“Contrast was key for this project. Therefore, in the gym, we chose the soft and subtle White Autumn Oak shade, which would provide a monochrome effect against the dark pieces of training equipment. In the study space, the same colourway worked perfectly alongside the vibrant orange wallpaper and banquet arrangement seating. Throughout the building, we opted to use blues, pinks and oranges, inspired by the glass windows in Tudor buildings, for the furniture, as we wanted to avoid a dichromatic palette. The use of these shades brings sporadic energy and enthusiasm to the design.”

The natural wood effect of the large Allura Wood LVT planks in Waxed Oak was used throughout the social space in conjunction with Allura Feature Strips in Black to further mimic the style of Tudor architecture. Representing the next generation of LVT flooring, the new Allura collection offers endless design possibilities in several constructions, including fully adhered, loose lay and adhesive free, ensuring there is always a suitable choice for every application.

Ophélia continued: “At Upcircle, sustainability is a huge part of our ethos and we always make a conscious effort to use eco-friendly materials in our designs, where possible. For this reason, one of our favourite products from the Forbo portfolio is Marmoleum. Taking inspiration from a traditional black and white Tudor house, Marmoleum was cut into a unique modular design, where the oversized geometric graphic grid allowed us to create a stunning feature space in the area where the reception desks are located at the front of the building.”

What’s more, in the corridors where acoustic comfort was also key, Fresh Student Living requested the use of a carpet tile as their modular format allows for easy maintenance. Renowned for their aesthetic styling and outstanding performance, even in the most demanding of heavy traffic environments, Tessera Diffusion in Space Quest was installed for its softer, more organic geometric design. Inspired by crystalline structures, the fractal shapes fade in and out creating appealing contemporary floor spaces for the student accommodation complex. 

Finally, Coral Classic entrance matting in the Mouse Grey colourway was used in the entrance areas of the building for its ability to absorb foot borne moisture that would otherwise be carried inside on the soles of shoes. The installation of Coral will help to keep interior floorcoverings cleaner for longer and they are also less likely to become slippery and dangerous. 

Mo Ali, Head of Operations – North West at Fresh Student Living said: “Upcircle had full reign of the branding and interior design at Tudor Place, and we are really pleased with the result. Through the use of high-quality furniture and furnishings, such as Forbo’s array of floorcoverings, they have been able to create comfortable and cosy spaces that are still functional for students to live, work, relax and play. As the whole concept of the project is based on the Tudor era, we love how the complex really reflects the history of Chester. We are really looking forward to welcoming students to enjoy our newest development in the city in the new academic year.”