As part of its campaign to lay ‘A Foundation for Beautiful Thinking’, global modular flooring manufacturer, Interface, has unveiled three global collections influenced by nature’s ability to inspire and energise.
Equal Measure, Narratives and Near & Far embrace biophilic design to stunning effect, using subtle, natural analogues to create restorative spaces that help promote well-being, boost productivity and facilitate beautiful work.
Designed by David Oakey, a long-time Interface collaborator, and spurred on by the data from the Human Spaces report, which found that natural elements in the workplace increased well-being and creativity by 15 per cent, the new global offerings explore the transition between the great outdoors and interior environments. Taking inspiration from the mix of flora that seamlessly carpets forest floors, the new products are highly versatile and can be installed alone or integrated with Interface’s existing square, plank and Skinny Planks design’s to create custom flooring.
Teamleader Concept Design at Interface, Helmich Jousma, explained: “Biophilia has been the bedrock of Interface’s exemplary designs – and its values – for many years. The Human Spaces report built on that foundation by bringing workplace well-being and productivity to the fore, opening up an even greater wealth of opportunity for innovation in the global design community.
“While these three new collections take inspiration from nature, particularly the variations and flow found in colours and textures, the need to create still, simple spaces that promote well-being is the main influence. The great benefit of the global collections is their versatility. The range of neutral colours and varying textures encompassed in the designs creates a fundamental base on which unique, engaging environments, incorporating this trend for calming spaces, can be built.”
Equal Measure is comprised of three 25 cm x 1m Skinny Planks styles: EM553 a carved, irregular pattern that recalls well-worn cobblestones; EM551, an understated, low-profile texture that allows the design of a space to shine; and EM552, a transition tile that bridges the two with both patterned and textural elements.
Like the crossroads of two streets, Equal Measure moves easily in four directions, end-to-end and side-to-side. Offered in eight neutral colourways, the Skinny Planks can be composed in a variety of applications: ashlar and herringbone installations; energetic, graphic configurations; or in combination with any of Interface’s other Skinny Planks or square carpet tile designs.
LARA collection of Skinny Planks inspired by weathered wood and rocks, the Near & Far range studies light and shade to evoke the nuances of these natural elements in its precise designs. NF400 features a pattern of delicate grooves and striations that run the length of the plank like glacial rock, while NF401 explores these natural elements with more variation in texture and pile height, producing a more pronounced effect when its surface meets light.
Near & Far is available in eight neutral colourways and can be used to create one-of-a-kind floor designs in commercial interiors of all types.
Narratives tells a fascinating tale about contrast and minimalism using oriental motifs. NS230 uses a figurative pattern created by differences in pile height and construction; NS231 is defined by various colour tones and is marked by linear decoration with less contrast in height.
The different textures can be used independently or combined in complementary ways for a solid yet soft foundation that contributes to the quiet atmospheres needed to perform and feel well in work.