COLOURS inspired by the natural environment, combined with the reportedly outstanding performance of Forbo Flooring Systems’ luxury vinyl tile (LVT) and carpet tile solutions, have helped AMH Workspace create an uplifting working environment for Furniture Clinic’s new HQ, which ‘brings the outdoors indoors’.

Furniture Clinic manufactures leather, fabric and wood cleaning and restoration products that are used in a diverse range of industries including automotive, clothing and furniture. Founded in 2004, the family-run business has expanded considerably over the years and now sells more than a million products annually to customers around the world. As part of its current ambitious growth plan, Furniture Clinic recently expanded into larger, modern premises in Consett, County Durham following a major refurbishment of the once derelict building.

AMH Workspace was brought on board by Furniture Clinic as part of the refurbishment project to create a warm and welcoming new HQ for the company’s 65 employees. With wood being an integral part of the business, it naturally features prominently both on the external façade of the building and internally.

‘Our design team focused on products which emphasised nature and helped to provide a ‘bridge’ to the outside, to improve wellbeing and productivity using woods and biophilia,’ explained Heather Baxter, AMH Workspace’s business development manager.

A striking feature of the new 50,000sq ft premises is the atrium area with a cedar slat wall covered with natural moss that catches the eye as soon as you enter the building. Full floor-to-ceiling height windows and a balcony area with open walkways completes the visual spectacle and have transformed the entrance area into a bright, welcoming, and memorable space.

‘Using Forbo’s Allura Flex LVT flooring in Brown Raw Timber in the ground floor reception area adds warmth to such a vast space,’ explained Heather.

Available in 34 wood designs, Allura Flex comes in four different plank sizes, reportedly offering greater design freedom. ‘The matte surface features a natural-looking fine wood grain with a true-to-life embossing, while the tile’s special backing is designed for comfort and improved impact sound reduction. This has helped control the noise in the expansive reception area.’

Heather continued: ‘We chose Allura Flex for its natural looking characteristics. The extra-large 150x28cm planks were perfect for such a large space, while the 5mm thickness and 1mm wearlayer offers exceptional performance, making it ideal solution for this high traffic area.’

Forbo’s Tessera Cloudscape carpet tiles in the green hues of Monsoon Cloud and Summer Storm have been used throughout the offices and meeting rooms. In the open office area, Cloudscape has been installed in conjunction with Allura Flex, again in the Brown Raw Timber colourway, to create separate work and meeting/breakout zones.

Says the company: ‘Forbo’s range of Tessera carpet tiles combine well with Allura Flex LVT, as the same adhesive can be used during installation, which means there’s no need for transition strips, enabling a seamlessly integrated flooring design.’

The Cloudspace range of loop pile carpet tiles are available in 16 naturally inspired colours to allow light, airy and relaxed working spaces to be created. The tonal progression of colours from dark to very pale create what Forbo describes as a unique visual inspired by changing cloud formations.
The company continues: ‘Monsoon Cloud complements the white desking with black framework and planters with green and grey tones in the open plan office, while the lighter Summer Storm tiles create a calming but warm feel to the main meeting room.

‘The earth tones of Forbo’s Tessera Earthscape in Fjord continue the nature inspired theme up the stairs and along the landing areas. Earthscape is a richly textured, organic patterned loop pile carpet tile with a mix of shades that are designed specifically to represent natural aesthetics and provide outstanding performance, which made it particularly suited for the stairs and landings which are exposed to regular foot traffic.’

Said Heather: ‘Both Forbo’s Tessera Cloudscape and Earthscape helped us carry on with our ‘bringing the outside in’ theme to the different office areas. The soft tones of both ranges of carpet tiles have ensured the workspace is welcoming and has helped provide zoned areas for numerous, simultaneous meeting spaces when combined with the Allura Flex LVT.’

AMH Workspace has reportedly successfully created a warm and welcoming workplace that connects with nature and generates a sense of calm. Heather concluded: ‘The client is delighted with the new office and the natural, healthy environment we’ve created.’
www.forbo.com/offices