Practical Research: Material and Sustainable

I researched materials for the interior of the Curve Theatre, where I will redesign.

1. First, I want to use Luxury Vinyl Tile flooring (LVT) for the Green Room Cafe and the Stage Door Bar. According to Tile Mountain UK (2026), LVT tiles have many advantages like waterproof and highly durable. This means that it is very suitable for commercial spaces such as cafe or bar. In addition, this material reduces noise from movement and is easy to maintain and clean. I think this is especially important in a theater environment where sound needs to be well controlled. However, Tile Mountain UK (2026) also mentioned that LVT has the disadvantage like looking quite fake when people look at close. This reduces its natural appearance and makes it look less like real wood. It also cannot be refinished when scratched, and can be affected by strong sunlight over time.

I found LVT suitable for the project because it is highly practical, easy to clean in an environment with drinks and high traffic, and it still ensures aesthetics thanks to modern wood or concrete imitation patterns. Regarding cost in the UK, according to Tile Mountain, LVT material typically ranges from 20–60 pounds/m2 depending on quality and installation costs.

Additionally, I want to clarify functional elements between areas such as a seating area for drinks and a workspace. Therefore, I will choose polished concrete to make it different from LVT material. According to Homeworlddesign (2025), this material is very durable, resists wear, and  it also can heavy traffic. Besides that, it also helps reduce maintenance costs and is easy to clean. It would be suitable for public spaces and bars where drinks may spill and there is frequent high foot traffic. However, according to Ideal Home (2019), concrete also has disadvantages such as a very hard and cold surface, which can make people feel fatigue when they have to stand in line for long time and may develop natural cracks due to the operation of the concrete structure. 

I think,  polished concrete creates a strong industrial style and visually separates spaces. Additionally, they stated that the cost of repainting and polishing a concrete floor is typically around 120–160 pounds/m2, or around 50 pounds/m2 if only the existing surface is repolished.

2. For the Mezzanine area, I would use engineered wood flooring. According to Which? (2010), the advantages of engineered wood flooring are that it provides a natural, luxurious feel and the surface can be sanded and refreshed depending on the thickness of the veneer. This will help increase the lifespan of the wood in the long run.

However, according to Which? (2010),This material is not suitable for high-humidity environments like vinyl and may deform. Additionally, it is more expensive and requires regular maintenance.

I found engineered wood quite suitable for the Mezzanine space because this area has less direct contact with water than the bar and cafe counter. I wanted to use wood to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere for theatre guests. According to Which? (2010), the prices of engineered wood in the UK can be around 19 pounds/m2 to over 100 pounds/m2. But it still depends on the type and quality of the veneer.

            3. Next, I will use wooden benches and high seating with red cushions in the coffee area and mezzanine. According to Reliance Foundry (2020), wooden chairs can provide a warm feeling, and it is also suitable with many design styles, and create a warm and simple atmosphere. Additionally, they are durable. However, a drawback is that they require regular maintenance over time.

I believe that wood is more suitable than concrete for theatre interior space because it will creates a warmth, simple as well as elegant feel. Therefore, it quite fit with the minimalist concept. I will also use separate red cushions to match the red tones of the walls and other furniture.

4. Next, I will use polycarbonate (PC) for the bar stools at the Stage Door Bar. According to A&C Plastics (n.d), polycarbonate is a notable engineering plastic with very high impact resistance. This indicates that polycarbonate is highly durable and quite suitable for bar stools, where many people will be using the bar's services. Additionally, this material has a transparent color, which is quite unique.

However, it is more expensive than other types of plastic. For me, I wanted to use this material in the bar because of its transparent color. Therefore, when placed in a space, it can reflect many shades of gray and red, creating a novel feeling for customers.

Reference: 

            Mountain, Tile. “Tile Mountain.” Tilemountain.co.uk, 2026, www.tilemountain.co.uk/blog/lvt-flooring-pros-and-cons/. Accessed 13 May 2026.

                       Team, HWD. “Polished Concrete Floors: Pros, Cons, and Maintenance Tips.” HomeWorldDesign, 14                 Oct. 2025, homeworlddesign.com/polished-concrete-floors/. Accessed 14 May 2026.

            updated, Linda Clayton last. “Polished Concrete Flooring – Everything You Need to Know.” Ideal Home, 14 Sept. 2019, www.idealhome.co.uk/project-planning/polished-concrete-flooring-cost-ideas-advice-234319. Accessed 14 May 2026.

            Morgan, Tom. “Types of Wood Flooring.” Which?, 31 Mar. 2010, www.which.co.uk/reviews/carpets-and-flooring/article/types-of-wood-flooring-anOTD5N95eqj. Accessed 14 May 2026.

           “A Guide to Park Benches (for Thriving Neighborhoods).” Reliance Foundry Co. Ltd, 15 Dec. 2020, www.reliance-foundry.com/blog/park-benches-guide. Accessed 14 May 2026.

            “Polycarbonate vs Acrylic | Learn about the Difference between Acrylic & Polycarbonate Material - A&c Plastics.” Www.acplasticsinc.com, www.acplasticsinc.com/informationcenter/r/acrylic-vs-polycarbonate. Accessed 14 May 2026.