Since its formation in 1981, Gloucester-based International Plywood has earned its reputation through a commitment to friendly, informal service alongside delivering professional, high-quality results. International Plywood focuses on supplying customers with the right panel solutions, backed by their extensive industry experience. With consistent growth from a turnover of £14 million in 1998 to over £150 million in 2020, their success reflects the reliability and quality of their products and service.

For this project, Gerflor delivered a comprehensive range of flooring solutions tailored to the needs of the office environment. Central to the design was the seamless integration of Creation 55 Looselay flooring with the Gradus Lunar carpet tiles. Sharing the same thickness, these innovative products enabled a smooth and uninterrupted transition between areas, without the need for joining strips, resulting in a unified and visually appealing finish throughout the space.

Adding a vibrant touch to the back stairway, Mipolam Planet in Aventurine, a bright green shade, offered a durable and low-maintenance solution for this high-traffic area. Safety was prioritised on the staircases, with Gradus XT stair edgings enhancing slip resistance and visibility on the main stairway, while Gradus BasicZ stair edgings provided a practical and cost-effective option for the back stairs.

To further promote hygiene and durability, Gradus SureProtect Pure wall protection was installed in the shower rooms and toilets. Its’ impact resistance and easy-to-clean surface made it an essential addition to these spaces. At the entranceway, Gradus Mat-in-a-Box played a critical role in trapping dirt and moisture, preserving the quality of the interior flooring and ensuring safety throughout the building.

Chris Pursey, Gerflor’s Specification Area Sales Manager – Flooring, explained, “Stanley Partnership Architects approached us to specify flooring solutions that included luxury vinyl tile, safety and homogeneous flooring, carpet tiles, entrance matting, stair edgings, and even hygienic wall cladding for bathrooms. The range of Gerflor and Gradus products were installed across various locations throughout the complex, from offices and corridors to stairs, bathrooms, staff areas, and toilets.”

Chris Pursey, further emphasised the design impact of the materials used. Located on a brownfield site with excellent M5 access, the project allowed for close oversight of the seamless integration of Gerflor and Gradus products. Chris commented further “The Creation 55 LVT Looselay tiles paired effortlessly with Gradus Lunar carpet tiles, eliminating the need for joining strips and achieving a high-quality interior finish. Additionally, the incorporation of plywood alongside these elements contributed a unique and visually striking dimension to the design.”

Ian Cartwright, Gradus Specification Area Sales Manager – Wall Protection, commented, “The accessories we provided, including the stair edgings and wall protection systems, were vital in ensuring the project met both safety and aesthetic requirements. From improved stair visibility to enhanced hygiene in wet areas, the Gradus solutions added long-term value to the space and contributed to the seamless integration of functionality and design.”

Stanley Partnership Architects, who have collaborated with Gerflor on past projects, specified Gerflor’s flooring for its versatility and suitability for multiple spaces. They also desired a complete solution and were looking for specification support on the wall protection and stair edgings requirements for the facility and were pleased to be able to source this from Gradus, which is a part of the Gerflor Group.

Stanley Partnership Architects were founded in 1978, this family-run firm, based in Cheltenham, is a a multi-disciplined practice that provides a diverse range of architectural services. Their national portfolio of services are suitable for both Professional & Domestic clients in Housing, Private extensions/remodelling and also the Commercial sectors.

Director Andy Hobdey of Stanley Partnership Architects explained that the client approached them shortly after purchasing the site, seeking architectural support for planning conditions, building regulations, and the construction phase. With the site intended to serve as the company’s headquarters and main warehouse, the project presented a rare opportunity to create a well-designed, bright, and inspiring workspace for the employees, made possible by the client’s clear vision and commitment.

On specification Andy Hobdey went on to say, “We already had an existing relationship with the Gerflor team and knew immediately that their innovative product ranges would give us the versatility and durability required for the spaces we wanted to create.  There is a wide choice of contemporary finishes that are recognised for their outstanding technical performance especially, when it comes to the safety of users.”

Andy Hobdey further added “It was of immense value to also be able to access and specify the Gradus Wall Protection and Accessory Stair edging products as part of the iconic project, having the relationship with Gerflor enabled us to fast track the project and also include the finishing solutions from the Gradus offer to be a part of the renovation project”.

Reflecting on his experience with the project, Ian Cartwright noted that working with his counterpart Chris Pursey from Gerflor, at the start of the installation phase, highlighted the impressive and diverse range of products Gerflor can supply for commercial interior refurbishment and new build projects.

Ian Cartwright went on to further add “As a combined business, we are able to offer our clients complete solutions ranging from high quality floorings such as LVT, Carpets, Safeties, Homogeneous vinyl’s from Gerflor, alongside our Gradus entrance matting, stair edgings and wall protection systems, this is a comprehensive complete solution which makes specification and purchasing even easier for all our customers.”

Andy Hobdey highlighted that the support provided by the Gerflor and Gradus teams during construction, along with the  finished results, surpassed expectations. Based on positive feedback from both the client and their workforce regarding the completed offices and ancillary spaces, Hobdey expressed confidence in returning to Gerflor and Gradus for future projects.

Andy Hobdey concluded, “The client and our teams are highly impressed with the final interior finish, this prestigious project required careful and thoughtful selection of building construction products, that would seamlessly work with the design vision we wanted to create for the end user. It has achieved this and could not have been possible without the support of the Gerflor and Gradus teams. We would not hesitate to use Gerflor and Gradus again in future specifications.”

Summing up the project Chris Pursey concluded, “Being part of this world class project was incredibly rewarding. The range of Gerflor and Gradus solutions which were installed throughout the facility, showcased our ability to provide an end-to-end comprehensive solution for a variety of applications, resulting in a visually and functionally exceptional finish.”

 Gerflor Company Overview

 Gerflor manufactures a comprehensive range of interior flooring solutions tailored for office buildings, including vinyl, linoleum, carpets, and rubber. Gerflor’s innovative designs enhance both the functionality and aesthetics of office spaces, while providing durable protection for interiors. Their solutions are proven to extend the lifespan of office buildings and reduce long-term maintenance costs. By partnering with office-based clients, Gerflor ensures that work environments are safe, accessible, and appealing for all occupants.

Overview of Gerflor products specified

 Creation 55 Looselay LVT

 The Creation 55 Essential LVT Collection offers versatility with options available in Dryback, and selected references in Solid Clic, Rigid Acoustic, and Looselay formats. The exclusive Protecshield™ Treatment adds an invisible layer that prevents micro-scratches and dirt buildup without altering the collection’s matte finish, ensuring the flooring maintains its appearance while simplifying and reducing maintenance costs. With a durable 0.55mm wear layer, the collection is REACH-compliant, Phthalate-free, formaldehyde-free, and contains recycled content, with the added benefit of recyclability at end-of-life.

A standout feature of the Creation 55 Essential Collection is its Mix and Match capability, enabling specifiers to seamlessly combine, contrast, and blend designs not only within the Creation 55 range but also with the Gradus Lunar carpet tile collection. This approach delivers unique, tailored flooring schemes with remarkable flexibility, offering an almost limitless palette for clients to create customised floor plans that fulfil both aesthetic and functional requirements.

Lunar Carpet Tile

 Lunar is a tufted loop pile carpet tile which can be randomly laid, it is available in eight eye-catching colourways and is on trend. Its unique designs reflect the mountain ranges of the moon. From the ethereal ‘Janssen’ through to ‘Jura’ and ‘Moro’ the myriad of colour choices stimulated in design by our nearest celestial body will both inspire and delight Designers and Specifiers alike. The Lunar carpet tile can also be mixed and matched with the Creation LVT ranges for a bespoke and customised look.

Lunar is perfect for office interiors, a host of education applications and many other contract environments. Lunar is available in a 500mm x 500mm format, it is made using 100% solution dyed nylon yarn, and the bitumen backing contains 75% recycled material providing outstanding levels of performance and comfort.

The Lunar Carpet collection is also available with a 12-year wear warranty and a 10-year anti-static warranty, as standard, a true commitment to its life longevity and quality.

Tarasafe Impression

 The Tarasafe Impression Collection is a visually impressive safety flooring range featuring realistic wood and mineral finishes aligned with contemporary office design trends. Ideal for both refurbishments and new office builds, this versatile floor covering is suited for high-traffic areas where slip resistance is essential. With 18 design-led colour options, Tarasafe Impression is ideal for creating safe, stylish interiors in office spaces, healthcare, education, and public buildings.

Engineered with reliable safety features, Tarasafe Impression is designed for medium- to high-traffic applications, with a compact backing reinforced by glass fibre and a printed design protected by a transparent wear layer. It meets ≥36 HSE guidelines  and has an R11 rating with a 20RTMRz micro surface roughness measurement, ensuring a low slip risk even in wet conditions.

This durable, 2mm-thick flooring includes a 0.70mm wear layer and a revolutionary UV-cured PUR treatment that enhances hygiene and simplifies maintenance. The Protecsol® Control surface treatment further ensures easy cleaning and upkeep, making it a low-maintenance, long-lasting choice for office interiors where aesthetics and safety are equally valued. Developed to leave a strong impression, Tarasafe Impression combines inspired design with superior slip resistance and durability, ideal for both new build and refurbishment office projects.

Mipolam Planet

 Mipolam Planet is part of a versatile range of high-performance homogeneous compact flooring solutions. Treated with Evercare™, an advanced and exclusive surface treatment, this vinyl flooring is scuff-resistant and requires no waxing or polishing to maintain its appearance and colour vibrancy over time. The combination of Evercare™ with anti-bacterial and fungicidal treatments ensures that stains such as blood and iodine can be easily and hygienically removed using minimal water and detergent. This not only reduces maintenance costs but also helps lower the environmental impact.

Gradus Company Overview

Gradus is a leading manufacturer of comprehensive interior solutions for office buildings, offering products such as stair edgings, floor trims, barrier matting, lighting, and wall protection. Gradus innovations are designed to create attractive and functional environments that enhance the aesthetic and safety of office spaces. These solutions contribute to the longevity of a building while helping to reduce long-term maintenance costs. Gradus works closely with office building developers and managers to ensure that spaces are safe, accessible, and well-maintained for all users.

Overview of Gradus products specified.

SureProtect Pure Wall Protection

 Gradus has been manufacturing, supplying, and fitting wall protection systems to the UK and International markets for 25 years and provides one of the most extensive wall protection systems available today.

SureProtect Pure is a hygienic wall cladding system designed for use in shower and toilet facilities within office buildings. It provides superior surface protection, creating an impenetrable barrier against moisture and bacteria, while also offering resistance to impact damage. The smooth, easy-to-clean surface is a perfect alternative to traditional ceramic tiles, eliminating the need for grout that can trap bacteria and dirt.

Available in 21 colours, SureProtect Pure can be coordinated to complement most office interior designs. A variety of finishing options in matching colours are also available, ensuring a seamless, professional look for high-traffic areas like shower and toilet facilities.

Gradus Mat-In-A-Box Entrance Matting

The Gradus Mat-In-A-Box Barrier Matting is a modular barrier matting system, designed to capture dirt and moisture – keeping floors cleaner for longer. Individual sections clip together, meaning quick and easy on-site assembly, minimising overall disruption. Constructed from 100% polypropylene wipers and a black or grey PVC base: incorporating flexible PVC pads for noise reduction.

Gradus XT and BasicZ Stair Edgings

XT Stair Edgings are the ultimate stair edging solutions comprising of bronze, aluminium or PVC-u Hardnose channels. A unique insert design extends around the leading edge of the stair edging to ensure maximum safety underfoot. A choice of pvc inserts are available, as well as a new metal castellated insert for use with XT bronze and XT aluminium channels.

They can be used in conjunction with floorcoverings from all major manufacturers and are suitable for interior use in all commercial and most industrial applications. They are supported by recommendations from BRE and the guidance contained within BS 8300-2:2018 and Approved Document M (ADM) of the Building Regulations 2000. Building owners and specifiers can choose XT safe in the knowledge that these innovations offers the ultimate solution in product design and performance to protect all groups of building users.

BASICZ™ Stair Edgings are renowned for their high quality and are ideal for internal use within most commercial applications. Featuring 2 new wide channel ramp back profiles, there are now 11 profile options to suit the most popular step shapes and common floorcovering types. Gradus have also increased the number of available insert colours to 20, ensuring that clients have an option to suit their colour and LRV needs. Customers can also take the risk out of measuring and book their FREE stair edging measure with the Gradus team of surveyors (UK mainland only).

Contact Details for Further Information

Learn more about Gerflor solutions, ask for a free sample or contact us to speak to a specialist today by calling 01625 428 922 , emailing contractuk@gerflor.com, or visiting gerflor.co.uk for the latest innovations.

Learn more about Gradus solutions, ask for a free sample or contact us to speak to a specialist today by calling 01625 428 922, emailing imail@gradus.com, or visiting gradus.com for the latest barrier matting, wall protection, stair edgings, lighting, and flooring accessory innovations.

New Homes Carpeting was formed in 1989 by Russell Freedman in a small, converted kitchen near Gants Hill, Essex. With a dedicated and experienced team, they can advise on all aspects of Carpet, Laminate, Vinyl, LVT and other specialist flooring, for both the Private and Commercial sector, including floor preparation and aftercare. Their aim is to provide an exceptional service to the highest standards by working closely with their clients, whilst ensuring that deadlines and budgets are always respected for each and every customer.

Josh Freedman, Director, New Homes Carpeting, decided that after eighteen years in their current establishment, it was time to give the company’s head office a complete and major refurbishment. In order to futureproof the office design for the next fifteen years, Josh chose Gradus Urban Myth carpet planks for this iconic renovation.

On specification, Josh Freedman commented, “The Gradus Urban Myth carpet flooring collection helped us to achieve the exemplary interior finish that we so much wanted that would meet our vision perfectly. We specified this product range and more specifically Ruby, Quartz, Steel, Carbon, and Lead designs for the contemporary and modern decors and for the carpet product range for its exceptional durability.”

Echoing the comments by Josh Freedman, Hannah Parkinson, Product Manager (Gerflor/Gradus) UK added, “Specifying carpet planks for the modern-day office environment has numerous benefits. Carpet planks are hard wearing, deliver a subtle but striking look and are extremely quick and easy to install, saving on downtime and budgets. The Urban Myth collection also enables designers and specifiers to create innovative and exciting looking interiors.”

The supply of the Gradus Urban Myth carpet products would come from Ipswich-based Faithfull Floorcoverings, which is supplied by the Headlam Group. Operating for over 30 years, Headlam is the UK’s leading floorcoverings distributor.

The Company collaborates with various manufacturers across the globe and distributes the broadest range of floor coverings onto the marketplace, it serves as a key player in providing a highly effective route to market, selling their products into the large and diverse trade customer base.

Key clients include independent and multiple retailers, small and large contractors, housebuilders and Housing Associations and Local Authorities. It provides its clientele with an enviable market leading service through the largest offer range, in-depth market and product knowledge, ecommerce capabilities, marketing support, and nationwide next day delivery service.

Lisa Key, Accounts Manager at Faithfull Floorcoverings said, “When our customer New Homes Carpeting specified Gradus Urban Myth carpets from Gerflor, we knew that it would be an ideal product that would more than meet their expectations and high standards. We have recently supplied Gradus Urban Myth to many of our trade customers and the feedback on both the quality and the durability has been immense.”

Commenting on the installation of the Gradus Urban Myth carpet planks, Josh Freedman said, “We had to conduct the refurbishment works. whilst our warehouse was still in operation, and the staff were ‘enjoying’ the rewards of working in several containers, whilst enduring the’ thirty-five plus heatwave. We had the usual build issues; however, the Gradus Urban Myth flooring from Gerflor went down with ease, perfectly and on time. The planks were extremely easy to install and randomly lay.”

Josh Freedman ended by saying, “We are extremely pleased with the Gradus Urban Myth carpet flooring, which always gets remarkable and complimentary. comments from our visitors. We would definitely specify Gradus carpets from Gerflor again.”

Learn more about Gerflor solutions, ask for a free sample or contact us to speak to a specialist today by calling 01625 428 922, emailing contractuk@gerflor.com, or visiting gerflor.co.uk for the latest innovations.

The Sutton Civic Offices is a community facility and is also the headquarters of the London Borough of Sutton. The current civic offices were commissioned to replace the old municipal offices. The building, which was designed by the Assistant Borough Architect, Charles Sierakowski in the modernist style, was completed in phases between 1972 and 1975. The design involved an asymmetrical main frontage onto St Nicholas Way with a canopied glass entrance to the civic offices and to the public library on the left, and a canopied glass entrance to the college on the right: there were continuous rows of glazing with brickwork above and below on the first, second and third floors throughout the complex. In the absence of a purpose-built council chamber, a multi-purpose area within the public library known as the “Europa Gallery” was designated as available for use by the borough council for their meetings.

Commenting on the Sutton Civic Centre project Paul Sceats, Specification Sales Manager at Gerflor commented, “The project came about through our regular and ongoing contact with the London Borough of Sutton, as we have been gradually refurbishing the general offices within the Civic Centre over the past two to three years using Gradus Latour2 Carpet Tiles. We are also about to start refurbishing the next three levels very soon with another two thousand m2 of both Gerflor products.”

Paul Sceats went on to add, “I met with the client to review the specification and project brief and he explained that he wanted to do something a bit unique for the busy reception area and of course choosing Gerflor for its flooring refurbishment would tick that box perfectly.”

On product specification, Paul Sceats further said, “At the time the Gradus Lunar collection had recently been launched, it would be an ideal product to consider as the natural and neutral tones would blend extremely well alongside the authentic wood-effect planks of Gerflor’s Creation 70 LVT. The client Rob McNaught used these finishes to very cleverly “sculpt” a walkway through the main carpeted area of the reception. To one side, he also created a small kids play area with a “pencil” effect on the walls.”

In supplying a superior interiors finish, the Gerflor floorings for this distinguished project would need to be installed by a company who could deliver on both timescale and quality of service.

South-East London- based Specialised Flooring (Bromley) Limited supply and install quality carpets and flooring. With over 30 years’ experience, they provide a quality and reliable service tailored to their customer’s requirements. They cater for both commercial and domestic installations throughout London and Kent, supplying and installing all types of floor coverings.

Commenting on the Sutton Civic Centre refurbishment, Ian Hook, Company Director at Specialised Flooring said, “We install all the flooring work for RT Services who were the main contractors on the project. We had seven days on site with two fitters and a labourer.”

On the installation itself Ian Hook went on to comment, “The Gerflor products which we installed in the communal areas, walkways, offices and the reception area were very easy to work with and lay.”

Ian Hook ended by saying, “Our client is extremely delighted with the finished result. Specifying Gerflor products, is for us, a natural choice as they offer a vast range of flooring in a fantastic array of contemporary colours and designs, which are suitable for many demanding applications.”

Paul Sceats concluded, “This was an outstanding project to work on. The selection of specified Gerflor products has really met and surpassed the specification set by the client. The communal areas now look really eye-catching and are a big hit with the visitors and staff.”

The Gerflor teams have always considered customers and the environment as their absolute priorities. Their floor coverings, wall solutions and finishing components are user friendly, healthy, fit for purpose solutions. They are designed with respect for the planet to last as long as possible with proposed end-of-life options. From product design through end-of-life, the circular economy is a core priority for the group.

Gerflor are ready and on hand to assist customers with specifications, provide technical advice and free site surveys for both new build and refurbishment projects. In addition to this, the core collections in Creation LVT and Lunar Carpets Tiles are stocked and readily available in the UK for fast delivery when time is of the essence.

Learn more about Gerflor solutions, ask for a free sample or contact us to speak to a specialist today by calling 01625 428 922, emailing contractuk@gerflor.com, or visiting gerflor.co.uk for the latest innovations.

Overview of Gerflor and Gradus products installed at Sutton Civic Centre

The credible and well established LVT Collections from Gerflor provide a unique all in one approach which is conceived using a method offering designers an à la carte choice of design and fitting depending on either renovation or new projects. The Creation Collection also considers the levels of light, moderate or heavy footfall that might have to be required.

With the Creation LVT Collections, Gerflor offers a range of solutions that are easy to live and work with, together with providing a stunning floor that is both durable and simply beautiful to look at. With 35 years’ experience in decorative tiles and planks, Gerflor continues to innovate!

Aimed at Architects, Specifiers, Decision-makers, and Interiors Professionals, the Creation LVT product ranges provide clients with a complete flooring solution targeted at four levels of traffic intensity. Creation 30 (Class 31) Creation 40 (Class 32) Creation 55 (Class 33) and Creation 70 (Class 34).

With exclusive designs and a variety of formats (Solid Clic, Rigid Acoustic, Dryback, and Looselay), the Creation LVT finishes offer over 100 different choices and possible combinations. The development of these world class ranges is spearheaded by their Creative Director, Gino Venturelli and an in-house design and research team.

The team closely with designers from around the world, studying international design influences and identifying key trends related to the world of fashion, interior design,
architecture and surface finishes. They also draw inspiration from natural materials such as wood, stone, marble, and concrete as well as graphics and architectural forms, whilst adding new colour blends and surface treatments. The results are applied to the creation of Gerflor’s pioneering, design-led, flooring innovations that are tailored to the individual markets and their needs.

The Creation LVT collections also deliver four ranges for different traffic levels and five fitting systems. One latest spectacular innovation for the Creation LVT product range is a new RIGID clip system that has improved performance characteristics and is available as two options: Creation Solid Clic and Creation Rigid Acoustic (with built-in underlay) for improved everyday comfort.

In a challenging world, Gerflor knows that designing and manufacturing products that are durable and easy to customise are key to ensuring that designers, specifiers, and architects can have a myriad of choices at their fingertips. By sheer hard work and innovation, Gerflor delivers products that are simply unique in their design and always at the forefront of technical achievement. The high-definition surface grain combined with an ultra-matt surface results in a more realistic finish to the Creation LVT collection.

Gerflor also has introduced new and on-trend herringbone formats for laying planks diagonally giving an ultra-realistic finish to modernise nineteenth-century interiors. Only available in Creation 55: Bonded fitting: 152 x 762 mm. Clip-on fitting: 125 x 750 mm.

The Creation Collections also comes with the innovative surface treatments including PUR+Matt on Creation 70 and Protecshield™ Treatment on Creation 30,40 & 55. These revolutionary coatings preserve the beauty of the floor-covering over the years, preventing dirtying and wear over time and offering overall optimal protection. These invisible films protect against micro-scratches without changing the matt appearance of the coating. In addition to protecting against external damage during day-to-day use, these surface treatments make maintenance much easier and cost effective. With Co-ordinated finishes from Gerflor a successful overall appearance is provided, delivering perfect harmony to the finished floor. Matching skirting and threshold planks are available to give a complete effect in which every detail plays its part.

Lunar is a revolutionary out of this world collection, now available within the Gradus Carpets portfolio. Inspired by the natural landscape of the moon, this stunning carpet product range has a distinguished design and is available in celestial decors that will help to create an extremely stylish and modern interior.

Lunar is a tufted loop pile carpet tile which can be randomly laid, it is available in eight eye-catching colourways and is on trend. Its unique designs reflect the mountain ranges of the moon. From the ethereal ‘Janssen’ through to ‘Jura’ and ‘Moro’ the myriad of colour choices stimulated in design by our nearest celestial body will both inspire and delight Designers and Specifiers alike. If you want to also go even further, and you are imagining a very particular and unique floor scheme, the Lunar carpet tile can further be mixed and matched with the Creation LVT ranges for a bespoke and customised look.

Lunar is perfect for commercial offices, a host of education applications and many other contract environments. Lunar is available in a 500mm x 500mm format, it is made using 100% solution dyed nylon yarn, and the bitumen backing contains 75% recycled material providing outstanding levels of performance and comfort. The Lunar Carpet collection is also available with a 12-year wear warranty and a 10-year anti-static warranty, as standard, a true commitment to its life longevity and quality.

Gradus Carpets is a brand of the Gerflor Group, manufacturing premium quality carpet tiles and planks, broadloom, and impervious backed carpets. Using a range of high-performance yarns, Gradus’ extensive range of carpets are suitable for a wide variety of contract applications including commercial office, education, and healthcare environments.

Established in 2003, Base Architects offer a concept to completion service through a dynamic and enthusiastic team who are passionate about architecture and the built environment. The company ethos ensures that each client has the same consistent high level of service built upon a proactive approach to communication and engagement throughout all project stages. Base Architects also have offices in Chester and Conwy and are well-placed to provide architectural services and support across the UK.

Lewis Leadeatt, Specification Manager, Gerflor North-West said, “We created a design plan for Base Architects through their fit-out contractors Forster Tullet. We had partnered with Forster Tullet on previous projects, and they recommended our solutions to Base Architects.”

Harry Reece, Managing Director, Base Architects said, “The change in working habits brought about by the pandemic sped up a process we had already initiated within the company, whereby all staff are able to work remotely whenever they need to using individual laptops and remote network connectivity.”

Harry Reece added, “As part of this ethos, we turned our Shrewsbury office into a hotspot hub. This involved reconfiguring the traditional office set up with a combination of individual desks, and one big communal hot desk, as well as a number of break-out rooms and soundproof booths for online meetings. This now meant that staff from our other offices in Chester and Conwy can also work in the Shrewsbury office whenever they like, simply by plugging into a workstation.”

On specification Harry Reece commented., “We wanted the redesigned office to be an appealing, collaborative space for both staff and visitors alike, together with reflecting our corporate image as a high-end, innovative practice.

Our contractors, Forster Tullet recommended the Gradus Carpet collections because it is soft enough to dampen sound, yet hard wearing enough to be able to withstand heavy furniture and cope with wheeled chairs moving across the floor…and the Gradus Emphasis range that was part of the specification comes in ‘Base’ Orange which matches our branding perfectly.”

Harry Reece further added, “The Gradus carpet installed still looks totally pristine six months on and there’s not a single wheel mark or furniture scuff on it, which is a brilliant testament to its durability.”

Latour2 from Gradus is a solution-dyed nylon carpet tile range that comprises of both Plain and Stripe designs, which can be used alone or can work together to create interesting and unique floor schemes. It is suitable for a wide range of environments including commercial and education applications. Gradus Latour2 comes in a 500x500mm tile format and is manufactured from 100% Aquafil solution dyed nylon yarn in loop pile construction. Gradus Latour2 has a bitumen backing and comes with a 10-year anti-static and wear warranty.

The Gradus Emphasis collection features a selection of bright accent colours which are available in both loop pile and cut pile. Made from ECONYL® regenerated solution dyed nylon, Emphasis is suitable for use as an accent colour in a wide range of environments including commercial, hospitality, retail, healthcare, and education.

Gradus Carpets is a brand of the Gerflor Group, manufacturing premium quality carpet tiles and planks, broadloom, and impervious backed carpets. Using a range of high-performance yarns, Gradus’ extensive range of carpets are suitable for a wide variety of contract applications.

In addition to the Gradus Carpet flooring supplied to the client, Gradus Boulevard 5000 Matting was also installed in the office location. It was perfect for the client, providing the safety and hygiene required at their premises for all their employees and visitors.

Moorhen is a dark grey and black tile option from the Gradus Boulevard 5000 range with an LRV of 2.98. Boulevard 5000 is a tufted cut pile, high performance barrier matting manufactured from ECONYL® regenerated solution dyed nylon. It incorporates a light scraper for dirt removal and features a heathered design to disguise the effects of soiling. It also offers excellent moisture retention properties. Boulevard 5000 is suitable for interior use in most contract environments including retail, education, healthcare, and commercial office. It is ideal for use in circulation areas such as foyers & receptions, lift lobbies, staircases, corridors and walkways, vending & canteen areas, and service points.

Boulevard 5000 is available in 500 x 500mm bitumen backed tiles and 2m sheet with impervious pvc backing for easy installation. It is also easy to maintain, being resistant to bleach solutions.

In conclusion Harry Reece said, “We are extremely delighted with the Gerflor Gradus products installed at our offices. The final result looks absolutely stunning.”

Learn more about Gerflor solutions, ask for a free sample or contact us to speak to a specialist today by calling 03332 412901, emailing contractuk@gerflor.com, or visiting gerflor.co.uk for the latest innovations. 

Advances in technology and a heightened focus on employee wellbeing are having a major impact on office design. This, added to the continued trend for open plan environments with different functional zones, has led to companies taking a more holistic approach to the design of their workspaces.

According to the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), recruitment strategies in certain sectors see the physical design of workspaces as critical in attracting and retaining staff. Flooring can therefore be a useful tool in creating a contemporary environment that reflects a company’s image, supports innovation and ensures a pleasant work environment which contributes to a happy, healthy workforce.

This means design, performance, installation, maintenance considerations and acoustic properties are all valuable considerations, as well as budget and health and safety requirements. While carpet tiles remain a popular choice, the sector is experiencing demand for design-led, resilient floorings that offer wider aesthetic options and performance benefits.

Technological advancements, an abundance of in-trend designs in vinyl and fast-track fitting methods have led to luxury vinyl tiles (LVTs) taking this area by storm.  With so much to offer, LVT floorings provide cutting edge solutions for functional spaces to boardrooms.

As workspaces are increasingly influenced by interior trends, designs are following suit, with new options in grey and limed wood effects and concrete finishes being seen. Clever use of design and colour can help create a sense of space and flow to a building or define different ‘zones’ such as meeting, creative thinking and eating areas. Flooring can help stimulate or relax, creating more inspired and personalised workspaces; and by incorporating bespoke logos companies can really make a statement.

In terms of performance LVTs with a durable 0.55mm wearlayer for moderate traffic, or 0.70mm for heavier use, are ideal. Those with easy-to-clean PUR+ surface treatments and advanced scratch resistance will lower maintenance and stay looking good for longer. Where sound transfer is a problem, acoustic options, with sound impact insulation of around 15db or more, help make busy offices quieter to work in.

As well as dry back, adhered installation, LVTs now have loose-lay alternatives. Innovative interlocking systems are perfect for refurbishments and can be laid over most smooth, hard existing surfaces without adhesive, offering rapid, clean and cost effective installation. Flooring can easily be altered if offices are reconfigured, and with the average length of office lease now under 5 years, mobility between premises is important.

Some office areas also have a greater slip resistant requirement; however, slip resistant flooring doesn’t have to be boring. Manufacturers are listening to customers and high end versions are becoming more trend-led and have the technical qualities to be relied on when it counts. For example, an R11 slip resistant vinyl achieving a 20RTMRz micro surface roughness measurement indicates a low slip risk in wet conditions.

With businesses looking for ways to differentiate themselves and retain the best workforce, and with design, performance and eco credentials all high up on the list, vinyl continues to be a product that can deliver.

Learn more about Gerflor solutions, ask for a free sample or contact us to speak to a specialist today by calling 01926 622 600, emailing contractuk@gerflor.com, or visiting gerflor.co.uk for the latest innovations.

The new Seymour office refurbishment would need to be sympathetic to the existing building’s heritage, where a certain amount of unique planning and design would be required. They would turn to Windsor-based Blue Jelly to design and complete the transformation of their new workplace.

At Blue Jelly they design and fit-out workplaces, whether refurbishing or relocating their team combine creative design with an established process to deliver exceptional environments. In specifying the all-important flooring aspect of the project Blue Jelly would select some 113m² of Creation 70 LVT flooring from international flooring specialists Gerflor.

Karen Preston, Business Development & Marketing Co-ordinator, Blue Jelly commented, “Rob Ansell our Business Development and Account Manager originally met with Seymour distribution back in 2007. Ten years on, we pitched against one other company before being appointed to undertake the refurbishment in occupation”. Karen went on to add, “We chose Creation 70 LVT in ‘Gilmore’ from Gerflor for the tea-point rooms and their Creation 70 in ‘Oceanside’ was used in the breakout area”. She went on to further say, “Gerflor Creation 70 LVT was also specified for the informal meeting and collaboration rooms”.

Gerflor offer designers a superb range of stunningly beautiful luxury vinyl tile (LVT) solutions with their Creation collection. This amazing range won the 2017 CFJ/CFA Product of the year and their Creation 70 product scooped the coveted Red Dot Design award last year, which is akin to receiving a ‘Design Oscar’. With a collection of vibrant modern designs, Creation 70 is a designer’s dream, providing a tough and durable solution and is available in 58 spectacular designs. Equally stunning in looks is Gerflor’s Creation 55 which is a perfect match for moderate office traffic areas. The sophisticated Creation 70 range offers a brand-new palette of realistic wood and mineral finishes in tile and plank formats with beveled edges.

In addition to this, the looselay Clic System’s unique vertical interlocking format allows this product to be laid quickly over most existing surfaces, with no need to close premises during refurbishments saving customers time and money. The Creation range is also 100% recyclable, REACH compliant and is treated with PUR+ surface treatment, providing excellent cleaning characteristics and improved resistance to scratching.

Commenting further Karen Preston said, “Gerflor products are very easy to work with and offer great colour options for the client to work from, which helps the decision-making process on a fast-moving project like this. The Gerflor products were very forgiving, which means that we didn’t have to apply sub-floor preparation”.

Karen Preston went on to finally say, “our client is extremely happy with the project and we have selected Gerflor products for several of our other projects which we are currently pitching for”.

Learn more about Gerflor solutions, ask for a free sample or contact us to speak to a specialist today by calling 01926 622 600, emailing contractuk@gerflor.com, or visiting gerflor.co.uk for the latest innovations.