Amtico chosen for refurbishment of university

When the School of Design at the University of Leeds wanted vibrant flooring for its Clothworkers’ South Building, it chose Amtico’s versatile Signature collection.

The entrance and stairwell at the University of Leeds’ Clothworkers’ South Building had not been updated in over 60 years, so with the flooring starting to crack and show its age, architects Farrell & Clark were brought in and tasked with a refurbishment.

The brief was to revitalise circulation in the area, improve disabled access, and also signal to visitors that they were entering a vibrant space of creativity.

The versatility of Amtico’s Signature Collection, with its vivid hues and distinctive abstract designs – such as smoky-effect Umbra Eclipse, and luxuriously dark Back to Black Vamp – was of immediate appeal. As the location was such a high-traffic area, the durability of the product was also a significant factor and made it a logical choice for the project.

It was felt that the original layout was confusing to people unfamiliar with the building trying to find their way around, so colour-coded floor levels were introduced over the four storeys. Each stair riser was given the tone of the approaching floor level – for example fuchsia-hued Marrakech rises to orange Sevilla – while the colours were blended on the half landings.

Ian Whalley, associate at architects Farrell & Clark, explains the reasons why Amtico’s Signature range was specified for this project: “The stairwell was dark and bland, and the client wanted to introduce visitors to the School of Design as soon as they came through the entrance, and demonstrate its creativity.

"The multiple colours and laying patterns of the Signature collection, as well as the fact that the wear layer is greater than in other products on the market, all led to Amtico being chosen.

“In the event, it was not only simple to install, it was also easy to minimise waste. We have used Amtico on major projects many times before, and will most definitely specify the Signature collection again.”

Products & Laying Patterns: Back to Black Vamp, Umbra Eclipse, White Wash Wood, Sevilla, Marrakech, Napoli, Dublin, and Paris – laid in Pleat.