Commercial Architecture June 2019 - 22

FLO O R I N G
SUPPLEMENT

C A S E S T U DY

Flooring Essential To Corporate Makeover

xion RMS, a health-insurance brokerage firm, relocated its corporate
headquarters to Downers Grove, IL. Before a single employee could step

foot into the new location, a massive overhaul took place. The resulting project
turned the tired and dated third-generation space into a bright and spacious
suite awash with natural light. The flooring solution used a combination of
VCT (vinyl composition tile), LVT (luxury vinyl tile), and a variety of carpet tiles
to maximize the design impact of the renovation and provide distinct spaces
within the office.

DESIGN OVERVIEW
The design teams at INTERFORM Architecture + Design, Chicago, and
Vortex Commercial Flooring, Addison, IL, an INSTALL Warranty Contractor,
were presented with a space enclosed inside a perimeter of drywall offices.
INTERFORM set out to transform the physical space, replacing the ceilings and
adding more-efficient lighting throughout. They also eliminated drop ceilings
entirely in strategic locations. Exposed structure and mechanical systems in
the reception area, café, and living room (a casual meeting area and respite
for employees) were painted to give a modern and refined look.
The result is a cleaner, loft-like feel with the living room and café located
in former corner-office locations. The design team strategically incorporated

Above. At the Axion RMS health-insurance brokerage firm, flooring contributed to a massive overhaul that turned
a tired and dated third-generation space into a bright and spacious suite awash with natural light.

as much glass as they could, maximizing the natural light. The new layout also
eliminated a number of perimeter offices to offer a balance between open
workstations and private areas. The addition of small focus rooms, conference
rooms, and open workspace provides openness and a level of privacy.
In addition to transformative physical changes, the flooring solution
was a major consideration in the overall look and feel of the finished space.
INTERFORM worked directly with Vortex to determine which products would
maximize the design impact while providing a comfortable floor underfoot. The
client also wanted to incorporate new colors and finishes that would coincide
with updated branding and marketing materials. Specific accent colors and
materials were requested that would create a modern aesthetic and adhere
to a specific budget.
To accomplish this, the design team selected a combination of LVT, VCT,
and carpet-tile products from three manufacturers, along with hand-painted
bases to match specific paint colors. Carpet tiles in four colorways were
used throughout open offices, private offices, conference rooms, and other
communal spaces.

RESULTS
The resulting project is bright and flooded with natural light, elevating the
firm's culture and boosting production and employee morale. In concert with
re-branding efforts undertaken by the firm, the same bright colors found on
the walls and carpet accents were rolled out in marketing collateral materials.

JUNE 2019

COMMERCI A L A RCHI T EC T UREM AG A ZINE.COM

Below. A variety of carpet tiles were used to maximize the design impact of the renovation and provide distinct
spaces within the Axion RMS office.

Commercial Architecture June 2019

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