Global modular flooring manufacturer, Interface, was chosen by Solihull Council to provide a sustainable flooring solution at Shirley Library, using its range of nature-inspired carpet tiles to bring the surrounding landscape into the library’s ‘suburban’ theme.
Located within a recently built shopping centre, the library offers a range of services to members of the public and includes a study area, quiet zone, meeting rooms and a children’s area. The project brief emphasised the need to create a flexible, modern space that would fit the needs of different user groups expected to visit the building, while reflecting the personality of the local area with an interior design concept of ‘Suburban Shirley’.
Matt Hall, Regional Account Manager at Interface, said: “It is essential that the library is a calm and inspiring space for the community it serves. The ‘Surburban Shirley’ theme is inspired by the natural surroundings of the library. This form of design is known as biophilic design, and is proven to improve well-being by rekindling our connection to nature. We have recently released our own research – Human Spaces Report: Biophilic Design in the Workplace - which demonstrates the positive effect biophilic design has on our well-being.”
Interface’s Urban Retreat 501 skinny planks – rectangular carpet tiles – were installed throughout the library in natural flax and grass colours, mimicking the green spaces of the local suburban landscape. Interface’s Sherbet Fizz carpet tiles in lime green enhanced the natural grassy look and helped to create a unique space for children to read and enhancing the focal point of the children’s area, which features an apple tree.
Lucy Bayliss, Senior Architectural Designer at Building Design Group, Solihull Council’s in-house design team, commented: “The library is a space for the whole community to enjoy and it was important for us to source products that were both visually striking and durable. The Urban Retreat skinny planks from Interface fitted in really well with our suburban theme and their unique shape gave us added design flexibility to lay them in an eye-catching way.”
Chris Jennings, Director at Pinnacle, who installed the products, said: “Urban Retreat carpet tiles were fitted throughout the main areas of the library and we are really pleased with the finished result. The product was easy to install because it is so versatile and we were left with minimal wastage, which helped us to deliver an even more efficient and sustainable service.”
James Murphy, Contracts Manager at GTH construction, who managed the project, added, “We had a tight timeframe in which to complete the project, so using products, such as Interface’s skinny planks, helped us to fulfil the brief on time while working as effectively as possible.”
Both sets of tiles were installed in a non-directional method which allows single tiles to be removed when worn or damaged and prevents the need for re-lay.
Lucy continues: “Interface’s Sherbet Fizz flooring allowed us to create a fantastic grassy area that really brought the apple tree feature to life - the children absolutely love it.
“The overall feedback that we have received from the members of the public using the library has been very positive and they enjoy coming here to use the space. We are really happy with the finished look and confident that it will last for many years to come.”
