We spoke to Jess Thompson, Account Manager at Shaw Contract, about the benefits of careful product selection and the improvements that can be unlocked in the workspace, with a focus on design and key considerations relating to COVID-19.
Q: Visual cues presented through clever use of flooring can be a great way to help reinforce social distancing and provide guidance to staff. How is Shaw Contract working with its clients to assist in creating COVID secure offices?
A: We understand that a “new normal” is beginning to evolve in terms of how we work and how we communicate. Keeping apart while working together is a challenge. Modular flooring solutions are an ideal way of helping channel traffic through a space and create zoning.
We will need to become mono-directional to promote proper distancing. Flooring cues can designate directionality: chevron installations and unique colour patterns for example can help guide the way. We have also developed directional tiles which can be dropped into an existing install. Meanwhile installing modular carpet tile as rugs over hardwood or LVT provides a temporary solution for physical distancing – providing visual cues through changes in colour and texture.
We created a special Workbook and Ideas Starter flooring leaflet for designers – you can find out more on our website here http://www.shawcontract.com/en-GB/About/Return-to-Work
Q: With enhanced cleaning regimens, durability and resilience will be the key considerations when choosing new products and materials in office design. What are some of the key considerations in choosing a resilient flooring product?
A: While floors have traditionally been considered a low touch environmental surface, we understand that many will want to explore interim cleaning and disinfection options in the current circumstances. Our flooring products are designed to be easy to clean and survive tough commercial use applications. Our Shaw Contract Technical Manager for EMEA, Darren Silver advises that routine and proper maintenance is the foundation for a clean floor. Understanding the correct cleaning regimes for modular flooring such as carpet tiles, and those for resilient flooring is a key first step.
When choosing resilient flooring products, it is important to consider the environment they will be specified for. For example our Rigid Core LVT collection called Concrete + Composed features our ExoGuard (TM) finish which adds resistance to scratching, staining and abrasion. It has also been tested for very heavy commercial use – Pass Class 34. Resilient flooring that perform in environments with heavy static and rolling loads are important to consider for the workplace.
Q: Another concern in today’s office surrounds air quality. How can flooring contribute towards the quality of air in the workspace?
A: We believe that even one small thing can have a big impact. At Shaw Contract we actively work to evaluate each component of our products to ensure the health and wellbeing of building occupants. Choosing the right material ingredients is key to indoor air quality and comfort – we now spend 90% of our time indoors.
Tests such as Certified for low VOCs with FloorScore® – the most recognised indoor air quality (IAQ) certification standard for hard surface flooring materials, adhesives, and underlayments are key. All our product ranges for the EMEA region are also tested and achieve A+ for the Emission Dans L’air Interieur: VOC regulation for construction and furnishing products.
Q: What are some of the long-term trends you are seeing in workspace design at the moment?
A: We see today’s designers and specifiers looking for solutions that deliver on material health, disassembly, circularity and value to help create interior workspaces that both inspire and embrace sustainability and wellbeing. This trend is a long-term.
The popular resi-mercial look that we have seen adopted in workspaces over the past few years continues to resonate as a trend. It taps into an emotional connection to home, and is about comfort and wellbeing, warmth, softness and a profound sense of place. But as we are finding now a sense of space is being replaced by a sense of safe so this trend continues to appeal. Our carpet tile collections, made in the UK, Suited and Haven perfectly meet this trend with pattern references to timeless textiles and carefully chosen colour palettes.
Q: What are some of the design themes Shaw Contract is seeing as we start to emerge from lockdown that we should look out for?
A: Our EMEA Design Manager, Kerry Deffley, says trend reports are predicting some interesting colour choices post-COVID lockdown which summarised are about restorative colour. These include colours to enhance wellbeing – tones to create a clean, hygienic feel. While pale and dusty pastel tones associated with calm and comfort are being introduced.
Nourishing earth tones are also on trend, with plant-based colours to help us reconnect with nature and the outdoors. We are also likely to see colours to enhance wellbeing by embracing fun and joy – brights such as reds, oranges, lime green and cobalt blue – as accents colour and to zone floor spaces.
If you need help choosing the right products or re-designing your workspace, contact one of our experts on 0207 251 9111 or via info@formfitout.co.uk.