Award

iQ Granit Build-A-Bear retail space. RigidTile Designer D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 2 | 39 Resilient Flooring P H OTO G R A P H YCO U RT E S Y TO R LYS I N C .; TA R K E T T N O RT H A M ER I C A ; L S I N O RT H A M ER I C A Resilient flooring has gone that extra mile with its latest offerings by LAURIE JONES F rom cork granules to mosaics, the options for resilient flooring are not only endless, but offer elegance, style, and comfort along the way. Tarkett North America has refreshed and expanded its iQ Granit collection and introduced the co-ordinating iQ Eminent collection within its high-performance homogeneous vinyl sheet and tile products. Designed with health-care spaces in mind, Tarkett's iQ products are low-maintenance, durable enough to maintain their performance under high-traffic wear, and contribute to healthy, rejuvenating indoor environments. "Created in Ronneby, Sweden, iQ Granit and iQ Eminent embody the very best of Scandinavian design," says Janette Murray, senior design manager for Tarkett North America. "Every detail has a pur- pose, from superior infection control and softened acoustics options, to state-of-the-art technology that promises zero refinishing for the life of the floor. With organic patterns and a warm colour palette, the collection is continually restored with a simple dry buffing – so your floor, your space, and your peo- ple can maintain top performance." The soft, tonal chip designs of iQ Granit are inspired by the beauty and resilience of natu- ral stone – iQ Granit Sense is more tonal, while iQ Granit offers more colour variation in its visual accents. Further adding impact sound reduction, iQ Granit Acoustic enhances spaces where quiet reflec- tion and peaceful healing are desired. "According to research, quieter health-care settings have been shown to improve clinical efficiency, dimin- ish stress, and support the healing process," says Margaret Bartholomew, health-care segment man- ager, Tarkett North America. To optimize the indoor environment and support better indoor air quality, iQ Granit is ortho-phthalate- free and certified asthma & allergy friendly by Allergy Standards Ltd., a certification program endorsed by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Walk THIS WAY New to the North American market in the expanded collection are iQ Eminent & iQ Eminent Unisense, two visuals with differing scales that offer greater colour contrast and the handcrafted look of terrazzo. These collections offer a smaller, more refined palette of 25 colourways that co-ordinate with iQ Granit to enhance wayfinding and creative layouts. Beyond their soothing aesthetics, Tarkett's iQ homogeneous vinyl sheet products are scientifi- cally engineered to prevent the spread of infection, simplify care and maintenance, and support better indoor air quality. LSI North America continues its offering of inno- vative flooring selections, including designs that are sure to warm the hearts of young and old. One such installation was in a Build-A-Bear retail space designed to allow your imagination to create cuddly teddy bears for children and adults alike. "The in-house design team envisioned a flooring design that would reflect the Football Hall of Fame space they were in," says Rick Moffatt, president and creative director of LSI Flooring. He explains LSI Floors worked closely with the designer to create a custom printed flooring that highlighted the Build-A-Bear logo and the layout of a football field. "The grass tile was from stock pattern and the lines were custom cut to size from stock pattern. The numbers were cut at our fac- tory and inserted into the tiles for yard line numbers. The project was challenged with not only performing under high-traffic conditions, but a very tight budget and construction schedule. The client is thrilled with the end results, as it fit the space perfectly." Dinoflex continues to be a leader in recycled rubber flooring both in North America and interna- tionally. "The popularity of Sport Mat and Nature's Collection has turned heads in the A&D community as designers and architects find creativity and inspi- ration with the versatility of these product," says Scott Hutchison, marketing and inside sales repre- sentative. "Our Sport Mat was designed for all types of athletic facilities, and the Nature's Collection was created for designers." The Sport Mat fitness flooring is made with recycled rubber, helping support health and recre- ation at all levels. "It can withstand skates, weights, and rolling loads or rough equipment edges," he explains. "We've installed this flooring in ice rinks, fitness clubs, and ski resorts because the perfor- mance of the tiles are not affected by moisture, humidity and temperature change." He adds that Dinoflex tiles offer high traction, even when wet, which works well in both summer and winter sport facilities. The Sport Mat product is manufactured in block format to facilitate the Made Flat, Stays Flat Guaranteed Never to Curl. On the other side of design, the Nature's Collection flooring blends the durability and versa- tility of recycled rubber in a sophisticated, elegant format using sustainably harvested cork. "By infus- ing cork granules we add depth and texture to the surface, while the vivid colours of the ethylene propylene diene monomer [EPDM] rubber offers contrast, coming together for a perfectly balanced, impressive design. We have combined character- istics that are similar yet complementary to one another, giving you a product with superb perfor- mance and a visual dimension not typically found with rubber surfaces." Known for bringing innovative flooring solu- tions to market, Torlys has expanded its SPC vinyl lineup with Torlys RigidTile Designer and Premier collections that offer stunning tile patterns in matte finishes with realistic built-in painted grout lines to complete the look. "RigidTile is a perfect alternative to porcelain or stone tile," says Peter Barretto, presi- dent and CEO. "It comes in two sizes – an impressive large format tile, 18-inch by 36-inch with grout lines, or 12-inch by 24-inch in soft, contemporary colours for an authentic look." He notes the pre- mium SPC vinyl has a five-layer continuous press construction with subtle textures. With transition free installations in spaces up to 70-feet by 70-feet, RigidTile collections require minimal subfloor preparation and can be installed directly over most ceramic tiles. "It's a remark- ably stable, beautiful floor, at a great value, that was built to last and guaranteed to have no peak- ing, no cupping, and no gapping. As with any Torlys Smart Floor, these floors are repairable and backed by Torlys S.M.A.R.T. Warranty, which guarantees a second use from your floor, as well as the industry's only flood warranty." Interface continued its commitment to launching innovative, high-performing, and beautiful resilient products in 2022. Included in the line-up are Fresco Valley, Desert Scapes Vinyl Sheet, norament pado, and Even Path. Crafted to create beautifully restorative spaces that help us to live, work, and thrive, the Fresco Valley luxury vinyl tile collection integrates

• Cover