Sitting at the foot of the Dandenong Ranges, St. Joseph’s College is a secondary Catholic boys’ school that understands how innovative academic building design can inspire learning. A collaboration between the renowned architectural firm COX Architecture and the school itself, the Ferntree Gully project comprises a series of academic buildings that form part of a masterplan to upgrade and rejuvenate the campus.

In devising its unique aesthetic vision for the project, COX was inspired by the College’s verdant natural surroundings. This led to the creation of interiors that drew in light and views, and adaptable learning spaces with thoughtful, purpose-driven colour schemes. The interior of the new Year 7 and Science building, for example, has a vibrant colour palette that helps engage and inspire the junior cohorts of the College. In contrast, a mature, university-inspired colour palette is used for the new Senior Students and Visual Arts building.

To make COX’s vision a reality, Carpets Inter and Above Left were invited to complement the dynamic campus design with their selection of eco-friendly carpets. Over 3,740 m² of the campus space was enhanced with EcoSoft® carpet tiles, providing premium underfoot comfort and outstanding durability. The product also offered superior acoustics that contributed to a calm and productive learning environment.

Alongside their performance attributes, EcoSoft® carpet tiles brought an element of visual cohesion that was needed to achieve COX’s aesthetic objectives. Subtle details in the carpet tiles bring out the bright and lively atmosphere of the campus’ discussion spaces, while the use of neutral-toned carpet tiles in hallways contribute to a tranquil ambience. The carpet tiles also complement the warm timbers and natural textures that are used throughout the interior space.

The design of educational spaces should enrich and support the learning process. The EcoSoft® range gave COX the flexibility to bring the campus’ aesthetics to life, without compromising on the performance needed for busy school settings.

“Collaborating with Above Left, COX were able to hone an aesthetic approach that realised the exciting vision for these landmark projects. Capturing a challenging design intent in such a refined and balanced way would not be possible without the product quality, range, and flexibility Above Left could offer,” COX explains. “Together we have been able to create something very special for the students and college community and we are incredibly proud of this.”

EcoSoft® carpet tiles are more than just a stylish and comfortable option for school flooring—they also reflect an unwavering commitment to the environment. The cushion backing is made from 80% post-consumer discarded water bottles plus 5% post-industrial recycled PET, delivering first-class performance and sustainability. The backing surpasses the rigorous performance criteria mandated for commercial applications and outperforms conventional PVC, bitumen and polyurethane cushion backings in terms of dimensional stability, durability, comfort, sound absorption, thermal performance, hygiene, and indoor air quality.

To date, Carpets Inter and Above Left have recycled over 920 million PET bottles into the manufacturing of the unique EcoSoft® cushion back modular carpet tiles. In addition, all of Above Left’s products have been awarded Red List Free by Declare™ the gold standard of environmental certification and product transparency, and meet the highest certification of WELL Certified builds.

To learn more about EcoSoft®, visit Above Left’s website.

Above Left

aboveleft.com.au