A TUDO With the help of Forbo Flooring Systems’ comprehensive portfolio, London-based studio Upcircle ha


From the branding and signage through to the interior design, Upcircle’s multi-disciplinary expertise has helped to shape Fresh Student Living’s latest development, Tudor Place. Located only a stone’s throw away from Chester City Centre, the four-block student accommodation complex comprises 323 bedrooms and studios, as well as an array of modern facilities such as an on-site gym, a multi-media room and a communal lounge.


Built by Watkin Jones Group, Tudor Place is set to open in September 2020. The site is owned by student accommodation investor Arlington Investors (Arlington). Arlington acquired the building from Watkin Jones Group in June this year, further cementing their commitment to Chester, having also acquired Granary Studios, Chester, in late 2019.


Ophélia Gisquet, Head of Interior Design at Upcircle, commented: “As Tudor architecture is symbolic of Chester, it was only fitting that we took inspiration from this in the design concept of this project. Tudor buildings were typically constructed using English oak timbers, then painted with black tar for protection from the weather, therefore we wanted to incorporate a mix of natural wooden effects with contrasting colours throughout the interior. Having used Forbo’s products for many of our student accommodation schemes before, we knew that its comprehensive portfolio would provide us with the ideal solutions to achieve our vision both in terms of design and performance.


“Throughout the ground floor, in a variety of spaces, we specified several colourways in various plank sizes from the Allura Wood LVT collection. Combining the aesthetics of natural wood with the benefits of strong and comfortable vinyl tiles, the product’s in-register embossing really brought the wood designs to life. In the reception area, multi-media room and meeting spaces, we used Allura Wood in the Deep Country Oak colourway which effortlessly provided an elegant feel and rustic touch to these spaces.


“Contrast was key for this project. Therefore, in the gym, we chose the soft and subtle White Autumn Oak shade, which would provide a monochrome effect against the dark pieces of training equipment. In the study space, the same colourway worked perfectly alongside the vibrant orange wallpaper and banquet arrangement seating. Throughout the building, we opted to use blues, pinks and oranges, inspired by the glass windows in Tudor buildings, for the furniture, as we wanted to avoid a dichromatic palette. The use of these shades brings sporadic energy and enthusiasm to the design.”


The natural wood effect of the large Allura Wood LVT planks in Waxed Oak was used throughout the social space in conjunction with Allura Feature Strips in Black to further mimic the style of Tudor architecture. Representing the next generation of LVT flooring, the new Allura collection offers endless design possibilities in several constructions, including fully adhered, loose lay and adhesive free, ensuring there is always a suitable choice for every application.


Ophélia continued: “At Upcircle, sustainability is a huge part of our ethos and we always make a conscious effort to use


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