Unique Community Hub
As part of Whitehaven’s revitalisation, The Edge opened as a striking new community hub, with Alison Tordoff using Forbo flooring to create a modern, functional interior.
The Edge
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What The Edge Is All About
Prominently located on Whitehaven Harbour, The Edge is a new coastal activities centre enabling visitors and locals to explore the Cumbrian coastline through watersports, walking, cycling and other outdoor pursuits, alongside indoor activities and cultural events. The three-storey building includes changing facilities, a café, public toilets, meeting spaces, a mezzanine for flexible use, and en-suite hotel-style accommodation on the top two floors.
Alison Tordoff, Interior-Architect (previously Fidget UK Ltd), said: “The architects, Northmill Associates, designed the building inspired by a pebble found on the nearby beach. This concept shaped the frame, with its distinctive angles creating an eye-catching final design.”
Flooring: The Foundation of Interior Design
Forbo floor coverings were selected by the architect, a choice Alison and her team were confident in due to their previous experience with the brand. Alison explained: “Forbo offers a broad, reliable range of products that work across different spaces, allowing us to meet both the practical demands and design ambitions of The Edge.”
Performance requirements then guided the final specification, with a focus on durability, low maintenance and safety. To support this, Forbo’s Surestep and Safestep safety vinyl were installed in the ensuites and ground-floor café and reception, delivering HSE-compliant R10 slip resistance for areas exposed to moisture and high footfall.
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Balancing Safety and Style
Safety was a key consideration in the flooring specification. Forbo’s Coral entrance matting was installed to reduce slips by limiting walked-in dirt and moisture, while durable floor coverings throughout the building help keep maintenance low.
Design and comfort were also central to the choices. Neutral grey tones provide a calm backdrop that highlights the building’s glazing and distinctive form, with subtle tonal variations adding interest in the café and reception. Tessera carpet tiles enhance comfort in bedrooms and circulation areas, while Allura LVT planks in the mezzanine The Lookout introduce warmth and durability, responding beautifully to the changing light.