Grounding Innovative Learning

  • 05/01/17
North Carolina State University 

NJPA and Milliken helped North Carolina State University give its students durable and colorful flooring in the award-winning James B. Hunt Jr. Library.

As versatile as the needs of a public library are, so must be the interiors. A prime example: The award-winning James B. Hunt Jr. Library — located on North Carolina State’s Centennial Campus in Raleigh.

Snøhetta, an international architecture and interior design office based in Oslo, Norway and New York City, worked closely with Executive Architect Clark Nexsen to specify Milliken floor covering in the library.

The building is mostly composed of large, open spaces that flow from floor-to-floor, and features a variety of brightly colored study and learning environments with dynamic furnishings. Because of the open, flowing concept, being intentional of where and how material and color changes occurred was very important. Carpet, the preferred floor finishing within the majority of the library, was instrumental in tying together the building’s overall look and feel.

“Rich, intense colors were a key factor in the development of the library design, and once we found the Paste Up series we knew it was the right product,” shares Elaine Molinar, the managing director for Snøhetta.

Milliken’s Paste Up collection comes in 50cm tiles with Comfort Plus cushion backing, making them 10 times more efficient in reducing noise compared to other flooring options.

“Our tiles feature built-in antimicrobial protection, exceptional appearance retention ratings and high indoor air quality rating,” notes David Potter, a senior territory manager for Milliken’s global floor covering division.

Reflecting on the project, Molinar is pleased with how North Carolina State’s student body has embraced the space: “The library has been overtaken by students, who are extremely enthusiastic and appreciative of their new ‘home away from home.’ This was our purpose.”

Milliken is a contract-awarded vendor of the National Joint Powers Alliance®. NJPA cooperative purchasing offers choice, value and peace of mind.

www.njpa.co/aboutus

This article originally appeared in the issue of .

Featured

  • California High School Starts Construction on STEAM, Music Buildings

    Tamalpais High School, part of the Tamalpais Union High School District, recently broke ground on two new major facilities for its campus in Mill Valley, Calif., according to a news release. The district is partnering with Quattrocchi Kwok Architects (QKA) and Lathrop Construction Associates for the Science Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) and Music Buildings, both replacing their outdated counterparts.

  • ALAS Announces 2025–26 Award Winners

    The Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (ALAS) recently announced the winners of its 2025–26 leadership awards, according to a news release. Winners will be recognized at the ALAS 22nd National Summit on Education, scheduled for Oct. 15–17 in Chicago, Ill.

  • University of Kansas Opens $400M Football Stadium Reconstruction

    The University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kan., recently announced that the $400-million reconstruction of David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium is complete in time for the 2025 football season, according to a news release. The university partnered with Turner Construction Company on the project.

  • Tennessee State University Gains Approval for New Engineering Facility

    Tennessee State University in Nashville, Tenn., recently announced that it has received approval from the Tennessee State Building Commission to build a new engineering building on campus, according to a university news release. The 70,000-square-foot, $50-million facility will play home to the university’s engineering programs and the Applied & Industrial Technology program.