use of recycled glass contributed to the design team’s desired sustainability model and provided three shades for the aesthetic they sought.

“Blood and other stuff gets stuck in the grout at the other building, and it was tough getting rid of that smell,” said Dr. Jan C. Garavaglia, Chief Medical Examiner as quoted in the Orlando Sentinel. "This is seamless, and stuff just washes off. It’s also ironic that beer bottles were used to make it, because much of what we see in this room is alcohol related.”

For the coolers and decomp areas, Stonhard recommended Stontec TRF, a mortar-based urethane system that incorporates decorative flakes to provide a smooth, temperature and stain-resistant, sanitary floor surface. Once the facility resumed full operation, Stonhard floors were put to the test, delighting everyone at the facility.

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