A freezing office can really affect your mood, work ethic and concentration. It is therefore no surprise that a cold classroom has the same effect on students. To combat the winter chill, it is increasingly important that students and teachers are comfortable and cosy.
Although most primary and high school students have been back for a few months now, they are still settling back into the new school routine and getting used to the difficult new arrangements and rules. A cosy space can make them feel more relaxed and at home.
In this blog, our commercial carpet company explores how carpet can be used to create a cosy environment in the classroom this winter.
Trap Heat with Carpet
The Department for Health advises that opening windows to let fresh air into a space can reduce the rate of infection by more than 70%. Therefore, this winter, classrooms have never been cooler. However, flooring can be used to help combat this.
Unlike hard floors, carpet has a low density and requires little energy to warm up. So, even if the temperature is low in the classroom, carpet will feel warm underfoot and to the touch.
Carpets have incredible insulation properties too, allowing heat to be trapped and retained. Thick and dense carpets, such as those across our fibre-bonded range are favoured, as thinner carpets stay cooler.
Wonderfully Warm Colours
It is said that light coloured carpets absorb less heat than darker shades. So, to keep the classroom cosy, avoid whites and yellows and choose a deeper and darker palette of colours.
However, your dark colour palette doesn’t have to be your typical greys and blacks. It is incredibly important to keep bright colours in mind, as these can help to motivate and inspire students. These colours can improve students’ learning experience, and student performance.
As winter is the time of year to be cosy, seasonal colours such as deep purples and reds can be introduced. The carpet tiles in our Array and Supacord range are available in a wide range of bright and dark colours, which easily match existing colour schemes.
Amazing Acoustics
It has been proven that high noise levels affect learning and student performance, and carpet can help to keep the classroom quieter. Aswell as reducing heating costs, carpet also works to limit sound levels in and around the space.
This is because carpet is able to absorb sound. Experts believe it can reduce airborne noise by up to 35%, as well as destroying the reverberation and echo in a room. This means that costs can also be saved on other insulative means in the classroom.
All our carpet tiles are BS EN ISO 140-8: 21db accredited, meaning they can drastically reduce noise in educational facilities.
Subtle Instructions
Of course, reminders of the measures that students need to undertake, in order to keep the school safe, are an essential part of the classroom. However, fluorescent stickers and tape can seem alien and intimidating in such a space, and interrupt the cosy and comfortable atmosphere.
Instructions that seamlessly blend into an environment, such as our Social Distancing Carpet Tiles, can be used to clearly display important messages, without piercing the relaxing setting. As with all of our carpet tiles, they can be lifted up and moved to adapt to any classroom space.
Contact our expert team for more tips to transform your space and for more information about our extensive product range. Call 01924 406 121 or email sales@heckmondwike-fb.co.uk.
In March 2020, the world as we knew it completely changed. Here at Heckmondwike FB, following government advice on COVID-19, our market-leading Supacord carpet tiles range has been transformed to emphasise safe social distancing in schools, colleges, universities and commercial working environments as they gradually adapt to new safety measures.
Understandably, there are times when mistakes will be made and the safety message may need to be reinforced. That is why at Heckmondwike FB, we’ve used our Fusion technology to laser engrave arrows for directional walkways and messaging to subtly remind students, staff, and visitors to follow social distancing measures.
In this blog, we’ll discuss how carpet tiles help with social distancing and wayfinding and why you should install them over other flooring solutions.
Easy Installation
The original government advice stated that a safe social distance was two meters, however, this was soon updated to one meter, demonstrating that while these particular measures are imperative right now, they’re not necessarily permanent. Thankfully, our carpet tiles are easy to set and can be quickly removed and replaced should they need to be.
Durability
Our social distancing carpet tiles are made from our renowned Supacord range, which has been used in classrooms for over forty years and considered the number one carpet solution for schools, colleges and universities. The tiles are designed to not ravel or fray and are durable enough to withstand areas with heavy footfall.
Reduced Risk of Accidents
Unlike social distancing loose-lay mats or hazard tape – which can sometimes cause accidents – social distancing tiles reduce the risk of slips, trips and falls that could occur. Carpet tiles also provide a safer solution to hard flooring for the same reasons and can protect against breakage if valuable items are dropped.
Design
Safety is the most important factor to consider when choosing to install social distancing carpet tiles, but that doesn’t mean the design should be forgotten about. Our carpet tiles come in Steel Grey, Blue and Green, giving learning environments and companies the option to choose either a popular, modern and subtle colour, or a more striking, bold colour that will stand out in a range of spaces.
A Gentle Reminder
With our Fusion technology, we’re able to laser engrave arrows into our carpet tiles as a gentle reminder to students, staff, and visitors to follow social distancing measures, and (as we understand the rules can sometimes be hard to remember) to reinforce what those measures actually are!
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.
This month, it’s back to school and back to university for many but what does the new normal look like?
University has for generations been strongly associated with socialisation, as well as education. However, with stringent covid-secure measures in place until further notice, on campus will be a lot different, as will the student experience.
According to UCAS, young people were not deterred by the new circumstances, and lockdown saw a record number of hopeful university applicants. In this blog, we explore how student spaces will change and how to pandemic proof spaces easily with carpet design.
Social Bubbles
Social bubbles will be introduced to separate students into small groups, according to their undergraduate course. They will live and study with this select group, attending small and controlled face-to-face seminars.
As the classrooms will feel more empty, classroom layouts will be adapted to create cosy spaces, where students can feel relaxed. Warm colours, like red, orange and yellow will be favoured for interior design to create a comfortable and inviting space.
One-way Systems
Despite many exams being held online, students will be able to opt to take exams inside university buildings too – in which case, they must be clearly directed to their desk. To help with this, and many other new scenarios, one-way systems are likely to be implemented to guide staff and students.
Our Social Distancing Carpet Tiles can reinforce important messages, aid with wayfinding and remind people to keep a safe distance. With important messages laser engraved with Fusion technology, they will stand the test of time and last as long as they are needed.
Student Health and Wellbeing
Hygiene will be paramount in universities, both on and off campus, with strict cleaning measures in place. There will be reduction in the use of lecture theatres, as they would need an unmanageable amount of cleaning to become safe environments.
As well as physical health, student’s mental health must be cared for and taken seriously. Many universities will face the challenge of creating safe work and social environments, so students can still interact with their peers and lecturers. Flooring can be used to create visual safe spaces and borders which enable students to mingle, whilst maintaining social distancing measures.
Heckmondwike’s Social Distancing Carpet Tiles are now available to purchase. For more information or to purchase your carpet tiles, please call us directly on 01924 406 161 or email: sales@heckmondwike-fb.co.uk.
According to a recent study by the University of Salford, the design of a classroom can impact student performance by 25%. This study alone goes to show just how important it is to create a space which motivates and inspires students.
The relationship between classroom design and student learning is by no means a new discussion. Many forward-thinking teachers, headteachers and educators have been convinced that classroom design plays an important role in the learning experience.
To create a space that works for both the student and teacher, there are several factors to consider. Read on to see our blog explore some of these!
Acoustics are everything
Noise is the number one distraction within a learning space. It’s been proven that high noise levels affect learning and student performance. Therefore, it’s important to be able to control sound levels and reduce the amount of noise transmitted.
Soft furnishings and fixtures are fantastic for absorbing sound. According to the American Society of Interior Designers, carpet is 10 times more efficient in reducing noise than any other flooring type. The findings also showed that carpet was able to prevent sound from travelling between rooms.
Our carpet tiles are BS EN ISO 140-8: 21db accredited, which means the products can effectively reduce impact noise in a range of commercial environments.
The colour of learning
Add a splash of colour to your classroom. Not only does colour provide the perfect opportunity to portray personality, but it can be used to improve the learning experience and student performance.
Bright colours can inspire and motivate students, and even get them excited to learn. It’s important to have a basic understanding of colour psychology to ensure you are using the right colours. For example, yellow and red can increase creativity and alertness, whereas green and purple can create a peaceful and calm environment.
Flooring design provides an easy way to inject colour into classrooms. The carpet tiles in our Array and Supacord range offer a wide-ranging colour bank, from subtle greys and blues to vibrant yellows and purples. These colours match corporate colour schemes easily, which makes them ideal for learning facilities.
Multi-purpose space
The best classrooms are easy to adapt. With teacher and student sharing the same space, the classroom should be designed in such a way that facilitates the needs of both. This can be achieved with configurable furniture and flexible fixtures.
Some teachers may want to alter the space to suit different activities, such as group projects and individual work. Moveable furniture enables them to do this with ease and limits the distractions for students, and can help different types of learners.
Classrooms are bound to evolve, so that’s why we made our carpet tiles changeable. Our products can be easily lifted off the floor and moved, if necessary to suit changing spaces. This can make renovations easier to carry out, and much cheaper.
Contact our expert team for more tips to transform your space and for more information about our extensive product range. Call 01924 406 121 or email sales@heckmondwike-fb.co.uk.
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.
With lockdown measures slowly starting to ease in the UK and businesses looking to reopen, the question of how to maintain safe social distancing measures is on everyone’s minds. The safety measures so far have helped prevent the further spread of Covid-19, and it’s imperative we continue to stick at it.
So, following the advice on Coronavirus from the UK government, at Heckmondwike, we have transformed our Supacord carpet tiles products into Social Distancing Carpet Tiles to encourage safe social distancing within schools, colleges, universities and commercial working environments as they gradually adapt to new practices, and here’s how.
Easy to set at 2-metre distances
Not only are our 50cm x 50cm tiles easy to set at 2m distances, but they can also be used anywhere throughout a building. Setting the tiles wherever you need will help to create certain walkways, nudging people in the right direction and providing a clear understanding of where they can walk and where they can stand, ensuring a safe distance is kept at all times.
Reduced risk of accidents
Some social distancing measures within schools or workplaces, such as loose lay mats, can cause more slips, trips and falls which may, in turn, result in failure to remain 2 metres apart from colleagues or classmates. Social distancing tiles are easy to fit and will decrease this risk.
Bright colours to increase awareness
For schools, in particular, the bright colours are a helpful way to remind young children where they should be walking or sitting. The Supacord range offers a range of different colours too, so you can have some fun with the design.
Our standard colours are steel grey, green and blue, but if required, you can also choose from 39 different shades of blue, red, orange and more.
Reinforce the message
By using our Fusion technology, we’re able to laser engrave arrows and safety symbols on the tiles, reinforcing the message to stay 2m apart from one another. The arrows also make it easy to know which direction to walk in and will avoid unwanted clashes.
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.
For many of us, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, homeschooling is the norm at the moment. While teachers have provided learning packs and you may have had plenty of tips on how to assist your kids with them, it can still be a struggle finding the balance between home and school.
So, Heckmondwike FB have put together some of the best ways to create the ideal environment where children are still eager to learn.
Have a dedicated learning space
First thing’s first, dedicate certain parts of the house to learning. By doing this, the kids will know when to focus on school work and when it’s time to relax and play. This doesn’t just have to be one room, it could be certain parts of every room, but a dedicated space for learning only is important to improve concentration.
Make the most of your space
Throughout the day, kids don’t just stay in one classroom. Take them outside too or go into the hallway for an assembly before they return to their workspace. You could always create a reading area in the living room, a table in the kitchen for maths and if the weather’s nice – take the science projects outside!
Make sure everyone’s comfortable
Just like adults in an office, children should have appropriate chairs and a table to ensure they’re sitting comfortably throughout the day. They might want to work on the floor at some point if they’re building something or are required to move around a lot – just make sure they’re not hurting their backs.
Get creative
Make the space fun! Classrooms are full of colour, toys, pictures and so on. So, why not create a star chart or some fun visuals for the wall. They’ll love it and it will make your space feel a lot more educational.
Stay organised
The last thing you want is more mess in the house or to lose important school work. Use files and pencil pots or even just a shoebox to ensure all your child’s work is kept safe. Keeping the space clean and tidy will also improve productivity!
For more tips on how to design the perfect learning environment, at home or in schools, colleges and universities, 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 at sales@heckmondwike-fb.co.uk.
Monday 4th May 2020
Further to the statement made on 31st March, National Floorcoverings Ltd would like to provide an update to all its customers and stakeholders on the changes made to Group activity due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
As of today (Monday 4th May), all manufacturing and despatch departments across the Group, including Heckmondwike, Paragon Carpet Tiles, Mat.Works and Playrite have returned to fully operational levels. The Group has also increased its staffing capacity within customer services, alongside other areas of the business, to ensure any queries are managed efficiently and effectively.
However, even with increased capacity and staffing levels, the Group is ensuring that all staff are following Government guidelines and safe working procedures. Where it is applicable, employees are working from home.
The Group and all its employees would like to thank its customers for the support they have provided during this unprecedented time and it hopes everyone continues to stay safe and well. Alongside this, thanks go to the NHS and other frontline businesses that have worked tirelessly and continue to do so.
If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to get in touch with customer services, whether that’s at Heckmondwike, Paragon Carpet Tiles, Mat.Works or Playrite. If you don’t have any details available, please visit the relevant company’s website.
The Group will provide a further update in due course.
Regards,
National Floorcoverings Ltd
Tuesday 31st March 2020
Further to the statement made on 25th March, National Floorcoverings Ltd would like to provide a further update to all its customers and stakeholders on the changes made to Group activity due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
The Group can confirm that due to concerns surrounding the safety and wellbeing of its employees, it will be closing the manufacturing operations of Heckmondwike, Paragon Carpet Tiles, Mat.Works and Playrite on Tuesday 31st March, until further notice.
Although a hard decision to make, the Group values the safety of its staff above all else and therefore decided to carry out the aforementioned closure.
National Floorcoverings Ltd will issue a further statement once manufacturing operations are re-opened.
However, the company would like to reassure its customers that companies across the Group are available to take orders from its range of extensive stock, using the normal channels, with staff following remote working procedures. Despatch is also operating during this time to ensure orders are fulfilled.
At this time, the Group, and all its employees, would like to thank the NHS and all other support workers that are working tirelessly to combat the virus. That is why we are giving priority to all ongoing and new orders that are required for frontline businesses, or NHS departments, that may need the Group’s support during this time.
If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to get in touch your relevant sales contact, whether that’s at Heckmondwike, Paragon Carpet Tiles, Mat.Works or Playrite. If you don’t have any details available, please visit the relevant company’s website.
Once again, we would like to take this opportunity to wish every one of our customers, and their families, good health and we hope you all stay safe in these unprecedented times.
Regards,
National Floorcoverings Ltd
Every business should prioritise hygiene and cleanliness, and, for offices, educational facilities and retail spaces, it’s extremely important to keep carpets clean.
During this time of uncertainty, many businesses may have temporarily closed their doors, but for those who haven’t and for those who will be reopening in the coming months, here are our top cleaning tips to help prevent germs spreading.
Identify high traffic areas
Certain areas of all commercial spaces will see a higher footfall than others, and it’s important to pinpoint these areas in order to provide the extra care needed. Keep track of these places by writing them down or creating a cleaning chart – it’ll help to maintain higher cleaning standards.
Frequent vacuuming
Vacuuming your carpet regularly is key when trying to keep it clean and will also help extend its life. High traffic areas should be cleaned more often than others – daily if possible to avoid a build-up of dirt.
Deep cleaning
Although vacuuming will remove a lot of dirt from your carpet, it won’t remove 100% of it. This is why it’s important to give your carpets a deep clean at least three times a year. For high traffic areas, you should do a deep clean once a month.
One of our favourite carpet cleaning products is Prochem’s Microsan spray. It is effective against bacteria including MRSA and viruses including Hepatitis B, HIV, and coronavirus. It also has an apple blossom fragrance which will keep your commercial space smelling as fresh as it looks.
Have entrance mats
It might seem like a basic measure, but having entrance mats is a great way to stop as much dirt and debris being brought into a commercial space from outside!
Avoid eating or handling food in some areas
Most offices will have a separate area for eating and drinking, but a lot of businesses also allow staff to eat at their desks, which could create more spills. If you’re concerned about hygiene, try and limit where people eat in the workplace or in schools and universities to prevent more mess occurring.
At Heckmondwike FB, we have over 50 years’ experience in providing fibre bonded carpets to a wide range of sectors. For more information on how to clean your carpet, 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 at sales@heckmondwike-fb.co.uk.