Locally-made flooring product supports New Zealand’s environment

Partner content: A collaboration between architects Sheppard & Rout, and GH Commercial, champions New Zealand wool carpet tiles for Lincoln University's Agricultural Sciences Building. The custom design sparking the creation of two off-shoot ranges that reflect our unique New Zealand environment, and are fit for a range of commercial needs.

The commercial wool carpet tile is a superb solution for various commercial projects, offering unparalleled benefits in terms of aesthetics, renewability, durability, and maintenance. A prime example of its efficacy can be observed in the recently completed Agricultural Sciences Building at Lincoln University.

The Agricultural Sciences Building at Lincoln University, by Sheppard & Rout Architects. Image:  GH Commercial

This new building, completed in a record time of 12 months, provides modern teaching, research, and collaboration spaces to over 50 faculty members and students in the Department of Agriculture Sciences. As the design firm entrusted with the task of delivering a cutting-edge science facility in line with Lincoln University’s sustainable infrastructure goals, Sheppard & Rout Architects made a compelling recommendation to use wool carpet wherever possible due to its renewable credentials and hard-wearing properties.

After a rigorous selection process, GH Commercial was chosen as the preferred supplier to design, produce, and supply the modular wool tile. The end product, was designed to achieve ACCS Commercial Extra Heavy-Duty grading, using a combination of yarns that were initially developed for commercial broadloom products.

The wool carpet was chosen by the architects for its natural beauty, durability and sustainability. Image:  GH Commercial

The tiles were produced using the team’s vast tile manufacturing experience, which resulted in a seemingly random grid-like pattern that blends harmoniously with the Agricultural Sciences Building’s decorative glass panels and exposed industrial ceilings.

This pattern was further enhanced by installing the wool tiles in an ashlar pattern, which echoed the building’s façade, resulting in an extraordinary flooring solution that reflects Lincoln University’s commitment to using renewable natural resources and innovation in the land-based sector.

A naturalistic crosshatch-like pattern blends seamlessly with other design elements in the building. Image:  GH Commercial
The GH Commercial carpet tiles align with the Universities aims to promote renewable natural resources and innovation in the land-based sector Image:  GH Commercial

In their choice of a wool flooring product, the project management team at Lincoln University demonstrated a clear demand for wool grown by New Zealand farmers. Additionally, it is worth noting that the GH Commercial wool carpet tile solution for Lincoln University is a locally made product, produced with care and expertise between Australia and New Zealand. This reinforces the company’s commitment to supporting the local industry and reducing the environmental impact associated with long-distance transportation.

Following the success of their initial project with Lincoln University, GH Commercial went on to develop a range of off-the-shelf wool carpet tile options to fit a wide range of commercial needs. One such range is the Natural Terrain collection, which takes inspiration from the aerial views of farm fields where sheep graze. With its familiar structure and optical arrangement, this wool design brings the warmth of rustic landscapes into urban settings.

Inspired by New Zealand’s agricultural landscape, and made locally, the GH Commercial tiles link the building to people and place. Image:  GH Commercial
Two off-the-shelf ranges were inspired by project: The Natural Elevation range (pictured here) and Natural Terrain range. Image:  GH Commercial

Another range, the Natural Elevation collection, reflects the raw terrain of New Zealand topography and the organic qualities of our native environment. Its organic composition and graduations seamlessly transform commercial interiors into natural landscapes.

All of GH Commercial’s wool carpet tile ranges proudly declare themselves to be Red List Free, ensuring they are free from manufacturing ‘nasties’ that pollute indoor air quality and the environment. This certification delivers healthier carpets for interior spaces, making GH Commercial’s wool carpet tiles a perfect option for any commercial project.

Head to www.ghcommercial.co.nz to learn more and discover their full range.

ArchitectureNow and Architecture NZ work with a range of partners in the A&D supply sector to create appropriate content for the site. This article has been supported by GH Commercial.

If your brand or clients are interested in similar creative content email mark.lipman@agm.co.nz to enquire.


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