The last two years have completely altered our working styles and transformed what employees are looking for from a workspace. So, when it came to creating a new HQ of a leading online retailer, we were tasked to deliver a flooring solution that would support the company’s new hybrid working model.
The Very Group, operator of Very.co.uk and Littlewoods.com, turned to us, along with design and build specialists Greenmount Projects, to help them create the ideal setting for collaboration, innovation, learning and socialising.
Supporting collaboration
We started work on the project in early 2021 with a very clear brief: to create the optimum working space for the group’s 2,800 Liverpool-based colleagues who were moving to a hybrid working model after being based at home during the pandemic.
But this wasn’t just your regular office building. Located in a former aircraft hangar spanning 10,000m2 across two buildings, the campus is the central hub of The Very Group’s UK operations, so it was important that the flooring incorporated the organisation’s trend-led ethos, while supporting creativity and collaboration. Having worked with us before, The Very Group knew that we could provide the versatile products needed to create a vibrant and productive environment that would not only support the wellbeing of occupants, but also positively impact the world around us.
We knew that our NY+LON Streets collection would fit the brief perfectly, so we used this as the core range. Inspired by two of the most iconic cities in the world, London and New York, it helps to create spaces that become community hubs for users.
“The head office supports a wide variety of teams, so it was important that the design catered to all working styles, encompassing quieter desk spaces, as well as collaborative breakout areas. Employee wellbeing is extremely important to The Very Group, and we very much believe in the impact that biophilic design can have in this area. We incorporated natural elements throughout the build, from the planters to the flooring. As a leader in championing biophilic design, we knew Interface could deliver the nature-inspired products we needed.
“Using the latest aesthetic trends offered by Interface, we were able to create a one-of-a-kind design for The Very Group. It wasn’t just about design, though; they’re a climate conscious brand so were particularly interested in one of Interface’s latest collections, NY+LON Streets. It not only has a stunning design, but it’s also paired with Interface’s CQuest™Bio backing which helps to lower its embodied carbon footprint by around a third when compared to traditional backings. So, this formed an integral part of the project.” Molly Durkin, designer at Greenmount Projects.
Versatile flooring
The Very Group’s HQ is home to a huge number of employees, so installing flooring that was able to support high footfall was key. To ensure durability, especially in the places that needed it most, such as the kitchen and break areas, our LVT collection Brushed Lines was selected. Inspired by nature, the collection combines diffused linear textures with organic forms and dusty hues, delivering a high-end look that stands up to everyday use. All of our LVT, including Brushed Lines, contains 39% recycled content and is easy to install and maintain. The resilient flooring also comes with Sound Choice™ backing as standard to minimise distractions for employees in areas where concentration is especially needed. As well as impressive durability credentials, our LVT products offer superior acoustics and low VOCs for improved indoor air quality.
To further encourage teams to reconnect with nature, we integrated Human Nature into breakout areas to help fuel inspiration and collaboration. Inspired by biophilic design principles, the collection takes cues from the visual, tactile textures we find in nature. This was perfectly complemented by the natural patterns of Composure.
When it came to larger collaboration spaces, Textured Woodgrains from the Level Set® LVT collection was chosen to provide contrast. We paired this seamlessly with NY+LON Streets carpet tile without the need for bridges or connectors, creating a smooth and level finish.
Sustainable from the ground up
The Very Group’s goal is to become a fully sustainable business, so it adheres to strong ethical and environmental standards. This makes the sustainability benefits of the products they use and the partners they work with very important to them. All of our flooring is carbon neutral throughout its full product life cycle through our Carbon Neutral Floors™ Programme, which was a big benefit for The Very Group.
What made this project extra special is that it was one of the first projects in the UK to use our NY+LON Streets collection, which comes as standard with CQuest™Bio backing. Our new bio-based backing incorporates materials that when measured on a standalone basis are net carbon negative.
“It was extremely important that the space supported all of our teams and provided the perfect environment for office-based working and collaboration. Our new working model sees colleagues splitting their time between working from home and from the office. The wellbeing of our people is a key priority for us. Through championing biophilic design, Greenmount Projects and Interface have helped us to create a space which centres around the wellbeing of our team.
“We couldn’t be more pleased with the vibrant and creative space Interface and Greenmount Projects have helped us to create. Not only do we now have a stunning head office which elevates the lives of the people who use it, but it has a positive impact on the world, too.” – The project team at The Very Group.
To see more examples of our work, head to our showcase page.