THE BRIEF
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. So when RFD Interior Architecture was asked to design and build the interiors for its new Expert Training Academy in East Yorkshire, where the heating and hot water industry could learn about the next generation of renewable energy sourced appliances, it was key that the academy’s interior should itself have minimal impact.
With this in mind, the project focused on mirroring Groupe Atlantic’s commercial approach by using sustainable materials and recycled products wherever possible to provide a practical, low maintenance interior with authentic natural aesthetics.
Client: Groupe Atlantic
Flooring Contractor: RFD Interior Architecture
Contractor: East Riding Floors
Sector: Workplace
Area: 600m2
The above image features Dalmata from our Opus range.
THE CONCEPT
Opting for an open aspect and biophilic style, the interior has been designed to manage large numbers of visitors yet be a comfortable space that supports health and wellbeing. Materials have been chosen for their lower environmental impact, including responsible production, recycled content and low volatile emissions to protect indoor air quality.
A bold terrazzo design floor 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.
Stylish finsih to the systainable look with Dalmata from the Opus range.
THE LOOK
Dalmata from the Opus Abstracts capsule collection provides a statement terrazzo style 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.
Introducing a warm charcoal slate design to the adjacent training areas, Dakota from the Karndean LooseLay range has been installed over a raised floor. With all the performance of Karndean flooring, opting for a loose lay format facilitates access to underfloor services for future maintenance needs.
The end result more than meets its brief with a focus on organic design, decarbonization and recycled materials. Alex Jenneson, managing director at RFD Interior Architecture, explained: “From a design aesthetic, the newly launched Opus Abstracts terrazzo tile was a great 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.
“It was very important for our client to show commitment to sustainable interior design for their staff and stakeholders as they keep ahead of the current changes in the heating and hot water industry. Karndean’s environmental accreditations, product longevity and authentic look of stone made this an ideal choice for our brief.”