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Toby Maxwell survey projects that set new and exciting standards for flooring

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Words By Toby Maxwell

HOFFMANN GROUP is a major supplier of industrial tools, with operations and partners in more than 50 countries around the world. When establishing a new supply chain centre in Nürnberg, Germany, the company appointed architectural practice Blocher Partners of Stuttgart for the interior design. The 2,800 sq m space has been created to accommodate a range of different departmental zones for Hoffmann’s office-based employees.

The Blocher design team selected Milliken’s Colour Compositions plank carpet collection. A striking colour palette, paired with tones of grey, was installed in an ashlar configuration, allowing a fluid and seamless transition of colours throughout the space. A combination of vibrant orange and rust tones, rich blues and fresh greens demarcate the office’s various functional spaces, which includes workstations, training rooms and collaborative meeting areas.

Using Vision Lab, Milliken’s online design visualisation tool, Blocher’s designers were able to create rendered room scenes for the floorscape. By reviewing the various configurations collaboratively, they could select a palette that would harmonise with the building’s other interior furnishings.

The materials used took foot traffic into consideration. Image Credit: David Klingl

For such a large open office space, managing acoustics was also a key concern. Colour Compositions’ Comfort Lite cushion backing plays an important role in absorbing ambient and impact noise from employees talking and moving around the space. By absorbing wear from foot traffic, the cushion backing is also designed to help retain the product’s appearance over time.

Specifying sustainable materials was a crucial requirement for the project. Colour Compositions is manufactured sustainably from 100% Econyl regenerated nylon and a comfort performance backing comprising of 90% recycled polyurethane. www.millikenfloors.com