OFFICE & WORKSPACE
SILENT STRENGTH
Flooring solutions specialist Interface explores how LVT can play a vital role in office design.
As offices continue to adapt and change to accommodate employees, it’s imperative for flooring to support various workplace needs. With sound reduction, durability and aesthetics all being necessary considerations when fitting a workspace, luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) offer an accessible, sustainable solution in promoting serenity and productivity in the office.
THE IMPACT OF SOUND ON PRODUCTIVITY
One aspect that needs to be considered when choosing flooring products is how well it reduces sound. Without proper consideration, the workplace can easily become a loud, over- stimulating environment, especially in high-traffic areas such as kitchens and reception areas. While carpet tiles can be a great option in mitigating sound pollution, it is not always the most practical option in areas that need to be frequently cleaned and maintained.
LVT flooring can drastically help to reduce sound impact, and Interface’s Sound Choice+ acoustic backing is able to reduce sound by up to 19dB, compared to only 1 – 6dB of typical hard flooring surfaces. This feature becomes particularly valuable in heavily populated spaces, such as open-plan offices.
THE DURABLE CHOICE
As well as its sound-reducing capabilities, choosing LVT can be a step in the right direction in achieving sustainability goals. LVT
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has long been held in high regard due to its ability to withstand scrapes and scuffs, and this durability offers more than aesthetic benefits, reducing the need for replacements and refits – which means lower costs and lower emissions.
When selecting LVT, it is important to consider the extra benefits of some types. A strengthened core, for example, can offer greater flexibility and stability which can reduce wear and tear. Here, contractors should keep an eye out for features such as ceramic bead coatings, like Interface’s Ceramor+. Ceramor+ meets R10 and provides a pendulum rating of 36+ in dry and wet conditions, making LVT slip and trip resistant while reducing the potential of scratches and damage. Identifying these benefits can make sure the products being installed are best suited for each project.
SUSTAINABILITY MADE ACCESSIBLE
With businesses increasingly recognising and planning for more sustainable practice, it is necessary for facility managers to prioritise the sustainability credentials of workspaces and have re-use options to reduce impact on the environment.
While LVT is durable, and therefore does not need to be frequently replaced, the typical tile-by-tile installation allows for a flexible solution that reduces waste compared to other flooring options. When individual tiles become damaged, spare tiles can be used to replace them. As well as being a convenient and cost-effective solution, this ease of replacement helps to minimise waste.
VINYL THOUGHTS
As workplaces continue to evolve and develop, it’s imperative to embrace the changing priorities of employees. Spaces must be designed with a productive work environment in mind, while also actively contributing to organisational sustainability goals. Although striking the right balance between these objectives may feel like a complex task, LVT can offer sound reduction without compromising on sustainability.
www.interface.com/GB/en-GB/collections/lasting-impressions
www.tomorrowscontractfloors.co.uk
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