{"id":764,"date":"2026-05-14T07:07:58","date_gmt":"2026-05-14T06:07:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/megamultisite.divcomstaging.co.uk\/london\/2026\/05\/14\/interface-helps-bring-kobas-low-carbon-workspace-vision-to-life-in-manchester\/"},"modified":"2026-05-14T07:07:58","modified_gmt":"2026-05-14T06:07:58","slug":"interface-helps-bring-kobas-low-carbon-workspace-vision-to-life-in-manchester","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/megamultisite.divcomstaging.co.uk\/london\/industry-news\/interface-helps-bring-kobas-low-carbon-workspace-vision-to-life-in-manchester\/","title":{"rendered":"Interface Helps Bring Koba\u2019s Low-Carbon Workspace Vision to Life in Manchester"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Project Spotlight Courtesy of Interface<\/a><\/p>

PUTTING THE PLANET FIRST AT KOBA WORKSPACE IN MANCHESTER<\/strong><\/p>

100 Barbirolli Square is a striking addition to Manchester\u2019s commercial property stock, offering 200,000 sq. ft of premium Grade A office space across 10 floors. With its reflective glass and stone facade, the building is a prime hub for businesses looking for a centrally located, high-performance workspace.<\/p>

Recognising its potential, flexible workspace provider Koba<\/a> secured the ground and first floors of the site. Koba was committed to integrating sustainability at each stage of the fit-out process, ensuring that the entire project was in line with its own sustainability manifesto which promotes a circular business model and a commitment to providing transparent performance data. To achieve its goal, Koba called on low-carbon office fit-out specialist Cast Interiors<\/a> who collaborated with global flooring manufacturer Interface to create a workspace that would live up to the brand.<\/p>

Commenting on the fit-out of Koba\u2019s space, Ashleigh Rhodes<\/a>, interior designer at Cast Interiors, said: \u201c100 Barbirolli Square is an exciting site, and to achieve our plans for the space, it was key we collaborated with responsible suppliers who shared our client\u2019s values. We\u2019ve always respected Interface\u2019s transparency and genuine commitment to tackling the climate crisis, so working with them was a no-brainer for a design brief that had sustainability at its core.\u201d\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>

Blending style with functionality <\/strong><\/p>

At the entrance, visitors step into a reception area that seamlessly transitions into an open-plan office space. Understanding the demands of high-traffic environments, Interface\u2019s Concept Design Team recommended solutions that combine durability with contemporary style.<\/p>

The Level Set\u2122<\/a> luxury vinyl tile (LVT) range\u2019s Textured Stone collection in shade \u2018Polished Cement\u2019 was chosen for the central working areas and reception spaces helping bring geographic elements and the feeling of nature into the building. Engineered for resilience, all of Interface\u2019s LVT collections are equipped with the manufacturer\u2019s unique Ceramor\u2122 UV stabilised, ceramic bead coating, offering superior protection against scuffs and scratches.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>

Embedding sustainability at every level<\/strong><\/p>

Cast Interiors prioritised a locally sourced approach, incorporating UK-made and reclaimed furnishings from Manchester, Yorkshire and Lancashire. Boardroom tables and desks were crafted from locally sourced wood, while offcuts were repurposed throughout kitchens and tea points to minimise waste.<\/p>

\u201cSustainability was a key consideration throughout the product specification process, influencing everything from furnishings to finishes,\u201d said Amina Syed<\/a>, account manager at Interface. \u201cThis aligns with our focus and portfolio at Interface. For example, all our carpet tiles, including those used on this project, come with our carbon negative CQuest\u2122Bio backing which is the standard backing for our carpet tiles, creating impact at scale as part of our commitment to lowering our carbon emissions and aligning with the project\u2019s low-carbon ambitions.\u201d<\/p>

To complement the design, the Concept Design Team specified the Connected Ethos<\/a>\u2122 carpet tiles in the cool grey \u2018Connect\u2019 finish throughout the connecting corridors. Inspired by nature, the collection is non-directional and biophilic inspired, with a colour palette that reflects landscapes from grasslands to coastal environments. The subtle grey shade was chosen for its ability to conceal wear and tear while reinforcing the workspace\u2019s focus on biophilic design.<\/p>

Meeting rooms incorporated the light-green shade \u2018Uncover\u2019 from the same collection, intentionally paired with oak boardroom tables to evoke the feeling of \u2018grass\u2019 beneath the wooden desks, for a nod to the material\u2019s woodland origin.<\/p>

Beyond materials, the space itself tells a sustainability story. Digital displays throughout the office showcase the project\u2019s localised and eco-conscious choices, reinforcing Koba\u2019s commitment to responsible design. Even decorative elements were carefully considered, with real and dried flowers used to enhance the natural aesthetic.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>

Putting a Koba stamp on it<\/strong><\/p>

While sustainability was a top priority, Koba also wanted to ensure the 100 Barbirolli Square site reflected its own neutral, minimalist branding. To deliver on this, Cast Interiors introduced Interface\u2019s Past Forward\u2122<\/a> carpet tile collection in colour \u2018Clay\u2019 for break-out and seating areas. Inspired by mid-century modern design, the neutral shades of these tiles blend nostalgic influencers with modern finishes, adding warmth and depth to the space whilst providing a subtle nod to Koba\u2019s branding.<\/p>

Strategic zoning was another key consideration. The carpet tiles were used to define informal break-out areas, while collapsible partition walls allowed for adaptable layouts, so the workspace could flex to its occupants’ requirements.<\/p>

Reflecting on the fit-out, Amina said: \u201cIt was great to work alongside Cast Interiors to provide Koba with a space that would support its long-term ambitions at the new Manchester site. Their dedication to sustainability and responsible sourcing aligns perfectly with our own approach to design and we\u2019re so proud to have helped bring Koba\u2019s low-carbon office space to life.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Title: Interface Helps Bring Koba\u2019s Low-Carbon Workspace Vision to Life in Manchester<\/p>\n

Excerpt: Working alongside Cast Interiors, Interface helped shape Koba Workspace at 100 Barbirolli Square through low-carbon flooring solutions, biophilic-inspired design and sustainable material choices that support flexibility, wellbeing and responsible workplace design.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":765,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[23,16,17],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-764","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-articles","category-industry-news","category-spotlight-series"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/megamultisite.divcomstaging.co.uk\/london\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/764","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/megamultisite.divcomstaging.co.uk\/london\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/megamultisite.divcomstaging.co.uk\/london\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/megamultisite.divcomstaging.co.uk\/london\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/megamultisite.divcomstaging.co.uk\/london\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=764"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/megamultisite.divcomstaging.co.uk\/london\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/764\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/megamultisite.divcomstaging.co.uk\/london\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/765"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/megamultisite.divcomstaging.co.uk\/london\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=764"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/megamultisite.divcomstaging.co.uk\/london\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=764"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/megamultisite.divcomstaging.co.uk\/london\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=764"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}