Page 103 - CFJ_Feb26

SECTOR FOCUS FLOORING IN EDUCATION

In this section:
Forbo Flooring Systems | F Ball and Co | Junckers | Mapei

Lessons IN FLOORING

School and college flooring must deliver more than good looks alone
Diverse designs used in culturally inspired student hub

OAS University of London was looking ‘I chose Forbo’s Marmoleum the majority of the flooring space. Kenton
Sto refurbish its Student Union space, Cocoa and had it created using commented: ‘I really liked the look of
with updated designs reflective of the Forbo’s Marmoleum Cocoa, with the cocoa
organisation’s diverse student body. the manufacturer’s water cutting shells in the flooring adding a unique
Here, Story Design were consulted to technology’ touch to the product, as well as it being a
draw up the interior plans, using FORBO sustainable and durable solution.
FLOORING SYSTEMS’ Marmoleum and a vibrant colour palette to represent the ‘The Meringue colourway was chosen
Tessera collections to help elevate the range of cultures and backgrounds at for the main lobby and corridors – a
space. SOAS. We also had the idea of creating an very minimal and contemporary design,
SOAS was first founded in 1916 as abstract globe design within the reception from which I could then build upon with
the School of Oriental Studies, before area, which reinforced the idea of its other fixtures in the rooms. The Milk
expanding with the addition of the African students being from across the world and Chocolate colourway was installed across
Linguistics and Phonetics Department in helped to add a real focal point to the area. the reception area and into the adjoining
1932. Since then, the organisation has This was accompanied by a wall graphic corridor.
continued to represent an internationally detailing the history of SOAS.’ ‘From here, I added some other
diverse student body from a range of To create this globe design, Forbo’s accents using Marmoleum Walton in the
backgrounds. precise Aquajet cutting service was Terracotta and Rosemary Green designs.
As part of a refurbishment to the group’s utilised by Kenton, with a bespoke flooring I had these cut into a circle pattern in
existing spaces, Kenton Simons, creative design created. the centre of the common room, helping
director at Story Design, said: ‘I was Kenton explained: ‘As we wanted the to create a nice eye-catching centre for
approached by SOAS to help them revamp globe design to be on the floor itself, I the room, as well as forming part of the
some of their admin spaces, as well as chose Forbo’s Marmoleum Cocoa and narrative of togetherness and embracing
other rooms used for music, arts and had it created using the manufacturer’s culture.’
activities, being granted relatively free rein water cutting technology. This ended up As well as its attractive designs,
to be creative with my colour and design being very effective and the design and Marmoleum’s sustainability credentials
choices. install phases were really easy, ensuring a were a key reason for its specification,
‘I was very keen on reflecting the smooth transition overall.’ with Kenton saying: ‘Sustainability
diversity within the university, so I chose Marmoleum Cocoa was specified for was extremely important to SOAS and 

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@CFJMagazine CFJ February 2026