Carpet planks from the Lichen 1.5 Collection by GH Commercial met the brief for an education flooring solution that would help deliver a learning space that was both beautiful and inspiring.

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.

Catering for the specialist nature of teaching and learning throughout Year 1-8, Saint Kentigern’s Girls School features 19 new classrooms, a number of breakout learning spaces and specialist facilities.

The brief

Translating an interior vision centred on sustainability and the wellbeing benefits of biophilic design, the talented team at New Zealand commercial interior design business, 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. Along with muted blues and greens to calm and balance, bursts of zesty citrus accents were also introduced 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, 954 Everbloom, 975 Felt Finish, 945 Silva and 937 Frosted Shield offering a distinctive pattern with complementary pops of yellow, purple, blue, aqua 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 idea.

Locally made, healthier flooring

An updated version of the original Lichen range, the Lichen 1.5 Collection features the same beautiful colours, with this latest iteration 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

Part of one of the largest global flooring suppliers and manufacturers in the world, GH Commercial is a full-service provider for every commercial and education interior space. 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 pre-schoolers 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 are 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.

Project credits

Project: Saint Kentigern’s Girls School

Architect: Outline Design

Builder: ASPEC Construction

Flooring: Hills Commercial Floors

Photography: Mark Scowen Photography