Case Study: Haringey Sixth Form

Haringey Sixth Form were looking to upgrade their facilities and create a space that would help students gain the skills they need to take their next step in education or their first step into the workplace. RAP Interiors were appointed to execute the renovation and create a new IT suite, research area and breakout space. The brief was for a motivational, bright and functional environment that also utilised any dead space.

RAP Interiors created a vibrant and dynamic interior that could be enjoyed by students and teachers alike. Biophilic influence was incorporated into the design with the inclusion of AstroTurf on selected walls and floors. This was used as a zoning technique in order to break up the multi-purpose space. Mimicking nature in this way enhances the wellbeing of the people using the facilities and creates a more engaging and happier environment for learning and socialising. Pops of orange colour were repeated across the area, enhancing points of interest like the booths, work benches and computer areas in the IT suite. The uplifting tone brings energy to the space and creating a beautiful contrast against the green of the AstroTurf.

RAP interiors selected Polyflor’s popular Expona Commercial LVT range in Crystal Parchment for the floor. The abstract design featured in a subtle grey tone and sat comfortably alongside the AstroTurf zones, like the laptop station and IT suite. The bold design was toned down by the neutral colour meaning it was able to add to the space without distracting from other elements of the interior. The Expona Commercial range offers a premium appearance achieved through beautiful high clarity design films and faithful surface textures. Designed for heavy commercial use, Expona Commercial is the ideal choice for a high traffic area of this kind. The 0.55mm wear layer and PUR offer protection against wear and tear and ease maintenance, ensuring the flooring looks good for longer.

More than ever, schools and colleges are striving to be more sustainable when developing and renovating their sites. Sustainable sourcing is becoming a key consideration associated with many refurbishment projects in order to create spaces that reduce absenteeism, improve health of students and staff, and increase indoor air quality. Expona Commercial has been tested under the demanding Eurofins indoor air comfort standard, achieving the highest possible ‘Gold’ rating. This shows it has very low emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) and is compliant with leading indoor air quality standards from across the globe. In a full lifecycle assessment, Expona Commercial achieved a best in class rating of A+ from the BRE. The range also contains and average of 40% recycled material and is 100% recyclable at end of life – supporting the circular economy.