A UK population growth spurt has led to a bigger demand for school places than ever. Bob Mortimer, UK & Ireland Sales Manager of leading education flooring provider Heckmondwike FB, explains how good building design and specifying durable materials can future proof schools and even improve staff retention and productivity.
According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the UK population is projected to rise by 9.7 million by 2039. What impact will this increase have on education quality and provision? It is estimated that the number of primary and secondary school pupils will increase by an additional 729,000 by 2020. To cope with this influx, more than 2,000 new schools (24,000 classrooms) must be built in England during the same period.
The rise in pupil numbers will require more teachers to sustain a high quality of learning. The latest figures from the Institute for Fiscal Studies, however, show that 40 percent of those who enter initial teacher training were not teaching five years later. This equates to 14,000 new teachers leaving the classroom each year. A growing shortage of teachers and problems with retention means that future education provision, and ultimately quality, will suffer as there will be less qualified teachers available to teach, especially core subjects such as Maths, Science and English.
Teacher shortages in 2014/15 led to the cost of agency supply teachers to increase by £50m compared to the previous two years. Stress and overcrowding brought about by poor learning environments have been cited as one of the reasons teaching staff leave the profession. Research by RIBA, however, as well as Arup’s Building Use Survey Methodology Database, shows that good school design and comfort increases staff productivity, which delivers higher school outcomes. In fact, well-designed schools demonstrated a 15 percent increase.
To meet the impending demand, there needs to be a drastic re-think by government and local authorities to ensure there are enough school places and teachers to maintain quality levels. Standardised design (in the form of processes, dimensional co-ordination of buildings, components, assemblies and modules), classroom extensions and larger super-schools have been touted as possible options to deliver schools fit for purpose.
At present, around £150 million is spent annually on unnecessary services and maintenance, which would otherwise be avoided through better school design. Investing in quality school building and utilising the avoidable cost savings to train, employ and retain more teachers will be crucial if the government is to meet future demand. However, it is important to note that just like the housing crisis, the shortage of schools is primarily a supply-side issue and without extra capacity things will not get better.
When considering products and materials to facilitate quality school building, elements such as durability, comfort and performance must be at the forefront of the specification process. An often overlooked component in this regard is flooring. Here, heavy footfall and a susceptibility to stains and dirt requires a robust flooring solution. Fibre bonded carpets are ideal as they are stain resistant, withstand heavy wear and tear and also act as an interceptor, protecting floors from shoeborne dirt and moisture.
The best flooring solutions can help meet good interior design criteria by offering a range of colours and textures that can be combined to achieve bespoke spaces and create distinct, flexible areas. When combined with other classroom components such as furniture, flooring can help contribute to higher engagement thanks to better overall design.
Good school design is defined in the RIBA Top Marks School Report as simple, natural ventilation systems, optimum amount of colour in learning spaces, quality natural and artificial lighting, acoustics and flexible spaces. An optimum level of visual interest in terms of design and giving pupils a sense of ownership are also proven to be factors for a successful school building i.e. dedicated social or self-directed learning spaces, child centred furniture and imagery the pupils can relate to. Focusing budgets on well-designed and durable buildings saves money, improves staff performance and aids retention, all of which improves pupil outcomes.
To request samples of Heckmondwike FB’s carpet and carpet tile products, please use our free e-sample service, or alternatively, telephone 01924 413637.
Heckmondwike, one of the UK’s leading fibre bonded carpet and carpet tile manufacturers, is now offering a complete solution for the care sector through its Pure Care and Total Careranges.
Pure Care and Total Care are ideally suited to healthcare environments or sheltered housing, whether that be in communal areas, corridors or bedrooms. Available in different pile weights, both types of carpet feature a fully impervious backing, are highly resistant to staining and bleach and are also extremely durable. They are also manufactured to meet all relevant flammability tests. Available in four metre widths, these carpets are very easy to fit and offer low installation costs. They also offer antistatic properties.
Both Pure Care and Total Care are available in eight different attractive colour options.
Jeremy Broadhead, Commercial Manager for Heckmondwike, said: “Demand is strong for our high performance, stain resistant carpets for care homes and sheltered housing. With a wide choice of colours within each range, there is something to suit all tastes and applications.”
Heckmondwike also offers a range of entrance products, which are suitable for care homes and sheltered housing. This includes Vanquisher, with its alternative rib and velour surface pattern. Vanquisher is ideal for protecting carpets from outside soiling and moisture. It also offers thermal and acoustic properties and low maintenance.
Also for entrance areas, Heckmondwike offers mats featuring bespoke logos and designs for care homes and healthcare environments that are DDA approved. These can be either incorporated into a loose lay mat or inlaid into the floor in entrance areas. Heckmondwike offers 20 different colour options and mats are available in bespoke sizes to suit specific applications.
Sample cards are available on request by calling 01924 413637 or by using Heckmondwike’s online sample form.
Heckmondwike FB, one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of fibre bonded carpet, has reported an increase in demand for its renowned heavy duty Supacord range for use in educational environments.
The company attributes this rise to schools seeking carpet with anti-fraying properties.
Kat Keshmiri, Marketing Manager for Heckmondwike FB, said: “With pressure on schools to choose durable, long lasting carpet solutions, Supacord is becoming more popular than ever. Schools and colleges have seen how some type of loop pile carpets can ravel and fray and there’s a noticeable trend towards fibre bonded carpet as it’s known for being so much more durable.”
Heckmondwike FB has supplied the education sector with Supacord for over 40 years and now the range is more comprehensive choice than ever. There are 42 shades available and the option of tile or sheet, to suit project requirements. Supacord is renowned for not ravelling or fraying, even in the most heavy-duty environments. It also provides good acoustic properties and reduced noise transmittance, which is really important in educational environments.
Like all Heckmondwike FB’s carpet, Supacord has anti-static and anti-slip properties, it also offers low maintenance. Great thermal performance is another property attributed to Supacord, which is warm and comfortable underfoot.
Schools like the fact that Supacord is available in all primary colours to match their branding or classroom themes. Supacord can also be complemented by bespoke entrance matting in Heckmondwike FB’s Diamond, with integrated logos or customised designs. This is widely used in schools to create a striking entrance area or reinforce an education establishment’s ethos.
To request further information or to request a sample card, please call 01924 410544 or alternatively, use our online Sample Request Service.
Jeremy Broadhead, Commercial Manager at Heckmondwike FB, looks at why carpet is being widely specified for its acoustic properties.
“Managing noise in a building continues to present a challenge for designers, which is why there is specific legislation covering different building types and uses. Schools should be designed in accordance with Building Bulletin 93 (BB93) Acoustic Design of Schools, the latest version of which was updated in 2014.
One of the most common complaints for those working in educational environments is the inability to work effectively due to high levels of background noise. Although the acoustic insulation of external structural elements may have been given adequate consideration, noise created internally from floors is often not taken into account. For instance, it is not uncommon for measures such as triple glazed windows to be specified to reduce external noise and then overlook the fact that most noise disturbances come from inside the building, with incorrect choice of flooring being the main cause. Hard flooring, such as timber, tile or laminate, can contribute to the problem, especially where a building is open plan or has several storeys.
This is why carpet – and particular fibre bonded carpet with its excellent attenuation properties is being specified more frequently for schools and colleges.
The characteristics of carpet mean it is effective at absorbing sound and the conduction of impact noise can be reduced by up to 30dB, just by the right selection of product. The human ear perceives a reduction of 10 dB (A) as halving the volume. The comparative values for some hard floorcoverings is between 5-15Db.
Array’s fibres have a high surface area and therefore offer good levels of sound attenuation. This range of carpet can reduce sound transmission by 22dB and has a dampening effect on the sound waves which transmit from a floor above to one below.
As a result, Array from our Creative range is now being specified in educational environments where noise can be an issue. It is perfect for use here because research has shown that background sound from inside and outside the classroom negatively affects learning, especially for young children who require optimal conditions for hearing and comprehension.
As well as offering excellent acoustic properties, Array is also renowned for its aesthetics with a smart linear pattern in a choice of 12 accent shades.
With the ever present issue of foot traffic and human voices, carpet will continue to play a key role in reducing noise transmission within schools and colleges.”
For more information contact Heckmondwike FB on 01924 406 161 or to request a sample, please fill out a sample request e-form.
Heckmondwike FB, the UK’s leading fibre bonded carpet manufacturer, is showing how the sky really is the limit with its bespoke entrance area carpet designs.
Over the past few years, Heckmondwike FB has created some truly inspirational carpet designs by integrating bespoke logos and customised colours into entrance areas, ranging from football clubs to top hotels, schools and universities.
Kat Keshmiri, Marketing Manager at Heckmondwike FB, said: “We can do pretty much anything to create a logo design or branding message as we have a wide choice of shades and can closely match corporate colours. Some really well-known brands have chosen our bespoke logos and it’s great to see the impact they make. Our bespoke entrance area carpet is also known for being very durable, which means it creates a great impression in a building – for the long term!”
Heckmondwike FB offers bespoke logos and designs in its Diamond heavy contract carpet, which can be incorporated into a mat or inlaid into the floorcovering. All the customer needs to do is to decide on their design, then they can choose from 20 colour options, which can be closely matched to corporate colours and logos.
Kat Keshmiri continues: “Customers often choose subtle or neutral colours for their entrance areas, which are then incorporated with bespoke designs of logos and emblems to reflect the personality or branding of the organisation. Schools and colleges often choose ‘special’ colours or designs which have particular meaning for their organisation.”
Heckmondwike FB’s fibre bonded carpet is ideal for ensuring the designs within the entrance area remain practical because they can be cut on site and will not ravel or fray.
Not only do these bespoke designs provide an attractive appearance, but Heckmondwike FB’s range is produced using heavy weight fibres, which offer a tough, durable surface that acts as an effective barrier and interceptor for dirt, grit and moisture.
A bespoke entrance area sample card is now available from Heckmondwike FB, which showcases the company’s full range of designs, textures and colours, specifically for entrances.
Heckmondwike FB’s sample cards are available to order via the website www.heckmondwike-fb.co.uk.or by calling+44 [0] 1924 406161.
Heckmondwike FB, the leading specialist in heavy contract fibre bonded carpets and carpet tiles, has worked with over 26,000 schools to provide tailor-made carpets suited to their specifications. With the recent RIBA survey confirming innovative products and strong materials – like Heckmondwike’s Supacord – positively impact teacher and pupil morale, soft-furnishings are becoming an even more important part of school renovations and should be prioritised at the start of any new project.
Following the release and review of RIBA’s˟ survey looking into the impact on performance pre and post re-design, the research shows that both teachers and pupils reap the benefits when it comes to a thoughtfully designed building. The design of an education building, or rather the poor design of it, has been linked to peer on peer bullying, low performance and a decline in teacher morale. And, with secondary school places due to go up by an estimated 105,000 by 2025˟, good design is needed to suit all demands.
Achieving this in practice with limited budgets and numerous people to cater for can remain a challenging task. Interior fitting needs to reflect the atmosphere of a school and create an environment to suit everyone. With different levels of traffic and different levels of performance required, carpet specification is a tricky business. With the ability to choose one of 32 readily available colour options and unique designs available, Supacord makes choosing the carpet simple.
Supacord is available and produced in the UK, and can be ordered in either a fibre bonded sheet or as carpet tiles, making it unique for spaces of any shape or size. Heckmondwike is renowned for making sure complete satisfaction with all installations, and offer a guarantee of up to 10 years with Supacord and many of its other products. With 85% of its annual flooring turnover laid in Education buildings, Heckmondwike FB has done what it does best and put that knowledge and legacy to good use by making a product designed specifically for buildings and projects that are looking for a long-term product at a reasonable cost.
Sharni Verity, Marketing Manager at Heckmondwike, says: Heckmondwike has been working in education buildings for a long-time and has used all of this experience to create a product we’re proud of and we know is fit for purpose. Supacord is durable and designed for long-term benefits, as well as being made in Britain, allowing quick delivery times. When Supacord is fitted, Heckmondwike make sure this is done exactly to customer specification, and guarantee every area for 10 years.
For more information about Supacord and to view the latest designs, please visit Heckmondwike’s website.
National flooring contractor 4D Contract Flooring is the latest company to opt for the ‘planked look’ in carpet, after selecting Array and Broadrib planks from Heckmondwike FB’s Creative range.
Managing Director at 4D Contract Flooring, Rob Kilner selected Array in black and Broadrib in graphite to complement 4D Contract Flooring’s corporate colours. The project was part of an office refurbishment at the company’s Southern headquarters in Buckinghamshire, with the carpet installed throughout the general office space, breakout and meeting areas.
Rob Kilner, Managing Director at 4D Contract Flooring, said: “We chose the planked look as we were looking to create a modern and stylish appearance in our office. Because we install lots of Heckmondwike FB’s carpet, we know that it is durable and performs well and will provide a striking appearance for many years to come.”
David Farrow, Area Sales Manager for Heckmondwike FB, said: “Array and Broadrib carpet tiles offer a designer feel especially when they are chosen in a planked style. This makes them a great choice for office and reception areas, combining the inspirational design of the Array range with the durability and practical benefits of fibre bonded carpet.”
Heckmondwike FB’s Array carpet tiles feature a mid-width rib design with a charcoal background, enhanced with a subtle linear pattern. This stylish design co-ordinates perfectly with the company’s Broadrib carpet tiles in a complementary solid shade to provide a stunning effect and endless creative design possibilities.
And it’s not just the Array range which is available as planks. The planked tile is an option across many of Heckmondwike FB’s ranges. These carpet tiles replicate the size and shape of contemporary planked flooring through the comfort of fibre bonded carpet, and enable specifiers, designers and flooring contractors to create individual designs for a wide variety of commercial flooring applications. Being able to add this element of high design creates a fusion between the floor and furniture.
Like all Heckmondwike’s products, Array carpet tiles can be cut on-site without the risk of fraying and this allows individual flooring designs to be created and installed with ease.
Heckmondwike FB’s carpet tiles are British-made and provide outstanding performance, as well as being backed by a 10 year limited wear warranty. They offer antistatic and anti-slip performance, excellent acoustic properties to help reduce noise levels, as well as offering excellent thermal performance.
Sample cards for Array and Broadrib are available on request by calling 01924 406161 or visiting the websitewww.heckmondwike-fb.co.uk
For more information about 4D Contract Flooring, visit the website: http://www.4dcontractflooring.com/
Staff at carpet manufacturer Heckmondwike FB in Liversedge are celebrating raising £1,185 for Kirkwood Hospice in Huddersfield after completing a sponsored walk.
The walk involved employees, family and friends from Heckmondwike FB and a team from The Spiced Mango Indian restaurant in Middlestown. They walked for 4.5 miles in a round trip that took in Coxley Woods and was completed in up to two and a half hours.
Sharni Verity, Marketing Manager at Heckmondwike FB, said: “Our staff enjoyed taking part in the walk and everyone worked hard to raise money for what is a fantastic cause. We are pleased to be supporting Kirkwood Hospice and all their wonderful work in the local community.”
Heckmondwike FB is one of the UK’s leading commercial fibre bonded carpet manufacturers, supplying education, retail, care and commercial organisations. The company has previously supported various charities including the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.
Kirkwood Hospice cares for local people who face life-threatening illness, for example cancer, late stage heart failure or severe lung disease. The Hospice provides 16 in-patient beds and day care and bereavement services, which includes care and support for bereaved children.
Allerton High School in Leeds has specified an exciting new integrated carpet from Heckmondwike FB for its multi-faith room.
The school required a bespoke design that featured the co-ordinates of a compass to denote the direction for prayer, integrating purple lettering within green carpet to reflect the colour of the school’s logo.
Interserve FM contacted flooring contractor Fresco of Leeds which recommended Diamond in Willow from Heckmondwike FB, with purple lettering in Supacord to complement the Supacord tiles that are widely used in other areas of the school.
Phil Andrews, Business Manager at Allerton High School, said: “We previously had vinyl flooring in the multi-faith room, but unfortunately the vinyl kept peeling away, due to the underfloor heating. We discussed with our flooring contractor Fresco that we wanted carpet but that it needed the compass points integrated within it. Fresco recommended Heckmondwike FB who were able to create the bespoke design, which looks great!”
Diamond is a very popular entrance area solution, featuring a distinctive cobbled effect surface. It is extremely hardwearing and will not ravel or fray. Diamond entrance matting from Heckmondwike FB provides a robust, high performance solution, ensuring areas look inviting for years to come, without high maintenance costs.
Sharni Verity, Marketing Manager at Heckmondwike FB, said: “Our bespoke design service is becoming very popular with schools, especially for personalising entrances and other areas. Our Diamond entrance matting was perfect for this project as it is extremely robust and will serve the school well for years to come.”
Diamond entrance matting from Heckmondwike is suitable for a wide range of commercial applications from education to public buildings and offices. Diamond is available in a choice of six colours, with the option to integrate bespoke logos and designs. Manufactured in the UK, Diamond offers low maintenance, as well as excellent thermal and acoustic properties.
For more information on Heckmondwike FB, visit www.heckmondwike-fb.co.uk or call +44 [0] 1924 406161.
Students living in the Riverside apartments in Salford are guaranteed a bright start to their day after Array carpet tiles from Heckmondwike FB were specified for the development’s corridors.
The carpet was specified by HVB Flooring to refurbish the four storey development, which aims to set a new standard for student living in the North West.
HVB Flooring carefully selected a different Array colour for each level, which included Red and Blue, as well as the new colours Peacock and Marble, to create a striking interior to the building. Complementary Broadrib colours were used alongside Array to give the interior of the apartment block a bright, welcoming feel. Blocks of colour were also used to highlight the location of the lift.
All 50 apartments in the development will now be carpeted with Array to meet the standard set by the new corridor flooring.
Sharni Verity, Marketing Executive at Heckmondwike FB, said: “Array is becoming increasingly popular for student accommodation as it offers stunning aesthetics, as well as the durability and performance of our fibre bonded carpet. The wide range of colours now available in the Array range mean that some really inspiring designs can be created.”
Array can be installed quickly and easily, which was essential to this development as the refurbishment took place during term time, when the flats were occupied.
Lee Rawsthorne, Director of HVB Flooring, said: “We have specified Array on many projects before, due to its high level of aesthetics and outstanding properties. It was the perfect choice for the corridors and will look great in each of the rooms, too.”
As part of Heckmondwike FB’s Creative Flooring range, Array represents the perfect opportunity for specifiers, designers and flooring contractors to create individual designs for a wide variety of residential flooring applications.
Like all Heckmondwike’s products, Array carpet tiles can be cut on-site without the risk of fraying. The tiles offer antistatic and anti-slip performance, excellent acoustic properties to help reduce noise levels, as well as offering excellent thermal performance.
Array carpet tiles are British-made and provide outstanding performance, as well as being backed by a 10 year limited wear warranty, which means they can be specified in complete confidence.
Heckmondwike FB is one of the leading carpet suppliers to the residential, education, commercial and public sectors and is well-known for the excellent value, durability and high performance of its products.