An H.J. Martin project was honored at the 14th Annual Starnet Design Awards (SDA) Ceremony, held April 11 in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.  The Madison (Wis.) Central Public Library was named as the Silver Award winner in the Hospitality-Public Space category.

The work of H.J. Martin & Son on the Children’s Reading Room of Madison Public Library finished second among 40 total entries in the Hospitality-Public Space division.

“We are honored to receive this award from Starnet, especially in light of how competitive the field was,” says H.J. Martin CEO Edward Martin.  “The Children’s Reading Room at the Madison Public Library was a unique project that we were excited to work on.”

On a large scale, the worn, 45-year old Madison Central Public Library with one million visitors annually was transformed into a completely reimagined building, including the new, lower-level Children’s Reading Room.  Immediately noticeable in the children’s area is the flooring, which through vibrant colors evokes the image of an open meadow.  The flooring scheme consists of eight individual shades throughout, featuring an intriguing pattern to ignite any child’s imagination.

Another highlight is three cheerfully decorated reading nooks nestled in the walls, exuding comfort for young readers.  Key to the success of the nooks was blending masterful engineering and a tactical design that featured unique sizing and flooring – flooring that ultimately was adhered to the nook walls and ceilings.  The nooks light up when a child enters them.

A variety of Starnet products were used on the project by the 10 H.J. Martin installers, working on linoleum, rubber and carpet tile under the direction of Josh Charles and on-site foreman Nick Mooren.  Extensive time and craftsmanship were required on this project, including the construction of templates specifically for it.

The Starnet Design Awards each year spotlight the innovative use of flooring in commercial design.  The winning projects are selected by a panel of Architectural and Design professionals.

Starnet represents more than 170 locally owned, full-service flooring contractors throughout North America.  H.J. Martin is one of three Starnet members in Wisconsin.

H.J. Martin’s work on the Madison Public Library also shared Bronze in the People’s Choice Awards.  In their second year, the People’s Choice Awards are voted on by Starnet members, vendor partners and members of the industry press.

Click on any of the photos below to view a photo gallery from the Madison Public Library project.