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.
