The Architecture of a Tailor
For this artistic apartment, Liquidfloors collaborated with Norwegian partner Michelsens Interior. Located in the beautiful city of Bergen, this apartment is the home of international fashion designer T-Michael. As a designer, he was deeply involved in the concept and material selection himself.
The Right Cast Floor for the Right Project
We asked Nina Michelsens why she chose Liquidfloors for this particular project.
Nina: “We had seen Liquidfloors' products at various trade fairs over the years. At one point, we reached out and asked if we could bring the product to Norway. Of course, we needed a strong first project to launch with. When this renovation with T-Michael came along, we immediately knew it was the perfect project to introduce Liquidfloors to the Norwegian market.”
Miguel: “I love what this floor does to the space. It makes everything feel more open and light!”
Michael: “It’s magnificent, don’t you think? The way the light plays... it brings in a clarity that would have been completely lost with a darker floor. The light bounces back upward, making everything feel so much softer.”
A Tropical Underfoot Feeling
Nina: “Part of it is the visual, but the other part is the sensation. You really need to experience what it's like to walk on Mellow, especially barefoot!”
Miguel: “Skin contact and walking comfort are key characteristics. You need to feel it to fully understand. In our showrooms, we sometimes ask people to take off their shoes and just walk across the floor. It really helps them connect with the material.”
Michael: “It feels completely different than other floors. A friend of mine described it as the sensation you get when walking barefoot in a tropical country. It's not cold, it's not warm — it’s just right. Most floors in Scandinavia are either too cold or too warm.”
Nina: “It also has this futuristic quality. It’s really something else.”
Miguel: “I know what you mean. It has that soft but present vibe, especially in the lighter shades.”
Michael: “Do people often choose darker shades?”
Miguel: “Yes, we offer a wide range of colours, and dark tones are definitely part of that. We recently completed a project with a black bathroom where the bathtub was seamlessly integrated with the floor using the same material. The result was stunning.”
Michael (laughs): “No way! I see a future project coming!”
Eco-Conscious and durable
It’s fascinating to hear how Michael connects the material choices in his home with his own fashion designs. Where do the parallels lie?
Michael: “Materials are crucial to me. When I choose fabrics, there’s usually something that speaks to me. A home should reflect its inhabitants. To understand that, we have to go back a bit. I sourced Douglas fir wood from Canada, reclaimed from an old bridge. We used that same wood for our flagship store in Tokyo. My contact still had some of it, so I bought it to use in my flat. That was the idea, until I spoke to Michelsens, and they immediately said, ‘No, Michael, no! We have just the right floor for you, trust us.’ (laughs) And now I’m so glad I didn’t go with the bridge wood! It would’ve made for a great story, but the Mellow floor fits this space so much, so much better.”
“I appreciate ecological products. But for me, sustainability is also deeply tied to technology. Just like we do at Norwegian Rain, we choose high-quality fabrics for our raincoats that withstand harsh weather and the test of time. It’s all about finding the right balance between tradition and innovation. And that, to me, defines true sustainability. Liquidfloors seems to have found that balance perfectly.”
Nina: “The detail in Michael’s designs often lies in the stitching or buttons hidden on the inside of a suit or jacket. He always adds those subtle elements that make all the difference. For us, it’s much the same, it’s in the materials, the hinges, the handles. In the end, everything has to come together.”
Michael: “That’s what resonates with people. That’s what makes people fall in love with a creation. It’s about getting the elements just right. It’s about balance.”
Easy Maintenance of a Cast Floor
Nina, how do these floors fit into your designs as an interior architect?
Nina: “A floor is the foundation of every project. And this Mellow floor is the complete opposite of what Michael usually works with — he often uses dark woods. So when we chose the light cast floor, we also introduced this curved dark panel to balance it. The dominant design element in the apartment is a wall of wood veneer that flows organically through the space. It adds structure and clarity while keeping every room functional. All the technical installations are integrated into that wooden form.”
Michael: “It’s a work of art. Monumental. And it creates a beautiful contrast with the subtle Liquid Floor.”
Miguel, can you say something about maintenance and durability?
Miguel: “When first installed, the floor has a soft, matte finish. Over time, it develops a subtle patina that makes it even more beautiful. It’s also a very strong material — as you can see here, there are no visible signs of wear even after over a year of use.”
“Another key advantage is that after many years, the floor can be refreshed very easily. It’s just a matter of renewing the top layer, which only adds about 1 mm of height. We can even switch colours if desired — no demolition, no waste, no hassle.”
Michael: “Miguel, how do I maintain this floor?”
Miguel: “Just clean it with water. If you see any stains or grease, we have our own maintenance products that work beautifully. But it’s important not to use too much soap. The floor doesn’t absorb dirt or liquids, so there’s really no need for heavy-duty cleaners.”"
Mellow as a Canvas for the Interior
What do you think of Scandinavian style?
Miguel: “I really love Scandinavian design with all the wood and natural tones. But I also believe our seamless floors help those materials shine even more. They provide a soft contrast without overpowering the space. A seamless floor doesn’t scream for attention, but it allows every object to come alive in its own way.”
Michael, what effect does the floor have on the atmosphere and how does it support the architecture?
Michael: “I see the floor as a kind of canvas, a foundation on which I place the pieces I’ve collected over the years. This space tells the story of my life. I’m not trying to create a minimalist home where things exist only because they look good — every object here plays a role in completing my life. And this floor gives them all a kind of harmony. Again, it truly is a canvas for me.”
