Karndean Designflooring brings new life to historic building with custom design.
Demonstrating the versatility of its flooring, Karndean Designflooring has given CoVault’s Glasgow head office a unique focal point that has returned the elegance and drama to a once neglected historic city centre building.
The Category B listed building in Bath Street, formerly the residence of a previous Lord Provost, convener of Glasgow City Council, has been restored to its former glory and is now home to CoVault’s head office and a contemporary workspace which provides a one-stop-shop for local entrepreneurs and growing businesses.
Fleur Carson, commercial sales director at Karndean Designflooring, said: “Hybrid working has become the new standard in many industries. By converting unused properties into flexible co-working spaces, we can not only revitalise our city centres but also benefit from the opportunity to work in new and collaborative ways.
“While it’s important to innovate to ensure a successful future, it’s also key to pay homage to the history of these protected buildings. Our designs are inspired by natural materials and manufactured with the latest cutting edge technology, therefore offering characterful floors that are architecturally sympathetic yet eminently practical for busy modern life.”
Making the most of the large open plan space whilst keeping the décor appropriate to the age of the building, the interior has been visually divided into activity zones using complementary flooring patterns and statement wall treatments, with comfortable furniture arranged into intimate hubs.
Inspired by boutique hospitality venues, the interior combines the sophistication of traditional style with the very best of contemporary design, featuring a neutral colour scheme in warm whites and greys with interesting pops of bold colours, a blend of cosy tactile materials and edgy soft furnishing and wallpaper designs. The floor features a timeless oak parquet design and a geometric tiled pattern inspired by grand Victorian villas. In the centre of the room, a bespoke focal point has been created with a hand-cut pattern in a selection of stone designs.
Victoria Scott, project manager at CoVault, explained: “The history of the building was an important consideration when specifying the flooring. The rear of the building, which now houses CoVault’s head office is believed to have been the ballroom. So, when we chose the floor design we knew it was important that this complemented the period of the property and also injected some grandeur back into the outdated space.
“I was keen to work with local businesses, manufacturers and craftspeople to minimise the carbon footprint of the project. Glasgow designers Timorous Beasties supplied the distinctive wallpaper and fabrics, while the semi-circular booths were created in Falkirk and the antique pieces of furniture sourced locally and refinished here in Glasgow.
“The custom cut central flooring feature was designed to echo the luxurious previous life of this room. It sits beautifully under the domed copula, which is itself a thing of beauty as well as an engineering marvel. The amalgamation of all the different patterns, textures, and finishes has pulled the space together beautifully and given it a welcoming ‘home from home’ atmosphere. The initial wow factor really doesn’t wear thin when people come into the space for the first time.”
Designed to replicate the characteristics and beauty of natural materials but without any of the drawbacks that come with installing and maintaining the real thing, Karndean Designflooring offers a wide range of wood, stone and abstract designs, enabling designers to create unique floors that stand out for all the right reasons. With the ability to specify hand-cut bespoke designs, there are endless possibilities for a fully customised floor.
