Small Steps

When charity, Small Steps, secured its new home in the heart of Richmond, it required a warm and welcoming interior environment that would support children living with physical disabilities and their families. Providing the perfect natural canvas, Forbo Flooring Systems’ linoleum brand, Marmoleum, was installed throughout the purpose-built facility.

Spread over three floors of a former office building on Worple Way, the 517 m² site that Small Steps now calls home, was funded through a generous donation. The entire design team – which included JTP Architects, Robert Bird & Partners, MTT Consultants, ISG Ltd, PIP Building Services and P2 Design – worked together, many on a pro bono or reduced fee basis to complete the refurbishment for the charity.

Peter Reid, Director at P2 Design, commented: “Small Steps provides specialist help and support to parents who have children living with physical disabilities. It is a space for them to come with their children and work on areas of development, whether that is sitting, standing, eating, talking and drinking – things that most of us take for granted. As most of the children are principally floor-based, comfort was key, but the design also needed to provide inspiration and stimulation.



“The whole building embraces colour and light and Forbo’s Marmoleum was the perfect fit for the project thanks to its wide design possibilities, exceptional durability and sustainability credentials. Central to the Small Steps building is the ‘hub’, which is an area for families to meet and socialise over tea and biscuits. As orange is the principal colour of the scheme, reflecting the charity’s corporate colour, we used the striking marble effect of Marmoleum Fresco in Marigold to create a powerful accent in the floor design. This was combined with the Orange Shimmer colourway from the Marmoleum Concrete range, a neutral concrete with a flash of colour that shimmers through the surface. The flooring really injects a lease of life into the facility.”