Platform on architecture, interior design and landscape architecture
Floor coverings form the basis for inspiring working, learning, and living environments and contribute significantly to the comfort and health of users. The new work square for Bouwmensen in Oss is a great example of this. John van Niftrik of Tribe Productions designed a construction-inspired interior especially for this training company, in which the floor coverings stand out positively. They are practical, aesthetic, and sustainable.
Bouwmensen Oss is a training company offering practical vocational training courses in the construction sector for young people in the Oss, Uden, Veghel, and Cuijk region. The courses range from carpentry to bricklaying, tiling, timber frame construction, and practical construction management, and consist of a healthy mix of theory and lots of practical experience. “While the upper floors mainly offer space for classrooms, the ground floor has been converted into an inspiring new work plaza. A large space of over 1,400 square meters where students and teachers can take breaks, consult, and hold meetings. What's more, there is plenty of space here for plenary discussions and presentations,” says Van Niftrik. Tribe created the interior design for the workspace and was responsible for its implementation, involving various partners.
“The work area integrates numerous functions,” explains Van Niftrik. “From work and meeting spaces to train seats and other seating elements, high (standing) tables, side tables, a reading table, a large grandstand, a coffee corner and bar, a kitchenette, various vending machines, and an information kiosk for visitors. To fit all these functions into the design, we looked for a natural, unambiguous, and recognizable style that was carried through to the floor covering.”
Tribe found inspiration for this in the construction industry. “We translated elements from construction into the interior. For example, the cantilevered spaces on the first floor are designed like shipping containers, while the train seats are made from pallet boxes. The suspended ceilings have been replaced by recycled wooden strips. In addition, scaffolding materials were used as room dividers. For the floors, Interface vinyl tile flooring (LVT) with a concrete structure and in three shades of gray was chosen as the base, which was laid like a kind of Stelcon slab.”
Textured Stones vinyl tile floors guarantee superior acoustics, impressive durability, and minimal volatile organic compounds for improved air quality. “In our design, the floors are combined in a surprising way with Interface Textured Woodgrains LVT carpet tiles in the color Antique Ash Oak and with a tactile wood texture that gives the impression of scaffolding planks,” says Van Niftrik. “This creates a striking contrast between hard and soft, cold and warm, which really brings the space to life.”
The core of the work area is formed by a large circle of Interface Broome Street carpet tiles in the color Blue Glass, from which all the lines can be traced. “The circle is beautifully cut into the LVT vinyl tile floors,” says Van Niftrik. “In the train seats and separate consultation rooms, Broome Street carpet tiles in Yellow Glass were also chosen, creating a clear separation of functions. A pile height of over 8 mm provides extra (acoustic) comfort.”
According to Van Niftrik, choosing Interface floor coverings was a logical decision. “I am very impressed with the way Interface presents its designs,” he says. “The floor coverings always have a vision and a story, with a strong focus on sustainability and circularity. These are themes that we, as a design agency, also consider very important. Account manager Etienne Rijsdijk also understands very well how we think as an agency and which products suit us best. This makes for some great collaborations on projects. Nowadays, I don't look any further than Interface.”
