It was just over two decades ago that global architecture practice Populous designed Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium, a now-iconic venue that has hosted more than 20 million visitors for the country’s most exciting sporting and entertainment events. When Populous was brought back earlier this year to reimagine several Hospitality spaces within the stadium the focus was on adaptive re-use of the existing spaces to elevate the hospitality experience at the venue – and Milliken carpet tiles play a key role in defining the new visual identity for the lounges, while meeting sustainability goals.

The new premium lounges and hospitality suites dissolve conventional boundaries between concourse, bar, and lounge spaces to create a dynamic visitor experience that echoes the drama taking place in the stadium. On level 5, the Stadium Members Emerald Lounge draws inspiration from the surrounding neighbourhood and the drama of the event-day procession, with a design that thoughtfully references local materiality, form, and texture. The result is a space that pushes the boundaries of functional hospitality design and  is characterised by details that surprise and delight – such as the custom Milliken carpet tiles in a captivating palette of greens that are used to define the various zones.

“The suite of green-toned custom design carpet tiles were selected to complement the material palette in the colour schemes of the floors they are installed in, creating an eye-catching design element in the reinvigorated space,” explains Adele Friedman, Queensland State Sales Manager at Milliken. The pattern and colours were precisely created using Milliken’s patented PrintWorks™ digital dye technology, which uses fluid dyes to achieve effects and colours that would be impossible using conventional pre-coloured yarns.

Even with such a high level of customisation in both pattern and colour, the Milliken PrintWorks™ process offered an efficient solution that satisfied the stringent time and budget constraints of the project. Time was a particularly important consideration as the renovation of the hospitality spaces had to fit between major scheduled events in the stadium. As a result, open communication and good relationships with local suppliers was an important aspect of the project.

“We worked closely with the Milliken product representatives and internal designers to perfect the colourways of the custom carpets,” says Renae Buttsworth,​​​​ Interior Designer at Populous. “The Milliken team were very knowledgeable, and always turned around prototype samples extremely quickly.”

The level 4 Sunset Lounge space offers a completely different experience to the one on level 5, with a fit-out that captures the essence of Queensland – think plants cascading down timberwork, Art Deco-style wall panels, earthly terracotta tones, and Milliken’s Patina Vibes collection in the Rust and Rust Timber colourways that work seamlessly together. Inspired by the elegance and beauty of weathered concrete and timber, Milliken’s Patina Vibes collection is a celebration of the natural world that introduces an organic warmth to the lounge area.

The benefits of Milliken go beyond the visual, however. “The Milliken carpets were specified to embody the organic design narrative, but also to soften the hospitality environment acoustically and provide clear circulation zoning for patrons,” explains Buttsworth​​​.

Importantly, Milliken’s ambitious sustainability goals match the brief given by Populous. Milliken is the world’s first floor covering company to be validated across all science-based targets to achieve net-zero and all of the brand’s floor coverings are carbon neutral. This impressive achievement is part of the pioneering M/PACT™ Carbon Neutral Program and there is an ongoing dedication to produce ever-more sustainable products.

Milliken’s floor covering products not only boast impressive sustainable credentials, but also contribute to the wellbeing of occupants – and they have been certified as “Works with WELL”, a distinction issued by the International WELL Building Insititue. This prestigious recognition affirms that Milliken products contribute to the health of occupents within a building, from air and acoustic quality to the use of healthier materials.

Given the high traffic in both Suncorp Stadium lounges, durability and ease of maintenance were also major concerns. Milliken carpet tiles are constructed with innovative WellBAC® open-cell, cushion backing that not only reduces noise and increases comfort, but also mitigates moisture damage and absorbs impact to extend the life of the tiles by up to 50% compared to similar products on the market. The modular nature of the flooring system also means that damaged tiles can be easily and affordably replaced – an important consideration in a venue that is consistently in use and offers little opportunity for larger refurbishment projects.

In addition, the Milliken PrintWorks™ carpet tiles feature MGUARD+, Australia’s first antivirus treatment for carpet tiles. This revolutionary solution in carpet technology was scientifically developed in collaboration with HealthGuard to provide an additional layer of infection control. Impressively, it is proven to kill 99% of SARS-CoV-2 viruses within two hours of contact and 99% of S. aureus, E. coli, K. pneumoniae bacteria within 24 hours.

“MGUARD+ carpet technology can support the sustainability and wellness goals of the occupants of the stadium, as it reduces the need for harsh chemicals and water for cleaning, and contributes to a healthier and safer indoor environment,” says Friedman.

The re-imagined Stadium Members and Sunset Lounges break the mould of traditional stadium hospitality spaces by creating bespoke environments that are as much of a destination as the venue itself. “The elevated level of amenity and inclusive design is a significant enhancement to the previous spatial arrangement,” says Buttsworth. “It’s another step forward in the evolution of the venue and gameday experience.”

Milliken
millikenfloors.com.au

Populous
populous.com

Photography: Scott Burrows