KBAC Flooring’s acclaimed Interface carpet tiles were selected for the flooring of the new GE Africa Innovation Centre (GEAIC) in Glenhove Road, Rosebank.

Following the specification by Anthony Karam of the interior designers, Paragon Interface, KBAC supplied carpet tiles from the Interface Straightforward, as well as the Interface Heuga 727, range for the floors of the three-storey glazed building overlooking the historic Killarney Country Club golf course.

GE Global Properties exclusively stipulates specific Interface flooring ranges for all its group property developments worldwide, says Lesley Fidrmuc, KBAC Interface Consultant. “The interior designers, Paragon Interface, were eager to use Interface Straightforward for the new building’s flooring, primarily because this Interface range featured the colours they wanted for the GEAIC. But Straightforward was not on the GE Global specs. Consequently, special permission had to be obtained from GE Global to use this range here in South Africa, and Straightforward is now included as an international GE Global spec,” Lesley states.

KBAC supplied and installed Interface Straightforward in bright blue and pink colours, mixed with yellow modular flooring from the Interface Heuga 727 range, for the Innovation Centre. As maximum sustainability was targeted in the new building’s design, the fact that Interface flooring is a world leader in sustainability was a decisive factor in the flooring specification.

Lesley says all the elements that have gone into the development of Interface Straightforward make it a sound environmental choice. “Interface Straightforward’s flat-weave construction uses less yarn, recycled material is used in the pile yarn and backing, and the range uses 80% recycled yarn. This ultra-durable flooring has been widely used internationally in corporate offices, shopping facilities, airport terminals, as well as government and hotel buildings.

“Interface Heuga 727 carpet tiles, which provided the striking, contrasting yellow feature in the GEAIC flooring, are available in 48 colours. This tufted plain level loop pile range ideally combines with other Interface ranges and can be installed in a monolithic pattern to create a broadloom effect, or can be laid in the classic carpet tile checkerboard style,” Lesley adds.

In addition to the Interface flooring supplied, KBAC also supplied and installed 800m2 of Floorworx’s Marmoleum vinyl sheeting in various colours throughout the GEAIC.

Anthony Karam of Paragon Interface says the GEAIC interior fit-out was designed to be a dynamic and versatile multi-floor space, with innovative and mobile structural elements and furniture. “Our design aimed for a flexible environment to fluidly cater for interaction and collaboration for all the building’s users. We incorporated elements of African settlements, fabrics and surfaces; as well as abstract circular, angular and linear repeat patterns to create a unique African, yet global, corporate design.

“The brief from the client was clear: to create a building that would adhere to global and local best practice with maximum sustainability in mind. We believe that the combination of our design, and the input of local products and skills, totally matched the client’s directive,” Anthony adds.

The building is currently being evaluated for a 5-Star Green Star GBCSA interior certification, as well as a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold As-Built certification.