The Marlborough District Library and Art Gallery, located in the picturesque town of Blenheim, has recently undergone a remarkable transformation, reopening its doors in 2023. With a substantial investment of $20 million, the facility now stands as a splendid testament to architectural and design excellence.

Nestled strategically in the heart of Blenheim, the library and art gallery take full advantage of their prime location. Encompassing an expansive area of 3,600m², this impressive new building incorporates a range of shared spaces designed to meet the diverse needs of its patrons. These spaces include well-appointed meeting rooms, an inviting foyer/reception area, a charming café, contemporary restroom facilities, a flexible education room and exquisitely landscaped surroundings.

In keeping with the project's commitment to honouring the rich heritage of sheep and wool farming in the Marlborough region, the procurement team made a deliberate choice to feature New Zealand wool as the primary flooring solution. Anticipating the high volume of foot traffic that a public space such as a library can attract, the team sought a modular flooring solution that would facilitate ongoing maintenance and serviceability.

Wool in commercial spaces

GH Commercial’s wool carpet tiles not only exude aesthetic appeal but also demonstrate exceptional performance in a bustling environment. The team's unwavering determination to achieve the ACCS Commercial Extra Heavy-Duty grading led them to leverage their extensive expertise in commercial broadloom products and tile manufacturing. As a result, they created the captivating Natural Terrain and Natural Elevation wool tile series, featuring a meticulously crafted grid-like pattern, highlighted by a subtly heathered bluish-grey yarn and a black yarn.

At GH Commercial, we take pride in supporting the local economy by exclusively using wool sourced from New Zealand farms. The wool is carefully transformed into yarn at our Oamaru and Lower Hutt plants. To further emphasise our commitment to local production, our state-of-the-art Australian facilities are responsible for manufacturing the tiles.

Project details

Project: Marlborough District Library and Art Gallery

Location: Blenheim, New Zealand

Architect: Warren and Mahoney

Product: Godfrey Hirst Wool Carpet Tiles

Photographer: Tom Garner