David Simmons, Interior Designer at Frank Whittle Partnership said: “We wanted to create a stimulating and vibrant environment for the patients and staff of the hospital, and one that they would be proud of. A range of Forbo’s floor coverings was specified for the project including Eternal and digitally printed vinyl, as the vibrant colours and the ability to create bespoke designs fitted the brief perfectly.”

For the children’s waiting area, an underwater scene of colourful tropical fish was digitally printed onto vinyl flooring to create a playful environment for the young patients to enjoy, and to distract them at what could be a traumatic or upsetting time.

Throughout the corridors, reception and main waiting areas of the centre, David chose to use Eternal in Silver Chestnut, because of its heavy wear resistance and superior appearance retention – key requirements for a busy hospital environment. The natural wooden aesthetic of the floor covering acted as a backdrop for the contrasting bright and vibrant Eternal colourways installed in the wards and consulting rooms of the centre and at the reception desks. Shades such as Petrol Sparkle, an eye-catching blue, and Honey Sparkle, a mustard-like tone, were installed to brighten up the wards and create a very individual environment.

David continued: “We also interspersed blocks of bright Eternal colours throughout the waiting areas. These blocks matched colours used in rooms on the wards as well as the reception desks and other furniture.”

He concluded: “We are very pleased with the overall design of the hospital and we were very fortunate to have a forward-thinking client that was brave enough to embrace the colourful design scheme.”

Forbo’s Eternal range is coated with a PUR Pearl finish which makes floors easy to clean and ensures low lifecycle costs – ideal for hospitals where budgets are tight and where staff and patients require a hygienic environment in which to work and be treated.