Spark Awards: These award-winning projects showcase the value of strategic planning and strong partnerships – April 2025

Each year, the Fuse Spark Awards celebrate projects that showcase not only members’ talent and the successful use of flooring to enhance spaces, but also the creative problem-solving required to overcome installation challenges. Selected by an independent panel of professionals from various parts of the industry, the following six projects help illustrate the importance of partnerships, a core principle of the network of flooring contractors and its aligned suppliers.

BEST IN SHOW
Agave Holdings–225 W. Washington
Chicago, Illinois
Contractor: Flooring Resources Corporation
Design by: Wright Heerema Architects
Suppliers: J+J Flooring, Tarkett
Project overview: This project involved the transformation of a Chicago high-rise’s office lobby and mezzanine into a chic bar, lounge and gaming area, designed to serve as a dynamic space for the building’s tenants and support the ongoing revitalization of the surrounding downtown area. The project presented several challenges, most notably a very tight schedule and a small, congested workspace. Every trade was working in the lobby simultaneously, making it crucial to manage time and space effectively. Teamwork, clear communication and a collective effort were essential in overcoming challenges and delivering a high-quality, on-time result. To ensure timely completion, especially for the intricate wood installation, the flooring team adjusted their work schedule, opting for night and weekend shifts to navigate the constraints of the site. (To read more about this project, check out this month’s Designer Forum starting on page 17.)

MOST MAXIMIZED BUDGET
Atrium Health Brenner Children’s Hospital
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Contractor: Garmon & Company
Suppliers: Daltile, Tarkett, Mohawkt
Project overview: The original design called for colorful sheet vinyl flooring with intricate patterns to run through the entire space, but upon collaboration with Garmon & Comapny, the design team opted to switch to LVT in the corridor spaces. This achieved the desired aesthetic while significantly reducing costs and maintaining durability, color vibrancy and the seamless flooring solution needed, despite the phased nature of the project. To maintain seamless execution across the ten phases, Garmon employed advanced laser mapping technology combined with hand-drawn reference lines to ensure accurate alignment and pattern continuity. The crew minimized waste and ensured precise material use, avoiding unnecessary reordering and reducing costs. The Garmon team also strategically allocated adhesives, patching and accessory materials from its existing inventory to assist in internal cost reductions. Strict material tracking protocols were implemented to prevent loss and keep the project on budget, savings tens of thousands of dollars while delivering a high-quality flooring installation.

MOST CREATIVE FLOORING DESIGN
Port Wonder Children’s Museum
Lake Charles, Louisiana
Contractor: Anytime Flooring
Design by: CambridgeSeven
Suppliers: Mohawk, Roppe, Mapei
Project overview: The flooring design masterfully blends functionality, durability and playful aesthetics to create a dynamic, engaging space for children and families. A combination of carpet tiles, LVT and traditional tile was carefully selected to define distinct zones throughout the large facility, ensuring each area has a unique identity while maintaining overall design cohesion. Vibrant carpet tiles were utilized in interactive zones, fostering comfortable, inviting spaces with bold, playful colors that align with the museum’s educational and creative themes. In high-traffic learning rooms, LVT was chosen for its durability and versatility, featuring designs that subtly guide visitors through various sections of the museum. Traditional tile complements these materials in select areas, adding a layer of sophistication while enhancing functionality.

MOST AGGRESSIVE TIMELINE
Asheville Christian Academy
Swannanoa, North Carolina
Contractor: PBI
Design by: PBI
Suppliers: Mohawk, Tarkett, Roppe, Ardex, Mapei
Project overview: Hurricane Helene devastated western North Carolina on September 27, 2024. Asheville Christian Academy’s campus was struck by historic flooding when the Swannanoa River, which creates the southern border of the campus, escaped its banks, flooding sports fields and the first floor of all buildings. Within days, PBI was contacted and, over the span of a couple weeks, worked with the school on design, quoting and procuring materials to meet a rigid completion date of the end of December. With an overall footprint of 120,000 square feet spread across three buildings, flooring included carpet tile, LVT, cove base, porcelain and ceramic tile, 16,000+ square feet of hardwood gym floor, rubber tile, and interior synthetic turf.

BEST FLOORING SOLUTION
Tailor Square
Rochester, New York
Contractor: GP Flooring Solutions
Design by: SWBR
Suppliers: Bentley, J+J Flooring, Kährs
Project overview: GP Flooring Solutions won the challenge of transforming a historic 1912 textile manufacturing plant into affordable senior living apartments. This project required a delicate balance of preserving the building’s industrial heritage, addressing complex subfloor conditions and maximizing a limited budget to create a comfortable, functional and aesthetically pleasing environment for residents. The building’s original subfloors, worn by over a century of industrial use, presented significant challenges, including uneven surfaces, moisture issues and areas of structural instability that had to first be remedied. By strategically selecting and installing Kährs hardwood flooring in the apartment units, Bentley cushion-backed carpet tile in the management and common areas, and J+J LVT in select locations that couldn’t receive hardwood, the contractor delivered a flooring solution that exceeded expectations in both design and cost effectiveness.

TOUGHEST SITE CONDITIONS
Geneva Heights Elementary School
Dallas, Texas
Contractor: Business Flooring Specialists
Design by: BRW Architects
Suppliers: AHF Products, Shaw, Schönox
Project overview: When it was time to prep for the flooring installation, Business Flooring Specialists encountered three types of subfloor: concrete, gypcrete and plywood. The floor also had standing water and broken concrete throughout. The conditions were horrible, so the company contacted its Schönox rep to assist with coming up with a floor prep solution. He recommended Renotex, HS Sturdy and FP primer to fix the floor, and then the team went over it with 900 bags of Schönox AP Rapid self-leveler and finished it off with 400 bags of Schönox floor prep. The change order for prepping the floor was $180,000, and Schönox provided a solution that would last and would be the most economical for the customer.

Copyright 2024 Floor Focus

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