Having used Forbo
Flooring Systems’ Marmoleum collection in the original build of the Core
building, the Eden Project called upon the durable and sustainable floor
covering once more to reinvigorate the recent refurbishment of the area.
After years of
constant use with around one million visitors a year, the Core building at the
heart of Cornwall’s popular visitor attraction, the Eden Project, underwent a
major transformation and a new exhibition, Invisible Worlds, was installed.
Invisible Worlds
reveals the world beyond our senses: too big, too small, too fast, too slow,
too far away in space and time.
Dr Jo Elworthy,
Director of Interpretation at the Eden Project explained: “The Eden Project
connects us with each other and the living world, and our site is filled with
stories of how people are working towards a positive future and how we can all
get involved. This is projected in everything that we do; from our
exhibitions, artworks and events to the products that we serve in our cafés and
the materials we use in the buildings themselves.
When we first built the Core in 2005, we wanted to create a
sustainable space, so this meant using responsibly sourced materials. We
approached Forbo as we wished to showcase environmentally-friendly, sustainable
flooring made from natural materials – and Marmoleum seemed like the perfect
fit on all levels. As the existing Marmoleum floors had fared so well over the
years, we went back to Forbo when we were looking to refresh the building.
Again, we needed a floor covering that was made from renewable raw materials,
PVC-free, low emitting and carbon neutral, yet would be able to withstand the
heavy footfall of visitors that we get each year.”
Neutral colourways in
Eiger and Calico from the Marmoleum Real range were chosen for spaces in the
reimagined Core building including the new Invisible Worlds exhibition gallery,
the Deep Roots and New Shoots (grandparents and children) workshop area, the
children’s play areas and the Invisible Worlds café. The natural underfoot feel
of Marmoleum provides visitors with a comfortable walking surface and its
resilient surface means that the flooring can be easily maintained.
Jo continued: “One of
the main reasons that we were interested in Marmoleum was because the product
is made of plants and natural materials. Ingredients such as linseed oil, wood
flour, jute and limestone are all used during the manufacturing process – all
of which minimise impact on the environment. What’s more, Marmoleum is
biodegradable at the end of its life.”
In addition, Marmoleum
Decibel in Beton, Volcanic Ash and Dove Grey were installed in the Invisible
Worlds laboratory. Eden’s scientists use the laboratory to explore some of the
secrets of the Invisible World with a rolling programme of talks, showcases and
workshops, so it is important that noise from these activities does not disturb
other visitors within the Core building. Providing the highest reduction
of impact sound by 18dB, Marmoleum Decibel’s acoustic performance is achieved
by laminating 2.5mm Marmoleum onto a 1mm thick layer of polyolefin foam,
helping to keep noise levels to a minimum.
Chris Bisson,
Invisible Worlds Lab Manager said: “Forbo’s Marmoleum Decibel has been great
for our Invisible Worlds Lab areas. The product is easy to clean, looks smart
and prevents lots of noise from our experiments escaping into the rest of the
building. It really is fantastic.”
Forbo’s Marmoleum
collection naturally becomes even more durable over time, thanks to the ongoing
oxidisation of one of its key natural raw materials, linseed oil, making it
ideal for heavy traffic environments. Awarded the prestigious Allergy UK Seal
of approval, it won’t harbour dust mites, contributing to a better indoor
environment for all. As the only naturally CO2
neutral flooring, Marmoleum is a genuine, authentic floor and is the best
choice for every sustainable interior.
Invisible Worlds is
supported by the Wellcome Trust, Arts Council England and the Wolfson
Foundation.
