Choosing the right flooring is a pivotal decision as it sets the tone for any space, says Natasha Suri, Principal Architect, Studio Ivory. But, while the material options for flooring are fairly extensive, some materials are better suited to certain kinds of buildings. CW explores. Living spaces In residential projects, Suri’s go-to recommendation is marble flooring, with or without intricate inlays. “Marble offers a timeless elegance and is relatively low maintenance, easily rejuvenated with a simple buffing,” says Suri. “However, it’s important to note potential drawbacks such as susceptibility to staining, particularly with lighter stones, and the risk of cracking if not installed correctly.” For bedrooms, Suri continues, many prefer the cozy warmth of wooden flooring, especially during winters, which adds a comforting ambiance to the room. “We’ve also combined wooden flooring in day rooms with tiles,” she continues. Bathrooms present versatile options, ranging from marbles to tiles, with the added benefit of anti-skid tiles for enhanced safety, adds Suri. For SiriHaus, a residence in the heart of Sirifort, New Delhi, Amit Khanna, Design Principal, Amit Khanna Design Associates (AKDA) opted for cast-in-situ monochrome egg-shell tone terrazzo flooring in response to the client’s brief that demanded a warm palette and the use of natural materials. “The brief for this renovation project called for a restorative approach, a frugal and local solution with refined rawness as a priority,” explains Khanna. “Our choice is light and bright and helps maximise the sunlight in the space. “Our selection is also rooted in practical considerations, driven by its robustness, durability, and versatility, along with its ability to seamlessly integrate with the clean and minimalistic aesthetic we aimed to achieve.” Casting in situ demands precision, careful navigation and meticulous attention to detail, starting from setting the form, selecting the right marble chips and cement for the terrazzo mix, to pouring, polishing, sealing and curing, as inconsistencies could detract from the overall coherence of the design, cautions Khanna. Institutional buildings Colours, materials and textures are powerful design tools that can significantly impact and foster stimulating, engaging and effective learning spaces, says Kuntal Vyas Aggarwal, Founder and Design Head, Resaiki. Aggarwal has brought this concept to life in the DY Patil School of Design’s 16,000-square-foot ground floor premises in Pune, an area divided into multiple classrooms dedicated to various design streams, each accommodating 30 students. “Each space has been purposefully designed and the flooring is an extension of the overall scheme,” explains Aggarwal, pointing out that the Fashion Lab’s fiery orange aims to fuel creative combustion and is paired with a vinyl wooden-look flooring that is appropriate for heavy-duty areas carrying sewing machines. The CAD Lab’s refreshing lime green aims at sparking digital innovation and is paired with a carpeted shock-proof flooring. “What you see aren’t mere backdrops but catalysts for expression, pushing the boundaries of design,” she says. Wayfinding is a critical aspect of flooring design, enhancing user experience and functionality, continues Aggarwal. “Integrated colour-coded strips in the otherwise muted vinyl passage floors not only guide (functionality) but also add an artistic touch (form), turning signage into an art form. This creative intervention directs students and visitors while creating an engaging pathway.” Vinyl flooring in the reception area adds practicality and durability. “We emphasised inclusivity and accessibility, ensuring that the flooring is safe, easy to navigate, and accommodating to all users, including those with mobility challenges,” adds Aggarwal. Retail outlets “Our choice of flooring depends a lot on whether the store is positioned as a mass or premium brand,” says Juhi Santani, Principal Architect, Retale Design Solutions. For instance, “for the store of Shree She is Special, a mass-to-mid premium brand expected to see high footfalls, we chose a hard wearing tile floor, yet defined the central space in a patterned carpet-like way, and used a stainless steel transition profile between the two for a neat finishing detail.” In contrast, “the boutique of a premium brand with a ‘by invite only’ business model was expected to see selective foot falls, enabling us to experiment with softer floor finishes like rugs and customised carpets,” continues Santani. “We specifically designed these for the brand in carefully chosen colours and patterns.” In a boutique for another premium brand, Santani chose a chequered flooring to make a brave statement against the backdrop of a strong, definitive deep burgundy and turquoise green colour palette, creating a sensory experience that echoes luxury, in keeping with the commodity (jewels) being sold. Hospitality options In order to create warm, inviting spaces that set clients at ease, for the flooring, we have used terrazzo, concrete and ceramic tiles placed experimentally, says Sumessh Menon, Design Director, Sumessh Menon Associates. Mansionairre By The Roof, Thane, features a pigmented terrazzo floor. Here, the challenge was to get the precise shape before the pour, says Menon. “Choosing the colours from the vendors’ colour palette was easy but we needed to ensure that a sufficient amount of material of that colour was made available for the pour to happen at a stretch.” “Terrazzo develops an earthy look over time, which is a major plus point,” adds Menon. For the flooring of Yazu in lower Parel, Mumbai, Menon opted for concrete stamping, wherein a custom floral pattern mould was designed and created, and used to stamp patterns into freshly poured concrete. The floor of the 145 Cafe & Bar in Kolkata features piccolo mosaic tiles adjacent to the bar, to make a bold statement, and in the dining area, stone finish vitrified tiles laid in an interesting geometric pattern. Commercial applications The Experience Centre of The Incredible Garden Art, Vadodara, houses exotic landscape elements—handpicked plants and trees from across the globe, garden sculptures, water fountains, courtyard elements and landscape installations. For the floor of this one-of-a-kind space, Ishan Grover, Principal Architect & Design Director, Karan Grover & Associates opted for concrete with an epoxy coating. “We chose concrete for its durability and look,” says Grover. “We needed a heavy duty surface as the space would see heavy trolley movement and big plant displays. A rugged-looking, muted floor would help put the focus on the colourful pots, plants and other displays.” “We needed to follow a proper method, first, dewater the space, and then take up densification and coating,” shares Grover. “The setting time of the concrete presented the biggest challenge. It was important for the entire area to be covered on all sides to avoid early setting. We faced this issue in the entrance foyer where the space is open on all sides. We did see a few hairline cracks and chips at edges after the flooring was complete.”