“We wanted to furnish the building to the highest possible sustainability standards, and in order to do so, it was essential that we considered the environmental impact of every detail that went in to its design, including the flooring,” said Stuart Kotchie, Programme Manager at the Environment Agency.
“We have a forward-thinking approach when it comes to sustainability, so it is important that we work with environmentally responsible suppliers that share our values. Interface really impressed us with its extensive range of high quality, design led and sustainable products and so proved the ideal partner for us to work with.”
After gaining a complete understanding of project objectives, designers from Interface worked closely with the government agency’s chosen interior designers, The Harmsen Group, to develop creative schemes that met the Environment Agency’s requirements of a collaborative, contemporary and flexible workspace, which was also entirely sustainable.
In order to create an inspiring finish, a combination of Interface’s Transformation, Key Features and Chenille Warp products were selected for the project.
Interface’s Transformation carpet tiles, made from recycled yarn, and manufactured using 100 per cent renewable electricity, were incorporated throughout the whole office to enhance its environmental offering. What’s more, the highly textured loop pile carpet tiles offer durability in heavy traffic areas. Selected in ‘Moss garden’ and ‘Conifer’, the tiles helped to achieve a unique look inspired by nature. Plus, the random design makes it ideal for non-directional installation, meaning that maintenance is simplified and waste is minimised.
Boasting over 20 vibrant colours, carpet tiles from Interface’s Key Features range were selected to create a modern feel for the new head office. Designed in-line with current trends, the bold colours offered within the collection helped the Environment Agency to create a bright and eye-catching result.
Chenille Warp tufted carpet tiles were also chosen to offer attractive but practical and hard-wearing results. The textural stripes and the natural appearance of the chosen colour, ‘reflection’, ensure the office is a fresh and inviting place to work.
Stuart adds: “In order to ensure the design was environmentally responsible, we had to look beyond the products. Therefore, we utilised Interface’s environmental services in the creation of our new office, including TacTile™, which provides a more sustainable alternative to liquid adhesive, due to its significantly reduced level of VOCs.”
TacTiles™ were particularly suited to the Environment Agency, where conservation is a priority, as both the materials and methods used to create TacTiles™ are aimed at reducing waste and minimising impact. By using TacTiles™, it is estimated that the Environment Agency saved around 900 litres of adhesive from being used during installation.
“We are always proud to be involved in exciting projects with industry pioneers, such as the Environment Agency. We are committed to delivering the highest possible standard of environmental products and as such, it is great to be working with such a key organisation on the refurbishment of its office,” said Louise Swift, Interface’s Public Sector Sales Director.
Inspiration
Environment Agency
Government, United Kingdom
Protecting the environment and sustainable development are fundamental to the work of the Environment Agency. So when it set about designing Horizon House, its new national office in Bristol, it was essential that the building reflected its green ethos. As such, Interface, the leading manufacturer of sustainable and innovative modular flooring, partnered with the Environment Agency to deliver a modern, yet sustainable, flooring solution for the new office.
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