Boise State University Bronco Shop

THE CHALLENGE

Boise State University is a metropolitan doctoral research institution and home to more than 24,000 students. The Bronco Shop, the university bookstore and retail store, is visited by students, families, alumni, friends and fans of the university and is the hub of Boise State’s student union. What was once a commuter school has transformed into a rapidly growing institution, growth that prompted the university to rebrand. As a result, The Bronco Shop required a retrofit to match the school’s new brand identity.

With two separate entrances, one from inside the student union and the other from the street, the priority of the remodel was to make the bookstore and the retail area, formerly separate spaces, feel like one cohesive space. “We wanted the aesthetic of the space to be elevated, but remain ‘no frills,’” Boise State Senior Designer, Architectural & Engineering Services Kylene Collette said. Before the remodel, the flooring in the space was a combination of concrete and carpet. “There was no sense of connectivity to the space. We wanted to use different finishes to define clear walkways and join the two spaces together,” Collette added.

Due to the uneven concrete that had been poured in different areas at different times, the team had concerns about the amount and cost of subfloor preparation. Durability was an additional concern, as The Bronco Shop is a popular destination for students, families and visitors – especially during football season. “Foot traffic aside, this is a retail environment, so displays and fixtures are constantly being moved and rearranged,” Collette said.

Sector: Education | Retail
Client: Boise State University 
Location: Boise, Idaho
Designer: Kylene Collette
Area: 9,500ft²
Product: Korlok Select collection, Washed Velvet Ash RKP8102 and Washed Grey Ash RKP8104

THE SOLUTION

When the area Karndean Designflooring Commercial Business Manager stopped by for a design consultation, Collette was impressed with the Korlok Select rigid core collection. “It had the longest commercial warranty by far of any of the flooring we were considering,” Collette said. In addition to its 15-year commercial warranty, Korlok Select is manufactured with a 20mil wear layer that can withstand the hustle and bustle of busy weekends in the store, along with frequent floor set changes. Due to its waterproof K-Core technology, Korlok Select was able to be installed directly over the existing concrete subfloors, no adhesive or extensive preparation necessary.

Collette and team selected two neutral Korlok Select colors with a contemporary wash that allows the school’s blue and orange colors to pop, while also matching the updated Bronco Shop aesthetic. Washed Velvet Ash and Washed Grey Ash are carried throughout the bookstore and gift store, used to create pathways that guide students and customers from one end of the store to the other and to zone different merchandising areas.

THE RESULTS

Because Korlok does not require any adhesive, not only were the floors able to be laid throughout the school term, but during regular bookstore hours. “The installation went much faster than we had expected and because the product didn’t need adhesive, we didn’t need to worry about closing the store,” Collette said.

With the retrofit completed, the floors continue to impress students, faculty and visitors. “For not being real wood, the product looks very realistic and high-end,” Collette said.

Korlok Select Product Specifications

Download the full Korlok Select rigid core technical data.

Explore the Korlok Select collection.

*Subject to terms
**Slip resistance is measured on ex-factory product. Slip resistance can be affected by surface contamination, use and how the product is maintained
*** (6” Concrete Slab w/Drop Ceiling)