OSMO Building, Battersea, London

Project Details:

System: INTRAflex XT and INTRAflex SP

Specification: INTRAflex XT black anodised with Select Black 208 and INTRAflex SP black anodised with Select Black 208

Location: Nine Elms Park, Battersea, London

Specifier: EPR Architects

Flooring Contractor: Tailored Matting

Sustainable Entrance Matting for Net Zero Project

Sustainability is at the heart of EPR Architects' design for the OSMO Building. It's a 230,000 ft² contemporary commercial office in the heart of Battersea, Nine Elms regeneration project.

To help EPR meet their own net-zero goals and the building's BREEAM Outstanding accreditation, they wanted Entrance Matting with strong sustainability acumen - whole-life responsibility from production to reuse. Plus, a striking design to welcome visitors to the impressive commercial office space. These images help show just that - they were taken nearly two years after installation at this commercial office building.

Style, Substance and Sustainability

From the initial enquiry and discussions with EPR and the main contractor, McLaren, it was clear design was an important consideration, but not at the expense of sustainability. The INTRA team had been assessing the whole-life impact of our Entrance Matting products at the time, so even before formal EPD certification, we could help EPR calculate carbon emissions and environmental impact - feeding directly into their BREEAM assessments.

EPR had used INTRAform DM Entrance Matting before (see 60 London Wall, nhow Hotel) and seen design examples of INTRAflex XT and INTRAflex SP. Combining the products in the 'hit and miss' inset design creates a more dynamic transition between the flooring materials. The single strips of INTRAflex SP soften the appearance while extending the mat out further for additional protection.

Pretty Practical

Extending the Entrance Matting across the entire width of the revolving and pass doors makes a big visual impact with hidden practical benefits. Delivery drivers, the less able, and people with luggage increasingly use pass doors. The doors are often open for longer and exposed to weather, so it's worth pushing the Entrance Matting over the 2.1m British Standard. It looks great and performs brilliantly, reducing the need for additional loose lay secondary mats.

The INTRAflex XT debris channel is doubly smart too. The channel collects water and dirt helping keep the fibres working hard, while adding a shadow gap for a modern appearance. The linear structure of INTRAflex and the interlocking planks make it easier to integrate design features like the LED lighting strip. It also creates a clean look while covering service hatches like the motor access panel for the revolving doors.

Bold, Burly and Beautiful

EPR chose the black anodised finish to echo their design scheme throughout the building - black glazing frames, ducts, pipework and furniture. We've developed this beautiful finish to stand the test of time and high-traffic.

The same goes for the INTRAlux Select fibre inserts in Black 208. The recycled fibres are highly absorbent and hard-wearing, so they'll absorb, scrape and maintain their appearance even under daily use.