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Flooring contributes to the design of healthcare facilities in a multitude of ways, contributing aesthetically to the overall look and feel of a facility, providing comfort for patients and staff, and working as a way-finding tool to designate areas.
At the same time, a flooring palette has to take into account the demands of each space.
"The best way to approach these design areas is to decide on a style, such as a clinical or relaxed environment, and research colour trends and how colours affect emotion, especially within mental health," advises Damien Ryan, National Technical Manager at Polyflor.
"Consider the lifestyle, the overall feel you want in your project, research products that are fit for purpose and that will provide sustainable slip resistance where required, the abrasion level of the flooring and wear layers, the ease of cleaning and ongoing cleaning and maintenance costs."
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Whether a product is selected is hence decided by whether or not it is 'fit for purpose'. Surfaces with a raised profile or heavy texturing, for example, should not be used in areas where wheeled traffic is expected, but is recommended for floor safety in areas such as central kitchens and wet areas.
From floors that stand up to frequent spills, to an option that is adhesive-free, we explore four of the latest flooring products that could meet the particular needs of different spaces in...