Forbo collaborates with Philippe Starck to launch a new collection of floor coverings

Forbo Flooring Systems is set to reveal its new Flotex By Starck collection: a collaboration with visionary creator Philippe Starck. Using high definition digital printing techniques, the range challenges tradition through unique patterns that play on scale and transition.

It consists of three different design systems, Artist, Twilight and Vortex, all of which can be adapted to suit each individual project’s needs. The pattern of each full design system stretches 10 metres in width and is made up of four different two-metre-wide components: a central design, a left and right transitional design border and a neutral, semi-plain texture design, which features a variety of accent colours. For smaller rooms, the components can be mixed and matched to create unique floor plans.

Vortex is a system of elements that are designed to transform the way we look at a space; it reflects the relationship between chaos and calm, to provide balance and choice. The free-flowing, almost linear pattern, is available in six distinctive highlight colourways.

Artist is a concept based on the transition of two textures that can be used individually or together with one colour fading into another. The pattern of the floor covering reflects those created on artists’ palettes, providing a visually engaging and distinctive look to differentiate the interior design of a building.

Twilight is a play on lights, shadows and colours. The design has two powerful and complementary sides; one jewel-like, bright and light and the other a shadow of deep, dark and rich shades. They come together in a transition element that creates energy and impact, making a bold statement that can divide and link spaces simultaneously.

"Following the success of our previous collaborations with Sottsass, HemingwayDesign and Tibor Reich, we knew that we wanted to continue to develop our designer Flotex collection – especially as Flotex and flocked floor coverings are continuing to rise in popularity," says Chloe Taylor, Flotex Category Marketing Manager UK & Ireland at Forbo Flooring Systems. "As Philippe Starck is renowned for creating stimulating and intensely vibrant objects and places, and never ceases to push the boundaries of contemporary design, we thought he would be perfect to collaborate with to produce new innovative designs for Flotex.

"Our new Flotex By Starck collection certainly challenges perceptions in terms of design. Each of the three systems will bring a new identity to a building and specifiers can choose to install the systems with all four components, or opt to use the components separately to create their own unique flooring design."

Chloe adds: "With a combination of performance attributes that is hard to beat, flocked floor coverings have seen a huge rise in popularity in recent years, thanks to advances in technology and design that are challenging traditional perspectives.

"Neither a carpet nor a resilient floor covering, electrostatically flocked flooring solutions offer the best of both worlds. Like resilient floor coverings, they are safe, durable and washable but offer the appearance, comfort and sound-absorbing properties of textile flooring."

The Flotex By Starck collection is due to launch later this month. To request more information, visit forbo-flooring.co.uk. To find out more about Flotex, visit forbo-flooring.co.uk/artofflocking.