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B702 / North Sea carpet tiles for raised access flooring systems, by Interface. 32/ october 2013 p30-35Raised floors_lighting.indd 32 and any combination of colours and patterns that designers require. Given that raised access flooring is increasingly being associated with green building values, it's no surprise that companies are developing products with a purpose. While Interface's new modular carpet collection, Net Effect, has not been specifically manufactured for raised access floors, it can be used for this purpose. It contains 81 per cent recycled materials including yarn made from discarded fishing nets. The pattern was inspired both by the ocean's life-giving power, as well as marine life endangered by discarded nets, acidification and pollution. The collection was born of Net-Works, a global business and conservation association between Interface and the conservation charity Zoological Society of London (ZSL). Net Effect's three 50-cm square tiles (featuring a neutral ground, transition tile and textural accent) evoke thoughts of the sea with a texture that references the moment when waves wash over land. The three tiles can be combined to create design elements including borders and inset area rugs. As unorthodox as Net Effect's material content may seem, end-oflife nets recovered from the fishing industry represent some of the world's cleanest and most abundant supply of post-consumer nylon. The actual carpet manufacturing process was made possible due to Interface working closely with Aquafil, a key Interface supplier that refined the technology required to recycle nylon waste into new nylon fibre. "Interface's business is built around inspiration, innovation and the pursuit of true sustainability – economic, environmental and social," says Chip DeGrace, executive creative director for Interface. "Products like Net Effect and programs like Net-Works demonstrate how creative thinking can change the way we do business and move us closer to the ultimate goal of being a restorative enterprise." The opportunities for raised access floor seems more promising than ever. Accordingly, manufacturing companies are growing their market share and in Camino's case growing across North America with a growth focus specifically in the U.S. and Western Canada. "Things slowed down during the recession and we're doing our best to regain momentum," says Mathis. "Now is the ideal time for architects, engineers and developers to think about the benefits of raised access floors in high-performance buildings." n raised Access Flooring 13-09-13 3:39 PM

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