The Lichen Collection of carpet planks from GH Commercial met the biophilic design goals of the interiors at Saint Kentigern’s School in Auckland.
The design by the talented team at New Zealand commercial interior design business, Outline, addressed the brief to create a learning space that was both beautiful and inspiring, with GH Commercial providing the perfect education flooring solution.
Offering an educational pathway from ages 3 to 18 years, Saint Kentigern consists of a Pre-School, Boys School, Girls School and Co-ed College on three campuses across Auckland. This progressively inclusive Christian school embraces a variety of cultural and family backgrounds, representing diverse denominations and faiths.
Following years of planning and two years of construction, the Boys School senior building has recently been completed. Catering for the specialist nature of teaching and learning in Years 7 and 8, this innovative development features 12 new classrooms, a number of break-out learning spaces and specialist facilities.
The Brief
Translating an interior vision based around sustainability and the wellbeing benefits of biophilic design, Outline created a lively, flexible and highly functional series of multi-use spaces.
The light-filled central atrium with its ‘social staircase’ linking two floors of classrooms, collaborative learning zones, and a staff room that also serves as a professional development area and function space, reflected a relaxed aesthetic defined by organic shapes and natural timber finishes. Employing muted blues and greens to calm and balance, the designers also introduced bursts of zesty citrus accents to enhance student alertness and creativity.
The Lichen 1.5 Collection of carpet planks presented the ideal flooring to meet the brief, with the selection of Micro and Macro Bloom 1.5 in 941 Goldspeck, 956 Iceland Moss, 963 Firedot and 937 Frosted Shield offering a distinctive pattern with complementary pops of green, yellow, red and white. Teamed with neutral Groundcover 1.5 in 949 Rock face, the overall effect was cohesive while also creating wayfinding paths and distinguishing separate learning zones.
The Science of Flooring Design
Created by Jason F. McClennan, the founder of the Living Product Challenge, and his team at McLennan design, the Lichen Collection incorporates the science of biophilia, taking inspiration from the diversity of texture and colour found amongst clusters of lichen, and the regenerative role these play in our ecosystem.
Biophilia, or love of nature, focuses on creating soothing spaces with a visual connection to the natural world, a concept proven to reduce stress and enhance creativity. Mindful of the school’s leafy environs, it was important that the overarching design and colour scheme reflected this aesthetic.
Locally Made, Healthier Flooring
The Lichen 1.5 Collection is an updated version of the original Lichen range. Featuring the same beautiful colours, this iteration has been reworked to suit local Australian and New Zealand interiors. The 3-tile system of the Lichen range was developed to mix and match with a variety of installation configurations that serve to direct foot traffic or identify specific areas.
Proudly Australian Made and incorporating the latest Pattern Perfect tufting technology, the collection is certified Declare Red List Free, containing zero PVC, BPA and Phthalate for a safer, healthier school environment.
Education Flooring
One of the largest global flooring suppliers and manufacturers in the world, GH Commercial is a full service provider for commercial and education interiors. Our huge suite of education flooring choices, each offering a high performance base with underfoot comfort, is capable of withstanding the wear and tear of preschoolers through to Year 12, with numerous options for tertiary level facilities also.
The Lichen 1.5 Collection, like all GH Commercial carpet planks, can be rapidly produced and is quick and easy to install. Rated Contract Extra Heavy Duty & Stairs, they are incredibly durable, extremely low-maintenance and can be individually replaced in the event of damage.
For vibrant collaborative learning spaces or quietly calming study areas, in colours and patterns designed to inspire, excite or soothe, GH Commercial has you covered. Contact your local consultant to learn more about our education flooring solutions.
Photography: Mark Scowen Photography
