JCPenney had several goals in mind as they embarked on designing and building their corporate headquarters.
They wanted to create the sensation of being outdoors through the use of organic materials, real woods, natural stones, and plantfilled, sky lit atriums to bring in natural light.
JCPenney sought a flexible décor that would allow changes in the future, if desired. The company also felt flooring that was attractive, durable and timeless in colour, pattern and design, was integral in reflecting the décor planned for the facility.
JCPenney enlisted the HKS Architects’ Dallas team to execute their vision. Once the design ideas were approved, extensive research on carpet selections was conducted.
HKS developed carpet specifications and several mills competed for the project. Each mill was provided a control sample for each of the various carpets used throughout the facility.
The bids were evaluated on the specifications provided, appearance in comparison to the control sample, material and installation costs and the recommended carpet maintenance programme.
Using this information, the installation team was able to conduct a total cost of ownership evaluation for each of the carpet choices. As JCPenney have their own testing laboratory, the carpet was taken there and put through heavy use and abuse.
It was trampled on, spilled on and torn to test its stain resistance and durability, then cleaned. The carpet constructed with Invista’s Antron carpet fibre held up better and became the carpet of choice for JCPenney’s facility.
JCPenney’s headquarters, an eight building campus connected by a central atrium, is not only work space, but houses a fitness facility, daycare, coffee shops, a cafeteria and a television studio.
Carpet with Antron fibre covers 1.3 million square feet of the space, including the offices, fitness centre and atrium. Little feet tread on the carpeted hallways of the day-care facility.
“Typically carpet in such public areas lasts for approximately seven to ten years before it needs to be replaced,” states Mary Knuff, Building Operations and Planning Manager.
“The carpet in the JCPenney headquarters, which features Antron carpet fiber, has been down for 13 years and counting.”
In Mary Knuff’s experience, “Maintenance is key. First and foremost, Antron carpet fiber is a genuinely good product. But if you want something to last, you take care of it!”
“The carpet is vacuumed regularly and cleaned using the hot water extraction method. High traffic areas, such as the daycare, are cleaned several times a year.”
Thirteen years later, JCPenney’s headquarters is still good-loking and timeless, and the carpet “has proven to be a work horse. I don’t know of many installations that have 13-year-old carpet that still looks good. The colors are still vibrant and the texture very obvious,” said Mary Knuff.
JCPenney have achieved their goal of creating an inviting, comfortable workspace that continues to this day to receive enthusiastic approval from both visitors and employees.