The innovative Lichen Collection of carpet tiles from Godfrey Hirst Australia was installed at a new research building on the Deakin University Waurn Ponds campus.

As a leading, award-winning Australian tertiary education provider with more than 40 years of experience, Deakin has over 60,000 students on their rolls. The new Institute for Intelligent Systems Research and Innovation (IISRI) building, project managed by Kane Constructions specialises in providing robotics, simulation modelling and haptics solutions to clients across the aerospace, automotive, defence, security, logistics and health insurance sectors.

For the flooring at the IISRI, carpet tiles from the Lichen Collection – Macro Bloom, Micro Bloom and Groundcover – were installed by Choices by Fletchers in the colour Iceland Moss. Inspired by biophilic design as well as assemblages of multi-hued, multi-textured lichens and their regenerative role in our ecosystem, the Lichen Collection is on the path to give more resources back than it uses during its entire lifecycle, as demonstrated in its Living Product Challenge Certification.

One of the largest surfaces within a space, flooring can greatly influence the design as well as contribute to the biophilic goal for the built environment. Given that humans spend more than 90% of their time indoors, the use of nature as design inspiration is proven to reduce stress, improve comfort and alleviate health and social problems. Natural elements in interior design help occupants connect with nature, restoring their attention capacity, improving productivity and performance, and enhancing overall wellbeing.

Photographer: Lee Bird Photography