A contemporary classic

For the redevelopment of the Community Centre in Laubach, Germany, Ankestern Interior adopted a dynamic, contemporary design approach while incorporating subtle references to traditional graphic elements and materials. The project aimed not only to enhance the functionality of the spaces but also to create a welcoming atmosphere. By carefully balancing natural materials, the designers achieved both aesthetic appeal and durability, even under intensive use, while also helping to define the various areas within the centre.

This design vision is immediately evident in the reception area, where one of the project’s key themes is expressed through the use of striking floor coverings with bold material graphics, vibrant colours and distinctive patterns, creating a space that is both visually engaging and resilient. Porcelain stoneware was the natural choice from the outset, offering the resilience needed for high-traffic areas while providing a broad palette of textures, colours and finishes that add depth and visual impact.

As Ankestern Interior explained, “Right from the outset the project focused on balancing functionality with aesthetic appeal, a goal that was achieved through the use of ceramic tiling. We selected Medley from Emilgroup’s Ergon brand, a collection with a distinctly individual character that also delivers outstanding durability and resistance to foot traffic.”

Medley reinterprets timeless terrazzo tile with a contemporary twist, offering two concrete-inspired versions (Minimal Naturale and Minimal Tecnica) alongside three more traditional terrazzo styles (Classic, Rock and Pop), each distinguished by the size and shape of the chips. Drawing inspiration from the historic composition of terrazzo, the collection transcends its origins to introduce fresh design possibilities, boldly experimenting with graphic patterns and colours. The interplay of these terrazzo tiles provides a wealth of creative options, allowing for maximum design freedom through a variety of background colours and size combinations.

In this project, the design team used the Medley collection from Ergon for both the floors and the kitchen area, where it adds an elegant touch while helping to define functional zones through different combinations of patterns, colours and sizes. The natural durability and refined aesthetics of ceramics have resulted in a space where high-quality materials with an innovative design fully achieve their transformative potential.