A CONCRETE STATEMENT
An attractive yet functional stone-effect vinyl from
Karndean Designflooring has helped a university bar to achieve a contemporary design concept.
The University of Kent looked towards Karndean Designflooring to complete the look of its award-winning CARGO bar and bistro at Liberty Quays, Medway.
Designed by established London interior design practice Stiff + Trevillion (whose clients include Wagamama and Jamie Oliver), the student hospitality venue offers a nautical and industrial- style design complete with a statement concrete effect floor design.
Taking inspiration from its maritime base at the Medway, the university’s in-house team were immediately taken with Karndean’s large rectangular Opus Urbus SP213 design with its stormy mix of light and grey tones, as opposed to a hard stone concrete floor.
“Having initially considered a real stone floor, we were immediately concerned with the practicalities of maintaining a concrete floor, and ensuring it retained its original beauty,” explained Keith Williams, head of trading at University of Kent.
He said: “Having previously used Karndean, we opted to replace the original design brief with an LVT stone effect design, and add in a contrasting wood effect to enhance our overall concept.”
Looking to distinguish and zone out the bar and bistro areas, Karndean’s Urbus tile has been paired with Karndean’s authentic, mid wood rustic timber effect Opus Ignea WP313 planks. The large 36” x 6” planks offer a modern look and feel against the complementary Opus tile design, thus creating a contemporary feel.
Keith added: “Having a central location with direct access from the street, we required a floorcovering to withstand high traffic and offer ease of maintenance. Our Karndean floor delivered the functionality and visual finish required to complete our design,
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as well as being soft underfoot and suitable to cope with spillages.
“What makes CARGO so special is not only the functional, visually and ergonomically attractive design that clearly differentiates it from the competition, it’s the close knit team that run the unit on a daily basis.”
Winner of a prestigious U Dine Award for Best Bar Concept, CARGO bar and bistro will be enjoyed by more than 20,000 students. Its central location is a first for University of Kent – combining the ‘high street experience’ with the care of a university outlet.
“Having initially considered a real stone floor, we were immediately concerned with the
practicalities of maintaining a concrete floor.”
Paul Barratt, managing director of Karndean Designflooring, said: “Our products are highly recognised for their realistic and intricate wood and stone designs, so it’s fantastic to see CARGO bar and bistro showcasing our Opus in place of real wood and stone.
“Interestingly, whereas architects and interior designers would have previously looked to real wood or stone in hospitality and student union bars, they are now specifying authentic wood and stone effect LVT for its practicality and endless design capabilities.
“The extra-large rectangular tile and contrasting mid wood design, certainly makes a statement in this contemporary and urban area where students at the University of Kent can relax and enjoy this space.”
www.karndean.com
www.tomorrowscontractfloors.com
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