Since children have returned to the school environment, many academic professionals have reflected their concerns over the impact that lockdown had on learning. In fact, a survey by Young Minds revealed that almost three-quarters of teachers feel students’ mental health has been affected.
Communication is key to a smooth and positive transition back to the classroom. This blog explores how important sound is in the classroom, to ensure this happens.
Classroom Communication
While children benefit enormously from flexibility and comfort, they also need strong acoustics. This partly came down to classroom design – for example, 30% of students learn less if they are sat in the back row.
Sound absorption eliminates distractions and gives children the chance to immerse themselves in their environment. According to a Euronoise study, bad classroom acoustics can lead to ill health, vocal disorders or hearing damage in teachers, and concentration and behavioural issues in students.
Acoustics and Additional Needs
Myriad studies suggest that children with additional needs may benefit from better acoustics. For example, children with autism may be prone to anxiety when there are too many audible distractions. Softer surfaces help to absorb this sound, while designated ‘quiet areas’ with different carpet designs may help with individual learning.
In particular, sirens, whistles, bells, alarms and machinery can cause “sensory overload” for these children. This can affect their behaviour and inhibit their learning. Many traditional classrooms have considerations for disabilities such as wheelchair ramps, but overlook the importance of acoustics.
A Sound Decision
Flooring of a high standard can help to prevent “reverberation time”, which is a measure of the time it takes for volume to drop to 60dB after the noise has been made. Traditional classrooms with high ceilings and hard surfaces tend to bounce sound around, which can be distracting for students and can affect their ability to hear their teacher. Quite simply, if students cannot hear, they cannot learn.
By installing an absorbent carpet like our Supacord range, schools can naturally eliminate loud noise. Tested to BS EN ISO 140-8, Supacord delivers a 19dB reduction in impact noise across both sheet and tile ranges. Further to this, the range is available with acoustic backing, which delivers a 22dB reduction.
Heckmondwike FB is one of the UK’s leading commercial carpet manufacturers with over 40 years experience in the education sector. To learn more, or request a free carpet sample, please contact 01924 406 161 or email sales@heckmondwike-fb.co.uk.
According to the American Society of Interior Designers, carpets are 10 times more efficient in reducing sound than other flooring types. Experts also believe carpet can reduce airborne noise by up to 35%, as well as destroying the reverberation and echo in a room.
There are many reasons why noise reduction in spaces has positive outcomes. For example, it can help users of a space feel relaxed and cosy, as well as focused and motivated.
In this blog, our commercial carpet company explores the acoustic benefits of carpet, and why it is a sound decision to install it in spaces.
Better communication
One of the ways that carpet controls noise levels is through controlling reverberations. This means that noise is less likely to echo in and around carpeted spaces, making them feel welcoming and relaxing.
Laminate, wood and tile flooring cannot control reverberations, as sound bounces off instead of being absorbed. This can completely destroy the atmosphere of a space, making it feel empty, uninviting and noisy.
Therefore, it’s important that any flooring or facilities management specialist takes this into consideration. Especially in busy environments, such as classrooms, colleges, large office developments and residential spaces. Most of our carpet tiles tested under BS EN ISO 140-8 and produce favourable results, meaning they can drastically reduce noise in spaces such as this.
Relaxing and tranquil
Researchers suggest that silence is even more relaxing than listening to music, and can release tension held in the body. It is incredibly important that users of a space feel comfortable in their environment, and carpet can help to achieve this.
As carpet can drastically reduce noise levels, a space can become a hub of tranquility. In the office and classroom, a more relaxed atmosphere can raise the overall morale of space users and reduce stress.
As well as the acoustic benefits it has, carpet has incredible insulation properties, allowing heat to be trapped to make a space cosier. The carpet tiles in our Array and Supacord range are part of a thicker and denser fibre-bonded range, for added insulation and acoustic benefits.
Stay Focused
Less noise and sound reverberation means that people tend to be more focused, which in turn, boosts productivity. This makes carpet the perfect choice for the education sector. A noisy environment can be a huge distraction to anyone trying to learn, listen or work. If sound levels are kept low, people will be happier and the results will speak for themselves.
The right colours choices can also help students to concentrate and stay focused. According to colour psychology experts, the colour green in the classroom can evoke these effects. The carpet tiles in our Supacord range provide a wide ranging colour bank, making them perfect for inspirational educational facilities. Supacord is also available with an acoustic backing, reducing the need to install expensive specialist underlay.
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 .
According to a study by the University of Salford, classroom design can impact learning by 25%, both positively and negatively! With children making their return to school, after a prolonged period of homeschooling, there has never been a more important time to review learning spaces.
The Easter holidays provide an ideal window for interior renovations. In this blog, our commercial carpet manufacturer explores some of the simple ways you can improve learning spaces for students, staff and visitors.
Comfortable learning
For the comfort of students and teachers, it’s important that classrooms are warm and inviting.
The University of Salford research cited temperature as a key factor in learning progress. Carpet is an exceptionally good thermal insulator and can be up to ten times warmer than other floor coverings. In addition, carpet is 10 times more efficient in noise reduction compared to other flooring options; which can benefit student learning.
The carpet tiles in our Array and Supacord range are part of a thicker and denser fibre-bonded range, for added insulation and acoustic benefits.
Hygienic hub
The cleanliness of a learning space is also important. Beyond the more obvious links between hygiene and health and attendance levels, behavioural and performance factors come into play. A clean environment can reduce distractions and create a more engaging space.
Since the coronavirus outbreak, hygiene has been paramount. Carpet may seem like a less obvious flooring choice as it can’t be mopped like hard flooring. However, porous surfaces such as carpet are in fact less hospitable to viruses, trapping them in the holes of the surfaces and reducing the opportunities for transmission.
Used in classrooms for over 40 years, our Supacord carpet tile range is ideal for learning facilities. In addition to being a more hygienic option, it’s durable and heavy-duty which means it will continue to stand the test of time.
Adaptability is key
In the University of Salford study, one of the key factors that impacted learning was adaptability, or how easily teachers could rearrange the classroom layout to support that day’s learning goal. A traditional rigid layout, with desks arranged in rows facing the teacher, was shown to have a negative effect on learning outcomes.
The pandemic has additionally created an increased focus on functionality, rather than cosmetic appearance. Configurable furniture and flexible fixtures have seen a surge in popularity this past year, as spaces have had to continually adapt to meet changing rules and guidelines.
Carpet tiles can be used to create different zones within a classroom and all our products can be easily lifted up and moved, making it simple and much cheaper to support the ever-changing needs of learning spaces.
Heckmondwike FB is one of the UK’s leading commercial carpet manufacturers with over 40 years’ experience in the education sector. To learn more, or request a free carpet sample, please contact 01924 406 161 or email sales@heckmondwike-fb.co.uk.
In our new ‘People of Heckmondwike’ blog series, we’re showcasing the faces behind the commercial carpet tiles manufacturer. This week, we introduce you to our Commercial Manager, Jeremy Broadhead.
Read on to find out his vision for the future of carpet manufacturing, his favourite product range and his preferred biscuit to dunk in a brew.
How long have you worked at Heckmondwike?
I have worked at Heckmondwike for 10 years now, and it has been great to see the company change and adapt over that time.
Day-to-day, I work alongside our internal and external sales team, along with our production team. I ensure that we always hold the values of the business at heart and offer the perfect customer service every time.
Tell us something that most people don’t know about you.
It’s really difficult to think of anything – in a previous life I was a Rugby Union scrum half. Therefore, I like to talk a lot, so most people know everything about me! One thing that I don’t say enough is that I love my family, friends, colleagues and sport equally.
How do you envision the future of carpet manufacturing?
Fibre-bonded carpet tiles will have an amazing future, and will be used for years to come. I am incredibly excited to reveal what our product development guys have up their sleeve for 2021 and beyond.
What is your favourite product range and why?
It has to be the Array carpet tiles, as they demonstrate just how creative fibre-bonded commercial carpet tiles can be. They’re so good that I even have them in my office!
Finally, favourite biscuit to have with a brew?
As if I would have a biscuit with my tea.. but if I did, it would have to be a chocolate digestive. Just be careful with the dunking.
Contact our expert team for more information about our extensive product range. Call 01924 406 161 or email sales@heckmondwike-fb.co.uk.
The relaunch of our popular Odyssey range is coming soon, ready to take offices and commercial spaces to another world.
This one-of-a-kind range delivers a bold and modern look, perfect for the residential, learning and commercial spaces. With a durable structure, unique design and a wide-ranging colour bank, there are a whole universe of benefits to the refreshed range. You won’t find anything else like it on the planet! Trust us.
In this blog, we share 7 reasons to install our new commercial carpet tile range, Odyssey.
1 – Modern Colour Bank
With the relaunch of Odyssey comes an updated colour range. However, the current bank of colours incorporates deep blues and greys; a palette that can seamlessly blend in to any environment.
In terms of colour psychology, these colours are said to project calmness, stability and wisdom onto the users of a space. For further design options, the Odyssey range can be paired with colours from our Supacord range, giving added highlights and definition.
2 – Intense Durability
Unlike low-quality carpets, the range is made from the highest-quality materials, meaning that it will not ravel or fray. Ideal for office and commercial environments, this carpet can withstand heavy footfall without fading or deteriorating.
Despite the pandemic potentially ending in the coming months, hygiene will remain top priority in commercial and learning environments. Our Odyssey range can withstand the intense cleaning measures necessary to keep spaces spotless.
3 – Unique Designs
Odyssey’s bold design makes a statement, conveying both sophistication and style. It’s brilliant detail draws attention to the floor, and gives the right impression to every user.
The range uses the latest innovations to bring a level of creativity that is unique to the fibre-bonded sector. It’s a place that no fibre-bonded carpet has been before, and you won’t find a carpet like it on earth!
4 – Flexibility
The Odyssey range comes in the form of carpet tiles, which can be easily moved and interchanged. This makes it easier for a space to meet the ever-changing government guideline requirements, which need to be met to promote safety – even after the pandemic.
When placed against clashing or opposing colours, the tiles can be used to create walkways and borders. With rules on social distancing still very much in place, this is a great way to keep people apart and guide them around buildings.
5 – Noise Reduction
Whether it be in a commercial or an office space, it is important that noise levels are kept to a minimum. With a BS EN ISO 140-8: 20dB rating, Odyssey absorbs sound to create a large reduction in impact noise.
The colours in the range also have positive light reflectance ratings, meaning that the carpet is easy on both the eyes and ears.
6 – Cost-effective
Cost is a factor that must be considered when looking to install the perfect carpet for your environment. It can be easy for contractors to choose a solution that is cheap to buy and cheaply made, however this will fail to stand the test of time.
However, Heckmondwike has a reputation for delivering high quality carpets for an affordable price. We are keen to suggest that customers try before they buy, and that’s why all of our carpet samples are free; including Odyssey.
7 – Office Essentials
As well as being a great commercial carpet, Odyssey is perfect for the office. With many businesses working from home, now is the perfect time to renovate office buildings.
The anti-static qualities of the range also means that it is suitable for use in rooms with computers, making it an incredibly versatile option. Our latest case studies, such as M&N Heating & Plumbing, and Tapper Interiors, exemplify just how Odyssey can transform a space.
To learn more about our Odyssey range, and its relaunch, contact our expert team. Call 01924 406 121 or email sales@heckmondwike-fb.co.uk.
Following the 2016 Referendum, Brexit saw the United Kingdom withdraw from the European Union on the 31st January 2020. With much uncertainty surrounding the move, one can only predict the consequences to follow.
We can relate to Brexit, in the way that our Supacord carpets were launched in 1973 – the same year that Britain joined the EEC. This goes to show that some things remain, while others don’t.
As a commercial carpet manufacturer with UK production at its core, our customers based in Great Britain will not see any changes to our products or services, and we see Brexit as an opportunity to offer solutions to those who may have previously looked towards overseas suppliers.
However, our vision is not shared by others in the flooring market. Here are some ways we think Brexit will impact the flooring industry.
Tricky business
Brexit will cause the flooring industry to lose many of their customers, even here in the UK. For example, retail and high-street chains, in particular, will have anxieties of their own surrounding Brexit and may choose to cut back on interior design renovations. However, sectors that go ahead with renovation are likely to opt for British manufacturers.
Also, as the UK is one of the main markets in the European carpet industry, if importing becomes a luxury many European countries will lose out on business. To combat this, those in the UK carpet industry must conduct extensive research into the requirements of British customers, to widely appeal to them.
In order to do this, UK flooring companies must reconsider factors such as the materials, colours and patterns of the carpets they manufacture. Carpets that are available in a selection of colours and designs will be favoured, such as those in our Array collection.
Struggling supplies
Most of the raw materials used in carpets are purchased from abroad. This means that more money must be invested in UK manufacturing – a trend seen across a number of other industries which heavily rely on importation.
Our UK carpet manufacturer holds significant stocks of fibre raw material, alongside finished carpet rolls and tiles – with our manufacturing processes operating throughout the year to provide the latter. Almost 90 percent of our suppliers are also based in the country, meaning that we should be in a comfortable position for the future.
Changing tastes
In the five years since the Brexit vote, it’s safe to say that a lot has changed. Tastes are just one of the trends that have altered dramatically over the years. We can reflect and learn from them to predict what is to come.
For example, in interior design, carpet tiles have soared in popularity due to their versatile, durable and movable properties. They can be interchanged with ease, and be installed and removed with minimal disruption. The coronavirus pandemic has fueled this demand, as customers look for practical solutions.
The industry must think fast to meet demands, a trait that was reflected in the quick launch of our Social Distancing Carpet Tiles last year. We quickly identified that the customer wanted a stylish, more permanent, interior alternative to hazard tape and stickers during the pandemic, that would stand the test of time until no longer needed.
Contact our expert team for more information about our extensive product range. Call 01924 406 121 or email sales@heckmondwike-fb.co.uk.
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.