In the realm of architectural design and interior aesthetics, every detail influences the atmosphere and narrative of a space. Flooring choices have the power to transcend mere functionality, allowing for a rich tapestry of history and culture to be woven into the fabric of modern education. The story of Three Kings School is a testament to how flooring materials can pay homage to the area’s heritage while providing a functional and aesthetically pleasing environment for students.

Three Kings School is a high-achieving primary school and a symbol of historical significance. Situated within a volcanic-rich area, it is the oldest school in Auckland to remain on its original site. The school’s foundation dates back 115 years when a group of pioneers wisely purchased the land where the school now proudly stands. Over the decades, considerable time, effort, and resources were invested in shaping and beautifying the school's surroundings.

In 2018, Three Kings School celebrated its 140th Jubilee, a testament to its enduring presence and importance in the community. To preserve and celebrate this rich history, the school embarked on a mission to incorporate its heritage into the very fabric of the learning environment within their adjoining New Entrant Classrooms. The result is a design which tells a story, captivating staff and students alike, and seamlessly blending functionality with aesthetics.

The inspiration for the flooring design at Three Kings School comes from the rich geological history of the area. The volcanic cones that dot the landscape played a pivotal role in shaping the region's history, and they now find their place within the school's design narrative. The chosen products, including Interface's Speckled Ground Collection, Forbo's Sphera Essence Collection, and Interface's Step Repeat Collection for entrance matting, were selected to align with the project's objectives.

The Three Kings, a prominent volcanic cone in the vicinity, serves as both a symbol and a source of inspiration for the school's design. These cones represent not just the surrounding landscape but also the walls and roofs of the school buildings. To mirror the rugged beauty of the volcanic terrain, MAKE Architects ingeniously cut carpet tiles into triangular shapes. The colours chosen for these tiles beautifully mimic the hues of volcanic rocks, with shades of green and brown paying homage to the region's historical Kumara pits that flourished in the volcanic soils. Interface's Speckled Ground Collection brought the concept to life. The subtle specks in the carpet tiles perfectly captured the rustic essence of volcanic rocks, adding an aesthetic touch that aligned with the project's historical narrative while also being exceptional at hiding the day-to-day use and soling of the carpet well.

Entrance matting is a crucial component of any school's design, especially for one with high foot traffic. For this purpose, Interface's Step Repeat Collection was chosen, serving as a dirt and debris trap to ensure the school's cleanliness and hygiene standards are met. This functional choice, in addition to its aesthetic appeal, completes the overall design.

For areas with moisture and high durability requirements, such as art sinks, Forbo's Sphera Essence vinyl was the ideal choice. Its suitability for moist environments, combined with its durability, made it a practical selection. The colour tones of Sphera Essence were carefully coordinated with Interface’s Speckled Ground Collection, creating a cohesive and harmonious design throughout the school.

The true measure of success for this project was the satisfaction of the school's staff and board members, who were enamored with the colours, patterns, and thoughtful way in which the flooring choices paid tribute to the area's history. The Three Kings School project stands as a remarkable example of how flooring choices can become an integral part of storytelling in architecture. Through the careful selection of carpet tiles, entrance matting, and vinyl, MAKE Architects successfully honoured the history of the area while providing a functional, aesthetically pleasing, and cohesive design for the school.

Interface’s Collections Offer:

- A 15-year full-performance warranty

- Lifetime anti-microbial properties ensure a hygienic environment

- Closed-loop recyclability at end-of-life

- Carbon Neutral for the full product lifecycle

- Ease of cleaning and maintenance

Forbo Sphera Vinyl offers:

- 15-Year Standard Warranty

- Phthalate-Free

- Low in emissions

- GreenTag, Green Rate Level A

- Best Practice PVC certified

- Produced using 100% renewable energy

Congratulations to MAKE Architects on such an exceptional result. Thank you for choosing Interface and Forbo flooring.