Element Materials Technology is a global leader in testing, inspection and certification services, supporting some of the world’s most critical industries to ensure the safety, performance and sustainability of materials and products.
As Element’s global business services team continued to expand, the need arose for a new Edinburgh workplace that could reflect the company’s culture while supporting modern, agile ways of working. The relocation to 1 New Park Square within Edinburgh Business Park provided an opportunity to create a workspace that prioritised wellbeing, flexibility and connection – aligned with the company’s forward-looking approach.
The building itself offered strong sustainability credentials: A Net Zero Carbon development, the site is a BCO National Award winner and holds a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating, providing a robust foundation for a responsible and future-ready fit-out.
Design for connection and choice
The workplace design was entrusted to the Avison Young team, with a brief shaped around creating an engaging environment that encouraged collaboration while offering staff autonomy and choice. A central Work Lounge formed the social and functional heart of the office, conceived as a flexible destination supporting informal meetings, focused moments away from desks and social interaction around the feature coffee bar.
From this hub, users can now access the open-plan workspace, staff kitchen, wellbeing room and a range of enclosed meeting spaces, reinforcing connectivity across teams. The interior palette combines warm oak joinery with exposed concrete, layered with blue and green tones drawn from Element’s brand and the surrounding landscape and complemented by artwork from a local Scottish artist.
Sustainability was at the core of decision-making throughout the project. The high-performing base build, combined with durable and responsibly sourced finishes, supported company values and long-term environmental performance while promoting occupant comfort and wellbeing.
Shaw Contract flooring was selected to reinforce zoning, enhance acoustics, and establish material cohesion throughout the office via seamless combination of products from its carpet tile and Luxury Vinyl Tile collections.
Carpet tile for comfort and acoustics
The New Path carpet tile collection was specified within primary work areas, where acoustic control, underfoot comfort and durability were essential. Designed to support collaborative environments, the collection brings texture and visual interest while helping to manage noise in busy spaces.
Available in three styles, Upbeat, Positive and Poised, New Path offers a mix of adaptive forms, undulating lines and organic shapes, bringing a sense of calm and collaboration. Its flexible palette allows designers to create schemes that feel either calm and reflective or more energetic and expressive.
For the Element workplace, the Positive style was specified in the calming colourway Bubbly, helping to create a comfortable, focused environment aligned with everyday working patterns.
The New Path collection is carbon neutral, optimised for low embodied carbon, closed loop recyclable and Cradle to Cradle Certified® Silver. It is available with EcoWorx S® backing for closed-loop recycling or ComfortWorx® backing for outstanding acoustic and comfort performance.
LVT for flow, durability and warmth
In shared spaces and key circulation routes, Nordic LVT was selected in the welcoming Honey colourway, introducing warmth and resilience and creating visual continuity between zones.
The Nordic LVT collection is available in 10 refined wood tones, providing a range of options to suit contemporary commercial interior schemes. Supplied with advanced topical finish Exoguard+® for superior scratch and stain resistance and improved cleanability, it is ideal for high-traffic workplace environments. Both the Nordic 2.5mm and 5 mm LVT ranges are part of Shaw Contract’s In Stock UK programme, supporting fast delivery and short turnaround projects.
Available as an 18 cm x 122 cm plank, Nordic allows for a range of installation options including stagger, herringbone, ashlar and brick, offering versatile design for every space. In this space, the 5mm LVT variant was installed by contractor General & Technical in a staggered pattern and laid seamlessly alongside carpet tiles without the need for transition strips. Its enhanced acoustic performance further supports the calm and comfortable atmosphere of the space.
A cohesive and healthy interior
Together, the combination of Shaw Contract carpet tile and LVT creates a calm, functional and adaptable interior that supports both everyday movement and evolving workplace needs.
Both products are Indoor Air Comfort Gold certified for low-emitting products, contributing to improved indoor air quality and supporting occupant health and wellbeing.
The completed Edinburgh office delivers a flexible and people-centred environment that reflects Element Materials Technology’s global expertise and local identity. By combining thoughtful planning, sustainable principles and material-led design, the space provides a strong foundation for collaboration, wellbeing and future growth, demonstrating how carpet tile and LVT can work together to support modern workplace performance.
Shaw Contract products are available to view in the Shaw Contract showroom, 33 Great Sutton Street, London EC1V 0DX.
Shaw Contract
020 79614120
infouk@shawcontract.com
www.shawcontract.com/en-gb
