PORTFOLIO
A FOUNDATION OF EXCELLENCE
Welcome to our project portfolio, a showcase of our commitment to quality, innovative design, and sustainable practices. For over 40 years, we've been the trusted partner for businesses and organizations seeking exceptional products and services that go beyond mere functionality. From bustling commercial offices to dynamic educational institutions and luxurious hotels, our portfolio reflects a diverse range of successful projects, each one a testament to our dedication to superior materials, exquisite design, and environmental responsibility.
PORTFOLIO
COMMERCIAL OFFICE
Global Projects. Local Impact.
Endless Possibilities.
SYNERGY OF SHAPES AND SPACE
A WHIMSICAL DESIGN APPROACH AND BOLD HEXAGONSHAPED CARPET TILES EVOKE A DISTINCTIVE AMBIENCE IN THIS CROCODILE-INSPIRED OFFICE SPACE.
THIS PHOTO: Green and grey hexagon-shaped carpet tiles from Carpets Inter are used for the flooring to convey the unique crocodile-inspired concept.
THIS PHOTO: The meeting room is anchored by a long rectangular table and a unique ceiling feature, both blending in seamlessly with the colourful carpet tiles.
A HEXAGON CUTTING TECHNIQUE ALONG WITH A GREEN AND GREY COLOUR SCHEME WAS USED TO ACHIEVE THE DESIRED EFFECT, RESULTING IN A BOLD AND VIBRANT FLOORING CONCEPT THAT GIVES OFF HINTS OF THE CROCODILE THEME WHILE INFUSING THE OFFICE INTERIOR WITH A STUNNING AMBIENCE.
BOTTOM RIGHT: Bright light streams into the corridor through the glass windows, creating a warm and welcoming effect that complements the carpet tiles.
BOTTOM LEFT: The crocodile-inspired concept is applied cohesively throughout all three floors of this office space, linked together via the use of Carpets Inter unique carpet tiles.
TOP: For the conference room, wave-like motifs on the walls and hexagon-shaped carpet tiles add visual interest to the entire space.
“FLOORING IS ANOTHER DESIGN MEDIUM WHICH ALLOWS THE CREATION OF TRULY UNIQUE DESIGN SCHEMES WITHOUT COMPROMISING PERFORMANCE. FOR THIS OFFICE, WE WANTED THE FLOOR TO REFLECT THE SKIN OF THE CROCODILE.”
Studio 54
Aunique concept that portrays the client’s love for crocodiles was requested for this office designed by Bangkok-based Studio 54. It was no easy feat to meet this requirement while keeping to a contemporary theme that blends with the rest of the office interior. However, the design team has ingeniously brought it all together with a bold and creative design approach complemented by the use of Carpets Inter’s carpet tiles.
Each of the three floors in this office was designed to represent different parts of the crocodile: the top floor which accommodates the executive offices represents the crocodile’s head while the middle floor which includes meeting rooms and workspaces is the crocodile’s body and symbolises the company’s centre of power. The ground floor where the reception area, exhibition space and museum are located represents the crocodile’s tail. According to the design team, the flooring concept
plays a significant role in strengthening the office’s overall aesthetics. “Flooring is another design medium which allows the creation of truly unique design schemes without compromising performance. For this office, we wanted the floor to reflect the skin of the crocodile,” they explain.
As the project required a meticulous approach for its carpeting, Carpets Inter were brought in by Studio 54 to provide custom-made carpet tiles for a total area of 800sqm. A hexagon cutting technique along with a green and grey colour scheme was used to achieve the desired effect, resulting in a bold and vibrant flooring concept that gives off hints of the crocodile theme while infusing the office interior with a stunning ambience.
THIS PHOTO: Hexagon-shaped lighting features are used across the ceiling near the meeting rooms to match the carpet tiles below.
SUSTAINABILITY MEETS STYLE AT VISY
A FLOOR CREATED FROM RECYCLED BOTTLES – WELCOME TO A WORKSPACE TRANSFORMATION THAT MAY BE DARK IN COLOUR, BUT GREEN BY NATURE.
THIS PICTURE: Visy Essendon Fields opens sustainable facility with carpet tiles containing 54,500 recycled plastic bottles.
“VISY KNEW THAT A1 OFFICE IS A BIG BELIEVER IN A CIRCULAR ECONOMY AND CAME TO US WITH AN UNDERSTANDING THAT WE WOULD INHERENTLY APPROACH THEIR WORKSPACE TRANSFORMATION WITH SUSTAINABILITY IN OUR DNA.”
Dana Moussaoui, A1 Office Head of Design and Green Star Accredited Professional
THIS PICTURE: Carpet Tile supplied by Carpets Inter - Flatlands FL15.
Visy is a global leader in packaging, paper and resource recovery, providing high quality, innovative and sustainable packaging products and solutions. Operating in over 120 sites in Australasia, they have been a leader in packaging innovation in Australia for over 70 years and offer unique and forward thinking packing and recycling solutions.
A1 Office was recently selected to create a new Melbourne headquarters for Australia’s biggest privately owned company, Visy, whose motto is ‘For a Better World’. Visy valued A1 Office’s commitment toward sustainability and the resulting workspace transformation is testament to these shared values.
Visy were looking for a flexible, unique and efficient workspace transformation for their new Essendon Fields headquarters. As a global sustainable packaging solutions leader, the new workspace had to reflect their values in creating ‘a better world’ by using sustainably sourced materials and furniture. With a floorplate of over 1000sqm, we selected the highest quality and most sustainable materials and furniture solutions from the ground up. Custom joinery pieces built in our very own Melbourne-based workshop, carpet made from 54,500 recycled plastic bottles diverted from landfill, low VOC wall paint, privacy division screens featuring recycled wall panels and tables and stools made from 100% recycled plastic. Health and wellbeing in the working environment were important factors when considering a design for Visy’s new workspace. We designed Visy’s office with open working spaces and tucked away areas for some quiet time out, which could also be used as casual meeting spaces. Given the materials used in the context, the added approach of circular form was to soften the harsh appearance of visibly recycled materials. Curvature was used to create a homely feel and activate the senses with bold Visy blues and a party of confetti pop in the recycled office tables and stools.
TOP & BOTTOM RIGHT: Carpet Tile supplied by Carpets Inter - Across the Sea SE02.
BOTTOM LEFT: This workspace transformation ensures function and style shine in harmony with sustainability.
“WE ARE PLEASED TO HAVE LIVED UP TO OUR REPUTATION AND TO HAVE DELIVERED A WORKSPACE THAT IS FUNCTIONAL AND AESTHETICALLY PLEASING, YET LED BY SUSTAINABLE DECISIONS THROUGH THE ENTIRE DELIVERY - FROM THE ECOSOFT® CARPETS, TO THE ECO-FRIENDLY PLASTER ON THE WALLS TO THE LOW VOC CEILINGS AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN.”
Dana Moussaoui,
A1 Office Head of Design and Green Star Accredited Professional
BOTTOM LEFT & RIGHT: Carpet Tile supplied by Carpets Inter - Across the Sea SE02.
Q: What does sustainable design and fit-out mean to A1 Office?
A: It means starting every project aiming for the most sustainable options, from products selected to materials used. For current projects, we always seek the most sustainable products there are on the market, without exception. But it also means raising the bar and leading the way where there are gaps. We believe creating products for longevity is vital for sustainability.
Q: Where do you see quick gains could be made in making new commercial spaces more sustainable?
A: Thinking carefully about extending product lifecycles. A quality workstation designed with sustainability in mind should be able to be used for a long period of time, if not forever. Sometimes, when we create custom products for specific spaces, we can unintentionally reduce that product’s lifecycle. We need to create more functional furniture and moveable parts – workstations that can follow an organisation from new office to new office. Linear workstations can do this well. And ones crafted for quality, easy assembly and endurance will last.
Q: When we think of products made from recycled plastics, do we automatically think these have now been shaped into other hard and rigid products? Does this create a design problem?
A: In a space that uses a lot of recycled elements, we do need to take this thought pattern into account as we can subconsciously, and often not correctly, feel the space is a little harsh. As a signature, I tend to use curves in my designs to accentuate softness throughout a space. This works particularly well when working with recycled materials, providing a feeling of homeliness that creates that sense of balance.
Q: How was the Carpets Inter EcoSoft® range used in the A1 Office workspace transformation for Visy?
A: We used the EcoSoft® product on another delivery just before Visy, and we were truly impressed. It was really important to not have a rigid or stark feel and it didn’t. From a palette and design perspective, we could quickly see the opportunity to get creative. For Visy, we had a large floorplate and went with three different EcoSoft® products: Breaking Waves, Breaking Ground and Flatlands. These provided us with the opportunity to capture an earthy and outdoor feel and to bring in our client’s core colour of blue, while working in a grey base and darker elements.
Q: Apart from the Carpets Inter EcoSoft® range, what were the other sustainable products A1 Office used for Visy?
A: We started from the ground up, beginning with the EcoSoft® carpets and polished concrete in the breakout spaces. We sealed the concrete with Tecseal, a low VOC water-based sealer. We used green-friendly laminates, ceiling tiles, and lighting with low VOC Dulux paint used throughout. There was very little in the delivery that didn’t utilise sustainable products or materials. With the furnishings, the stools were made by DesignByThem, using their Butter collection that is made from 80 per cent recycled plastic. We also used their ‘confetti’ side tables and stools that are made from 100% plastic from post-consumer and factory waste.
CARPET TILES: CARPETSINTER.COM
AUTHORISED DISTRIBUTOR: ABOVELEFT.COM.AU
WORKPLACE DESIGN: A1OFFICE.COM.AU
TOP: Its new office needed to not only reflect Visy’s blue credentials but to truly embody what it means to be a sustainable business.
DOWN TO EARTH
ELEGANT AND ECO-FRIENDLY, THE BETON STRATA AND BETON SCREED CARPET TILES FROM CARPETS INTER’S INNOVATIVE ECOSOFT® SERIES GIVE THIS CONTEMPORARY OFFICE A UNIQUE AESTHETIC.
THIS PHOTO: The Beton Strata and Beton Screed carpet tiles infuse a sophisticated tone and texture to the head office design.
BOTTOM: The Beton collections feature a standalone pattern with multiple tonal shades that can be coordinated with other finishes.
TOP: In the main conference room, the undulating texture of the dark brown carpet tiles effortlessly complements the ceiling feature and the office furniture.
INSPIRED BY THE NATURAL ORGANIC SURFACE OF FRESHLY LAID CONCRETE, BETON STRATA AND BETON SCREED INFUSE THE OFFICE WITH A TOUCH OF CONTEMPORARY SOPHISTICATION WITHOUT COMPROMISING THE OFFICE’S PREDOMINANT PALETTE THAT BLENDS NEUTRAL, EARTHY HUES AND SLEEK DETAILS.
THIS PHOTO: Beton carpet tiles’ neutral, earthy tones create a sleek yet warm atmosphere within the office’s key spaces.
THIS PHOTO: This next generation of carpet tile backing has been manufactured keeping in mind the need to reduce the plastic stress on the environment. The brand is driven by the mission to recycle 1 billion bottles by the year 2025.
TOUTED AS THE BEST MODULAR CARPET TILE BACKING IN THE INDUSTRY, THE ECOSOFT® SERIES IS MADE FROM 80 PER CENT POST-CONSUMER MATERIAL REENGINEERED FROM MILLIONS OF DISCARDED PLASTIC DRINKING WATER BOTTLES, PLUS FIVE TO 10 PER CENT POST-INDUSTRIAL RECYCLED PET.
Aplanet-friendly approach highlights the flooring design of a premium automotive manufacturer’s 14,000 sqm head office in Australia, achieved using the Beton Strata and Beton Screed carpet tiles from Carpets Inter’s innovative EcoSoft® series. Inspired by the natural organic surface of freshly laid concrete, Beton Strata and Beton Screed infuse the office with a touch of contemporary sophistication without compromising the office’s predominant palette that blends neutral, earthy hues and sleek details.
In the main conference room, for instance, the undulating texture of the dark brown carpet tiles provides a sense of formality while complementing the ceiling feature and office furniture. For the open spaces like the lounge areas and collaborative zones, Beton Strata and Beton Screed tie in the furnishing palette, producing a cohesive interior theme throughout the office.
As the Beton collection come in a standalone pattern with multiple tonal shades, their unique design has the capacity to break the monotony of repetitive palettes, enabling selective placement of plain accent colour modules to coordinate with other finishes. The carpet tiles also provide two installation methods, including random vertical brick and herringbone, to generate more flooring design possibilities.
Touted as the best modular carpet tile backing in the industry, the EcoSoft® series is made from 80 per cent post-consumer material reengineered from millions of discarded plastic drinking water bottles, plus five to 10 per cent post-industrial recycled PET. More than just an eco-friendly product, this high-performance carpet tile collection also offers enhanced durability, underfoot comfort, acoustical propensity, improved insulation to cut energy bills and better indoor air quality.
According to Carpets Inter, EcoSoft® meets stringent performance criteria required for carpet tiles and, to date, has outperformed conventional PVC and bitumen hardback, as well as urethane cushion back, making it a highly advantageous material to use in modern office environments.
Developer: Frasers Property Industrial
Architect/Designer: PTID & Max Architects
Installer: Stahmers Carpets
Photographer: Ellen O’Connor
AUTHORISED DISTRIBUTOR: ABOVELEFT
CARPETSINTER.COM
TOP: Featuring a subtle interaction of colour tones, the Beton collection is inspired by the natural organic surface of freshly laid concrete.
AWASH IN NATURE
SPECIFICALLY SELECTED FOR ITS OUTSTANDING ECO-FRIENDLY ELEMENTS, CARPETS INTER’S SOPHISTICATED EBB WASH CARPET TILE COLLECTION ENHANCES DELL’S NEW BANGKOK OFFICE IN TRUE SUSTAINABLE STYLE.
Design & Build: Steven Leach & Associates Bangkok
Photography: Michael Spencer
THIS PHOTO: Carpets Inter’s nylon EcoSoft ® Carpet tiles from the EBB Wash Collection complement the interior theme of Dell’s new office.
THE EBB WASH COLLECTION IS RECOGNISED BY THE INTERNATIONAL LIVING FUTURE INSTITUTE (ILFI) UNDER THEIR DECLARE LABEL AWARD PROGRAM AS RED LIST FREE, THE HIGHEST DESIGNATED LEVEL ACKNOWLEDGING NO HARMFUL CONTENT.
T HIS PHOTO: EcoSoft ® carpet tiles in natural grey tones set off a relaxing and contemporary vibe in the workspaces.
For DELL’s new office in Sathorn, Bangkok, it was important that the 880 sqm workspace conveys the company’s culture while ensuring productivity and high performance. Steven Leach & Associates Bangkok, the award winning Architectural and Interior Design firm, were commissioned to refurbish the interior space and did so by incorporating various design elements to facilitate efficiency and collaboration while infusing a sense of relaxation into the corporate space.
To realise SL+A’s eco-conscious vision, Carpets Inter was engaged to fulfil the specifications for stylish yet sustainable carpeting. Throughout the key workspaces, nylon EcoSoft® Carpet tile from the EBB Wash Collection was employed to complement the office’s distinctive interior theme.
In terms of the colour palette, natural grey tones reminiscent of river stones elegantly blend with the surrounding furnishing, lending a contemporary, laidback look to the workspaces. Aesthetic aside, these solution-dyed nylon PET felt modular carpet tiles are
made from eco-friendly resources – specifically, 44,000 recycled PET bottles, which play a significant role in diverting plastic waste from landfills and the ocean. Created with people’s well-being in mind, the 100% recyclable EcoSoft® Carpet tiles are also PVC and bitumenfree, offer superior sound absorption, and provide a cushion effect to reduce leg fatigue.
To date, the EBB Wash Collection is recognised by the International Living Future Institute (ILFI) under their DECLARE Label award program as RED LIST FREE, the highest designated level acknowledging no harmful content. This recognition establishes Carpets Inter’s genuine commitment to material transparency providing safety and hygiene towards healthy occupied spaces, while aspiring to achieve carbon neutrality under Well Building Certification. For more information about workplace design: bangkok@sla-group.com
CARPETSINTER.COM
TOP: The EBB Wash Collection’s solution-dyed nylon PET carpet tiles are made from 44,000 recycled PET bottles.
BOTTOM: The carpet tiles also offer superior sound absorption and a cushioning effect to reduce leg fatigue.
ARTISTRY OF NATURE
THE MESA ALTO COLLECTION WEAVES THE BEAUTY OF NATURE INTO A SUSTAINABLE FLOORING SOLUTION TO CREATE INTERIORS THAT PROMOTE COMFORT, ELEGANCE AND WELL-BEING.
THIS PHOTO: Mesa Alto, Carpets Inter’s latest collection of carpet tiles, is inspired by the beauty and serenity of nature.
T HIS PHOTO: Mesa Alto has a range of features that set it apart as a durable “fit for purpose” floor covering solution.
In the realm of office interior design, nature plays a pivotal role in creating spaces that prioritise health and well-being. A compelling poll conducted by Human Spaces, showcased in The Global Impact of Biophilic Design, reveals that natural elements, such as verdant greenery and cascading sunlight, render a remarkable 15% elevation in workers’ sense of well-being. And remarkably, this infusion of nature fosters a 6% surge in productivity and an awe-inspiring 15% boost in creativity.
Introducing Mesa Alto, Carpets Inter’s latest collection of carpet tiles which leverage the beauty and serenity of nature to infuse spaces with a harmonious vibe. Imaginative yet high performance, this collection takes cue from the isolated, flat-topped elevation, ridge or hill, surrounded by steep escarpments that stand distinctly above a surrounding plain.
Within this breathtaking collection, Carpets Inter aims to create beautiful and meaningful spaces that exude not just beauty but also a sense of comfort and ease to mitigate stress while enhancing acoustic properties.
Construction-wise, Mesa Alto unveils a range of features that set it apart as a durable “fit for purpose” floor
TOP LEFT: The carpet’s multi-level loop texture makes Mesa Alto a suitable choice for hightraffic areas while maintaining visual appeal.
TOP RIGHT: This 100% solution-dyed modular carpet tile comes with an understated organic texture to enliven contemporary spaces.
covering solution. Crafted with utmost finesse, this 100% solution-dyed modular carpet tile comes with an understated organic texture that fulfils the functional demands of interior spaces. Its multi-level loop texture further ensures durability and resilience, making it suitable for high-traffic areas while maintaining its visual appeal. Moreover, this collection offers stain and soil protection, ensuring longevity and easy maintenance. Beyond aesthetic value and function, the Mesa Alto Collection also features Carpets Inter’s exclusive EcoSoft Recycled Cushion Backing and EcoSquare Reinforced Recycled Backing, which add to the brand’s eco-friendly credentials. To date, as part of the brand’s commitment to reduce the effects of plastic pollution on our planet, Carpets Inter has recycled a staggering 930 million PET bottles into the manufacturing process of their unique EcoSoft cushion back modular carpet tile.
TOP: The collection protects against stains and soil, ensuring longevity and easy maintenance.
BOTTOM: The Mesa Alto Collection also features the brand’s exclusive EcoSoft Recycled Cushion Backing and EcoSquare Reinforced Recycled Backing.
CLEAN ENERGY IS ENERGY THAT COMES FROM RENEWABLE, ZERO EMISSION SOURCES THAT DO NOT POLLUTE THE ATMOSPHERE WHEN USED, AS WELL AS ENERGY SAVED BY ENERGY EFFICIENCY MEASURES. CLEAN ENERGY IS 100% POLLUTION-FREE.
BOTTOM LEFT & RIGHT: Inspired by flattopped elevations, Mesa Alto takes cue from nature to create spaces that prioritise health and well-being.
ROOTED IN PURPOSE
A BIOPHILIC-INSPIRED OFFICE FOR BRAC ENTERPRISES IN DHAKA PAIRS SOCIAL IMPACT WITH SUSTAINABILITY—FEATURING CARPETS INTER’S ECOSOFT CARPET TILES FOR TEXTURE, TONE, AND WELLBEING.
THIS PHOTO: EcoSoft carpet tiles establish a natural visual rhythm, creating a grounded and calming tone across the workplace interior.
THIS PHOTO: Natural hues and modular patterns define work zones intuitively, promoting openness, wellbeing, and visual continuity.
Design & Implementation: Insignia Studio
In the heart of Mohakhali, Dhaka, BRAC Enterprises’ new office space is more than just a place to work—it is a reflection of their unwavering mission: social empowerment through purposeful innovation. Designed to inspire, connect, and energise, the environment harmoniously blends contemporary functionality with the calming influence of nature. At its very base, anchoring this vision, are Carpets Inter’s EcoSoft Carpet Tiles in Inhale IN08 Scent and IN04 Ozone.
From the first step inside, the carpet defines the space with quiet confidence. Soft gradients of green and grey ripple across the floor, conjuring images of shaded woodland paths and morning mist. These natural tones do more than please the eye—they create a grounded atmosphere that supports both focused thinking and collaborative energy. Thoughtfully selected for both their visual and performance qualities, these tiles bring a heightened sense of calm and continuity to the workplace.
Built on Carpets Inter’s award-winning EcoSoft backing, the tiles offer exceptional acoustic performance and underfoot comfort—vital in dynamic, open-plan environments. Their texture and tactility deliver a sensory experience that aligns perfectly with the office’s biophilic design cues, echoing elements of moss, stone, and leaf. It’s a visual rhythm that enhances the surrounding material palette while encouraging movement and flow.
TOP: Biophilic elements and tonal flooring introduce softness and harmony into the shared workspace, encouraging focus and interaction.
BOTTOM: Green-patterned carpet tiles layered over grey flooring echo natural textures, enhancing acoustic comfort and intuitive circulation throughout the space.
Photo Credits: Dolon
EDUCATION
Design. Function. Performance.
Proven in Projects Worldwide.
THIS PICTURE: Made to withstand ample wear and tear, Carpets Inter flooring products promote walking comfort in addition to noise reduction.
SOFT SPOT
DURABLE AND GREEN-FRIENDLY, ECOSOFT BY CARPETS INTER EFFECTIVELY ABSORBS UNWANTED ACOUSTICS TO BOOT, MAKING THESE CARPET TILES A GO-TO CHOICE FOR BUSTLING PUBLIC AREAS.
“ECOSOFT®
CARPET TILES PLAYED A ROLE IN THE OVERALL ACOUSTIC PERFORMANCE OF THE BUILDING.”
Ella Masters from Clarke Keller
Founded in 1974, Thai manufacturer Carpets Inter has spent the past few decades perfecting the art of great flooring, resulting in well-designed, high-quality products that stand the test of time. Every aspect of the manufacturing, from fibre and yarn extrusion to spinning, dyeing, twisting, weaving, tufting and finishing, is presided over with care at Carpets Inter’s state-of-the-art facilities.
The much talked about EcoSoft® is no exception to the rule. A new and improved take on carpet tile backing, the green-focused product is composed of materials derived from discarded drinking water bottles, plus five percent postindustrial recycled PET. Its enhanced materiality effectively sets it apart from run-of-the-mill counterparts, such as conventional PVC and bitumen hard backings as well as urethane cushion backing.
Carpets Inter’s characteristic emphasis on pleasing aesthetics is also a major plus, as evidenced in a classroom building belonging to Trinity Anglican College, Australia. The New South Wales educational facility recently installed 2,585 square meters of EcoSoft® carpet tiles in three colours, Sanskrit Dasa, Catur and Sapta. Designed by Clarke Keller, the neutrally hued tiles, when combined, created the look and feel of a unified space while doubling the sound absorption of hard backed counterparts. “EcoSoft® carpet tiles plays a role in the overall acoustic performance of the building,” commented Ella Masters, a rep from Clarke Keller. Great design and reduced noise? That makes sound sense to us.
carpetsinter.com
TOP: A classroom building in Trinity Anglican College, Australia, benefited from the recent installation of EcoSoft ® carpet tiles.
MIDDLE: The cushy carpet tiles improve sound absorption in areas made for frequent activity, such as the above classroom.
BOTTOM: Marrying enhanced acoustic performance with great aesthetics, EcoSoft ® tiles paves the way for relaxed yet productive work sessions.
THIS PICTURE: Creating a link between spaces, the customised design at Trinity Anglican College is composed of three flattering, neutral shades.
NATURAL MARVELS
CARPETS INTER’S ECO-FRIENDLY CARPET TILES BEAUTIFULLY BLEND WITH THE EXCEPTIONAL DESIGN LANGUAGE OF THE FERNTREE GULLY CAMPUS PROJECT TO CREATE A SERENE AND COSY ENVIRONMENT FOR LEARNING.
Architects: Cox Architecture
Project
Manager: Above Left
Installer: Stahmers Carpet
THIS PHOTO: Carpets Inter’s EcoSoft ® carpet tiles are one of the key elements for the St Joseph’s College school project.
T HIS PHOTO: The unique design aesthetic for the Ferntree Gully campus draws inspiration from the College’s natural landscapes.
An evocation of design ingenuity, the Ferntree Gully campus project comprising a constellation of academic buildings, was a fruitful collaboration between the renowned architectural practice COX and St Joseph’s College.
Drawing inspiration from the College’s natural surroundings, the new Year 7 & Science building features a bright and colourful palette within its interior to generate distinct visual identities for the College’s junior cohorts. In contrast, the new Senior Students & Visual Arts building exudes a more mature aesthetic, with deeper colours and a more sophisticated palette to define the senior student environment. For instance, the deep blues and greens that grace the halls are infused with natural materials and textured finishes, connecting the spaces to their awe-inspiring surroundings.
To bring the project’s unique aesthetic vision to life, Carpets Inter was brought in to complement the exciting campus design with its exquisite range of eco-conscious carpets. Over 3,740 sqm of the campus space was enhanced
TOP: EcoSoft ® provides premium underfoot comfort and superior acoustics to create a calm and productive learning environment at the campus.
BOTTOM: The halls maintain an understated colour palette with the use of neutral-toned carpet tiles to generate a tranquil and pleasant ambience.
with EcoSoft® carpet tiles, providing premium underfoot comfort while ensuring superior acoustics to create a calm and productive learning environment.
In addition to being an element of beauty, the EcoSoft® carpet tiles contain over 187,000 recycled PET bottles, which play a role in minimising the burden on our landfills and diverting them from our oceans. Made from 80% post-consumer discarded water bottles plus 5% postindustrial recycled PET, the cushion backing of EcoSoft® carpet tiles merges top-of-the-line performance with unwavering environmental consciousness. The backing not only surpasses the rigorous performance criteria mandated for commercial applications but consistently outshines conventional PVC and bitumen hard backing, as well as all polyurethane cushion backings, in terms of dimensional stability, durability, comfort, sound absorption, thermal barrier, hygiene, and indoor air quality.
TOP: Subtle details on EcoSoft ® carpet tiles bring out the bright and airy atmosphere of the campus’ discussion spaces.
BOTTOM: Made from eco-friendly materials, the EcoSoft ® carpet tiles contain over 187,000 recycled PET bottles.
T HIS PHOTO: The campus’ unique design aesthetic is effectively brought to life – thanks to Carpets Inter’s high-performance and ecoconscious carpet tiles.
“ COLLABORATING WITH CARPETS INTER, COX WERE ABLE TO HONE AN AESTHETIC APPROACH THAT REALISED THE EXCITING VISION FOR THESE LANDMARK PROJECTS. CAPTURING A CHALLENGING DESIGN INTENT IN SUCH A REFINED AND BALANCED WAY WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE WITHOUT THE PRODUCT QUALITY, RANGE, AND FLEXIBILITY CARPETS INTER COULD OFFER. TOGETHER WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO CREATE SOMETHING VERY SPECIAL FOR THE STUDENTS AND COLLEGE COMMUNITY AND WE ARE INCREDIBLY PROUD OF THIS. ” -COX Architecture
T HIS PHOTO: Warm timber and calming neutrals work together to infuse a rich and welcoming student experience.
“At Carpets Inter, we practice prevention at the source rather than relying solely on purchasing carbon credits to offset our carbon footprint. To date, we have recycled over 920 million PET bottles into the manufacturing of our unique EcoSoft® cushion back modular carpet tiles, thereby reducing the impact of plastic pollution on our planet,” the brand states.
Without the unparalleled product quality, range, and flexibility that Carpets Inter could bring to the table, achieving the challenging design intent of the project with a level of refinement would have remained an unattainable feat. “Together, we have been able to create something very special for the students and college community, and we are incredibly proud of this,” the brand remarks.
TOP: Whether it’s the seminar room or lecture hall, EcoSoft ® carpet tiles ensure a comfortable indoor environment.
BOTTOM: CThe deep blues and greens of the interior spaces are blended with natural materials and tactile finishes.
REINVENTING LEARNING SPACES
BY INTEGRATING BRAND IDENTITY WITH FUNCTIONALITY, STORAGE STUDIO TRANSFORMS MK SERVICE TRAINING CENTRE INTO A VIBRANT HUB FOR TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT, USING COLOUR PSYCHOLOGY TO ENHANCE ENGAGEMENT.
THIS PHOTO: RT Acoustic’s ceiling panels provide tailored acoustic solutions that enhance functionality and comfort within MK Service Training Centre.
THIS PHOTO: Acoustic ceiling panels are seamlessly integrated into the design, adding spatial definition and contributing to a refined, contemporary interior.
Storage Studio, a design studio focusing on interior spaces, took on the challenge of transforming the MK Service Training Centre, a 7-storey ageing structure, into a modern and functional learning space. By overcoming structural limitations and integrating MK Group’s signature colours, the team successfully created a dynamic, inviting, and purposeful environment for training and development. The project also saw the integration of RT Acoustic for high-quality acoustic treatments, ensuring both aesthetic appeal and functional excellence.
This Q&A explores the challenges faced during the project, the inspiration behind the design choices, and the material selections that helped bring this vision to life. magnetic door featuring a rubber gasket to maximize sound isolation. Its compact design minimizes wasted space while maintaining a sense of visual privacy within the open office layout.
Q: What is your name and responsibility?
A: My name is Witchathorn Prasertsuk. I am the founder and managing director of Storage Studio Co., Ltd. I lead the creative direction, oversee all design projects, conduct site inspections, and ensure the selection of appropriate furniture, lighting, and materials to achieve a cohesive design vision.
Q: Can you tell us about your company and its services?
A: Established in 2005, Storage Studio is a design studio specialising in interior design solutions for diverse sectors, including residential, hospitality, retail, dining, corporate offices, exhibitions, and showrooms. Our approach blends aesthetics with functionality, tailoring each space to reflect the client’s identity and needs. In many projects, we create custom-designed furniture, and in some cases, we extend our expertise to designing building facades to align seamlessly with the interior concept.
Q: What were the challenges of the MK Service Training Centre project?
A: The MK Service Training Centre in Bangna is a 7-storey ageing building with several structural constraints that we could not modify. Our primary challenge was working within these limitations while enhancing the facility’s functionality, ensuring a seamless flow for users, and revitalising the space to create a more engaging and conducive environment for learning and development. Additionally, we had to integrate a new design language that aligns with MK Group’s evolving brand identity, all while maintaining practicality and maximising spatial efficiency.
TOP: Ceiling panels are thoughtfully selected to complement the overall design, introducing subtle texture and visual harmony to the space.
Q: What was the design intent and inspiration behind this project?
A: Our design was inspired by the concept “A new learning space that brings joy to every family.” To bring this vision to life, we incorporated MK Group’s newly refreshed branding, particularly its five key colours, which define the atmosphere and function of each floor:
• 1st & 2nd Floors (Reception & Office Area) – Deep Red, reinforcing professionalism and MK’s corporate identity, creating a welcoming yet formal introduction to the space.
• 3rd Floor (Classrooms & Workshops) – Yellow, representing sincerity and transparency, reflected through natural wood tones and warm hues that evoke openness and creativity.
• 4th Floor – A dual-tone approach: Orange (Live Theatre) symbolises energy and entertainment, while Blue (Private Booths) fosters concentration and a sense of tranquillity.
• 5th Floor (Break Room) – Green, promoting a relaxed and refreshing atmosphere, encouraging rejuvenation for both trainers and trainees.
• 6th Floor (Mini Auditorium) – Yellow, reinforcing sincerity and openness while enhancing a sense of connection and engagement among participants.
• 7th Floor (Classrooms & Workshops) – Orange, stimulating an energetic and lively learning experience. By carefully curating this colour-coded approach, we not only reinforced MK’s identity but also leveraged colour psychology to create an intuitive and dynamic spatial experience.
Q: What has been your experience working with Carpets Inter and RT Acoustic?
A: We previously collaborated with Carpets Inter on the FN Building Rama 9 project (FN Factory Outlet’s office) and were highly satisfied with their exceptional service, guidance, and quality of materials.
For RT Acoustic, our goal was to find acoustic solutions that complemented our design vision, were efficient to install within the project’s timeline, and offered tested and verified sound performance. After assessing several options, we chose RT Acoustic for three key reasons:
• A broad spectrum of colour selections that allowed us to maintain our design integrity,
• High-density panels that provided superior sound absorption and detailed groove finishing,
• An easy installation process, which was crucial for meeting project deadlines.
This strategic selection ensured that both aesthetics and functionality were seamlessly integrated into the MK Service Training Centre, ultimately enhancing the overall user experience.
RTACOUSTIC.COM CARPETSINTER.COM
TOP: Acoustic ceiling panels add architectural detail to the training space, creating a dynamic setting for presentations and group activities.
“ FOR RT ACOUSTIC, OUR GOAL WAS TO FIND ACOUSTIC SOLUTIONS THAT COMPLEMENTED OUR DESIGN VISION, WERE EFFICIENT TO INSTALL WITHIN THE PROJECT’S TIMELINE, AND OFFERED TESTED AND VERIFIED SOUND PERFORMANCE. ” Witchathorn Prasertsuk, Founder & Managing Director of Storage Studio
a productive yet comfortable working environment.
THIS PHOTO: Acoustic treatments bring clarity and balance to the shared workspace, supporting
PORTFOLIO
HOTEL
Transforming Spaces with Royal Thai Total Solutions.
FINDING INSPIRATION IN EVERYTHING
FOLLOWING A LEADERSHIP CHANGE IN OCTOBER 2017, REBRANDED PREMIUM HOSPITALITY CARPET MANUFACTURER ROYAL THAI IS LIFTING ITS BRAND TO BOLD NEW HEIGHTS. WHILE TRADITIONAL CRAFTSMANSHIP AND THOUGHTFUL DESIGN ARE CORNERSTONES OF THE CARPET BUSINESS, THE COMPANY’S SUCCESS ALSO DEPENDS ON CONTINUAL REVITALIZATION AND REINVENTION ALONG WITH A RELENTLESS PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE.
H+R SPOKE WITH STEPHEN WONG, ROYAL THAI’S MANAGING DIRECTOR (ASIA, AUSTRALIA & EMEA), ON WHAT IT’S LIKE TO MANAGE A WELL-ESTABLISHED BRAND, THE SECRET BEHIND KEEPING THE A&D COMMUNITY AND THE MARKET EXCITED AND ENGAGED, AND THE RECENTLY ROLLED-OUT RE/FORM CARPET COLLECTION, AMONG OTHER TOPICS.
THIS PICTURE: Ideally located within the stunning Catalina Mountain range, Loews Ventana Canyon is a premier destination among Arizona luxury resorts. Design Firm: Gensler, LA
TOP: Translated into hand-tufted carpets, the highly-skilled hand-tufters and carvers represents reconfiguration, metaphorical renewal and transformation, a reflection of Royal Thai’s recent RE/Form collection.
BOTTOM LEFT & RIGHT: RE/Form is a celebration of Hadid’s legacy and Royal Thai’s passion for finding inspiration in everything.
“ ROYAL THAI BRINGS A MULTICULTURAL PERSPECTIVE TO THE FLOORING INDUSTRY. WITH A LEADERSHIP TEAM THAT COVERS EVERY TIME ZONE, A MANUFACTURING TEAM BASED IN THAILAND AND DESIGN TEAMS ACROSS EUROPE, ASIA AND THE AMERICAS, WE REPRESENT A WIDE VARIETY OF CULTURES AND A DIVERSE RANGE OF IDEAS.”
Stephen Wong Managing Director of Asia, Australia, EMEA
Q: How many years have you worked at the company? And why did you decide to pursue the carpet business over the others?
A: 18 years. I find the business to be very interesting as I get to work with different people from around the world in the industry, custom-designing carpets for each project. The sense of satisfaction from creating something from scratch is unbelievable!
Q: What was the biggest challenge in the carpet business? And how do you overcome it?
A: Understanding the specific needs of different stakeholders of a project, and drawing together their differences to provide the best carpet for each and every property. This is always a daunting task but can nonetheless be accomplished. First of all, I need to fully understand the product offerings of our company, and also the priority of user needs. I am then able to propose the best options to the client.
Q: What do you think are the key drivers of the company’s success?
A: People, definitely people. Team work is also one of the key drivers of the company’s success. While job skill can be improved via on-the-job training and experience, employee mind-set is critical. A team with a shared vision that moves in the same direction together is another factor.
Q: There was a big change in your company last year. Why did the acquisition happen?
A: Yes, TCM Corporation, a public-listed company in Thailand, acquired the Tai Ping Commercial Division.
The acquisition was completed on September 29 th , 2017. TCM Corporation saw the huge potential of combining the existing carpet company with Tai Ping’s Commercial Division, to form Royal Thai.
Q: What led to this decision?
A: The merger presented the company with an even bigger opportunity in the Axminster hospitality industry.
Q: Was the business failing?
A: No. To Tai Ping, the Commercial Division was not failing but on the contrary. However, Tai Ping would like to return to its roots by focusing solely on highend hand-tufted market. To conclude, the acquisition is beneficial to both TCM Corporation and Tai Ping.
Q: What is the strength of the new company?
A: Royal Thai is now part of a well-diversified company, not only in the flooring business, but also in living products, e.g. sofa, automotive, real estate, charity, and hotel. With the support of other group companies, Royal Thai can grow at a much faster pace.
As for TCM Corporation, it is a well-established public-listed company in Thailand with a great heritage and history, as well as a strong financial background.
Q: Who is Royal Thai?
A: For the past 50 years, Royal Thai by TCMC has been designing and manufacturing carpets for highend hospitality spaces across the globe. It is a familyoriented company founded by the Srivikorn Group with strong core values, which has helped elevate the lives of those around us.
Q: What are the core competencies of Royal Thai?
A: We were already a horizontally - and verticallyintegrated carpet manufacturer before the acquisition. With the acquisition, we now have more machinery and have become one of the largest in the Axminster hospitality industry. We also have sales offices and agents all over the world. Royal Thai brings a multicultural perspective to the flooring industry. With a leadership team that covers every time zone, a manufacturing team based in Thailand and design teams across Europe, Asia and the Americas, we represent a wide variety of cultures and a diverse range of ideas. This aspect of Royal Thai not only elevates our designs, but also the way we operate and deliver services to our clients and partners.
Q: Can you elaborate on Royal Thai’s products and production process?
A: We offer a full range of carpet products to the hospitality market. From woollen spinning and yarn extrusion, all the way to the finished products, they are all done in-house. We are a one-stop source, from planning through site measurements, installation, and after-sales service. From our carpets to our studios to our people, we are constantly in pursuit of excellence without compromising on our integrity.
Q: What is Royal Thai doing toward supporting the ever-changing expectations of architects and designers and the market itself?
A: We strengthen our team to be ‘quicker, better, faster’ in servicing our clients. We emphasize on the fact that we are a design-driven company supplying quality products and services.
Q: We hear that Royal Thai finds inspiration from everything. Can you elaborate?
A: At Royal Thai, we strongly believe that combining talents and ideas is better than one single point of view. That’s why we collaborate with artists from around the world, and from a wide variety of disciplines, to create truly custom carpet designs you won’t find anywhere else. Graphic designers, fine artists, photographers, fashion designers, architects—they can all lend a unique perspective and enhance the look and feel of our products.
Q: Royal Thai is working on design collaborations with many people from different fields all over the world. Why and what are the benefits doing this?
A: Besides collaborating with interior designers for carpet collection, we reach out to professionals in different fields so we can offer ‘out of the box’ design ideas for our customers. For carpet designers and collaborators, inspiration comes from many places— from fine art, fashion and nature to our process, machinery and materials. Partnering with a wide variety of artists from around the world, we offer a multicultural perspective and have an extensive library of patterns to choose from, or you can customize your
own piece to enhance your brand and overall vision. With a focus on the hospitality industry, we can help you create a feeling that welcomes guests in and enhances their stay. No matter where in the world our carpets roll out, they capture attention and allow you to add the finishing touch to spaces and stories.
Q: What is Royal Thai’s new 2018 collection?
A: We have just launched the RE/FORM Collection in May 2018, a collaboration with Zaha Hadid Design, which we are launching globally.
Q: Is the collection any different from those of the past?
A: RE/Form continues Royal Thai’s design-driven direction, solidifying the future of the brand through the lens of a legendary architect. The collection consists of 22 designs, inspired by four themes that feature prominently in Zaha Hadid’s work. Patterns of the collection capture Hadid’s signature use of interweaving, layering and play with light and shadow. Translated into Axminster and hand-tufted designs, each carpet represents reconfiguration, metaphorical renewal and transformation. The theme itself is a reflection of Royal Thai’s recent reformation. More than a collaboration, RE/Form is a celebration of Hadid’s legacy and Royal Thai’s passion for finding inspiration in everything. This collection was created in partnership with Zaha Hadid Design, the design arm of Zaha Hadid Architects focused on exhibitions, interiors, product, fashion and furniture.
Q: Describe Royal Thai’s prestige projects.
A: Terminal 1 of the Hong Kong International Airport, which is the largest Axminster project (85,000 sqm) in Hong Kong. Royal Thai won and outscored competitors from both Asia and Europe to clinch this project.
Q: Did Royal Thai encounter any challenge?
A: Technical requirements, e.g. colourfastness, size tolerance, etc. are far more stringent for these prestige projects than for ordinary hotels or casino projects.
Q: Where is Royal Thai’s greatest growth opportunity?
A: Asia and Australia.
Q: What will be the business position of Royal Thai in the next five years?
A: We might not be the biggest, but we will still be the best player in the Axminster hospitality industry.
TOP: Royal Thai Hand Tufted carpet at Club Lexus in Nagoya introduces new and custom colours with hues of turquoise, red, and green in the colour palettes.
“ PARTNERING WITH A WIDE VARIETY OF ARTISTS FROM AROUND THE WORLD, WE OFFER A MULTICULTURAL PERSPECTIVE AND HAVE AN EXTENSIVE LIBRARY OF PATTERNS TO CHOOSE FROM, OR YOU CAN CUSTOMIZE YOUR OWN PIECE TO ENHANCE YOUR BRAND AND OVERALL VISION.”
BOTTOM LEFT & RIGHT: Royal Thai is a new kind of flooring company—elevating the industry with inspired designs that will help you enhance any space.
TOP: Organic cellular shapes featured in this custom hand-tufted designer carpet imbue the CÉ LA VI, Hong Kong, with an otherworldly ambience.
ROYAL TREATMENT
THE GRANDEUR OF BRITISH LUXURY AT THE LONDONER MACAO IS TAKEN TO THE NEXT LEVEL OF BEAUTY AND OPULENCE WITH ROYAL THAI’S ARTISANAL FLOOR COVERINGS. | HOTELRESORTDESIGN.COM
THIS PHOTO: The Londoner Macao features a spectacular Victorian-inspired concept, beautifully complemented by Royal Thai’s exquisite artisanal carpets.
TOP: The lobby features a charming handmade carpet from Royal Thai to complement the dark green sofa upholstery. |
TOP: Royal Thai floor coverings in shades of grey enhance the appearance of the lift lobbies and corridors.
BOTTOM LEFT TO RIGHT: A series of Axminster carpets from Royal Thai creates a dazzling effect in the gaming spaces at the casino.
“ROYAL THAI IS A LEADING GLOBAL PRODUCER OF THE AXMINSTER WEAVE, WHICH IS WIDELY RECOGNISED AS THE WORLD’S MOST DURABLE TYPE OF CARPET. MACHINE-WOVEN FROM HIGH-QUALITY YARNS INTO A SINGLE, HIGHLY STABLE CONSTRUCTION, THIS ENDURING CLASSIC PROVIDES A STURDINESS THAT’S IDEAL FOR DEMANDING, HIGH FOOT TRAFFIC SPACES SUCH AS HOTELS, CASINOS, AIRPORTS AND CONVENTION CENTRES.”
| HOTELRESORTDESIGN.COM
THIS PHOTO: The apartment suites at The Londoner aparthotel feature plush and luxurious carpeting from Royal Thai.
| H+R
The Londoner Macao’s distinctive style is prevalent from the moment you walk in. With its classic British luxury concept, this integrated resort located in the heart of the Cotai Strip pulsates with a touch of excitement against a charming backdrop of Victorian-inspired details.
In the centre of the resort, the Crystal Palace, a magnificent atrium that is reminiscent of Victorian glass and iron architecture, stands out prominently. Next to it, the lobby continues the timeless British aesthetic with its manor-like space to regenerate the bespoke warmth of Victorian aesthetic.
Throughout the hotel, guests are transported from one spectacular space to another, each modelled after the great estates and palaces of historical England. Here’s where the addition of world-class carpeting from Royal Thai plays a significant role to ensure a luxurious yet vibrant atmosphere within these Victorian-themed spaces.
For public areas like the lobbies and hallways, Royal Thai teamed up with Steve Leung Design (SLD) in Hong Kong to create a sleek and elegant atmosphere. Featuring polished materials and reflective surfaces, the space is complemented by Royal Thai’s handmade carpets woven with geometric and abstract motifs in an array of trendy tones. SLD aside, Royal Thai also worked with David Collins Studio (DCS) in London, Wilson Associates in New York, Simeone Deary Design Group (SDDG) in Chicago, and other globally-renowned design firms to realise the design
TOP: A Royal Thai carpet with calm tones and subtle motifs blend seamlessly with the British-inspired theme in this suite.
vision of this stunning hotel.
One of the most impressive aspects of The Londoner Macao is its five world-class hotel brands brought together under one roof: The Londoner Hotel, The Londoner apart-hotel adjacent to The St. Regis Macao, Conrad Macao, Sheraton Grand Macao Hotel, and The St. Regis Macao. In 2021, the hotel will also be presenting two floors of The David Beckham Suites ranging from 113 to 298 sqm. Once again, Royal Thai worked with SLD to furnish the 368-suite apart-hotel where the brand’s Axminster and handmade carpets were used to enhance approximately 42,500 sqm of space.
“Royal Thai is a leading global producer of the Axminster weave, which is widely recognised as the world’s most durable type of carpet. Machinewoven from high-quality yarns into a single, highly stable construction, this enduring classic provides a sturdiness that’s ideal for demanding, high foot traffic spaces such as hotels, casinos, airports and convention centres,” Royal Thai says.
Axminster carpets were also specified for several gaming spaces at the casino. For these areas, Royal Thai incorporated brighter-coloured carpeting to conjure a sense of excitement. In the hotel’s dining establishments, handmade Royal Thai floor coverings with a calmer palette and style were used instead to align with the restaurants’ fine dining environment.
SCENIC ESCAPADE
INSPIRED BY BEPPU’S PANORAMIC VIEWS, ROYAL THAI CARPETS CREATE AN UPLIFTING YET DISTINGUISHED AESTHETIC AT THE BEPPU RESORT & SPA, CONJURING A STRIKING EFFECT IN THE HOTEL’S KEY SPACES.
THIS PHOTO: Royal Thai Axminster carpeting with geometric motifs enhances the nature-inspired look of the restaurant.
Credits:
-Interior Designer : Hashimoto Yukio Design Studio, JPA Design
-Architects : Freecs, Shimizu Corporation
-Distributor : Toli Corporation
Lush green scenery meets artistic decor: the ANA Intercontinental Beppu Resort & Spa in Beppu, Oita-Prefecture, Japan, is a perfect amalgamation of nature meets tradition. Renowned as one of Japan’s most beautiful onsen hot spring spa resorts, the hotel features a distinctive interior design that brings together many exquisite details. One of them is the breathtaking collection of floor coverings from Royal Thai, which plays a prominent role in the resort’s design concept.
At the lobby and public areas, a forest-inspired theme greets visitors warmly, ushering them into different spaces in an imaginative way. Throughout the hotel, it is akin to walking through trees in a forest, where the scenery changes – thanks to decorative elements like bamboo art and Onta-yaki pottery, complemented by Royal Thai’s hand-tufted carpet with bright Silken fibre accent. At the lobby bar, Royal Thai’s carpet with an enchanting motif brings out the vibrant space showcasing a feature wall with exquisite art pieces made by local Japanese artisans.
A soft atmosphere ensues in the meeting room and club lounge, where Royal Thai’s Axminster carpet with bright Silken fibre accent in elegant tones set the stage for a cosy social space to network and get together. Similarly, dazzling Axminster carpeting with geometric motifs enhances the seating landscape comprising woven furniture in the restaurant.
TOP & BOTTOM: The ANA Intercontinental Beppu Resort & Spa features a breathtaking collection of carpets from Royal Thai.
THIS PHOTO: Royal Thai carpet with Silken fibre is an innovative technique that contributes to the hotel’s unique carpet creations.
TOP: Bright and welcoming, the meeting room takes on an uplifting vibe, thanks to the lush effect of Royal Thai carpeting.
BOTTOM: Social spaces at the hotel are furnished with Royal Thai’s Axminster carpet with bright Silken fibre accent.
“Royal Thai is a leading global producer of the Axminster weave, which is widely recognised as the world’s most durable type of carpet. Machinewoven from high-quality yarns into a single, highly stable construction, this enduring classic provides a sturdiness that’s ideal for demanding, high foot traffic spaces such as hotels, casinos, airports and convention centres,” Royal Thai says.
Carpets with the Silken fibre technique are seen once again at the spa and the guest suites. Featuring two bath types – the first is a natural space with sculptural Kakeyu rock, the other being a serene space with Hinoki bath frame and a picture window –the spa also offers guests beautiful views of the Beppu Bay as they rejuvenate their body and spirit at the Onsen areas. Royal Thai’s carpet design takes cue from the surrounding landscape vistas, resulting in charming patterns and tones to match the calm and tranquil ambience in the spa and suites.
“Royal Thai carpet with Silken fibre is an innovative technique used to elevate the hotel’s unique carpet creations,” explains the floor covering brand. “With fully customisable pattern and colour capabilities, these textural finishes will inspire any designer to confidently include additional accents into their designs without compromising the high-performance aesthetic in hospitality interiors.”
TOP: Hand-tufted carpet 100% wool with bright Silken fibre accent generates a cosy ambience in the suites.
ARTISTIC REJUVENATION
FEATURING LUXURIOUS CARPETS BY ROYAL THAI, REGENT HONG KONG PRESENTS A TRANSFORMATIVE FUSION OF ARTISTRY AND CULTURE IN THEIR RECENT RENOVATION, CREATING A MEMORABLE GUEST EXPERIENCE.
THIS PHOTO: Regent Hong Kong’s recent transformation features elegant design elements, complemented by Royal Thai’s exquisite carpet collection.
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Regent Hong Kong, renowned for its impeccable design and luxurious guest experience, integrates elements that honour the city’s rich cultural heritage. Central to their recent transformation is the thoughtful use of designer touches, artwork and eco-friendly practices – all complemented by Royal Thai’s exquisite carpet collection.
In the following Q&A, the hotel’s representative discusses the design inspiration behind the hotel’s revamp, while Stephen Wong, Senior Executive Vice President of Royal Thai, explains how their bespoke carpets enhance the hotel’s elegant atmosphere.
Q: How does the hotel’s design reflect Hong Kong’s local culture?
A: Cultural heritage is celebrated through locally commissioned artwork and architectural elements that honour Hong Kong’s rich history, creating an immersive experience that connects guests with the city’s vibrant culture.
According to Chi Wing Lo, the visionary designer of Regent Hong Kong, “My vision was to create something different and unique—a design that can represent Hong Kong and create a sense of peace, tranquillity, and balance within the city. From the moment of arrival, we are setting the tone for a journey of discovery—a seamless sequence, like a cleansing ritual preparing you for the unexpected harmony that lies within.”
Revered for his considered, meticulous approach —balancing tactile materials and the most skilled artisans—Chi Wing Lo has created a serene and timeless design that beautifully juxtaposes the spectacular views of bustling Victoria Harbour, thus personifying the “Beauty of Contrast,” a hallmark of
Regent design.
His design reference originates from the hotel’s unique location, perched on the edge of the famed Victoria Harbour with sweeping panoramic views. As guests ascend the hotel’s majestic perch, leaving behind the noise of Kowloon’s bustling Tsim Sha Tsui district, they hear the soothing sound of the cascading feng shui fountain, beckoning them inwards. As the iconic Regent doormen open the massive castleinspired doors, guests enter a majestic haven on the harbour, removed from frenzied city life.
Serene interiors are layered with textured materials, including natural granite and quietly decadent touches like hand-stitched leather accents embedded in the natural oak furniture. Chi Wing Lo’s furniture design emanates from his obsession with the two fundamentals of geometry, which have symbolism in Chinese architecture—the circle, representing completeness, perfection, and heaven, and the square, which represents earth.
Q: How does the hotel’s art collection contribute to the overall guest experience?
A: By engaging emerging Hong Kong creatives from the city’s vibrant art scene, the hotel has become a canvas for local talent, fostering a sense of community and cultural pride while creating immersive guest experiences. The Art Journey features handcrafted bronze sculptures by local artisans Coxper and Fanson Lam, a cinematic artwork by new media artist Hung Keung, and installations by international artisans, including “Golden Illusion” vertical chandeliers made from glass bricks and a “Spirit of Regent Retrospective” screen highlighting excerpts of artwork that graced the walls in the early Regent years.
TOP: Luxurious Axminster carpets elevate Regent Ballroom, creating a sophisticated and inviting atmosphere.
dark bronze planter. Fabricated from hundreds of hand-woven copper and brass wires, each trunk and branch forms twists and turns resembling the Nine Dragons of Kowloon swimming and drifting on Victoria Harbour.
Q: Are there specific criteria used to select the artists and artworks for the hotel’s collection? Please elaborate.
A: Adding a sublime aesthetic to his timeless design, Chi Wing Lo commissioned art pieces showcasing collaborations with acclaimed and emerging Hong Kong artists and local artisans. Imbuing a subdued refinement, the collection highlights local creatives from the city’s burgeoning art scene, as well as works by celebrated international artisans, inspired by Regent Hong Kong’s iconic harbourfront location and heritage. The multi-disciplinary art collection showcases the “Beauty of Contrast.”
For example, for the guestrooms facing the harbour, young Hong Kong metal artisans Nathan Wong and Hazel Lee of Coxper, along with Fanson Lam, have handcrafted bronze bonsai trees to complement Chi Wing Lo’s stone garden, providing a unique foreground and lens to view the majesty of Victoria Harbour.
Coxper also created unique installations just off the Lobby and in The Lobby Lounge. The installation in The Lobby Lounge, entitled “Allure,” features handcrafted metal bonsai trees that give the illusion of organically growing on the harbour as they emerge from the seafoam patina of an oversized
As guests enter the Lobby, they walk through a “Golden Illusion” passageway created by sixteen vertical glass brick screens that resemble floor-toceiling chandeliers inspired by “LiuLi” glass art. For this installation, Chi Wing Lo collaborated with Lasvit, the acclaimed Czech-based concept designer and manufacturer of bespoke glass artworks, objects, and lighting installations, to create the shimmering translucent screens.
Celebrating the “Beauty of Contrast,” a long scroll-inspired screen in the Lobby recalls the spirit and essence of the original art collection that once graced the hotel in the early Regent years, while a cinematic artwork by Hong Kong new media artist Hung Keung creates a contrasting focal point behind the translucent onyx reception counter.
Q: Apart from eco-friendly design elements, what eco-friendly practices does Regent Hong Kong implement in its daily operations?
A: The transformation of Regent Hong Kong exemplifies the preservation and rejuvenation of a legendary Hong Kong hospitality destination while ensuring social responsibility and sustainability are at its heart.
The use of energy-efficient systems, including integrated guestroom controls with motion detectors that control air-conditioning and lighting, has resulted
in energy savings. The self-regulatory temperature system automatically adjusts to optimal comfort levels, enhancing the guest experience while minimising energy consumption.
The NORDAC water filtration system provides pure water throughout the hotel, eliminating the need for plastic bottles. This eco-friendly innovation significantly reduces waste while ensuring guests enjoy high-quality water.
Thoughtful touches showcase the hotel’s dedication to sustainability—from in-room amenities utilising recyclable materials, such as bamboo toothbrushes and organic cotton linens, without compromising luxury. Staff uniforms are made from recycled materials, including plastic bottles and Tencel, an eco-friendly fibre.
Partnerships with local organisations support sustainable initiatives, including food donations to local charities. Homegrown collaborations with local entrepreneurs enrich the dining experience while supporting local businesses with a shared commitment to sustainable practices.
The hotel’s state-of-the-art BMW i7 all-electric limousines help reduce the carbon footprint.
By integrating these sustainable elements, Regent Hong Kong offers a unique, environmentally conscious luxury experience that minimises the hotel’s environmental impact while aligning with the growing demand for eco-conscious hospitality. In recognition of the hotel’s initiatives, Regent Hong Kong has regained EarthCheck Platinum Certification, after being the first Hong Kong hotel and first IHG property globally to achieve this prestigious certification in 2018.
“MY VISION WAS TO CREATE SOMETHING DIFFERENT AND UNIQUE – A DESIGN THAT CAN REPRESENT HONG KONG AND CREATE A SENSE OF PEACE, TRANQUILLITY AND BALANCE WITHIN THE CITY. FROM THE MOMENT OF ARRIVAL, WE ARE SETTING THE TONE FOR A JOURNEY OF DISCOVERY – A SEAMLESS SEQUENCE, LIKE A CLEANSING RITUAL PREPARING YOU FOR THE UNEXPECTED HARMONY THAT LIES WITHIN.”
Chi Wing Lo, Visionary Designer of Regent Hong
Kong
BOTTOM: The hotel’s key spaces emphasise comfort, style and luxury.
TOP LEFT: Royal Thai carpets are exclusively crafted to enhance the overall guest experience at Regent Hong Kong.
TOP RIGHT: Beyond patterns and colours, Royal Thai’s carpet design emphasises the touch and feel underfoot.
“TO ACHIEVE THE OVERALL DESIGN OF REGENT HONG KONG, WHICH HAD A SERENITY AND SOFTNESS IN THE COLOR PALETTE, THERE WAS A LOT OF CONCERNS IN USING THE LIGHT EARTH TONE COLOR FOR THE PUBLIC AREAS, INCLUDING THE LOBBY LOUNGE AND REGENT CLUB.”
Stephen Wong, Senior Executive Vice President, EMEA, APAC
Royal Thai
| H+R | HOTELRESORTDESIGN.COM THIS PHOTO: Each room and suite at Regent Hong Kong are envisioned as a serene personal haven.
hotel guests, contributing to the overall guest experience at Regent Hong Kong.
As part of Regent Hong Kong’s transformation, Royal Thai played a key role in elevating the hotel’s design and guest experience through the careful selection and integration of bespoke carpets. Stephen Wong, Senior Executive Vice President for EMEA and APAC at Royal Thai, shares insights into how their carpets have been thoughtfully crafted to align with the hotel’s design vision.
Q: How does floor decoration and design, including the use of Royal Thai carpets, contribute to the overall guest experience at Regent Hong Kong?
A: Particularly for a hotel facility that is over 44 years old with a generous volume of space in the Main Lobby, the use of carpet softens the harshness of the built environment and immediately offers a sense of luxury for a 5-star hotel. For any visitors, the flooring is where guests and patrons walk, even if they are merely passing by, which enhances their visual experience of the space. Floor covering material is one of the most critical factors affecting not only the aesthetic appearance but also the environmental friendliness of a hotel. Carpet is one of the best flooring materials for all areas in a hotel. It provides a luxurious appearance with practical functions of noise reduction and foot comfort for
Q: What specific attributes of Royal Thai carpets were most aligned with the design vision for the hotel, and how did they meet the hotel’s needs?
A: The emphasis of the carpet design, other than the graphics, was the touch and feel on the feet. To the Concept Designer Chi Wing Lo, not only aesthetically should the design, colour, and pattern achieve the original intent, but also the experience by other senses. Royal Thai works closely with the Interior Designer, owner, and the hotel operator to come up with carpet design patterns that go extremely well with the overall design concept, further enhancing the overall aesthetic appearance of the hotel design.
Q: How do the hand-tufted carpets contribute to the design and comfort of the guestrooms?
A: One of the design items, out of many, that had not changed since the completion of the Mock-Up Rooms was the guestroom carpet, because even during the Mock-Up Rooms review, the owner was already very satisfied with the feel of the texture and cushioning of the carpet on bare feet. To the owner, the luxuriousness of the carpet is part of the elements that are essential to offer 5-star comfort for the guests. Hand-tufted carpet has a relatively higher density when compared with other carpet types. It also offers higher design flexibility for customers to select the pattern. Moreover, with its high density,
TOP: With its high density and quality carpet cushion pad, Royal Thai’s handtufted carpets offer supreme foot comfort in the guestroom.
together with our high-quality carpet cushion pad, it provides hotel guests with a supreme foot comfort feeling in the guestroom.
Q: Can you elaborate on any particular design or performance attributes of Royal Thai carpets that have proven especially beneficial in hightraffic areas like the lobby lounge, executive lounge, and the ballroom (which features Axminster carpets)?
A: To achieve the overall design of Regent Hong Kong, which had serenity and softness in the colour palette, there were a lot of concerns about using the light earth tone colour for the public areas, including The Lobby Lounge and Regent Club. However, with proper maintenance and care, there have not been any performance or quality issues with the public area carpet since the soft opening in December 2022. As Royal Thai is both a vertically and horizontally integrated manufacturer, we have no bias towards promoting a particular carpet product type. Therefore, we can always provide the right product to our customer according to their needs. Moreover, we specialise in custom design, so we can offer unique design patterns to each of our individual customers in order for them to have the unique character of their property. For high-traffic areas, we offer highdensity product types in busy patterns and custom colours, increasing the soil-hiding function of the carpets, which is beneficial to the business of the hotel.
BOLD DESIGN FOR VIBRANT STAYS
WITH ITS PLAYFUL ENERGY AND MODERN AESTHETIC, THE MOXY BANGKOK RATCHAPRASONG STANDS OUT PROMINENTLY IN THE CITY’S HOTEL SCENE. THIS EXCLUSIVE Q&A EXPLORES THE CREATIVE VISION BEHIND ITS DESIGN AND THE IMPACT OF ROYAL THAI CARPETS.
THIS PHOTO: The Moxy Bangkok Ratchaprasong Hotel designed by dwp | design worldwide partnership embraces playful design, social spaces, and affordable luxury.
The Moxy Bangkok Ratchaprasong is more than a hotel—it’s an experience tailored for modern travellers craving vibrant moments. Designed by dwp, the hotel embraces bold aesthetics, energetic communal spaces, and a fusion of Bangkok’s street culture with contemporary design. A key element is the integration of Royal Thai carpets, adding comfort and a cultural touch to the interiors. In this exclusive Q&A, discover what sets Moxy apart and how Royal Thai enhances the hotel’s interactive spaces and distinctive design, elevating both visual appeal and guest experience.
Q: What unique aspects of The Moxy Bangkok Ratchaprasong Hotel set it apart from other luxury hotels in the region?
A: The Moxy Bangkok Ratchaprasong stands out in the region for its vibrant, playful, and edgy design that caters to the modern traveller seeking a nontraditional hotel experience. Unlike other luxury hotels, Moxy features a more casual, energetic atmosphere with artsy and urban aesthetics. The hotel emphasizes social interactions with its communal spaces, such as
the lively bar and lounge areas that encourage guests to mingle. Additionally, tech-friendly amenities and bold, contemporary art installations reflect a youthful, trendy vibe that appeals to a new generation of travellers.
Q: What’s the inspiration behind the hotel’s recent renovations and design choices?
A: The recent renovations and design choices for The Moxy Bangkok Ratchaprasong were inspired by Bangkok’s dynamic street culture and the spirited energy of the local lifestyle. The design integrates elements of Thai culture with a modern twist, creating a playful and inviting atmosphere. The use of bold colours, eclectic furnishings, and contemporary art reflects the lively character of Bangkok while providing a unique and memorable stay for guests.
Q: How does floor decoration and design, including the use of Royal Thai carpets, contribute to the overall guest experience at The Moxy Bangkok Ratchaprasong Hotel?
A: The floor decoration and design at The Moxy
Bangkok Ratchaprasong, including the use of Royal Thai carpets, play a significant role in enhancing the guest experience. These elements are carefully chosen to add a touch of local elegance and comfort while maintaining a chic and modern aesthetic.
The Royal Thai carpets, known for their quality and beauty, bring a sense of luxury and Thai craftsmanship to the interiors, enriching the cultural ambiance and providing a warm, welcoming feel to the spaces.
Q: What feedback have you received from guests regarding the new design features, particularly Royal Thai flooring and carpets?
A: The feedback from guests regarding the new design features has been overwhelmingly positive. Guests appreciate the blend of modern design with traditional Thai elements, which not only adds to the aesthetic appeal but also offers a sense of place.
The luxurious feel of the carpets and the thoughtful interior design have been highlighted as key factors that enhance the comfort and enjoyment of their stay, making Moxy a preferred choice for both leisure and business travellers.
“ROYAL THAI OFFERS EXTENSIVE CUSTOMIZATION OPTIONS, WHICH ALLOWED FOR THE CREATION OF UNIQUE PATTERNS THAT REFLECT THE LOCAL CULTURE AND THE LIVELY, MODERN AESTHETIC OF MOXY. THESE CARPETS WERE SELECTED TO ENHANCE THE VISUAL APPEAL AND CREATE A SIGNATURE LOOK THAT IS INSTANTLY RECOGNIZABLE AND DISTINCTLY ALIGNED WITH THE HOTEL’S BRANDING.”
Thosarit Achariyasart, Associate Design Director of dwp | design worldwide partnership
THIS PHOTO: The hotel features artwork and decor inspired by Thai culture, complemented by Royal Thai carpets.
BOTTOM: Royal Thai’s flexibility in design customization enables unique designs that perfectly capture Moxy’s youthful aesthetic.
TOP: Royal Thai carpets’ luxurious textures, vibrant colours and intricate patterns beautifully align with the design vision for Moxy Bangkok Ratchaprasong.
Q: How is The Moxy Bangkok Ratchaprasong Hotel ahead of design trends in the hospitality industry?
A: The Moxy Bangkok Ratchaprasong is at the forefront of design trends in the hospitality industry by embracing a bold, unconventional approach that differentiates it from traditional luxury hotels. Its focus on creating interactive, fun, and vibrant spaces aligns with the global trend towards experiential travel. The hotel’s design successfully incorporates local cultural elements in a contemporary manner, setting a trend for integrating tradition with modernity in a way that is both respectful and innovative. This approach not only attracts guests but also sets a new standard in hospitality design, particularly in how hotels can embody the spirit of their location while offering unique, memorable experiences.
Q: Why did you choose Royal Thai as the carpet provider for The Moxy Bangkok Ratchaprasong Hotel’s recent renovations?
A: Royal Thai was chosen as the carpet provider for The Moxy Bangkok Ratchaprasong Hotel’s recent renovations due to their reputation for quality and their ability to deliver custom solutions that align
with specific design visions. Royal Thai’s flexibility in design customization allows for a unique product that can perfectly match the youthful and energetic theme of Moxy. Their commitment to craftsmanship and sustainability was also a key factor, ensuring that the carpets not only look stunning but are also produced with environmental responsibility in mind.
Q: What specific attributes of Royal Thai carpets were most aligned with the design vision for the hotel, and how did they meet your needs?
A: The specific attributes of Royal Thai carpets that were most aligned with the design vision for Moxy Bangkok Ratchaprasong included their vibrant colour options, intricate patterns, and the luxurious texture of their materials. Royal Thai offers extensive customization options, which allowed for the creation of unique patterns that reflect the local culture and the lively, modern aesthetic of Moxy. These carpets were selected to enhance the visual appeal and create a signature look that is instantly recognizable and distinctly aligned with the hotel’s branding.
Q: How do the hand-tufted carpets contribute to the design and comfort of the guestrooms?
A: The hand-tufted carpets by Royal Thai contribute significantly to both the design and comfort of the guestrooms. The plush texture of the hand-tufted carpets provides a soft, luxurious underfoot experience
TOP: Blending style and comfort, Royal Thai’s hand-tufted carpets add plush luxury to guestrooms, enhancing both visual appeal and relaxation.
that enhances guest comfort and adds an element of indulgence to the rooms. Design-wise, these carpets serve as a foundational element that ties together various design aspects of the room, contributing to a cohesive and inviting atmosphere. The use of dynamic patterns and colours in the carpets also helps energize the space, aligning with Moxy’s overall aesthetic of vibrant, playful luxury.
Q: Can you elaborate on any particular design or performance attributes of Royal Thai carpets that have proven especially beneficial in the areas?
A: Several design and performance attributes of Royal Thai carpets have proven especially beneficial. Firstly, their durability is a key advantage, as hotel carpets undergo significant wear and tear. Royal Thai’s carpets are designed to withstand high traffic while maintaining their appearance and integrity. Additionally, their stain resistance technology is crucial for maintaining the cleanliness and longevity of the carpets in a hotel setting. From a design perspective, Royal Thai’s ability to produce finely detailed patterns and textures allows for depth and richness in design, which enhances the thematic storytelling of the hotel’s interiors. These attributes ensure that the carpets not only enhance the visual appeal of the hotel but also meet the practical demands of a busy hospitality environment.
WOVEN TRANQUILITY
ROYAL THAI’S BESPOKE CARPET INSTALLATION AT GRANDE CENTRE POINT LUMPHINI INFUSES THE LOBBY LOUNGE WITH NATURAL ELEGANCE, ELEVATING GUEST EXPERIENCE THROUGH TEXTURE, TONE, AND CRAFTSMANSHIP.
THIS PHOTO: The Lobby Lounge welcomes guests with a bespoke Royal Thai carpet—anchoring the space with soft tactility, natural light play, and refined material presence.
In the heart of Bangkok, where the city’s rhythm pulses around Lumphini Park, Grande Centre Point Lumphini rises as a beacon of modern serenity. Within its soaring architectural frame, Royal Thai’s bespoke carpet installation becomes a tactile foundation—an artwork underfoot that sets the tone for elevated hospitality.
Commissioned for the hotel’s central gathering point—the Lobby Lounge—the custom hand tufted carpet reflects a design brief rooted in harmony, nature, and urban poise. Drawing inspiration from the nearby Lumphini and Benjakitti Parks, the design mimics flowing waterlines and organic forms. Its layered motif, softened in execution, acts as a quiet echo of the greenery and tranquil landscapes that define the area. Through floor-to-ceiling glass, natural light animates the surface, giving depth and dimension to each hand-rendered curve.
Crafted at Royal Thai’s vertically integrated facilities in Thailand, the carpet blends high-performance solution dyed nylon (SDN) with the organic warmth of wool. This hybrid yarn composition not only ensures longevity but enhances the design with nuanced tactility and color retention. The hand tufting method—a hallmark of Royal Thai’s artisan approach—enabled the design team to achieve intricate detail, translating the studio’s vision into a floor
The corridor leading to the lifts is quietly elegant—
soft lighting, natural textures, and Royal Thai’s carpet provide a seamless, calming transition space.
BOTTOM: The custom carpet’s tone and texture align with the interior palette—complementing warm finishes and clean lines to create a cohesive, tailored atmosphere.
Photo Credit: Thanawat Sukhaggananda - Interior Vision
AT GRANDE CENTRE POINT LUMPHINI, ROYAL THAI’S BESPOKE CARPET IS MORE THAN A SURFACE—IT IS A REFINED EXPRESSION OF DESIGN INTENTION AND ARTISANAL PRECISION, BRINGING SPATIAL HARMONY, MATERIAL RICHNESS, AND A QUIET SENSE OF LUXURY TO EVERY GUEST EXPERIENCE.
THIS PHOTO: In a meeting space designed for focus and flow, Royal Thai’s carpet enhances comfort underfoot while supporting the room’s acoustic and visual harmony.
BOTTOM: Whether for dining or celebration, the carpet’s tonal layering and material softness elevate the ambience— subtly enriching the interior with warmth and quiet sophistication.
TOP: In the Grand Ballroom, Royal Thai’s custom carpet anchors the expansive space—adding softness, acoustical warmth, and subtle pattern to complement the architectural rhythm.
piece that is both art and infrastructure. Delivered in five custom segments, the carpet fits seamlessly within the Lobby’s contours while maintaining visual unity.
The refined language of the carpet is extended across the hotel. From the plush Premium King Rooms to Executive Suites, and from the elegant Diamond Dome to the sweeping Grand Ballroom, each space is bound by a consistent undercurrent of material luxury. The acoustical benefits of the carpet support moments of quiet connection—whether during business conferences, private celebrations, or everyday transitions.
Framed by neutral stone and glass finishes, the Lobby Lounge carpet acts as a visual and sensory
THIS PHOTO: In the guestroom, Royal Thai’s carpet brings a sense of quiet luxury—balancing comfort, warmth, and texture to complement the room’s restful design language.
anchor. It softens the linearity of the architecture while enriching the space with movement and tone. As guests pause, gather, or glide through, they’re met with a sense of calm beneath each step—an unspoken detail that defines the hotel’s hospitality language.
Royal Thai’s contribution to this landmark hotel speaks to its core values: design integrity, craftsmanship, and contextual awareness. At Grande Centre Point Lumphini, the carpet becomes more than décor—it becomes memory. A layered experience shaped by light, pattern, and touch. And in a city that rarely slows down, it’s a reminder that true luxury often lies in the quietest places.
DREAM WEAVER
Founded in 1956 to preserve China’s centuries-old carpetmaking traditions, Tai Ping Carpets is a Hong Kong based luxury carpet manufacturer and global leader that operates on six continents with showrooms around the world, creating bespoke contemporary floor coverings for many of the most prestigious interior projects worldwide. In addition to making carpets to order, Tai Ping has a rich resource of designs dating back through the history of the company spanning from classical traditional styling to more contemporary collections and collaborations which are regularly updated.
Tai Ping Carpets also launched 1956 by Tai Ping, a division created to service the hospitality and leisure industry. Today, 1956 by Tai Ping has built a reputation as a creator of high-quality, thoughtfully designed custom carpets, such as woven Axminster, hand tufted and broadloom tufted carpets, and carpet tiles.
From the top down, Tai Ping Carpets is a company with a clear message: it’s about quality, it’s about design and service.
H+R spoke with Sanjay Chauhan, Senior Design Manager at Tai Ping Carpets, who also provides support for the 1956 by Tai Ping brand, to find out about his work and inspiration, the art of carpet design, carpet trends in the hospitality sector as well as 1956 by Tai Ping’s strategic innovations.
Sanjay Chauhan
Senior Design Manager
Tai Ping Carpets, Bangkok, Thailand
“THE VAST DIVERSITY OF THE HOSPITALITY INTERIORS WE WORK WITH ACROSS THE GLOBE CHALLENGES ANY PERCEPTION OF WHAT IS A GOOD COLOUR TO USE. TO TAILOR OUR PRODUCTS TO THE ARCHITECT AND DESIGNERS VISION IS WHERE IT GETS INTERESTING.”
Why did you decide to pursue this specific field of design over others?
On completion of a one-year Foundation course in Art and Design which focused on many disciplines and materials, I decided to follow a path focusing on surface pattern and textile design. An introduction to carpets during my university course gave me an interest in putting together my passion for drawing and the tactile nature of working with textiles and fibres to create works of art.
As a university student, we had the opportunity to exhibit our artwork at the Domotex show in Hanover, Germany. I was offered a position with an independent design studio where I was able to finish the remainder of my degree course and step straight into employment within this design studio. This studio specialised in carpet for global hospitality in print, woven and tufted constructions.
It was here where I saw my first design creations turn into commercial products, which was very rewarding. I was also given the opportunity to train as a junior designer alongside some incredibly talented and experienced people whom I really have to thank for a great start to my career in floorcoverings.
Describe your earliest interest in design. Growing up, our family business was a letterpress print workshop where I was exposed to many types of paper, inks, layouts and typography — before computers came into play! We made business stationery and wedding invitations. It was a lot of manual work which taught me the art of creating something beautiful with minimal amount of materials.
A school visit to the Tate Gallery in London gave me a love of Art, particularly in paintings.
When I was young, I travelled south and re-visited the galleries and museums of London frequently and followed a path to study art and design and pretty much ignored all the other subjects!
Describe a typical day for you at Tai Ping. I haven’t had one yet!
Managing the studio throws different challenges at me every day, and from all corners of the world.
One day we’re working on a complex convention centre design in the US, trying to fit a complex design into a more complex building shape. The next day I’m working on a new product to meet the challenges of an outdoor gaming hall in Australia, or helping to create a unique design for a historical renovation in Old Saigon. The global nature of our business means we have to communicate across the world through different time zones and cultures, which makes every day different.
LEFT: The design is Botanical Flourish from 1956 by Tai Ping’s Revive Collection, customized for the venue.
“INSPIRATIONAL COLLECTIONS COUPLED WITH TOOLS LIKE OUR RE:SOURCE LIBRARY AND SOME OF THE NEW 3D VISUALISATION AND SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENTS WE HAVE BEEN WORKING ON AIM TO MAKE US FASTER, STRONGER IN THE MARKET AND BETTER PLACED TO SERVE OUR CLIENTS.”
The 1956 Design studio handles the creative process of turning our client’s ideas into reality. We also undertake all technical aspects such as planning and shaping how the designer’s concept will be made and how it all fits together on site. We have a strong network of design support located in cities worldwide and a central support function here in Bangkok.
My day involves many different activities from advising the design team on particular projects, how best to fit the design brief to the product and environment and helping to communicate and translate a design ‘brief’ to a team of designers.
In addition, I review finished carpets at the factory as well as develop new products and finishing techniques.
As the nature of our business is custom, which means that no two projects are the same, most of the time no two days are the same!
What has been your greatest learning experience in the past ten years?
I have been very lucky in my career in that I have worked with some of the most experienced and talented carpet designers in our industry. Working with market leading organisations means that there is a wealth of knowledge and experience to be gained from the people I have had the fortune to work alongside. In my early career I sat alongside designers who started their careers in the 1940’s and who had so much to share and great stories to tell about the good old days!
I have also had the unique opportunity to work and learn in so many different locations across the world. From the small town of Ilkley in Yorkshire to Kidderminster, which is the carpet centre of the UK, to London, to India, to Los Angeles, to Washington DC, back to England and now in Bangkok, again working with and meeting so many great people along the way. There is always something new to learn.
Tai Ping is a unique learning experience where one company physically produces so many different constructions of floorcoverings. Luckily for me, all of this is produced at the location where I am based, from artificial grass to car interior flooring. Tai Ping also creates broadloom tufted, woven Axminster, hand–tufted, machine–tufted, and Axminster carpet tile designs. I’m able to learn and design around the benefits of each type in an environment which allows us to experiment and merge technologies together to produce some very unique floorcovering solutions. Our ‘Accent Textures’ offering allows us to cross pollinate different techniques from each product offering to create new and interesting looks, which would not be possible without having the necessary skills and machinery in one location. A strong ethos of innovation within the R&D side of Tai Ping means we are able to play with the tools we have to bring something different to the table.
Did you face any challenges in designing for textiles that you didn’t expect? If so, what were they?
The greatest challenges are usually faced during the technical phases of a project, such as understanding how the whole jig-saw puzzle is going to be designed, manufactured, and installed or matching the designer’s vision to complex building shapes, curved corridors, complex angles and turns. These challenges interest and excite me. What makes our products truly unique is that the floor can be treated as a blank canvas and crafted to create a work of art.
What colour, in your opinion, is unfailingly flattering on a carpet?
The vast diversity of the hospitality interiors we work with across the globe challenges any perception of what is a good colour to use. To tailor our products to the architect and designers vision is where it gets interesting. Every interior has different challenges and needs with respect to aesthetics, ambience and performance, just as every designer has a different vision and idea for that specific property. From a personal point of view, one of the most difficult colours to use in carpet is neutral grey. But used with care it can have the greatest impact. The nature of grey tones in carpet and their ability to be ‘influenced’ by other colours that surround them make them both very challenging to use and rewarding when the right balance is hit. Colour selection is a fine art which needs to be handled with delicacy, subtlety and sensitivity. Refinement of colour selection is often more important than throwing in a huge array of colours and, in my opinion, less is definitely more. With Axminster and hand-made carpets, we have
TOP LEFT: Gain Exclusive Access to 1956 by Tai Ping’s Online Design Archive.
the added ability to develop or match any custom colour outside of our regular colour boxes too.
What trends are most prevalent in carpet design in the hospitality sector in Asia today?
I’m always very sceptical about the word ‘trends’. In hospitality it covers such a wide gamut of ideas and visual references globally, it’s like trying to measure an emotion. We look at fashion which is very fast paced and art around the world, which is very diverse. At Tai Ping, we look outside of the interior arena to inspire our customer. We try to find ideas that they might not have come across and which we ourselves find inspiring and interesting. We’ve recently partnered up with a reverse graffiti artist, a creative director from an international fashion house and a niche fine art company in LA which specialises in artwork for wrapping paper.
Hospitality interiors need to have a vision that lasts longer than most fashion trends, which can be very short lived. One change I’ve recently seen which is very welcome, is the move away from generic cookie cutter type brand identity of the ‘international class’ hotels. A move to more localised influence and cultural traditions to give a feel of the identity of the country, city or town that you’ve just travelled to is what makes a great experience to me. As in many aspects of life today, experiential elements are becoming more important than pure aesthetics, which is especially true for hospitality.
What is 1956 by Tai Ping doing in terms of carpet innovation?
Accent textures for one, which combines different techniques and materials from all the different products we specialise in to make unique textural hand- finished variations to traditional machinemade products. Having many different products made under the same roof gives us the unique opportunity to cross-pollinate skills, materials, expertise and ideas to create unique products. We can tailor our offering with a wide range of options for every space we work on.
Then there is Re:Source, our newly launched online catalogue of designs. This is a tool to help our clients be more in control of the design process. It helps speed up the process and provides a more easily accessible source of design inspiration right at our client’s desktop, with the added backup and expertise of our network of global design and sales support. This allows us to highlight new design ideas and collaborations very effectively to a wider audience. It also includes functions to collaborate and share design ideas faster between our teams and with our customers across the globe.
Speed is everything in today’s market; anything we can do to streamline the process makes it easier for our clients. Carpet design is traditionally a very lengthy time consuming artistic process. Inspirational collections coupled with tools like our Re:Source library and some of the new 3D visualisation and software developments we have been working on aim to make us faster, stronger in the market and better placed to serve our clients.
From your point of view, is carpet design an art or a science?
It is most definitely an art. The basic principles of carpet manufacturing have not changed in many years. The aesthetics have the most impact. Of course the science of construction and materials is what makes an Axminster or hand-made carpet exceptionally luxurious to walk on and give it the long lasting looks and performance needed. The art of colour selection, texture and the traditional drawing skills of the artist are crucial to differentiate something from being just a mediocre composition to something truly beautiful. Since the floor is the largest patterned surface in most hospitality environments, it gives us the biggest canvas to work and walk on. The advantage of our product and the way it is manufactured and installed is that we can treat each space as a blank canvas to create a truly unique statement within any interior whether it be a quiet, subtle and relaxing environment of a spa to the extremely loud and energising features found in a casino or gaming space and everything in between.
What is your favourite quote or personal mantra that you live by?
‘Some people feel the rain, others just get wet’ by Bob Marley. When I take something on both professionally and personally, I immerse myself into it head first to gain a full understanding and feel the enjoyment, whether it’s work or pleasure. If I’m not enjoying it, I’ll move on and do something else but while I’m enjoying what I do, I’ll always give it everything I’ve got.
“THE ART OF COLOUR SELECTION, TEXTURE AND THE TRADITIONAL DRAWING SKILLS OF THE ARTIST ARE CRUCIAL TO DIFFERENTIATE SOMETHING FROM BEING JUST A MEDIOCRE COMPOSITION TO SOMETHING TRULY BEAUTIFUL. SINCE THE FLOOR IS THE LARGEST PATTERNED SURFACE IN MOST HOSPITALITY ENVIRONMENTS, IT GIVES US THE BIGGEST CANVAS TO WORK AND WALK ON.”
BOTTOM RIGHT: Accent Textures is a portfolio of innovative techniques that can be explored to elevate your unique carpet creations.
WORLD-RENOWNED EXCELLENCE
ROYAL THAI EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, MR STEPHEN WONG, SHARES HIS VIEWPOINTS ON THE COMPANY’S KEYS TO SUCCESS IN THE GLOBAL FLOOR COVERING INDUSTRY.
THIS PHOTO: Royal Thai is known for their unparalleled craftsmanship and expertise in producing high-quality hospitality carpets and rugs.
Royal Thai is a producer of floor coverings for hotels, cruise ships, casinos, convention centres, airports, and a vast range of hospitality spaces around the world. With distinctive technical expertise in this industry, the brand is known for its exceptional craftsmanship on a grand scale. In this interview, H+R spoke to Stephen Wong, Royal Thai Executive Vice President, to find out what it takes to maintain their long-established reputation of creating high-quality hospitality carpets.
For starters, can you tell us more about yourself?
I have extensive background in commercial projects since the 90s. After joining Tai Ping Carpets in 2000, I gained further experience in the hospitality carpet industry. With experience managing sizable casinos, airports, and hotel projects in Asia, I have grown alongside with the company, building up a strong sales and project management team in the industry. With the acquisition of the Tai Ping Commercial Division by TCM Corporation, I moved to Royal Thai to take
BOTTOM: Royal Thai floor coverings are widely used in international airports around the world.
TOP: Multicoloured floor covering from Royal Thai enhances the atmosphere at casinos.
“CARPET IS USUALLY A ‘MUST-HAVE’ ITEM IN HOTEL GUESTROOMS, CORRIDORS, AND PUBLIC AREAS DUE TO ITS NOISE ABSORPTION ABILITIES. WITH SUCH PRODUCT ADVANTAGE, CARPETS LIKE BROADLOOM ARE NOT ONLY USED IN HOTELS BUT ALSO IN OTHER SEGMENTS LIKE CASINOS, CONVENTION CENTRES, AIRPORTS AND MANY HIGH-TRAFFIC PLACES.”
Stephen Wong, Royal Thai Executive Vice President
THIS PHOTO: Royal Thai wide ranging carpet collection infuses an alluring and eye-catching touch to resort suites.
“IT IS GREAT TO WIN THIS YACHT & AVIATION AWARDS AND OTHER HOSPITALITY AND COMMERCIAL AWARDS. WINNING THIS MEANS A LOT TO ME BECAUSE IT PROVES THAT ‘WE ARE TAKING IT TO THE SKY’! AVIATION CARPETS DO MORE THAN JUST PROVIDE AESTHETICS.”
Stephen Wong, Royal Thai Executive Vice President
THIS PHOTO: Numerous hotels and resorts utilise Royal Thai collections to achieve a distinguished aesthetic. | H+R | HOTELRESORTDESIGN.COM
on the responsibility of managing businesses in Asia, Australia, and the EMEA region.
What’s your key role at Royal Thai?
I manage APAC (except Thailand) and EMEA’s overall operations and performance, including all entities and distributors. I find it very interesting to work with different people from around the world in the industry, developing carpets in custom design for each project. The sense of success of creating something from scratch to finish is unbelievable!
What is your biggest challenge in managing Royal Thai’s business?
The global COVID-19 situation was our biggest challenge in the past two years. At this time, we could not travel and could only communicate with customers, distributors, and colleagues via video conferences and calls. Moreover, with an uncertain global economy, hotel owners were unlikely to spend much money on renovation projects. Many new projects were also put on hold. With fewer projects in the market, competition has naturally become more intense.
Broadloom Carpet has always been considered and used for hospitality interior for a long time; do you see any opportunity in any other segments?
Yes, carpet is usually a ‘must-have’ item in hotel guestrooms, corridors, and public areas due to its noise absorption abilities. With such product advantage, carpets like Broadloom are not only used in hotels but also in other segments like casinos, convention centres, airports and many high-traffic places.
Royal Thai has recently received the International Yacht & Aviation Awards 2022. What
does winning this award mean to you?
It is great to win this Yacht & Aviation Awards and other hospitality and commercial awards. Winning this means a lot to me because it proves that ‘we are taking it to the sky’! Aviation carpets do more than just provide aesthetics. As safety is extremely critical in all aircraft, these carpets are also a central element in fulfilling stringent technical and performance requirements. Hence, this award is an important recognition of our product safety and performance.
How has COVID 19 impacted the manufacturing Industry?
It impacted our business in terms of sales and manufacturing. It’s not just the global hospitality and tourism industry that has been negatively affected by COVID 19; the supply chain of raw materials experienced the same predicament too. We have faced potential delays of raw materials and short shipment from our suppliers. Fortunately, our logistic team has managed the situation well to avoid any carpet production delay.
After the global pandemic, how do you see the future of the Carpet Industry and its challenges? I personally believe that we will gradually bounce back in both the APAC and EMEA hospitality market when the pandemic is over. As the carpet industry moves in tandem with the hospitality and tourism industry, our growth rate will depend on the ‘open door’ policy of these countries. Royal Thai takes one step beyond WHO guidelines for COVID-19 by introducing Vi-Guard, our treated carpet with hygiene protection that guards against unwelcome bacteria, microbial and the coronavirus. Vi-Guard is available for all Royal Thai products. In addition to application during production, Vi-Guard can be reapplied post-installation if required.
JOURNEY TO THE COSMOS
WITH ITS DAZZLING DESIGNS, ROYAL THAI CARPETING IS THE PERFECT FINISHING TOUCH TO BRING THE SPACE-INSPIRED THEME TO LIFE AT THE GRANDE CENTRE POINT SPACE PATTAYA.
THIS PHOTO: Royal Thai’s carpeting plays a vital role in elevating the space theme to new heights at the Grande Centre Point Space Pattaya.
In the realm where imagination meets luxury, one hotel stands out among the stars – the Grande Centre Point Space Pattaya, Thailand’s first space-themed hotel, which takes guests on a cosmic adventure from the moment they step inside. And at the heart of this mesmerising hotel is the exquisite carpets from Royal Thai, a global carpet brand renowned for drawing inspiration from diverse artistic worlds.
Royal Thai’s collaboration with the hotel is nothing short of remarkable. Their carpets, a perfect blend of artistry and functionality, grace the lobby, meeting rooms, corridors, and guest rooms, covering a staggering area of 7,250 square metres. More than just floor coverings, the carefully selected Axminster Wool/Nylon and Hand Tufted Wool carpets are designed to offer an immersive experience that captures the essence of interstellar beauty.
In terms of its spatial design, the architectural brilliance of Palmer and Turner (Thailand) and the creative interior design of Interior Vision have resulted in an artfully-curated hospitality masterpiece. At the hotel’s exterior, guests are immediately welcomed by the sight of a space shuttle poised for launch. A kinetic façade, adorned with 30,000 pieces of perforated metal, dances with the wind, mimicking the ebb and flow of celestial waves.
The key spaces in this mesmerising hotel feature Royal Thai’s Axminster Wool/Nylon and Hand Tufted Wool carpets.
BOTTOM: The Grande Centre Point Space Pattaya, Thailand’s first space-themed hotel, takes guests on a cosmic adventure from the moment they step inside.
FROM ITS KEY SPACES TO THE INTIMATE GUEST SUITES, THE CELESTIAL THEME IS THOUGHTFULLY WOVEN INTO EVERY CORNER OF THE HOTEL. HERE’S WHERE THE MAGIC OF ROYAL THAI’S CARPETING PLAYS A VITAL ROLE IN ELEVATING THE SPACE THEME TO NEW HEIGHTS.
THIS PHOTO: From its key spaces to the intimate guest suites, the celestial theme is thoughtfully woven into every corner of the hotel.
DESIGN.COM
| H+R | HOTELRESORT
TOP: The carpeting from Royal Thai strikes a harmonious balance between comfort and personality in the meeting room.
BOTTOM: The carpet’s vibrant green hues enliven the ambience in the lobby while keeping to the space theme.
From its key spaces to the intimate guest suites, the celestial theme is thoughtfully woven into every corner of the hotel. Here’s where the magic of Royal Thai’s carpeting plays a vital role in elevating the space theme to new heights. With unique patterns and captivating hues, the carpets create an unmistakable futuristic vibe, striking a harmonious balance between comfort and personality.
Inside the guest rooms, the journey into the cosmos continues. Each room is meticulously designed to resemble accommodations aboard a spacecraft, and at night, a captivating light show unfolds, replicating the dazzling colours of space. Glittering constellations dance across the decorative ceilings, complemented by the soft glow of aurora-like lamplight. Underfoot, the deep blue galaxy-like motifs of Royal Thai carpets further create an ambience akin to floating in outer space, cocooning guests in total comfort and awe.
TOP: Royal Thai carpets’ deep blue galaxy-like motifs cocoon guests in total comfort and awe.
BOTTOM: With unique patterns and captivating hues, the carpets create an unmistakable futuristic vibe.
ARTISTRY MEETS ARTISANSHIP
IN A FITTING HOMAGE TO THE NEWLY-REFURBISHED INTERCONTINENTAL BANGKOK, ROYAL THAI, IN COLLABORATION WITH P49 DEESIGN, ROLLED OUT A BESPOKE COLLECTION OF APPLAUSE-ELICITING LUXURY HOSPITALITY CARPETS TO ADORN ITS FLOORS.
THIS PHOTO: Royal Thai’s sumptuous tufted hospitality carpet that adorns the Balcony Lounge’s flooring is a blend of modern sophistication and Thai artisan heritage.
In the realm of luxury hospitality design, where the mission is to engage and wow patrons from the moment they walk through the entrance, every detail contributes to an unforgettable experience. And what better way to achieve this than by designing the surface they step onto?
Royal Thai has been weaving a legacy of luxury for five decades, adorning prestigious hospitality venues across the continents with its sumptuous Axminster carpets and hand-tufted rugs. A family enterprise, the company’s ethos transcends mere artisanship: it is a commitment to be a creative force for good.
Taking inspiration from art, fashion, and architecture, Royal Thai carpets are a melding of cultures and disciplines. The carpets are unfurled in canvases of colours, patterns and textures, not merely adorning floors, but narrating stories, and infusing spaces with unparalleled sophistication.
While professionalism and excellence form the warp and woof of the company’s corporate identity, it is the successfully implemented collaboration that gets to the heartbeat of the company, breathing life into its culture, and testifying to the belief that collaborative creativity trumps a solitary perspective.
So, when Royal Thai was commissioned to design and supply a custom carpet solution for the floors of the Intercontinental Bangkok in its year-long makeover project, it did not miss a beat in teaming up with
TOP: The carpet design in the lobby boasts a classic base note, creating a sense of calm with its grounding, earthy neutrals.
BOTTOM: A swirl-patterned area rug placed under a seating area not only visually ties the furniture together into a group, but also draws a line between the different zones.
TAKING INSPIRATION FROM ART, FASHION, AND ARCHITECTURE, ROYAL THAI CARPETS ARE A MELDING OF CULTURES AND DISCIPLINES. THE CARPETS ARE UNFURLED IN CANVASES OF COLOURS, PATTERNS AND TEXTURES, NOT MERELY ADORNING FLOORS, BUT NARRATING STORIES, AND INFUSING SPACES WITH UNPARALLELED SOPHISTICATION.
THIS PHOTO: Featuring rich, opulent tones, this contemporary vintage design with a geometric motif makes a striking style statement with its vibrant and energetic vibe.
| H+R | HOTELRESORTDESIGN.COM TOP: The abstract carpet that adorns the event room is a piece of art with its own personality and different shades of colors, ideal for absorbing stains and spillages.
BOTTOM: The timeless black-and-white chevron pattern that stretches across the carpet’s length, brings life and volume to the dining space, making it feel larger than it is.
P49 Deesign, a reputable design consultancy specializing in the interior design of hotels and resorts around the world.
P49 Deesign’s approach was a delicate balance between contemporary innovation and homage to Thailand’s rich cultural tapestry. Beset with budget fluctuations during the Covid pandemic, the renovation posed unique challenges.
However, it is within this compelling narrative that the collaboration with Royal Thai has emerged as an exemplar of artistic inspiration. It helped that the carpet manufacturer has a knack for delivering quality products within fair and reasonable cost parameters.
When all is said and done, the synergy between the P49 Deesign team and Royal Thai artisans has been pivotal in transforming initial carpet concepts into a veritable feast for the eyes, with Thailand’s cultural DNA deftly woven into the very fabric of Intercontinental Bangkok’s renovated splendour.
TOP: An abstract carpet theme can work in a variety of spaces and styles as its interpretive nature allows it to fit into different design molds.
BOTTOM: A hand-tufted area rug in a light colorway and subdued print pattern, brightens a Junior Suite and creates an illusion of space.
