Floor & Wall Coverings
Interface carpet tiles
The library, meeting rooms and offices near the
library have been carpeted using a range of synthetic Interface tiles,
which have a recycled post-industrial
waste content of between 20–87% depending on the tile type. We
opted for the rainbow pattern so that we could make good use of tiles
left over from other jobs and end-of-line products. Because the tiles
are arranged to fit the space, there are no off-cuts and wastage. Worn
areas (and only the worn areas) can be replaced easily minimising disruption
and waste.
Interface Ltd has an aggressive waste minimisation, and resource and energy efficiency ethic that runs though the manufacturing process, transport, installation and product management. The company has reduced the amount of waste per m2 of carpet produced by >80% over the last five years. This, combined with other environmental sustainability initiatives, has resulted in an embodied energy for the carpet tiles of just over 60% of industry norms.
Interface Ltd has ISO 14001 environmental certification.
The tiles were supplied by InterfaceNZ Ltd - www.interfacenz.com.
Marmoleum®
Marmoleum®, which has been used for labs & containment facilities, is an environmentally friendly, long-lasting alternative to vinyl. Marmoleum® is made up of linseed oil, pine rosins, limestone and wood flour rendered onto a natural jute backing. At the end of its 25-40 year life, the marmoleum can be safely composted or incinerated.
Forbo, the manufacturers, also has ISO 14001 environmental certification, and marmoleum® has been awarded numerous other environmental quality marks including the Scandinavian Swan Label, the Dutch Milliekeur, and the German TUV Label.
Cedar cladding
The cladding used externally is untreated, and sourced from certified sustainable plantations. Pine VeneerThe wood panelling used on the ground floor reception area is pine veneer. Exposed concreteThe concrete floors are both a design feature and contribute to the thermal mass of the building. |
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