A carpet collection from GH Commercial met the design and functional objectives for the flooring at Barker College, Sydney, creating distinct learning spaces with a connected aesthetic.

An inspiring learning space needs to be one of flexibility and functionality, so when it came to flooring designed specifically for education at the private school, GH Commercial had the ideal solution.

Operating on the same site since 1895, Barker is a co-educational school that supports the learning of children from pre-K to year 12, based on a rich culture of inclusion and innovation.

A recent expansion to the Junior school facility saw the creation of additional learning zones and classrooms for Year 5 and 6 students. Referred to as Junior School East, the extended space designed by PDML architects was intentionally fluid, with furniture that could be moved around to suit individual educational needs.

Biophilic inspiration

The Lichen 1.5 collection of carpet planks was an inspired choice for the updated flooring in the new learning spaces. Designed by Jason F. McLennan, the founder of the Living Product Challenge, and his team at McLennan Design, the Lichen Collection takes design cues from the diverse textures and colours of lichen clusters and their symbiotic relationship with nature.

Incorporating visual representations of ecological elements, biophilic design principles have been shown to demonstrably reduce stress and enhance creativity, increasing productivity and improving learning outcomes.

An updated version of the highly adaptable and popular Lichen product range, Lichen 1.5 is subtly reworked to reflect Australian and New Zealand interiors, and available in the same beautiful colours as the original Lichen collection. The overall effect of Lichen 1.5 flooring serves to connect and ground the mood of a space for improved wellbeing.

Education flooring

The selection of Macro and Micro Bloom 1.5 in 937 Frosted Shield, and Groundcover in 949 Rock Face, dispersed with graduating pops of colour with 963 Firedot and 975 Felt Finish, signals discrete learning zones and pathways throughout the Barker College upgrade, creating a vibrant and energetic space.

Lichen Collection colours

Many educational facilities rely on wayfinding and zoning to orient students and assist with transitioning between areas. The 3-tile system of the Lichen 1.5 collection has been specifically produced to mix and match, with a variety of installation options that can define room sections or direct foot traffic.

GH Commercial has developed optimal flooring solutions across a variety of educational requirements. From preschool through to tertiary facilities, the range caters for classrooms, libraries, common rooms, computer labs, multipurpose spaces and amenities, all with underfoot safety, comfort, and noise reduction in mind.

Australian Made

The Lichen 1.5 collection of carpet planks is proudly manufactured in Australia and created on the latest Pattern Perfect tufting technology. Certified Declare Red List Free and produced on the Enviro Bac backing system, they are PVC, BPA and Phthlate free for a safer and healthier school environment.

GH Commercial carpet planks can be rapidly produced, and are quick and easy to install, simple to be individually replaced if ever required, and rated Contract Extra Heavy Duty & Stairs. The range is also super durable and low-maintenance. As a full service provider for all commercial projects, GH Commercial can also personalise carpet designs with logos and branding for custom flooring that’s guaranteed to elevate any interior.

Architecture & Design Team

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