DOMOTEX INNOVATION
Barthélemy, CEO of Tarkett, France said its Human Conscious Design is a “commitment to create fl ooring and sports surfaces that are good for people and for the planet. And to do it every day”. Egner explained: “In an increasingly digital world, LED fl oors open up brand new possibilities: They extend the stage into the room and transform arenas, venues or event spaces into multifunctional experience spaces... interactive surfaces like these will be an integral part of sports and entertainment areas in the future.”
DATA TECH GIVES EARLY WEAR-AND-TEAR WARNINGS Amber Stromberg at Kiefer USA, was equally succinct. She added: “With a focus on materials that are both eco-friendly and performance enhancing, the upcoming years are set to introduce groundbreaking changes in the way tennis courts, artifi cial turf, and baseball fi elds are designed and maintained. Traditional wood fl ooring has long been a staple when it comes to sports hall surfaces, thanks to its durability and aesthetic appeal. The likes of maple and oak have a natural resilience, allowing for excellent shock absorption and providing athletes with a secure footing and, therefore, reducing the risk of injury. But they need signifi cant upkeep, including regular sanding and refi nishing, to maintain their performance and appearance.” That’s one of the reasons why the rubber-composite alternatives have gained such ground. Rubber tiles, both slip-resistant and shock absorbing, can be said to off er a safer alternative, particularly in gym settings where weights are used. Other advancements such as polymer technology have produced surfaces with improved traction and reduced environmental impact. And innovations such as EPDM fl ooring, have become popular because of their durability and aesthetic customisation. And with sustainability in mind, natural rubber and recycled wood have naturally come to the forefront, off ering renewable and repurposed alternatives to traditional materials. Natural rubber, derived from rubber trees, and recycled wood, often sourced from reclaimed timber, off ers a second life to
materials that would otherwise go to waste. Then there are sustainable paints that use low-VOC (volatile organic compounds), minimising harmful emissions, with recycled underlays, eco-friendly adhesives and new biodegradable coatings that break down naturally. Multi-sport venues now benefi t
greatly from smart fl ooring, which can adapt to diff erent sports by modifying traction, cushioning, and performance feedback. These advanced fl oors are designed to adjust based on the sport being played, providing the ideal surface for the diff ering demands.
WITH A FOCUS ON MATERIALS THAT ARE BOTH ECO-FRIENDLY AND PERFORMANCE-ENHANCING, THE UPCOMING YEARS ARE SET TO INTRODUCE GROUND -BREAKING CHANGES
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QUO TE
Amber Stromberg | Kiefer, USA
For squash specifi cally, specially cushioned maple fl oor systems allow for consistent ball rebound while providing the right amount of fl exibility for the demands of start-and-stop gameplay. Field- tested, high-performance systems eff ectively absorb shock and minimise sound and vibration, critical factors in confi ned spaces. But of course, one of the biggest challenges is keeping fl ooring in top condition. Smart fl oors address this by monitoring wear and tear in high-traffi c areas, providing facility managers with data-driven insights about when maintenance is needed before problems become visible or dangerous.
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