PROJECT – RE Forbo's integrated flooring scheme create
With the help of Forbo Flooring Systems’ integrated portfolio of solutions, the Bioscience Filtration Division of Parker Hannifin in Birtley, County Durham, was transformed into a contemporary, uplifting and dynamic workplace environment. Labelled Project Rejuvenate, the scheme designed by Blake Hopkinson Architecture was awarded top marks in the annual Fly Forbo 2019/20 competition.
Comprising office spaces, laboratories and a separate manufacturing block, the 3950m2
Birtley headquarters is
responsible for the design, supply and delivery of single-use filtration systems for pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical manufacturing. Having been adapted in a relatively ad-hoc and sporadic manner over the years, Blake Hopkinson Architecture was brought on board to take a holistic approach and completely remodel the whole site to reflect the global values of the Parker Hannifin brand.
James Hopkinson, Partner – Interior Designer at Blake Hopkinson Architecture, said: “As the world of work is constantly evolving, dark, dull and uninspiring office design offers very few positives for a modern-day workspace. For the rejuvenation of the Birtley offices, this was an exciting opportunity to re-establish this arm of the Parker Hannifin business as a Centre of Excellence. Our key focus was to create an aspirational and agile workplace environment that would benefit both current staff as well as attract prospective new employees and talented graduates.
26 | VINYL & LVT
“We completely redesigned the layout of the main offices by removing partition walls, increasing natural light and connecting the flow between the different areas of the building, which is spread over two floors. As Parker Hannifin’s corporate colours are yellow and orange, we needed to subtly blend these shades into the interior without being too intense. With the appropriate use of furnishings and finishes, and utilising Forbo’s wide portfolio of durable, sustainable and design- orientated floorcoverings, we were able to achieve this.”
On the ground floor in the reception area and general circulation spaces, the natural aesthetic with true-to-life embossing of Forbo’s Allura Flex Wood luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) in Oyster Seagrass were installed to create a striking and sophisticated finish. Offering unprecedented dimensional stability, strength and performance, it was the perfect solution for the high traffic areas. The tackified loose lay LVT was also installed alongside Tessera Layout and Outline carpet tile planks (100 x 25cm) in the meeting areas and open-plan concourse, which leads off the circulation spaces, using the same tackifier and without the need for transition strips, enabling a seamlessly integrated flooring design.
James continued: “Tessera Layout and Outline carpet tiles in the plank format played a major role throughout the interior scheme, as we used the modular floorcoverings in the private office spaces, conferencing rooms, meeting areas and new open-plan offices on the first floor. To reflect the ambitions of the business, the client did not want a bland looking floor
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