Interiors and Materials Series: 1
This is the first post in a new series here on the blog, Interiors and Materials, where we’ll shed some light on our process of identifying and selecting materials for a project. These choices have a huge impact on the way that a space is perceived and experienced. Materials should be seamlessly integrated with the architecture while adding an additional layer of complexity to the space, one that expresses the client's unique personality. Apart from enhancing the brand experience, materials should be appropriate to the project and its use – they should consider environmental impacts, durability, and budget. We keep all of this in mind as we make material recommendations for all our projects, big or small.
Today, we’re highlighting a small tenant improvement for KPFF Consulting Engineers’ Eugene office. The project is currently in schematic design and on a fast-track towards construction. The client has a bold brand color palette we are using for inspiration to create a few key focal points. Limiting and carefully curating upgraded materials results in a neat aesthetic, but also helps us keep on budget.
KPFF’s work tends to track in a bit of the outside world, so we designed a durable back door entry with a floor surface that can be easily cleaned. The rest of the office is floored with carpet that is rated for heavy use and should withstand plenty of wear and tear over the years – its dark color and integrated texture will ground the room yet be forgiving in case any grit makes it passed the entry. Overhead and on the walls, felt ceiling clouds and tackable panels, manufactured from recycled plastic bottles, provide critical acoustic benefits in the open office environment. Other material selections include durable, factory-laminated panels for casework and work surfaces, and long-lasting, easily-cleaned quartz surfaces in the shared kitchen.