The last two years have completely altered working styles and transformed what employees are looking for from a workspace. Interface was tasked to deliver a flooring solution that would support a new hybrid working model for online retailer, The Very Group’s new Headquarters. Along with the design and build specialists, Greenmount Projects, Interface helped The Very Group, operator of Very.co.uk and Littlewoods.com, to create the ideal setting for collaboration, innovation, learning and socialising.

Collaboration for hybrid working space

Work on the project began in 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.

This isn’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. It was important that the flooring incorporated the organisation’s trend-led ethos, while supporting creativity and collaboration.

Interface and The Very Group had worked together before and they could provide the versatile products needed to create a vibrant and productive environment that would not only support the wellbeing of occupants, but also have a positive impact on the world.

A perfect fit

The NY+LON Streets collection fitted this brief perfectly, and Interface used it as the core range. Inspired by two of the most iconic cities in the world, London and New York, it helped to create spaces that become community hubs for users.

“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 we 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,” explained 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, the LVT collection Brushed Lines was chosen.

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 the LVT, including Brushed Lines, contains 39% recycled content, is easy to install and maintain, has impressive durability credentials, offers superior acoustics and low VOCs for improved indoor air quality.

Human Nature was integrated into breakout areas to help fuel inspiration and collaboration. Inspired by biophilic design principles, the collection takes cues from the visual, tactile textures found in nature, which are perfectly complemented by the natural patterns of Composure.

Textured Woodgrains from the Level Set® LVT collection were chosen for the larger collaboration spaces to provide contrast.

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 flooring is carbon neutral throughout its full product life cycle through their Carbon Neutral Floors™ Programme, which has a big benefit for The Very Group.

In the words of the project team at The Very Group, “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 the office. The well-being of our people is a key priority for us. Through championing biophilic design, Greenmount Projects and Interface have helped us to create a space that 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, it has a positive impact on the world, too.”

Full acknowledgment and thanks go https://blog.interface.com/ for the information in this editorial.

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