plank-floors Altro architectureanddesign.com.au/suppliers/altro-flooring-and-walling Interface architectureanddesign.com.au/suppliers/interface-aust
ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN
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P ractical
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APR-JUN 2020
SUPPLIERS Woodsmith wearewoodsmith.com.au/ Havwoods architectureanddesign.com.au/suppliers/havwoods Plank Floors architectureanddesign.com.au/suppliers/
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ALTRO
INTERFACE
Engineered timber flooring is a cost-effective alternative to solid timber floorboards. But when looking for commercial flooring, it’s worth taking things a step further. It’s worth considering alternatives to the alternative – that is timber-look products that contain no wood whatsoever. ‘Wood Adhesive Free’, a vinyl flooring product from Altro is an example. Combining cutting edge design, with the adhesive-free innovation of ‘Xpresslay’, Wood Adhesive Free can be installed quickly, with minimal interruption to the end user. Installed using a double-sided tape, Wood Adhesive Free lies flat with no rucking or movement. The chocolate bar emboss on the back allows moisture to evaporate under the surface meaning it can be installed over concrete subfloors up to 97 percent RH. Able to be walked upon on the same day as its installation, Wood Adhesive Free is suitable for high traffic commercial areas like bedroom and ensuites in care homes and hotels; corridors, general circulation, reception and public areas in hospitals, kindergartens and schools; as well as cafes and dining areas.
‘Level Set’, Interface’s luxury vinyl tile (LVT) collection is another product worth considering. Available in both wood and stone finishes, this modular system features the company’s Ceramor+ slip-resistance treatment as well as its Sound Choice backing for enhanced acoustic performance. As is the case with all the company’s products, tiles in the Interface LVT range are carbon neutral. When a customer buys these products, Interface calculates the floor’s carbon neutral credentials and then leverages its established and third party verified offsets programmes to neutralise the floor’s carbon impact. Because tiles in the Level Set collection are the same size and depth as Interface carpet tiles, designers can integrate the two products without need for transition strips. Apart from reducing installation time and waste, this opens up the design possibilities. Used in this way, the two products can create unique patterns, irregular transitions with seamless joins between hardwearing, durable pathways and softer spaces. A.B. Paterson College, a private school based in Arundel QLD unveiled its most recent
addition, The Winton Centre. Conceived as a hub in which Prep - Year 12 students could gather, learn, socialise and work together, the project was completed by Burling Brown Architects. ‘Wellbeing through nature’ was always a strong theme on campus. From the choice of native plants to the choice of furnishing in native colours to the façade mural, it is never far away. “Many design references point back to nature and its preservation, to evoke the feeling of happiness and joy. Maximising natural daylight was crucial,” says Andrew Brewer, architect and associate director, Burling Brown Architects. “The Early Learning area takes the dual approach of bringing the outside, inside and the interior influences out. Albeit a space that demands robust finishing and a balance of textures and patterns, Interface’s Luxury Vinyl Tile was chosen for its soft, natural timber appearance.” Timber has a natural appeal. Its calming effects are well understood, so it makes sense expand its use in commercial projects. The products are there. In terms of flooring, the only choice to be made is which best suits each project – solid timber, engineered timber or one of the many timber-look products available.