The Ferntree Gully Campus project’s sophisticated design vision combines with eco-friendly carpet tiles from Carpet Inter and Above Left to provide a comfortable and productive learning environment.
June 2nd, 2023
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.
A searchable and comprehensive guide for specifying leading products and their suppliers
Keep up to date with the latest and greatest from our industry BFF's!
Lizzy Stageman blends ancestral wisdom with artistry to reveal grand life stories in her contemporary Aboriginal designs. ‘Finding My Place’ transforms her original art into captivating commercial textiles, wall coverings & acoustic art.
The new terminal interiors at the Hamilton Kirikiriroa Airport celebrate the beauty to be found in transition and a connection to the local identity of New Zealand.
Australia’s leading producer of solid-engineered oak flooring has recently launched a new suite of innovative resources to support creativity and ambition in the architecture and design community.
For Living Edge, B-Corp certification was the next appropriate step in a long journey focused on building a truly sustainable and socially responsible business. In 2023 they achieved certification at their first pass, giving customers a new level of environmental assurance and the company an important milestone to celebrate across two decades of staff-led, sector-leading sustainability practices.
This exciting new carpet design collaboration by GH Commercial with interior architect and product designer, Lorena Gaxiola, blends artistic flair and uncompromising precision.
In these four impactful commercial projects, Bearspace Design works with Milliken Flooring to execute its design vision and bring real results to its clients.
The internet never sleeps! Here's the stuff you might have missed
Plus Architecture has released design plans for a new luxury hotel in Byron Bay, seamlessly blending the town’s ‘barefoot luxury’ ethos with contemporary elegance.
It was the grand finale on a big day out in design: the Saturday Indesign Afterparty in Melbourne kept the buzz going with a DJ dance floor, tracks on a sax, and Handpicked Wines and Sopra Seltzer to celebrate. Scroll the highlights here!