SB 4150 Web

Walls, Floors & Ceilings
Forbo’s new Sph era Energetic adds colour to the curriculum
Sphera Energetic
50207 denim, 50210
mandarin & 51212
vivid elephant
Hot on the heels of its very first homogeneous vinyl collection,
produced in a new state-of-the-art production facility, Forbo
Flooring Systems has now launched a second range: Sphera
Energetic. Reflecting the latest education trend colours, and with low
emissions and high LRVs, this new phthalate free collection will contribute
towards a stimulating, yet healthy indoor environment for any educational
establishment.
Forbo’s Sphera Energetic is a bold and exciting new range that challenges
traditional flooring design in the education sector. End users are presented
with a fresh and playful colour proposition consisting of 52 shades: 41 ‘flecked’
colours alongside 11 complementary ‘vivid’ hues, which feature corresponding
highlight chips to create an integrated flooring solution. The colour options
are ideal for zoning and way-finding through corridors as the palette has been
designed with intrinsic tint combinations to create stand out and inspiring
flooring schemes.
Janet Lowe, Head of Marketing UK and Ireland at Forbo Flooring Systems
commented: “The new Sphera Energetic range delivers an exciting proposition
for educational design: a stylish and contemporary yet wholly practical flooring solution. Benefitting from the SMART-top finish, the new
collection is resistant to chemicals, scratches and stains, making it ideal for busy classroom areas and corridors.
“What’s more, the colour palette offers high Light Reflectance Value (LRV) ratings, which will help you to maximise any form of lighting within a
building – helping you to create a better and healthier environment for pupils and staff. It is also phthalate free and has very low emissions of
10ug/m2 after 28 days.”
Sphera Energetic is manufactured using SMART (Sustainable Modern Advanced Robust Technology) technology; the in-line coating and
subsequent embossing process results in superior appearance and durability, which sees the collection achieving the highest abrasion wear
rating group T (tested to EN660-2).
www.forbo-flooring.co.uk/spheraenergetic
Inspiring the next generation with colour in carpet
Bob Mortimer, UK & Ireland Sales Manager at Heckmondwike FB, discusses how schools are
carefully choosing their floorcoverings to enhance the learning environment and
attainment levels of pupils.
“The results of the HEAD project* which studied the impact of their indoor environment on over
3,700 pupils across 153 classrooms and 27 diverse schools revealed a very clear link between
children’s academic performance in reading, writing and maths and the physical characteristics of
the classroom. It was found that these characteristics affected learning progress by 16%. There
were found to be some very clear factors that contribute to improved learning and design in the
classroom, one of which was use of colour, which was found to stimulate pupils’ learning abilities.
In the last few years, we have recognised a trend for schools to move away from neutral colours,
such as greys, to more colourful shades, like red and orange. Schools are also choosing accents of
colour to be integrated within a classroom space and are using carpet for demarcation instead of
barriers or partitions. Colourful carpet is being utilised to mark out specific zones, for breakout
spaces and reading areas, creating a stimulating and aesthetically pleasing environment.
Supacord remains one of the most popular carpets for schools, not least because it is available in
the most comprehensive choice of 42 colours. It is renowned for being able to withstand heavy
wear and tear, retaining its aesthetics and performance for many years.
Schools are also choosing colourful carpet for their entrance areas too, as we offer the option of
integrating bespoke logos and customised shades. Some schools also opt to have their school branding or ethos integrated within their
entrance area carpet to add impact and reinforce the values of the school as soon as pupils or visitors walk through the door.
With this latest study showing a clear link between good design and pupil achievement, it is essential to get the floor covering right. With
an endless choice within our Supacord range, schools can create the perfect learning environment – starting with the floor.”
For more information contact Heckmondwike FB on 01924 406 161 or visit the website.
www.heckmondwike-fb.co.uk
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Summer 2O17 4150