Learning On Solid Ground

Hørning at the London School of Economics

Education is not just about what happens inside the classroom, but also about the quality of the spaces that frame learning. The London School of Economics’ (LSE) Centre Building, designed by Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners, is a model for how architecture can shape environments that inspire knowledge-sharing, collaboration and wellbeing.

With its BREEAM Outstanding certification, the project is widely regarded as a benchmark for modern and sustainable educational architecture. Every detail has been carefully considered to balance functionality, aesthetics and environmental responsibility.

Flooring with Purpose

At the heart of this approach lies the choice of materials. For the Centre Building, Hørning’s Solid Line in FSC®-certified oak was selected to meet the project’s ambitious standards. Flooring plays an essential role in both atmosphere and performance, and Solid Line offered the perfect fit: robust, expressive and able to withstand the demands of heavy daily traffic.

The panels were delivered pre-finished, ensuring consistency in tone and surface quality while reducing installation time on site. This efficiency supported the broader sustainability goals of the project, cutting down waste and optimising resources.

Certified for Health and Comfort

Indoor climate was a top priority at LSE, and Solid Line Oak met this need with its Indoor Air Comfort Gold certification. This guarantees ultra-low VOC emissions, supporting healthier learning environments – a vital factor in spaces designed for concentration, collaboration and long-term use.

A Benchmark for School Design

The Centre Building is more than a home for one of the world’s most prestigious universities; it is a statement about how we should design the schools of tomorrow. By integrating natural, durable materials such as oak flooring, Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners created a place where design, performance and sustainability are inseparable.

For us at Hørning, it is a privilege to see our floors contribute to educational spaces that will shape the next generation of thinkers, leaders and innovators.