Case studies Samsung KX
A unique retail and venue space
A bespoke 20mm format tile dry-laid onto a raised-access floor system solves a big specification challenge for Samsung
A unique Samsung concept space has opened at Coal Drops Yard, just north of King’s Cross St Pancras in London. Known as Samsung KX, the store and venue space uses over 2000 sqm of Domus’ Urban Style tiles in a bespoke laminated 20mm format, making them suitable to be dry-laid on a raised floor system. The tiles were designed to meet strict weight specifications too.
The internationally renowned London-based Heatherwick Studio has reimagined London’s formerly derelict Victorian warehouses immediately north of St Pancras train station, into the now called ‘kissing rooftops'.
Fusing pioneering design with local heritage
The external design extends the inner gabled roofs of two heritage rail buildings from the 1850s, with a new, technical structure to form a floating upper level. The studio’s design includes staggered glass panels which flood the space with natural light, illuminating the Samsung store, which boasts iconic views of the retail district and beyond.
A flexible & easily accessible interior design
For the interior, Samsung collaborated with local studios KSS, Brinkworth, and Portview to create an innovative space centred around flexibility. For this purpose, everything inside the space can be easily adjusted for guests to discover new experiences.
The space boasts a monolithic ceiling which is adaptable in height and un-grouted porcelain stone tiles from Domus which have been used on a dry-lay system in order to easily access and adjust the electrical wiring underneath.
Local architects KSS specified Domus’ Urban Style dark grey porcelain stone tiles for their high-colour and texture variation, which provides visual interest across the expansive floor area.
Bespoke flooring specification
To enable these standard 10mm tiles to be used on a dry-lay system, Domus created a bespoke technical product especially for this project, whereby two tiles were double-bonded together to create a 20mm piece.
In addition, a cork backing and PVC edge bonding were added to each piece. The outer edge PVC bonding has an essential anti-shock function to reduce friction between adjacent slabs and also facilitates the lifting of the slabs once the tiles are installed.
The allows Samsung to easily move the tiles and access and adjust the wiring of electrical products in the store. The cork backing ensures equal distribution of weight/impact and provides acoustic insulation.
Designed to conform to strict weight limits
Since the store sits within the floating ‘bridge’ section above the central courtyard, under the iconic ‘kissing point’ of Coal Drops Yard, there are strict weight parameters with the flooring itself.
The weight of the bespoke product created had to be under 50kg per SQM and had to conform to specific loading requirements. This was tested by UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service), an independent accreditation and test facility, to verify that the bespoke product could take the weight required.
"Samsung KX has been built with local heritage at its heart and this is reflected heavily in the design; right from the roof to the floor tiles. This is a destination which absolutely embodies the community of London while boasting pioneering design and challenging architectural norms. We want to be a destination of culture and innovation and that starts from the building and interior design itself."
Tanya Weller, Director of Samsung Showcase
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