The Role of Wallcoverings: Elevating Commercial Design Through Adaptive Reuse and Restoration

From abandoned schools in Cleveland to offices in New York City, designing spaces within fixed floor plans of formerly new facilities is commonplace for commercial interior designers. Adaptive reuse and restoration projects continue to surge in popularity, breathing new life into ageing structures while promoting sustainability.

These projects showcase the remarkable potential to harmonize the old and the new, creating seamless, eye-catching environments. Wallcovering Association manufacturer members understand the importance of materials that offer adaptability for restoration projects. They continue to provide commercial designers with an array of creative choices to blend aesthetics and functionality.

Three key considerations should be noted when it comes to surfaces suitable for wallcoverings in adaptive reuse and restoration. First, wallcoverings are excellent for covering up aged and uneven walls, such as those in older structures. The textured and patterned designs of wallcoverings can conceal imperfections, resulting in a sleek and polished finish. Second, wallcoverings work exceptionally well in transforming plain and uninspiring surfaces into captivating focal points, adding character to otherwise dull spaces. Third, wallcoverings protect historic and architecturally significant walls.

In adaptive reuse and restoration projects, preserving the original structure's integrity and beauty is paramount. By adding a durable layer, wallcoverings help extend the lifespan of the underlying walls. Let’s dive into four examples of wallcovering solutions perfect for your next restoration assignment.

Koroseal

Reatec Architectural Film by Koroseal Interior Products offers a game-changing solution. With more than 850 patterns, this collection of decorative films mimics natural finishes like wood, metal, stone and leather, allowing for the resurfacing of guest room doors at a fraction of the replacement cost. By reducing costs, saving time, and keeping existing doors in place with a quick and easy installation process, Reatec is environmentally friendly and sustainable, minimizing waste and offering hygienic options.

York Contract

The Restoration Elements collection and high-performance vinyl

wallcoverings from York Contract provide a versatile solution to transform spaces. These wallcoverings expertly mask textural imperfections such as minor cracks and damaged surfaces. Whether mimicking vintage aesthetics or creating a durable, timeless backdrop, these wallcoverings are pivotal in preserving heritage charm in public spaces. Offering the streamlined practicality of industrial design and minimalist décor, the Restoration Elements, including the Hammerstone pattern (style) colorway, delivers an aesthetic committed to preserving and appreciating the work-worn finishes and useful goods of the manufacturing workspace.

Versa

The Vantage Collection by Versa introduces a sustainable wall protection solution, Vantage III, designed with eco-friendly principles, featuring PVC-free olefin composite construction, 30% recycled content, and ultra-low VOC emissions ensuring no negative impact on indoor air quality. Not only does it exceed Type III performance standards for heavy traffic areas, but its durability can safeguard historic walls and extend the product's service life. With easy installation, seamless design capabilities, and a wide range of styles, colors and textures, Vantage III offers versatile and attractive solutions for architectural features and unique spaces beyond just walls.

Wolf-Gordon

RAMPART Resolve wall protection by Wolf-Gordon delivers an

environmentally conscious, PVC-free alternative with superior impact and abrasion resistance. While it shares durability and function in line with rigid sheet goods, RAMPART Resolve can be easily applied by a painting contractor. When rough wall surfaces are a problem, RAMPART Resolve can be applied in conjunction with RAMPART Stronghold wall liner to offer a sustainable option for adaptive reuse projects. A natural jute and gypsum substrate, RAMPART Stronghold wall liner can be applied over a variety of materials— including CMU’s, wood, ceramic tile and metal—to smooth aged and uneven surfaces and defer construction waste from landfills by utilizing existing walls.