THE BRIEF
Located in Manchester’s regenerated NOMA scheme, Material Source Studio is a design hub which provides an inspiring environment where designers can immerse themselves in ‘beautifully useful’ products and materials.
The studio presents a resource library of the very best materials and furniture brands so it was key that the flooring offered a neutral background which would allow focus to remain on the product displays but would also itself be timelessly stylish.
Client: Material Source Studio
Designers: Darren Clanford and Michael Rogan
Flooring contractor: Inspired Flooring Earby Ltd
Sector: Architecture and Design
Area: 1000m2
A cool concrete style of Quebec from the LooseLay range,
THE CONCEPT
Looking for a flooring design that would not only complement the industrial nature of the building and highlight the materials on display but also offer a practical, hard-wearing and adaptable surface, the studio designers opted for an interesting blend of minimalist zones.
Darren Clanford, co-founder of Material Source Studio, said: “When serving a design driven audience, it goes without saying that the interior of Material Source Studio needed to be aspirational. Working with products and materials from the best built environment brands in the business allowed us to create a versatile palette of dynamic, on-trend schemes. We very much took inspiration and creative direction from these products, keeping beauty and usability in mind throughout.”
Our new 1 m x 1 m tile format in Quebec is featured in our Karndean Looselay range.
THE LOOK
Laid across large areas for a sense of spaciousness, Warm Brushed Oak from the Van Gogh range and Quebec from the Karndean LooseLay range have provided a wealth of subtle textures and detailing but also convenient installation and acoustic benefits.
The subtle texture and delicate flowery grain of Warm Brushed Oak brings a comfortable natural character to activity zones on the lower floor and on the staircase where it serves to balance the bold black balustrade. Installing the large sized planks (56” x 9”) in a straight laying pattern has emphasised the clean elegance of the oak design and achieved a reassuringly calm biophilic vibe.
In other areas the pale creamy-grey tones of Quebec, inspired by a sample of light natural slate and finished with a polished concrete style emboss, has created a gentle blank canvas. The generous 1 m x 1 m tile format amplifies Quebec’s streamlining effect and a sense of spaciousness, allowing visitors to give most (but not all) of their attention to the interactive displays.
Darren added: “Sustainability is at the heart of Material Source Studio. We follow the reuse, reduce, recycle methodology and a part of that is selecting flooring products which will stand the test of time in terms of their durability, but also enduring style.
“We hope to positively impact every person that walks through our door. We can do that by providing them with an environment that is considered in every sense. This extends from the walls and the furniture to the floors, with all elements working harmoniously to promote a positive, healthy atmosphere.”
A straight plank pattern using Warm Brushed Oak from the Van Gogh range.