Marble flooring contributes to sustainable office design

The newly constructed New York office for Lukoil Pan-Americas, an international company that trades oil and other petroleum products throughout North America, South America and the Caribbean, exemplifies sustainable design. The space features energy-efficient lighting that incorporates motion sensors, carpeting that meets the California Gold Standard and furnishings certified by the GreenGuard Environmental Institute. Moreover, natural stone floor tiles in the reception area provide a durable surface that can withstand heavy foot traffic and last for years to come.

“The first office for the Russian oil trading company was in New Jersey, but the firm realized that it wanted to have a Manhattan presence,” said Daniel DeSiena, Director of Design at MKDA of New York, NY. “The company moved to 1095 Avenue of the Americas, a recently upgraded Class A building where we could capitalize on a prime location and exceptional views, which was important to Lukoil. The use of sustainable materials and design elements were also top of mind for the trading company.”

The office space features a curtain wall with grand floor-to-ceiling windows, according to DeSiena. “With that in mind, we created an interior that incorporated the views as decorative elements within the overall design scheme,” he said. “The rest of the space provides the firm with a classic corporate environment with above-standard elements.”

Because of the glass windows and open floor plan, the office space is characterized by a light airy feel - yet one that is also elegant and sophisticated. “The color palette is neutral and features rich tonalities with both light and dark colors,” said DeSiena. “The Russian executives related to darker woods, but the New York staff preferred lighter colors.”

As a result, light-colored, non-figured Anigre wood was chosen for doors and other office furnishings. “In addition to being sustainable, the wood grain exhibits a rich cathedral effect,” explained DeSiena. “It takes color very well.” Accenting the Anigre wood, walnut was selected for the reception desk, conference table and executive desks.

From the start, the design team knew that they wanted to use stone as flooring in the reception area. “The front door is where everyone comes and goes,” said DeSiena. “We ran the stone flooring down the initial first corridor as well. It’s the most heavily trafficked area. [As for sustainability,] the material is going to last through the course of the lease and be a viable material which will have usage for many years.”

Ambarino marble was selected for its warm tone and consistency. The material, which has a honed finish, was employed as 12- x 12-inch tiles.

“We liked the beauty of it, and its classic nature,” explained DeSiena. “It has a warmth to it. Also, Ambarino is a consistent stone. We don’t have to be as concerned with wide variations in color tones as with other stones. This type of stone has veining, but it is subtle.”

DeSiena also pointed out that giving the marble a honed finish makes it more slip resistant. “A honed finish gives more traction,” he said. “It was a blending of functionality and aesthetics. The overall design goal was to create a beautiful environment that employees and visitors could enjoy, while also being practical and comfortable.”

Lukoil Pan-Americas office space

New York, NY


Designer: MKDA, New York, NY

General Contractor: Structuretone, New York, NY