FLOORS, WALLS & CEILINGS
LVT vs natural materials While natural woods and stones have their place, selecting LVT is a forwardthinking decision for a hotel or office; after all, LVT provides the shapes, angles/ geometry and scale needed to optimise a space, while also remaining incredibly durable and meeting VOC requirements for wellbeing and air quality. Wellbeing is a significant topic in recent years, and it is well documented that it can have a positive impact on productivity in the workplace, and even relaxation in hotels. As humans, we are innately connected to nature, so it is understandable that employees perform better when working in spaces that feature views or even elements of the outdoors. Incorporating biophilic design can be fairly simple; choosing LVT flooring designs that mimic real wood or stone certainly offer the charm and character of natural materials. For this reason, we have launched Amtico Form, a new nature-inspired collection that recreates the tactile beauty and authentic textures of natural materials,
THE POWER OF LVT FLOORING Flooring has a big role to play in the overall look and feel of a space, and the market is awash with different materials. Considerations also need to be made for durability and promoting positive wellbeing in today’s environments. Louisa Eyles, Commercial Marketing Manager at Amtico, explains why LVT is the answer. AMTICO
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looring has a multitude of roles to fulfil in commercial environments, from creating a comfortable atmosphere in offices to guiding hotel guests to the reception desk and providing a relaxing, comfortable environment in the bedrooms. However, flooring also needs to provide a durable surface that will last for years to FC&A – MAY – 2021
come. Luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) lead the way for commercial spaces and is indeed one of the most versatile, durable and hardwearing products available. It offers complete design freedom, presenting a commercially-attractive alternative to other flooring materials, such as natural wood, stone, sheet vinyl and laminates. 22
helping designers and specifiers create spaces that boost positive wellbeing. Ever-popular, LVT also provides complete resilience while withstanding heavy traffic and resisting scuffs, scratches and stains, which is why these products can be offered with long commercial warranties. So, it is no surprise that LVT is rising above ceramics and timber to become the flooring material of choice when designing and ‘future-proofing’ commercial environments.
Acoustics In addition to the design choices and durability, LVT with enhanced acoustic performance can be specified to help create a peaceful and quiet atmosphere. Indeed, the acoustics of an environment can have just as much an impact on a hotel guest’s stay as the firmness of a mattress. Of course, the need to reduce noise shouldn’t compromise design aesthetics, which is why Amtico has developed a 1mm PVC foam backing layer that works across standard planks and tiles to reduce sound transmission by up to 19 dB. In a hotel, this enhances comfort for occupants in adjoining and lower-level rooms.
