Tarkett’s Human-Conscious flooring solutions have been used in the thoughtful transformation of Tyre Hill House – creating a welcoming space where families can heal and grow.
Nestled in Worcestershire, Tyre Hill House serves as a lifeline for care-experienced parents striving to build stable, safe futures for their children. As a specialist Family Assessment Centre, its mission is to equip families with the skills, confidence, and support they need to stay together and nurture their children over the long term.
With such a powerful purpose, it was essential that the redesign of Tyre Hill House not only met the emotional needs of its residents but also rose to the daily challenges faced by both families and staff. Thanks to the creative, yet conscious, vision of Elaine Lewis and the use of Tarkett’s Human-Conscious flooring solutions, the interiors were reimagined to make the space feel more inviting while remaining practical and sustainable.
A creative vision centred around nature
The primary goal of the redesign was to create a welcoming and accessible environment where families could heal, grow, and feel supported throughout their assessments. Elaine Lewis, interior designer and ounder of Elaine Lewis Designs, approached the project with empathy and intention, ensuring that every decision reflected the centre’s values of honesty, respect, and compassion.
Central to Lewis’s vision was the creation of a tranquil, homely space “rooted in nature,” making her collaboration with mural specialist Kate Bond essential. Bond’s bespoke, hand-painted artwork brought the calming beauty of the outdoors inside, softening the interiors and helping the space feel less institutional and more inviting.
Just as Tyre Hill House wanted to look the part, their commitment to sustainability was equally important. Recognising that the design choices should align with the centre’s core values, Tarkett’s eco-conscious flooring solutions became an integral part of the redesign. Following their Human Conscious Design principles – a commitment to creating people and planet-friendly surfaces that protect current and future generations – Tarkett provided sustainably made LVT flooring and carpet tiles that mimicked the organic beauty, patterns and texture found in real wood and textiles.
Transformation through mindful material choices
The redesign of Tyre Hill House was guided by a commitment to creating a space that would meet not just emotional and practical, but also planetary needs. Every material provided by Tarkett was carefully selected to ensure it fulfilled its purpose, complemented the aesthetic, and minimised its environmental impact.
Conscious communal hubs
On the ground floor, where the majority of the activity takes place, Tarkett’s Authentics Rigid LVT in Delicate Oak Almond was chosen for communal hubs like the kitchen, dining area, and main hall, as well as interactive spaces like the playroom. Its realistic wood-effect finish brings natural warmth to these spaces, while its durability ensures it withstands constant use and remains low-maintenance – essential for high-footfall areas that would encourage a sense of community.
Spaces for self-soothing
In contrast, the lounge was designed to feel softer and more intimate, providing families with a cosy retreat to temporarily escape and unwind. Here, DESSO Linon carpet adds texture and warmth, creating an inviting atmosphere fit for relaxation.
The standout feature of the redesign, however, is undoubtedly the sensory room, which provides families with a sanctuary to decompress. This space was carefully designed to prioritise safety and serenity in equal measure, with Tarkett’s Safetred Ion Linen in Mint – a material chosen for its slip-resistant finish, calming colour palette, and eco-conscious qualities. By combining practical considerations with a reduced carbon footprint, the sensory room is a brilliant demonstration of how small, thoughtful design changes work together to positively benefit the wellbeing of residents and the planet.
Comfort-driven private spaces
Upstairs, private apartments provide families with a sense of independence and normality, creating an environment that supports bonding and personal growth. To maintain cohesion, the same Delicate Oak Almond LVT was used throughout these spaces, ensuring a seamless flow that ties the building together.
For the staircase and landing, DESSO AirMaster carpet was chosen to improve air quality by trapping dust particles, enhancing the health and comfort of residents and staff. Even practical spaces like the laundry room were thoughtfully designed, with Safetred Ion Linen in Light Grey offering a slip-resistant, easy-to-clean surface that balances functionality with a stylish, modern finish.
Designing for emotional, practical, and planetary needs
The transformation of Tyre Hill House goes beyond a simple redesign – it embodies the centre’s core values of supporting families, empowering staff, and respecting the environment. Families can now heal, grow, and build brighter futures in cosy, self-contained apartments equipped with essential amenities, alongside thoughtfully designed communal spaces that encourage connection and bonding.
And, the impact of the redesign is already being felt, with families sharing overwhelmingly positive feedback. Many have noted improved family dynamics and a more supportive environment for personal growth and parenting assessments.
Equally important, the project stands as a powerful example of sustainable design - highlighting the industry’s role in tackling climate change. By incorporating eco-conscious materials like Tarkett’s innovative flooring solutions, Tyre Hill House demonstrates that design can balance functionality with environmental responsibility. Every material was carefully selected to reduce its ecological footprint while creating interiors that feel warm, inviting, and full of life.
