Exceptional design combined with outstanding durability – why flocked flooring is the perfect textile solution for the education sector
Looking for the perfect flooring solution, one that not only prioritises outstanding practicality and durabiltiy but also offers a wide range of designs? Here, Donna Hannaway, Head of Marketing UK and Ireland at Forbo Flooring Systems discusses all things digital printing and flocked flooring…
As one of the largest surfaces in any building, the choice of flooring can have a significant impact on the overall design scheme, and so ensuring a flooring solution hits all the criteria needed for your education space is essential. As well as ticking the boxes for functionality, implementing a design that inspires can help influence the desired mood or feel of a space.
Think primary schools, secondary schools, universities, colleges and even student accommodations - all spaces within the education sector and yet the specific demands of each can vary significantly. Knowing how each individual space will be used, what activities will take place, whether there are certain safety requirements, a greater demand for acoustic or hygienic properties or even just a need for more colour to inspire students, will all factor into the decision around flooring.
Partnerships for Schools has developed specification guidance for flooring finishes in schools[1], with the main beneficial properties being acoustics, colour, pattern and contrast, hygiene, slip-resistance and durability. With numerous criteria to meet, it can be overwhelming when searching for the right flooring solution for each area.
One type of floor covering that is growing in popularity, particularly within the education space, is flocked flooring.
Design
With the ever-evolving world of technology and the rise of digital printing, design options for flooring have never been more flexible. In today’s modern education sector, aesthetically pleasing visuals are in greater demand, with increasing research into the impact that colour and design can have not only on mood, well-being and productivity levels, but in navigating spaces and wayfinding around a building.
Let’s talk design possibilities for primary and secondary schools. Used correctly, colour and pattern can promote a focused learning approach in classroom spaces, or instead be used to clearly distinguish areas for play time in others. Digital printing means that zoning can be made much easier, with the possibility of printing play mats or other playful themes directly onto the floor. Incorporating attractive visuals can be a massive advantage for primary schools, particularly given the age of children passing through, aiding the development of cognitive performance and creative abilities[2]. With the amount of time children spend playing, learning and sitting on the floor, it is important that design choice supports both learning and exploration of imagination.
For colleges and universities, they too can have different areas serving a variety of functions. From lecture halls to student accommodation, the interiors can have a significant impact on the space. Like primary and secondary schools, the flooring specified in lecture halls, classrooms, libraries and study hubs should follow design schemes that help promote focused learning, inspire creativity and reduce stress. While purpose-built student accommodation developments have seen a notable shift from the functional to the luxurious, with the aim of creating a welcoming and contemporary environment that attracts potential students.
Flocked flooring combines durability with ultimate design freedom. Unlike typical tufted textile solutions, such as carpets, that have a loop pile construction, a flocked construction can contain millions of nylon fibres per square metre, providing the perfect base for digital printing and with greater levels of definition with the comfort and benefits of a typical carpet.
Explore flocked collections that are available in different formats, including sheets, tiles, planks and adhesive-free options. With the ability to mix and match laying patterns, from herringbone to chevron or brick, maximising design opportunities has never been easier. Now available in designs influenced by not only natural elements, like concrete and wood, but also geometric themes and visuals, there are options to suit a variety of education spaces.
Acoustics and comfort
Education environments demand a lot from their flooring. Not only design but acoustics and comfort too – two qualities that are typically associated with traditional carpet tiles. Opting to source a flocked solution introduces a flooring that blends the functional properties of a hard flooring with the warmth and comfort of a carpet. Not only contributing to outstanding underfoot comfort but also reduced impact sound. With excellent acoustic properties, flocked flooring is perfect for fostering productive spaces for students, as well as being the optimal choice for multi-occupancy buildings like student accommodations.
Classrooms and hallways are known for being typically loud and difficult to control noise, with school children not always willing to lower their volume, but that’s not the only problem. Many schools were built in an era (20th Century) where acoustic performance was not as well understood as it currently is. Through studies conducted, research shows that students sat further back in classrooms hear just 50% of their teacher’s words, undoubtedbly affecting academic performance[3]. This sets a clear precedent as to why it is so important to establish greater acoustic performance. Now with flooring solutions having the ability to improve levels of in-room sound absorption and impact sound reduction, these issues can be tackled. Particulalry in secondary and upward school environments where it is typical to see classrooms above other classrooms, the need to reduce this impact sound is key.
Durability and Cleanability
With flocked flooring’s exceptional durability, achieved through a density of up to 80 million nylon 6.6 fibres per square metre, and the hard-wearing endurance needed for the education sector, the specification choice couldn’t be more relevant.
With downtime and opportunities for maintenance often limited to the school holidays, it is essential that materials and finishes are built to last. The flooring specified should be able to tolerate spillages, scuffs, heavy traffic and the movement of furniture without appearing worn or tired. Here again flocked flooring delivers, combining the durability of a hard floor with textile comfort. With a simple cleaning process of just soap and water, the use of harsh chemicals can be avoided, particularly advantageous when the floor covering may be used by young children learning and playing. Easy to maintain and with beneficial hygienic properties, it remains the optimal textile flooring choice for the education sector.
Indoor Comfort
When sourcing a flooring solution, whether it be for schools or universities, opting for a flooring that has improved slip resistance and is certified for allergy protection, should be another priority. Flocked flooring is perfect for creating a comfortable environment that combines safety, practicality and design. With new educational and environmental policies highlighting the need to promote the use of non-polluting materials in the construction and renovation process[4], carefully specifying flooring materials has become much more of a necessity. This is even more relevant in school environments where children are in constant, close proximity to flooring solutions, meaning the importance of minimising VOC and maintaining good indoor air quality has never been greater.
With this in mind, consider looking for flooring that has been given the Allergy UK Seal of Approval, contributing to that greater indoor air quality.
Flotex Planks – Forbo’s offering
Flotex is Forbo Flooring Systems’ unique flocked textile flooring solution that combines durability with the warmth of carpet. The latest addition to the collection is Flotex Planks. This modular, textile flooring helps to create inspiring and creative spaces through the combination of colours and pattern, a robust structure and long-term durability. The collection offers 16 unique designs and with a plank size of 100x25 cm, installation is easy within any environment, including the education sector.
With excellent slip-resistance in wet and dry conditions, certified with Allergy UK’s prestigious Seal of Approval and both easy to clean and quick drying, it is the perfect choice for ensuring the safety and comfort of students and staff. There to help combat against the noisy corridors of schools and student halls with an outstanding rating of 21db impact sound reduction, it promotes a focused, relaxed learning approach.
Learn more about what Flotex Planks can offer here: www.forbo-flooring.co.uk/flotex
[1] https://www.partnershipsforschools.org.uk/documents/library/BSF-archive/SSLD_2_Floor_finishes.pdf
[2] https://www.flooringsurgeons.co.uk/blog/how-floor-colors-affect-childrens-focus-and-creativity/
[3] https://sound-zero.com/can-poor-acoustics-affect-attainment-in-schools/
[4] https://www.synox.io/en/smart-city-en/air-management-in-schools-improved-health-and-school-performance/