With social distancing in effect until further notice and, like many other institutions, schools must adapt to the ‘new normal’. Interior design within classrooms and workspaces need to change to allow improved hygiene and personal space. There is a lot of debate over how this will happen when schools fully reopen in September, but here’s what we predict will change.
Hygienic flooring
Although measures such as strict cleaning and distancing of furnishings are existing short-term solutions, long-term solutions are needed. The summer holidays are the perfect opportunity for schools to renovate their classrooms and workspaces. Studies suggest that Covid-19 does not linger for long on porous surfaces, like carpet, so many schools are likely to turn to this as the safest flooring solution.
Increased focus on student wellbeing
It’s been a tricky time for pupils, as they typically thrive in the classroom. Therefore, any space should be a place of creativity and inspiration. Carpet design can help create a perfect positive working environment. The carpet tiles in our Array range are available in 24 different colours, with bespoke designs available on request. So, pupils can be effortlessly motivated in their colourful surroundings.
One-way systems
Students will be directed throughout school and in classrooms with one-way systems. With increased footfall on the same path, the flooring must be high-quality and durable. Our Social Distancing Carpet Tiles remind pupils to follow the rules and help with wayfinding, making them a great solution. With laser engraved arrows, our range of bespoke tiles are especially useful for one-way systems and remind pupils and staff alike to keep a safe distance.
Focus on flexibility
The sooner schools are COVID-proof, the sooner pupils can return safely. Therefore, there is an increased focus around functionality, rather than cosmetic appearance. Flexibility is key, as spaces can become multi-purpose and adapted to suit different activities and varying pupil needs. All our carpet tiles can be easily lifted and moved, enabling schools to fully utilise classrooms and spaces to their highest ability.
Heckmondwike’s Social Distancing Carpet Tiles are now available to purchase, however, due to the current situation, we are unable to provide samples of the product. For more information or to purchase your carpet tiles, please call us directly on 01924 406 161 or email: sales@heckmondwike-fb.co.uk.
It’s that time of year again when teachers are ready for a well-deserved break and are counting down the days until the Easter holidays hit.
While many teachers might pop into school during the holidays to get ahead, studies have shown that students actually benefit from a teacher who has taken the time to relax and is more refreshed. And, it might not be the only thing students benefit from when refreshed.
The Easter holidays are a great time for the decor in schools, colleges and universities to be revived – especially the carpet. Taking the time to update the carpet in classrooms and communal areas can have a positive impact on both students and staff when they return for the new term as it can exercise their creativity.
It’s also a great opportunity to give the place a brand new look and feel – to breathe some life back into a room.
However, there is more to think about when choosing your new carpet than how it looks. In the education sector, almost all carpets need to be heavy contract rated to withstand the heavy footfall and general wear and tear.
Fibre bonded carpets are an excellent option as they tend to be anti-ravel, anti-fray and anti-static – making them ideal for schools and colleges using computers. They also help to absorb sound so can reduce noise and create a more relaxed atmosphere – another positive in learning environments.
Alongside this, many fibre-bonded carpets provide a cost-effective flooring solution not only at the point of purchase but throughout its life cycle. With its heavy-duty nature, the carpet will not have to be replaced as often, with many products providing a 10-year guarantee when used with advised cleaning a maintenance procedure – providing a large potential saving to the end-user.
Heckmondwike’s Supacord range still stands as a firm favourite for fibre bonded carpets within the education sector. It is a tried and trusted commercial carpet solution and is a smart choice for schools, colleges and universities in particular due to its durability and robust manufacture.
At Heckmondwike, we have over 50 years’ experience in providing a wide range of fibre bonded carpets and have a variety of colours and patterns available. So, if you’re looking to rejuvenate your school, college or university this Easter half term, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
You can contact your local area manager here, call us directly on 01924 410 544 or email us: sales@heckmondwike-fb.co.uk.
With so many options available, choosing the right flooring can be a very difficult decision. Here at Heckmondwike FB, we have over 50 years’ experience in providing a wide range of bonded carpets and carpet tiles to the education sector as well as commercial offices and apartment complexes.
Over the last few years, hard surface floors, such as luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) have become more of a trend, and as much as we agree that there are benefits to hardwood floors, we’ve put together a list of reasons to fall in love with carpet all over again.
Quiet
Not only does carpet eliminate the sound of footsteps walking across the floor, it stops other sounds carrying as far which will make for a much quieter and more relaxed space. This is because hard floors can’t absorb sound like carpets can, so noise bounces around the walls a lot more.
Safety
It goes without saying that softer flooring is safer for a number of reasons. If something is spilt on the carpet, it’s unlikely you’ll slip and injure yourself like you would on a hard floor. Plus, carpet provides a much softer landing if you were to fall for any reason.
You’re also much less likely to break things if you drop them onto a carpet, so again, you’ll save money by not having to replace broken items!
Comfort
Standing on a hard floor for a long period of time can actually take its toll on your body, sometimes resulting in foot, leg and lower back pain. So, when deciding on commercial flooring in particular (where you may need to stand for work), carpets or carpet tiles are a much better option.
Warmth
Unlike hardwood flooring, carpet provides excellent insulation, which means your space will stay warmer for longer. As a result, the costs associated with heating your space will reduce and you’ll see huge savings at the end of the year.
Cost
Contrary to popular belief, carpets tend to be more cost-effective than hard surface floors. Unlike hardwood floors, carpets don’t require any special preparation and can be used on almost any subfloors.
For more information on our range of carpets for a variety of sectors, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can call us on 01924 410 544 or send us an email – sales@heckmondwike-fb.co.uk.
As we enter the second half of the academic year, plans are well in place for facilities managers to refurbish and replace the carpets in student halls and houses.
JLL’s Student Housing Report forecasts there will be a further 500,000 full-time university students in the UK by 2030, and with the number of students choosing to stay in PBSA (Purpose-built student accommodation) rising, so is the number of new student living opportunities.
When it comes to student accommodation, first and foremost, the carpets should be durable. It’s likely they will need to withstand heavy footfall and wear and tear for several years, so longevity is vital. When evaluating your options, it’s also better to choose dark colours for the same reason.
According to an article published on savethestudent.org, 1 in 3 feel their accommodation is poor value for money, so here at Heckmondwike FB, we want to help change this by at least providing high-quality carpets throughout student halls and houses.
Due to the nature of student life, it’s important to consider the maintenance of carpets, too. The less upkeep and expense for both students and landlords, the better.
We offer a wide range of carpets that are specifically designed to achieve all of the above, with a huge collection of durable, long-lasting and practical carpets available in a variety of designs and colours.
It’s the robust construction of our fibre boded carpets, such as Supacord, which make them both durable and extremely low maintenance and therefore the best choice for student accommodation. Our products are also designed to not ravel or fray and all meet the relevant safety standards.
We have a long-standing history working with the education sector, including universities and colleges, alongside private accommodation providers, delivering both practical and stylish carpets, so you can rest assured your project will be in good hands with us.
For more information on our range of carpets for a variety of sectors (including student accommodation), please don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can call us on 01924 410 544 or send us an email – sales@heckmondwike-fb.co.uk.
Heckmondwike FB, a market leading manufacturer of heavy contract commercial carpets, is supporting the future of flooring industry by sponsoring an apprentice across its National Floorcoverings Ltd group of companies.
The company is working alongside Hillside Contracts, a flooring contractor in Leicester to provide assistance to Kai Linton, a trainee floor layer.
Having started his course in September 2018, Kai is currently completing the first year of his two year apprenticeship, making him an important part of the future of the flooring sector. He is learning his trade through onsite training assessments and tutoring at Floortrain Training Centre in Doncaster.
With little assistance from local trade bodies or colleges, Heckmondwike FB’s sponsorship supports 17-year-old Kai in covering transport costs from his home in Nottingham to Doncaster, alongside the essential tools and equipment needed to carry out his work.
Heckmondwike FB and Hillside Contracts have worked together closely for over 20 years, with Heckmondwike FB providing the company with its full range of fibre-bonded carpets, including the company’s flagship product, Supacord.
Bob Mortimer, UK Sales Manager for Heckmondwike FB said: “From speaking to our customers in the flooring industry, we are well aware of the skills shortage within the sector and are eager to play a role in addressing the balance.
“As a company, education is one of our most important sectors, with millions of square meters of Supacord installed in schools, colleges and universities right across the country — so it’s important for us to give something back to the industry.
“Therefore, when the opportunity arose to support Kai in his development — we were more than happy to help.”
Chris Goode, Director of Hillside Contracts added: “In the current market, it is becoming increasingly difficult to recruit experienced floor layers, particularly when looking at commercial projects. Therefore, employing an apprentice guarantees our workforce is as skilled as possible for years to come.
“Working with Heckmondwike FB to support Kai was an easy choice to make. Alongside the financial benefits, the company provides us with sales support, alongside ensuring products are in stock as and when required – it really is a perfect fit.”
Teachers, students and all those working in the education sector are counting down the days until the Easter holidays in April, with the chance to get some well-deserved time off and to start planning for the next term.
However, within the education industry, Easter can be the perfect time to think about what needs freshening up in classrooms and communal areas.
For example, there will be many teachers across the country who will be popping into their classrooms to tidy up displays, re-arrange furniture and give their classroom a new lease of life, so that the students have something different to engage with when they return from the holidays.
However, would it not be much better if the classroom, school, college or university had a complete refresh from top to bottom?
With many in the education sector receiving at least two weeks holiday, Easter is the ideal time to think about larger-scale changes to small or large areas of an education facility, that only take a couple of weeks to carry out.
One such area is the carpet.
A new carpet can breathe life into any room, particularly if it is mixed and matched with the colour scheme of a classroom, or the educational facility as a whole.
However, there is much more to think about than how the carpet looks. In most situations, it needs to be a heavy-contract carpet, and ideally, fibre bonded, with such carpets delivering anti-ravel, anti-fray performance, alongside providing reductions in noise and the durability to manage hundreds, if not thousands, of students even day.
With tens of thousands square meters being purchased for the education sector every year, Supacord is the smart choice for schools, colleges and universities, a tried and trusted commercial carpet solution that is perfect for any requirement.
To discover more about having Supacord installed for Easter, contact your local area manager here.