You are using an outdated browser version not supported by this website.
Click here to upgrade your browser

InteriorInterior

Colourful Carpet Tiles Bring Vibrance and Durability to Student Accommodation

"Student living is an intense environment," says Sershin Iyer of Warren and Mahoney, "so we were looking for products that were robust but also eye-catching."

For their design of the new Selwyn Street student accommodation overlooking the University of Waikato’s Tauranga city campus, the architects satisfied the two demands by selecting Kingston carpet tiles and Neoflex rubber from Advance flooring. "We do lots of R&D into student living," says Iyer, "catering for Gen Z and the future Generation Alpha, so we knew where we were going."

Built on a challenging site, the four-level building comprises 93 student rooms, with a communal kitchen occupying the lowest floor. Dramatic views of Tauranga’s coastal landscape are reflected in a design language shared between exterior and interior — triangular panels on the outside have a 3D element playing on shadow, which is repeated in design elements inside.

Each accommodation level has a sunlit, north-facing communal area defined by bright yellow Kingston tiles. "We chose carpet tiles for pattern and longevity," says Iyer. "The main area is dark grey for serviceability and indicates the walkway area, which then breaks off into the colourful flooring and furniture palette. It had to be very social, and we want it to be welcoming, active and alive."

Tea and coffee kitchenettes are fitted with the same bright orange Neoflex rubber flooring that serves the MasterChef-style kitchen. Says Iyer, "First of all, rubber meets the durability criteria, and Neoflex also provides that colour 'pop'."

For the architects, flooring colour defines "where we want people to be, socialise, learn and live." Kingston carpet tiles and Neoflex rubber flooring from Advance will not just withstand the rigours of student living but, as Iyer puts it, help create "a sense of inclusiveness, belonging, sharing, caring and learning."

CREDITS
Architect: Warren & Mahoney
Product: Kingston carpet tiles, Neoflex 600 rubber flooring
Photographer: Amanda Aitken
Writer: Folio

View more information on Advance, including contact details.
comments powered by Disqus
March 2022 EBOSSNOW Case Studies

News from Advance

Kinetex: A Sustainable Revolution in Flooring NEW
A Bespoke Crested Entrance Mat for St Peter's College
6 Green Star Rating for University of Auckland B201 Featuring Shuttle Entrance Mat
Get a free weekly digest of essential news

New and updated architectural products, design solutions, inspiration, technical advice and more when you sign up for EBOSS.