For flooring manufacturer Shaw Contract, sustainability is more than using recycled materials and more than manufacturing in a carbon-neutral factory. The company challenges architects to look at sustainability in a holistic way. In doing so, Shaw identifies five factors that combine to make flooring contribute to health and wellness.
Shaw Contract makes carpet tiles in its own factory in Scotland, has offices and showrooms in Oosterhout, Paris, Dubai and London and its headquarters in Cartersville USA. Marketing Director Samantha Dawe says, "We are finding that occupant comfort is becoming increasingly important, including for architects. The office should be a pleasant place to go. Similarly, a school should be perceived as a pleasant place to learn. Well-considered decisions about flooring choices and the combination with other finishes contribute to a comfortable, productive space."
Dawe cites acoustics as the first factor. "We often work and learn in large open spaces. Good acoustics are then very important. Carpet tiles can contribute to this by creating a space where you like to sit and work quietly." All of Shaw Contract's carpet tiles have an acoustical rating. In addition, the manufacturer developed the patented ComfortWorx® backing. This is made for 90% from recycled plastic bottles and improves both acoustic comfort and the feel underfoot through a cushioning effect.
"Underfoot Comfort is the second factor for a pleasant environment. If you have to stand for an extended period of time, such as when working at a sit/stand desk, it is important that a floor covering feels comfortable and provides support."
Since the corona pandemic, we have become increasingly aware of the importance of good ventilation. Good air quality has become even more important, according to Shaw, since more than 90% of time is spent indoors. "Materials play a big role when it comes to indoor air quality. Our products are Indoor Air Comfort Gold certified. This guarantees that they meet low product emission requirements." Cleaning with chemical products can also affect air quality, Dawe says. "With regular maintenance of our carpet tiles, cleaning with hot water is sufficient."
"Color can be considered important in two different ways. First, how it makes us feel. We know that color can be calming or activating. This is important knowledge because in a work or learning environment we are dealing with Neurodiversity (the variety of brain effects such as dyslexia, autism and ADHD, ed). So the choice of color is related to the users of a space. Also important is how color and light affect each other. Using contrast makes navigating a space easier, even for people with visual problems. Light reflection values are therefore part of the technical data we offer."
All these different factors come together in the latest carpet tile collection Shifting Fields. The collection is inspired by nature. It uses Shaw's 100% recycled EcoSolution Q100 fiber. The 50 x 50 cm carpet tile comes in three styles: Plains, Landing and Landing Edge. Plains is available in nine nature-inspired colors. The Landing Edge tiles, come in six colors and transition from one hue to another. Finally, the stone and earth inspired Landing tile comes in three colors. Together, the tiles can create subtle transitions in color and pattern.
Neem dan rechtstreeks contact op met Shaw Contract.