Classrooms are bustling, lively environments. Students and teachers are constantly coming and going, but the space still needs to be calm and tranquil enough to allow students to thrive.
What’s more, a classroom needs to be designed to inspire and foster big ambitions. Therefore, it should incorporate colours and patterns that stimulate learning, without distracting students from their studies.
Flooring is one of the most important decisions when it comes to classroom design. Underfoot all the time, the right flooring can make or break a learning environment.
Commercial carpet is an ideal choice for the classroom for so many reasons. From acoustics to cost-effective design options, we’ve listed 6 benefits of installing commercial carpet in the classroom.
1. Amazing Acoustics
Commercial carpets are ten times more efficient at reducing sound than other flooring types. In fact, experts believe that commercial carpet can reduce airborne noise by up to 35%.
In the classroom, absorbing noise is crucial to maintaining a calm learning environment. From conversation, to scraping chairs, to moving desks, there is so much background noise that needs to be minimised.
Our fibre bonded carpets have been carefully designed to absorb as much noise as possible. In fact, our Supacord commercial carpet sheets can absorb 22dB of noise! This can be improved even further with our special acoustic backing.
2. Incredible Insulation
Commercial carpet is a very good thermal insulator, as the fibres in the material trap heat, keeping rooms warmer for longer and stopping heat from escaping through the floor. In the winter, this is a huge plus for schools looking to save on heating costs.
What’s more, even if the classroom is cold, Heckmondwike fibre-bonded carpets will still feel warm to the touch. This is a must for primary schools where children have to sit on the floor.
3. Safety is the Top Priority
In classrooms, students’ safety and well-being have to come first. Unlike hardwood floors, our fibre bonded carpets prevent slips and falls. They are hard-wearing, and will not ravel or fray, so you can have confidence in classroom safety for years to come.
Heckmondwike also offers a range of entrance and transition area products, to make sure that corridors and entrance halls are just as safe as the classrooms in an education building.
4. Inspiring Design
Commercial carpet is a great, low-cost way to introduce a pop of colour, or an interesting pattern into the classroom. By choosing a captivating carpet, classroom designers can save money by making the rest of the classroom fairly simple, so as not to distract or overwhelm students.
Our Array and Odyssey ranges feature engaging patterns in a broad variety of colours, to brighten up any classroom environment. They can be interchanged with tiles from our bestselling Supacord range to create a checkerboard pattern, break out areas, walkways and anything else you can come up with!
5. Better Hygiene
Since the pandemic, hygiene has become a renowned focus in schools. Hygienic classrooms can reduce the transmission of illnesses, which improves attendance, helping students learn.
Contrary to popular opinion, installing fibre-bonded carpet can actually improve classroom hygiene, if it’s cleaned regularly. This is because commercial carpet traps viruses and bacteria in the gaps between fibres, reducing the likelihood of transmission.
6. Comfort
Last but certainly not least, comfort is key in the classroom. Students can’t learn to the best of their ability if they don’t feel relaxed and reassured in the classroom. This is where our fibre-bonded carpets come into their own, making any classroom space feel cosy and welcoming.
Not only are they comfortable, Heckmondwike commercial carpets for education come with a seal of approval from those who count.
If you’re looking to renovate your education space this summer, why not request a free carpet sample, by contacting 01924 406 161 or emailingsales@heckmondwike-fb.co.uk.
When analysing student performance, classroom design is not often considered an important contributory factor. However, attentively designed classrooms can improve students’ well-being, focus and communication skills.
In fact, a study by researchers at the University of Salford found that learning environments could impact pupils’ performance by 25%.
How classroom design can impact student learning
Colour
Different colours affect the way we see and process information. Filling a classroom with colours that promote learning, communication and confidence is a great way to boost student wellbeing and help children concentrate.
- Bold vs muted
Bright colours such as red and yellow can inspire energy and creativity, but can be easily overstimulating for children who have attention issues or are neurodivergent.
Therefore, a great strategy is to use bright colours to direct attention to specific areas of interest in the classroom. Then, you can pair them with more calming, muted colours like dark blues and greens to create a learning environment that is both relaxing and inspiring.
All of our fibre bonded carpets come in an impressive range of colours. The education industry’s long standing favourite Supacord range comes in 42 colours from bright Emerald to earthy Pebble.
- Patterns and textures
Understanding how patterns and textures can work to provide different effects is a key part of sensory development for young children. Smooth, shiny textures can be interesting, but for flooring, a softer surface will be more comfortable.
Patterns can provide pockets of inspiration, especially in hallways and transition spaces. Different types or colours of carpet can be used to make creative patterns that can also function as break out areas or queuing prompts. Our Array and Broadrib ranges can be combined to do just that, like in this corridor space from St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School:
Acoustics
The noise level in a classroom can significantly impact how well children can learn.
A study from the Centre for Educational Neuroscience found that children under 8 years old with low selective attention skills struggled to concentrate in a classroom environment with loud levels of background noise.
Furthermore, high levels of classroom noise can be frustrating as well as distracting for both students and teachers, and lead to less engagement and proactive teamwork.
Flooring is a cost-effective way to make a space as quiet as possible. Fibre-bonded carpet can absorb airborne noise by up to 30%, improving classroom acoustics.
Our bestselling Supacord range reduces background noise by up to 22dB with specially designed acoustic backing.
This noise reduction can improve children’s ability to focus on their work, and allow them to feel relaxed and nurtured in their learning environment.
Comfort
Children in England spend on average 635 hours in the classroom every year. Therefore, classrooms must be comfortable inviting spaces that children are excited to be in.
Our fibre-bonded carpets provide a layer of cushioning that forms a comfortable surface for children sitting on the floor. Its anti-ravel and anti-fray technologies prevent slips and falls and make it a hard wearing and cost-effective flooring option.
Many different choices go into creating the perfect classroom design. Flooring is key to maximise possibilities in a space, as it is a cost-effective way to insert colour into a room whilst making the classroom more noise-absorbant and comfortable.
Heckmondwike FB is one of the UK’s leading commercial carpet manufacturers with over 40 years of 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.
Despite competition from the hard flooring market, the value of the European rug and carpet market is set to rise over the next four years. A report by Grand View Research estimates that it will grow over 3% every year, to reach approximately £46.22 billion in 2025.
Where will the rise come from?
The UK is set to play a significant part in this rise, along with Denmark and Germany. This is somewhat surprising considering the slight drop in the UK market value during 2020-2021 due to Covid-19. People were using office buildings less, construction dramatically decreased, and there were fewer funds available for refurbishments. Currently, the market size of the UK Carpet & Rug Manufacturing Industry is £934.1m in 2021, measured by revenue.
However, there are many factors that influence potential market growth and have caused experts to predict the future rise. These include…
Sustainability
Sustainability is no longer a unique selling point and is now a necessity in the carpet industry. This will only increase in importance over the next few years.
Recycled materials are now at the heart of manufacturing processes in the European Market, with carpets that are at the end of one life cycle being reused to create new, exciting products.
Commercial carpet sector
The commercial carpet sector in particular is set to experience growth. A Future Market Insights report predicted that application in education, hospital and healthcare sectors will continue to create sustained opportunities for flooring and carpet industry manufacturers during the forecast period.
What does this mean for the UK industry?
Due to Brexit, the pound has been depreciating against the Euro. This raises the cost of imports coming in from overseas, but also makes UK manufactured products more price competitive and attractive to overseas retailers. This will hopefully help the UK carpet industry to rise in value in the coming years.
Furthermore, small companies like Heckmondwike FB and our sister company Paragon Carpet Tiles are making leaps and bounds in sustainable innovations. For example, our zero waste policy and use of recycled materials fit the market forecast. For over 50 years, we have been market leaders in pioneering the use of fibre bonded technology in the education sector. Our mission is to continue innovating for many years to come, whilst sticking to our honest Yorkshire roots.
For more information about our UK manufactured, fibre bonded carpets, contact our expert team on 01924 406 161 or email sales@heckmondwike-fb.co.uk.
Welcome to the latest instalment of our ‘People of Heckmondwike’ blog series, where we showcase the faces behind the commercial carpet tiles manufacturer. This week, we caught up with Yorkshire Area Sales Manager, John Barraclough.
Continue reading to learn about his favourite product range, visions for the future and his famous feature in a special edition of Weetabix Top Trumps cards.
How long have you worked at Heckmondwike?
I joined Heckmondwike in May 2007 on a 6 month contract to cover maternity in the North West Area. From October 2008, I was offered the full time position of Area Sales Manager for the North East of England.
This left 10 months, during which time I worked on various projects including temporary coverage of the Midlands Area Sales Manager and 3 months as temporary Dispatch Manager. From September 2013, I was also responsible for Scotland in addition to my existing area.
Finally in 2017, after a major restructure of the business, I took on responsibility for Yorkshire.
What does your role entail?
I am responsible for the promotion of sales of Heckmondwike products by gaining specifications through architects, councils, interior designers, facilities management companies, builders and more. I also visit flooring contractors, flooring wholesalers, and various other flooring outlets.
Tell us something that most people don’t know about you.
I once featured in a limited edition of Weetabix Top Trumps Cards. The moustache looks a bit tragic…
How do you envision the future of carpet manufacturing?
I think that the manufacture of man-made carpets will continue for many years. However, companies will need to embrace sustainability and make far more use of recycled products in order to become more environmentally friendly.
What is your favourite product range and why?
It would have to be Array carpet tiles, as they offer an incredibly creative finish.
Finally, favourite biscuit to have with a brew?
Being a true Yorkshireman it has to be anything from Fox’s Biscuits, especially when someone else has bought them!
Contact our expert team for more information about our extensive product range. Call 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.