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With a people-centric approach to sustainability, the UK’s market leader in vinyl flooring Karndean Designflooring is building commercial interiors that have a reduced impact on the environment whilst also delivering outstanding style, durability and performance.

Working with RFD Interior Architecture, its latest project has created an attractive biophilic design for Groupe Atlantic’s Expert Training Academy in East Yorkshire that combines sustainable performance with thermal and acoustic comfort.

Groupe Atlantic’s mission is to help society rise to the challenge of reducing energy consumption and increasing the use of renewable energy whilst still satisfying the demand for thermal comfort. Its new Expert Training Academy has been established to further these goals, training the heating and hot water industry in the next generation of renewable energy sourced appliances. With the business’ clear focus on sustainable development, it was key that the academy’s interior should itself have minimal impact.

Project designer and principal contractor RFD Interior Architecture has reflected Groupe Atlantic’s ambition to create a greener built environment with a comfortable yet practical interior in a biophilic style that supports health and wellbeing, meeting its sustainability brief with a focus on decarbonisation and recycled materials.

A terrazzo design floor from Karndean Designflooring sits alongside a natural moss wall and FSC certified oak cladding with recycled plastic acoustic backing. The furniture and accessories were also chosen for their superb eco credentials, including ultra-low carbon furniture made with recycled upholstery materials.

Jamie Shaw, head of ESG at Karndean Designflooring, said: “The Groupe Atlantic project amply demonstrates how our flooring can balance on-trend biophilic aesthetics with practicality and sustainability.

“Like all our designs, our new Opus Abstracts capsule collection replicates the beauty of natural materials using cutting edge technology to provide a hard wearing flooring that also improves indoor environmental quality and reduces a project’s impact over its entire lifecycle.

“The durability of Karndean flooring is key to product longevity and in commercial environments this can result in a carbon footprint that is up to 85% lower than other flooring products. These sustainability credentials were a key decision point for RFD Interior Architecture when specifying for Groupe Atlantic’s academy.”

Dalmata from Karndean’s Opus abstracts capsule collection has provided a statement floor that can stand up to the academy’s heavy footfall yet is easy to maintain. Featuring large black marble chips that stand out against a simple white background in a striking ‘dalmatian’ effect, the flooring brings an impactful neoclassical look to the clean lines of the interior. Introducing additional visual interest and comfort underfoot, breakout zones have been highlighted with thick pile rugs.

Alex Jenneson, design director at RFD Interior Architecture, explained: “From a design aesthetic, the newly launched Karndean terrazzo was a great looking product for our story. This design statement of monochrome maximalism stands out perfectly as a confident stone effect feature juxtaposed against the neat, uniform oak panels and earthy fabric colour tones. Natural materials, controllable low carbon lighting, biophilic elements and the clean yet playful interior design speak volumes about how workplaces can look and operate in the market today.”

The Opus abstracts capsule collection presents a range of bold contemporary designs and offers designers complete creative freedom of expression with endless options to create intriguing and impactful bespoke floors. Suitable for installation alongside other Opus wood plank and stone tile designs, these new abstract designs have expanded the boundaries of design and opened up new opportunities for personalised interiors.

Karndean products are manufactured in factories certified to the ISO 14001 Environmental Management and ISO 9001 Quality Management International Standards and meet LEED Credit 4.3 and CAL 01350 standards. Using production and operating processes that are increasingly energy efficient and making use of renewable energy sources, Karndean flooring provides a resilient, comfortable and attractive flooring that is the ideal choice to meet the sustainability challenges of the future.

For more information on Karndean’s Opus Abstracts capsule collection, visit www.karndean.com.

About Karndean Designflooring

Our design process begins with a meeting…with nature. We see flooring differently. Pushing the boundaries has to be an adventure of discovery. It’s why we travel the world for inspiration. From the ancient European woodlands to the Australian outback, we pack our bags and go there. Every time, we connect with something extraordinary that shapes our every step. It’s how we bring the unimaginable, inspired from the outdoors, indoors.

If you’d like to feature your product news here, get in touch to find out more. 

If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.

Demonstrating the unsurpassed versatility of its flooring, Karndean Designflooring has given CoVault’s Glasgow head office a unique focal point that has returned the elegance and drama to a once neglected historic city centre building.

The Category B listed building in Bath Street, formerly the residence of a previous Lord Provost, convener of Glasgow City Council, has been restored to its former glory and is now home to CoVault’s head office and a contemporary workspace which provides a one-stop-shop for local entrepreneurs and growing businesses.

Fleur Carson, commercial sales director at Karndean Designflooring, said: “Hybrid working has become the new standard in many industries. By converting unused properties into flexible co-working spaces, we can not only revitalise our city centres but also benefit from the opportunity to work in new and collaborative ways.

“While it’s important to innovate to ensure a successful future, it’s also key to pay homage to the history of these protected buildings. Our designs are inspired by natural materials and manufactured with the latest cutting edge technology, therefore offering characterful floors that are architecturally sympathetic yet eminently practical for busy modern life.”

Making the most of the large open plan space whilst keeping the décor appropriate to the age of the building, the interior has been visually divided into activity zones using complementary flooring patterns and statement wall treatments, with comfortable furniture arranged into intimate hubs.

Inspired by boutique hospitality venues, the interior combines the sophistication of traditional style with the very best of contemporary design, featuring a neutral colour scheme in warm whites and greys with interesting pops of bold colours, a blend of cosy tactile materials and edgy soft furnishing and wallpaper designs. The floor features a timeless oak parquet design and a geometric tiled pattern inspired by grand Victorian villas. In the centre of the room, a bespoke focal point has been created with a hand-cut pattern in a selection of stone designs.

Victoria Scott, project manager at CoVault, explained: “The history of the building was an important consideration when specifying the flooring. The rear of the building, which now houses CoVault’s head office is believed to have been the ballroom. So, when we chose the floor design we knew it was important that this complemented the period of the property and also injected some grandeur back into the outdated space.

“I was keen to work with local businesses, manufacturers and craftspeople to minimise the carbon footprint of the project. Glasgow designers Timorous Beasties supplied the distinctive wallpaper and fabrics,

while the semi-circular booths were created in Falkirk and the antique pieces of furniture sourced locally and refinished here in Glasgow.

“The custom cut central flooring feature was designed to echo the luxurious previous life of this room. It sits beautifully under the domed copula, which is itself a thing of beauty as well as an engineering marvel. The amalgamation of all the different patterns, textures, and finishes has pulled the space together beautifully and given it a welcoming ‘home from home’ atmosphere. The initial wow factor really doesn’t wear thin when people come into the space for the first time.”

Designed to replicate the characteristics and beauty of natural materials but without any of the drawbacks that come with installing and maintaining the real thing, Karndean Designflooring offers a wide range of wood, stone and abstract designs, enabling designers to create unique floors that stand out for all the right reasons. With the ability to specify hand-cut bespoke designs, there are endless possibilities for a fully customised floor.

To view Karndean’s range of floors, visit karndeancommercial.com or follow @karndeancommercialuk on Instagram or LinkedIn.

About Karndean Designflooring

Our design process begins with a meeting…with nature. We see flooring differently. Pushing the boundaries has to be an adventure of discovery. It’s why we travel the world for inspiration. From the ancient European woodlands to the Australian outback, we pack our bags and go there. Every time, we connect with something extraordinary that shapes our every step. It’s how we bring the unimaginable, inspired from the outdoors, indoors.

If you’d like to feature your product news here, get in touch to find out more. 

If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.

Available from 1st November, the new Opus abstract collection from the UK’s market leader in luxury vinyl flooring Karndean Designflooring is designed to offer complete creative freedom to architects and interior designers looking to make a statement with a unique floor.

Revolutionising its abstract portfolio, the new Opus abstracts capsule collection introduces 22 new colourways in a range of tones, textures and sizes inspired by traditional trends from the Italian Renaissance, including natural stone, textiles and man-made materials.

The designs include organic pigments with a textile base, terrazzo from the Adriatic coast and stucco reimagined for the 21st Century as well as distinctive stencilled and abstract visuals on natural stone bases and timeless poured and speckled concretes.

Designed to bring impact to a range of settings including hospitality, retail and community living schemes, the new designs can be paired with existing wood planks and stone tiles from the Opus range to create imaginative bold bespoke floors that are intriguing and impactful. The collection offers ample opportunities to create visual movement with areas of pattern in perfect symmetry or offset designs for a disjointed uniformity that takes the concept of abstract flooring to a whole new level.

“We’ve long championed flooring without bounds when it comes to creating impressive designs that engage and provoke a reaction,” explains Fleur Carson, commercial sales director at Karndean Designflooring.

She said: “Design is a journey and we see it as our mission to design materials that support this with endless possibilities, fuelling creativity and promoting individuality. The new Opus abstract collection offers total freedom to curate designs that are truly unique.

“We’re proud of the craftmanship of our product designers and what has been achieved by creating such detailed textures and textiles. Replication of natural wood and stone designs has always been a fundamental part of what we do and we wanted to expand these boundaries to open up new territory and opportunities for design. We’re excited to see how designers will use our new portfolio to let their imaginations fly.”

Karndean’s new Opus abstract designs feature an R10 slip rating and 0.55mm wear layer, making these suitable for a wide range of residential and commercial settings. Naturally warmer and softer underfoot than real wood and stone, Karndean flooring is also compatible with underfloor heating systems and is easier to keep hygienically clean, requiring no resealing or resurfacing. For enhanced acoustics, Karndean’s gluedown designs can be installed over Versilay InstaShield to achieve impact sound reduction of 21dB.

To discover Karndean’s new Opus abstract collection visit karndeancommercial.com/opusabstracts

About Karndean Designflooring

Our design process begins with a meeting…with nature. We see flooring differently. Pushing the boundaries has to be an adventure of discovery. It’s why we travel the world for inspiration. From the ancient European woodlands to the Australian outback, we pack our bags and go there. Every time, we connect with something extraordinary that shapes our every step. It’s how we bring the unimaginable, inspired from the outdoors, indoors.

If you’d like to feature your product news here, get in touch to find out more. 

If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.

The UK’s market leader in luxury vinyl flooring, Karndean Designflooring, is giving designers greater flexibility to create engaging industrial interiors with the introduction of concrete design flooring in an extra-large tile size.

From 27th September, its popular LooseLay range will include three concrete designs in a larger 1000mm x 1000mm tile format, offering the ability to create an on-trend streamlined look quickly and with less environmental impact. A realistic alternative to poured and polished concrete, Karndean’s LooseLay range is designed to not only meet but exceed expectations in commercial spaces.

Expected to find favour in settings such as retail, hospitality and public sector spaces, the new tile size is ideal for laying in a grid pattern to create minimalist clean lines and an unbroken effect.

Karndean’s LooseLay flooring is designed to be easy to install, featuring a K-Wave friction grip backing that creates a strong bond to the subfloor using a combination of weight and friction. With just tackifier required in high traffic areas and at thresholds, Karndean’s water based tackifier offers twice as much coverage than standard adhesive which supports less waste and overall lowers the impact on the environment.

Rather than having to replace the entire floor in the event of damage, each tile or plank can be lifted individually, making it the perfect option for high footfall spaces. This also allows for simple access to underfloor services as required or for flooring to be reused in another setting.

With a subtle emboss and matt finish, the creamy-grey tones of Quebec, complex grey shades of Colorado and gunmetal grey mottled effect of Vermont offer a look that’s reminiscent of a concrete floor but without the cost or inconvenience. Unlike the real thing, these designs can be combined to incorporate effective wayfinding and zoning.

Fleur Carson, commercial sales director at Karndean Designflooring, said: “It’s easy to see why concrete flooring is a timeless choice when looking for a modern backdrop and industrial finish in commercial spaces. Providing a neutral grey background, our concrete designs look fantastic in conjunction with either the clean lines of a fresh white interior or with the calming earthy tones of a biophilic scheme. By adding resimercial elements, designers can create inspirational spaces which will enhance health and wellbeing.

“We see it as our responsibility to create the best arrangement of functional tones and textures with the lowest possible environmental impact. Our new 1000mm x 1000mm tiles are designed to offer outstanding aesthetic and technical performance and so enable the installation of a stunning floor quickly but without compromising on practicality. Designers can be confident that our flooring will provide a neutral canvas and perfect complement to lighting, furniture and other design elements as well as help meet sustainability targets.”

Karndean’s LooseLay flooring absorbs the impact of noise with strong acoustic credentials. An incorporated acoustic layer effectively reduces noise transfer to the floor below by 13dB and, for additional protection, tiles can be installed over Versilay InstaShield to achieve impact sound reduction of 17dB.

Naturally warmer and softer underfoot than concrete, Karndean flooring is also compatible with underfloor heating systems and is easier to keep hygienically clean, requiring no resealing or resurfacing.

To find out more about Karndean’s LooseLay collection and view its Environmental Product Declaration, visit karndean.com/commercial.

About Karndean Designflooring

Our design process begins with a meeting…with nature. We see flooring differently. Pushing the boundaries has to be an adventure of discovery. It’s why we travel the world for inspiration. From the ancient European woodlands to the Australian outback, we pack our bags and go there. Every time, we connect with something extraordinary that shapes our every step. It’s how we bring the unimaginable, inspired from the outdoors, indoors.

If you’d like to feature your product news here, get in touch to find out more. 

If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.

The UK’s market leader in luxury vinyl flooring Karndean Designflooring is on a mission to change the way people think about flooring with its new Clerkenwell showroom.

Situated at 20 Clerkenwell Green, in the heart of London’s vibrant design district, the new studio is designed to inspire the design community and highlight the endless possibilities of flooring design. The showroom features a beautiful selection of bespoke floors that demonstrate how Karndean flooring can meet both aesthetic requirements and demanding technical specifications, whilst also protecting a listed period building.

Inspired by a concept of ‘random chaos’ to instill a sense of happiness and optimism, the showroom features abstract designs that highlight the outstanding versatility of luxury vinyl flooring. Architects and designers will be able to discover imaginative floors that push the boundaries of style whilst effectively protecting and enhancing the building’s original features.

Fleur Carson, commercial sales director at Karndean Designflooring, said: “As a brand we have been expanding steadily and continue to make our mark on the commercial interiors industry, so this investment is the obvious next step for us. Having a permanent showroom in Clerkenwell will make us more accessible to those working at the cutting edge of design and will enable us to show how an extremely modern floor can fit into a historic setting.

“We have designed the showroom to exemplify both the potential of our products and how expressive design can be used to influence mood. Using both off the shelf examples and a bespoke design, we offer a selection of original floor designs that will raise a smile, support wellbeing and connect us to the natural world.”

To support its ongoing mission to create inspiring places to work, meet or play, the showroom presents creative floor designs that respect the building’s legacy whilst securing the original floor underneath. On the ground level, visitors can experience how a complementary combination of designs from our Heritage Collection and bespoke cuts can be used to demarcate activity zones and guide users through the space. By using a rigid core format in the basement, the design ensures that the existing floor is completely protected.

On the first floor, a floating sub-floor safeguards the floorboards so that a unique abstract design can be laid, illustrating the full potential of Karndean flooring. Here, designers can learn how design components and bespoke elements in interesting patterns and colour combinations can be used to create truly innovative designs that reflect individuality and enrich the user experience.

The new showroom will be open by appointment. Visitors will be able to explore the flexibility of Karndean flooring, meet with dedicated commercial specification managers and attend events and continuing professional development seminars (CPDs).

To find out more visit karndean.com/clerkenwellshowroom.

About Karndean Designflooring

Our design process begins with a meeting…with nature. We see flooring differently. Pushing the boundaries has to be an adventure of discovery. It’s why we travel the world for inspiration. From the ancient European woodlands to the Australian outback, we pack our bags and go there. Every time, we connect with something extraordinary that shapes our every step. It’s how we bring the unimaginable, inspired from the outdoors, indoors.

If you’d like to feature your product news here, get in touch to find out more. 

If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.

The UK’s market leader in luxury vinyl flooring Karndean Designflooring is expanding its popular Knight Tile range with a collection of contemporary wood and stone designs, including herringbone and a unique chevron effect.

Washed Character Oak - Aged Living

The new range

Expanding its range of mid and light toned wood and stone designs, the new Knight Tile collection has been designed to complement the latest colour trends, from monochrome and neutrals to bold, bright palettes. Whether using a single design for a barely there streamlined look or combining full sized and herringbone planks for a bespoke style, the subtle features of these designs will bring a classical elegance to any interior.

From the cool greys of Ivory Riven Slate and Smoked Concrete to the neutral tones of Lime Washed Oak and the reclaimed rustic charm of Washed Character Oak, this stunning new collection is expected to find favour in a range of sectors.

Glacial Marble, Midnight Marble - Cameo
Dove Grey Concrete - Bar

Key features and application

Designers working on co-living developments such as new build, housebuild and student accommodation will appreciate the option to choose a single design in a combination of gluedown and rigid core formats to create a clean sophisticated look throughout the home, including the ability to introduce an on-trend chevron pattern.

With realistic features and textures of natural materials but also a practical hygienic surface and good slip resistance, the collection offers a streamlined yet traditional look that will suit retirement and supported living accommodation. For areas where a visual differentiation is required, designers will find ample possibilities for interesting tonal combinations as well as laying pattern options.

In commercial spaces such as hospitality, boutique hotels and offices, this collection offers the flexibility to express a brand’s personality and allows plenty of scope for creative zoning. The wide choice of designs in a rigid core option, including herringbone, will allow highly individualised designs to be created with minimum disruption.

Smoked Concrete - Student Space

Design specification

The new Knight Tile range presents 10 new wood and 12 new stone designs, with options available in gluedown and rigid core formats, and six herringbone (18” x 3”) designs. In addition, the collection introduces a rigid core format to 10 popular existing designs.

Designers looking to create distinctive and playful floors will appreciate the introduction of a chevron design in a choice of three colourways; Lime Washed Oak, Grey Washed Oak and Rose Washed Oak. Reproducing an iconic chevron pattern in a convenient larger sized plank (48″ x 9″) with a smooth emboss, this is the perfect choice for projects where installation time is key. Designers can choose from a gluedown format or rigid core to suit uneven subfloor conditions or where sound transmission is a consideration.

Lime Washed Oak - Cafe
Nordic Limed Oak - Boutique Hotel

Fleur Carson, commercial sales director at Karndean Designflooring, said: “This new collection has been a journey of discovery. Designed to not only meet but exceed aesthetic and technical expectations, we are proud to present this adaptable range of wood and stone designs in our widest choice of formats, available at an accessible price point. Our popular Rose Washed Oak design, for example, is now available in five format and plank size options including our new chevron effect.

Dove Grey Concrete - Bar

“Our latest designs have been influenced by our recent experiences and aim to support wellbeing and a sense of belonging with a natural look that connect our interiors to the outside environment. While intended to offer a stylish palette of pale greys and taupes that  will act as a subtle background to the latest interior trends and bold colour choices, this collection doesn’t skimp on character or authentic details.”

Washed Character Oak - Aged Living
Glacial Marble - Commercial Cameo

Like all Karndean floors, the new collection has been handcrafted for an authentic look and produced with cutting-edge technology for a beautiful yet practical floor that will facilitate cleaning and maintenance, reduce noise disturbance and protect indoor air quality.

Nordic Limed Oak - Boutique Hotel

To find out more about Karndean Designflooring and the new Knight Tile collection, visit www.karndean.com.

About Karndean Designflooring

Our design process begins with a meeting…with nature. We see flooring differently. Pushing the boundaries has to be an adventure of discovery. It’s why we travel the world for inspiration. From the ancient European woodlands to the Australian outback, we pack our bags and go there. Every time, we connect with something extraordinary that shapes our every step. It’s how we bring the unimaginable, inspired from the outdoors, indoors.

If you’d like to feature your product news here, get in touch to find out more. 

If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.

Built on a legacy of sporting excellence, Anthology Stratford Mill offers luxury canalside accommodation within a thriving new East London community just a stone’s throw from the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

When property developer Lifestory Group was looking to construct a complex of apartments in this vibrant location, the aim was to create a functional and aesthetically pleasing scheme that reflected the locality’s industrial past and provided desirable accommodation that would support health and wellbeing long into the future.

The contemporary exterior is complemented by a comfortable interior that offers a clean minimalist canvas on which residents can express their individuality. A soft natural colour scheme and wood design flooring are balanced by bolder industrial style elements for a relaxing atmosphere that provides a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of life.

Bill Haworth, development manager at Lifestory Group, explained: “Externally the engineered stone and aluminium window frames fits in well with the style of other developments around the Olympic Park. Internally we wanted to provide generous living spaces with plenty of light that would connect residents to the local environment and a neutral design that they can put their own stamp on.”

While floor to ceiling windows let natural light flood in and offer panoramic views, a neutral colour scheme creates a gently soothing space. Dark aluminium internal window frames, mid-grey kitchen units and black metallic elements provide a bolder contrast to the softer finishes.

Across the open plan kitchen and living rooms, the light tones and straight grain detailing of Texas White Ash from the Korlok range introduces a fresh biophilic element and a crisp, clean finish.

Bill said: “The Texas White Ash flooring effectively balances the darker features around the home, giving our customers a stylish look and durable hygienic surface. Being a multi-level residential development, the rigid core format conveniently provides good acoustic benefits without the need for further subfloor layers. The click-locking mechanism also meant that installation was quick and simple which helped us meet project deadlines.

“When choosing suppliers we aim to use those with a proven low environmental impact. The Korlok range has an Environmental Product Declaration which is one of the frequent qualifications we look for to achieve our targets.”

The Korlok range presents a wide selection of wood and stone designs with a rigid core construction and pre-attached acoustic foam backing for effective sound reduction without the need for a separate underlay. This reduces the transmission of ambient noise to the floor below by 21dB. Suitable for installation over uneven subfloors or floors that are still drying out, its 5G click-locking structure means each plank simply clicks into place. The floor can be completed with a colour matched scotia or skirting board for a professional finish.

For increased flexibility over multiple subfloor conditions, the Van Gogh multi-format collection offers a range of rigid core wood designs in both full sized and smaller herringbone planks as well as matching gluedown planks, providing the option to continue a single flooring design throughout any interior.

Increasingly, sustainability is an important factor when it comes to specifying for new developments. Produced to ISO 14001 Environmental Standard and ISO 9001 Quality Standard, Karndean flooring not only offers the stunning aesthetics of natural materials and the practical benefits of luxury vinyl but also offers a healthy product that improves indoor environmental quality and contributes to a greener built environment.

Product used: Korlok Texas White Ash RKP8105

About Karndean

We travel the world in our quest to bring you exceptional floors that inspire and delight. From the ancient forests of Europe, to the remote Australian outback and beyond, we seek out expressive and intriguing forms in the natural world to influence our unique floor designs. By combining these original features with cutting edge design, we create simply beautiful floors that you’ll love for a lifetime.

If you’d like to feature your product news here, get in touch to find out more. 

If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.

When it comes to designing floors for care homes, there is much more that goes into it than pure aesthetics. The flooring also has to be safe, durable, easy to maintain, as well as provide comfort for the residents and visitors.

Opting for a contemporary traditional style with quirky twists, Sunrise Senior Living achieved its home from home setting when specifying Karndean Designflooring in its Assisted Living Bistros. Looking to refurbish four of its properties located in Surrey, Chorleywood, Cardiff and Bassett, inhouse interior design manager Danica Mrozek looked to give each location its own individual personality with different colourways and design aspects.

Sunrise Virginia Water in Surrey featuring Karndean Designflooring, Da Vinci Blended Oak.

Using traditional elements to create a modern look

The latest Sunrise Virginia Water in Surrey features Karndean’s characterful Da Vinci Blended Oak laid in a herringbone pattern throughout its Assisted Living Bistro and open plan residents’ dining area, giving a seamless sense of continuity.

Fleur Carson, commercial sales director of Karndean Designflooring, said: “With a simple border pattern, the flooring adds depth and texture to the pared back scheme. The 36” x 3” planks give a floorboard effect with authentic aged oak hues, distinctive grain textures and wide bevelled edges but have been laid in herringbone pattern for a modern look. It complements the bold blue kitchen units and statement mirror tiles with a neutral grey and taupe colour palette perfectly.”

Kitchen with dark blue cabinets, bright yellow tiles and white countertops. Dark wooden floor laid in herringbone pattern with authentic aged oak hues.
Sunrise Virginia Water in Surrey featuring Karndean Designflooring, Da Vinci Blended Oak.

The brand reflected through interiors

Inhouse design manager, Danica explains the Assisted Living Bistro is where residents can socialise and welcome visiting friends and family. She said: “The comfortable homely spaces feature a self-contained kitchen area and informal cafeteria seating which enables residents to prepare and enjoy a drink and light snack.

“The homely atmosphere is enhanced with the use of domestic kitchen units which offer additional reassurance and encourage independence. Contemporary colour schemes in blues and greys, highlighted in accent colours such as yellow, orange or green, have created elegant yet cheerful interiors that reflects the Sunrise brand.”

Flooring that offers both aesthetics and practicality

When considering flooring for the refurbishment project, Sunrise needed a product that could meet both the aesthetic and technical specifications of a residential healthcare setting. With a hard wearing, waterproof and hygienic surface that offers a slip resistance rating of R9, Karndean flooring from the Da Vinci collection amply met this brief.

As Danica, added: “The flooring needed to have the correct slip rating and wear layer suitable for use in a high traffic area. Karndean products have the aesthetic of real wood without all the impracticalities of maintaining wood.

Sustainability from production to utilisation

“We’re really keen to specify sustainable products where possible that are not only environmentally friendly in their manufacturing process but are also durable to ensure longevity. With everyone spending so much more time inside due to the pandemic, indoor air quality has become really important so it’s great that Karndean products are low emitting in terms of VOCs.”

About Karndean Designflooring

Our design process begins with a meeting…with nature. We see flooring differently. Pushing the boundaries has to be an adventure of discovery. It’s why we travel the world for inspiration. From the ancient European woodlands to the Australian outback, we pack our bags and go there. Every time, we connect with something extraordinary that shapes our every step. It’s how we bring the unimaginable, inspired from the outdoors, indoors.
Design is an endless journey.

If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here to find out more.

With subtle visual cues to divide different spaces using a combination of warm-toned and geometric floor designs, Karndean Design flooring served up the perfect flooring choice as part of the new-look Aberdeen Altens Hotel based in the beautiful Scottish Highlands.

Located just outside the city, the owners of this popular hotel appointed architect and design consultants ICA to redesign the restaurant and bar areas, creating a high-quality dining experience for guests staying in its 216 bedrooms and its many daily visitors.

The brief was to design a flexible open-plan catering and social space which would reflect the stunning landscape and history of the locality, appealing to discerning hotel guests as well as local residents and businesses.

Rebranded as Coast and Keg, the hotel’s three restaurants and bar have been combined into a new open-plan space, increasing capacity and creating an adaptable entertaining space with both formal and casual dining options.

Fleur Carson, commercial sales director of Karndean Designflooring, said; “Using different flooring designs across the large open plan area has created zones which can be used for a variety of functions such as dining, socialising or working.

“In accordance with current social distancing requirements, the design offers the flexibility to implement temporary one-way navigation and for furniture and buffet services to be adjusted as required, enabling the hotel to guarantee a safe and high-quality service.”

Karndean’s Lime Washed Oak was selected across the seating areas to introduce a natural element with interesting textures and a contemporary sun-bleached driftwood appearance.

Fleur added: “Using both straight lay and herringbone laying patterns, the flooring has been laid in zones to create an intimate and welcoming atmosphere.”

In the bar area, the serving zone is highlighted with the traditional geometric pattern of Lansdown from Karndean’s Heritage Collection to help guests understand they are in a different space. This adaptation of a classic monochrome tiled floor, in Laurel colourway, adds a sense of fun and balances the stark industrial features, connecting the contemporary design to the nearby historic city.

Lauren Hughes-Glass, associate at ICA, said: “Coast and Keg was designed with specific customers in mind, from locals to the various hotel guests. The customer had to feel relaxed and at home with careful definition of spaces to create some intimate private space alongside places for larger groups to eat, rest, drink and have fun.”

The new design combines traditional Scottish features with contemporary design for a welcoming residential ambience. The sociable open plan layout features an industrial-inspired décor and cool grey colour palette paired with black metallic elements such as shelving, lighting and seating while modern technology such as a self-order app offers the convenience of digital service.

Lauren explained: “The calming colour tones and natural finishes helped to generate a classic contemporary and relaxed atmosphere.”

Kris Manship, general manager of The Aberdeen Altens Hotel, said: “Our new, multi-faceted dining environment really reflects the diversity of our guests and represents a major advancement in our food and beverage offering. We’re delighted with the final result, which perfectly suits business and family visitors as well as groups of friends.”

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