The pace of change in the learning environment means that aesthetics and technical performance, together with maintenance and whole-life costs, are now topping the specification agenda - and presenting new challenges for flooring manufacturers.

Education premises are varied and often complex sites and floors throughout any school or college have diverse needs that not only differ from area to area but also depend on the age of pupils, expected activity and traffic levels. One floor fits all is no longer a viable response.

Which is why forward thinking producers such as leading commercial flooring manufacturer Polyflor devote considerable time and effort to addressing these demands, working closely with specifiers and designers to develop and supply floorcoverings which satisfy specific end use requirements.

Two recent examples include the introduction of the Polyflor Acoustic Solutions Collection and the launch of a multipurpose sports floor.

Excessive noise in classrooms and corridors can impede learning – as indicated by the more stringent sound insulation regulations now in force. Recognising that acoustic flooring is a contributory factor in noise reduction, Polyflor has developed two attractive timber and stone effect sheet vinyl ranges - Gallery FX Acoustic and Forest FX Acoustic - alongside its established Acoustifoam system to meet the requirements of Building Regulation Part E.

Polyflor Sport multipurpose indoor sports flooring has also been developed largely for the schools market. Polyflor Sport 67, and heavier gauge Polyflor Sport 80, each provide the underfoot resilience and long life demanded by such high traffic applications and are suitable for a wide range of sporting activities including football, tennis, netball and basketball. Both can be installed over concrete, or on cradle and batten systems, and line markings can be applied as required.

Innovative as these new products may be, however, they represent only the latest in Polyflor’s efforts to rise to the challenges of the modern educational environment. These efforts have already transformed the decorative possibilities, performance and maintenance of heavy duty sheet vinyls, decorative rubber and specialist safety floors for kitchens, changing areas, showers and pool surrounds - as well as seeing nationwide use of the company’s facilities for creating inset school logos, nursery rhyme characters and similar decoration.

All aimed at helping to ensure that schools and colleges continue their development as better, brighter and safer places for staff and students alike.

Tel: 0161-767 1111
Fax: 0161-767 1128
www.polyflor.com
Email: info@polyflor.com

Printer friendly version

Email this article to a friend