ELEMENT Materials Technology is a global leader in testing, inspection and certification services, supporting critical industries worldwide to ensure the safety, performance and sustainability of materials and products.
As the business expanded, Element needed a larger workplace reflecting its culture and supporting modern ways of working. Its relocation to 1 New Park Square in Edinburgh Business Park provided an opportunity to create a workspace centred on wellbeing, flexibility and connection.
A Net Zero Carbon development, the site is a BCO National Award winner and is BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rated, providing a strong foundation for this future-ready fitout.
Design for connection and choice
Avison Young was appointed to deliver an engaging environment that encouraged collaboration while giving staff autonomy and choice. At its heart is a central Work Lounge, providing a flexible setting for informal meetings, focused work and social interaction around a feature coffee bar.
Open-plan workspaces, a staff kitchen, wellbeing room and enclosed meeting spaces connect to this central hub. The interior combines warm oak joinery with exposed concrete, blue and green tones inspired by Element’s brand and the surrounding landscape, and artwork by a local Scottish artist.
Sustainability was central to the design, combining the building’s high-performing base build with durable, responsibly sourced finishes that support long-term environmental performance and occupant wellbeing.
Shaw Contract flooring was selected to define zones, enhance acoustics and create material cohesion through a considered combination of carpet tile and LVT collections.
Carpet tile for comfort and acoustics
Manufactured at Shaw Contract’s nearby Sanquhar plant, New Path carpet tile was specified throughout the primary work areas, where acoustic control, comfort and durability were essential.
Available in three styles, the collection’s organic forms and flexible palette can create schemes ranging from ‘calm and reflective to energetic and expressive’.
Here, the Positive style in Bubbly provides what’s described as a calming, textured surface that supports a comfortable and focused working environment.
Says Shaw: ‘New Path is Cradle to Cradle Certified Silver and is available with EcoWorx S backing for closed-loop recycling or ComfortWorx backing for outstanding acoustic and comfort performance.’
LVT for flow, durability and warmth
Continued the company: ‘Nordic LVT in Honey was selected for shared spaces and circulation routes, introducing warmth and durability while creating visual continuity between zones.’
Shaw adds: ‘Available in 10 refined wood tones, Nordic is designed for contemporary commercial interior schemes and features Exoguard+ advanced topical finish for superior scratch and stain resistance and improved cleanability. The Nordic 2.5mm and 5mm LVT ranges are part of Shaw Contract’s In Stock UK programme, supporting fast delivery and short turnaround projects.’
Nordic, says Shaw, allows for a range of installation options, with its 2.5mm variant now available in small-format plank, designed specifically for popular herringbone installations.
‘At Element, the 5mm LVT variant was installed by contractor General & Technical in a staggered pattern, laid seamlessly alongside carpet tiles without need for transition strips. Its enhanced acoustic performance further supports the calm atmosphere.’
A cohesive and healthy interior
Continues the company: ‘Together, the combination of Shaw Contract carpet tile and LVT creates a calm, adaptable interior that supports everyday movement and evolving workplace needs. Both products are Indoor Air Comfort Gold certified for low emissions, supporting indoor air quality and occupant wellbeing.’
Shaw concludes: ‘The completed Edinburgh office provides Element with a flexible, people-centred environment that reflects its global expertise and local identity. Through thoughtful planning, sustainable principles and material-led design, the space creates a strong foundation for collaboration, wellbeing and future growth, demonstrating how carpet tile and LVT can work together to support modern workplace performance.’
- Shaw Contract Collections/styles/colours specified: New Path carpet tile – Positive style in Bubbly, Nordic LVT – 5.0mm in colour Honey
- Flooring installer/ contractor:
General & Technical - Project Designer: Avison Young
- Total sqm: 1,400sq m
- Photographer: David Cadzow
Shaw Contract products are available to view in the Shaw Contract showroom, 33 Great Sutton Street, London EC1V 0DX.
020 7961 4120
infouk@shawcontract.com
www.shawcontract.com/en-gb
