RFD Interior Architecture’s latest design project mixes bold terrazzo flooring with biophilic design.
RFD Interior Architecture selected an impactful terrazzo LVT by Karndean Designflooring for its Groupe Atlantic’s Expert Training Academy design and build project in East Yorkshire.
RFD Interior Architecture worked with Karndean Designflooring in this latest project, which combines sustainable performance with thermal and acoustic comfort - implementing a sustainable approach throughout the scheme. RFD Interior Architecture specified a range of materials with impressive sustainability credentials to reflect their client’s brief.
Groupe Atlantic’s mission is to help society rise to the challenge of reducing energy consumption while increasing the use of renewable energy whilst still satisfying the demand for thermal comfort. Its new Expert Training Academy has been established to further these goals, training the heating and hot water industry in the next generation of renewable energy sourced appliances. With the business’ clear focus on sustainable development, it was key that the academy’s interior should itself have minimal impact.
Project designer and principal contractor RFD Interior Architecture has reflected Groupe Atlantic’s ambition to create a greener built environment with a comfortable yet practical interior in a biophilic style that supports health and wellbeing, meeting its sustainability brief with a focus on decarbonisation and recycled materials.
A terrazzo design floor from Karndean Designflooring sits alongside a natural moss wall and FSC certified oak cladding with recycled plastic acoustic backing. The furniture and accessories were also chosen for their superb eco credentials, including ultra-low carbon furniture made with recycled upholstery materials.
“The durability of Karndean flooring is key to product longevity and in commercial environments this can result in a carbon footprint that is up to 85% lower than other flooring products. These sustainability credentials were a key decision point for RFD Interior Architecture when specifying for Groupe Atlantic’s academy.” - Jamie Shaw, head of ESG at Karndean Designflooring
Dalmata from Karndean’s Opus abstracts capsule collection has provided a statement floor that can stand up to the academy’s heavy footfall yet is easy to maintain. Featuring large black marble chips that stand out against a simple white background in a striking ‘dalmatian’ effect, the flooring brings an impactful neoclassical look to the clean lines of the interior. Introducing additional visual interest and comfort underfoot, breakout zones have been highlighted with thick pile rugs.
Alex Jenneson, design director at RFD Interior Architecture, explained: “From a design aesthetic, the newly launched Karndean terrazzo was a great looking product for our story. This design statement of monochrome maximalism stands out perfectly as a confident stone effect feature juxtaposed against the neat, uniform oak panels and earthy fabric colour tones. Natural materials, controllable low carbon lighting, biophilic elements and the clean yet playful interior design speak volumes about how workplaces can look and operate in the market today.”
The Opus abstracts capsule collection presents a range of bold contemporary designs and offers designers complete creative freedom of expression with endless options to create intriguing and impactful bespoke floors. Suitable for installation alongside other Opus wood plank and stone tile designs, these new abstract designs have expanded the boundaries of design and opened up new opportunities for personalised interiors.
Karndean products are manufactured in factories certified to the ISO 14001 Environmental Management and ISO 9001 Quality Management International Standards and meet LEED Credit 4.3 and CAL 01350 standards. Karndean has a wide flooring portfolio for each designer’s needs and provides a resilient, comfortable and attractive flooring.
To find out more about Karndean’s Opus Abstracts capsule collection, click here.
