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by LAURIE JONES J UNE 2017 | 45 Resilient Flooring T Resilient flooring focusses on comfort and creativity The beauty of technology keeps on shining with 2017's collection of resilient flooring options that address residential, commercial and health industries' needs. Stunning designs that create a wow factor, and the ease of installation and maintenance are all reasons behind the product's rapidly expanding growth. Forbo's new Marmoleum Solid collection, made with natural, renewable ingredients combines award-win- ning design with durability and sustainability to create a healthy, pure foundation for today's interior environ- ments. "The Marmoleum Solid collection includes a modern take on classic Concrete, a beautifully textured Slate offering, nature-inspired shades of Piano, and a pure Walton line that creates a subtle stage for interior finishes," says Lori Lagana, marketing manager. The collection also includes Forbo's innovative Marmoleum Cocoa collection, which received a 2017 iF Design Award. By adding cocoa shells to traditional Marmoleum ingredients, Forbo created a new and exciting surface texture that is both natural looking and contemporary. Lagana adds that the Marmoleum Solid collections are 100 percent biobased, and feature inherent antimi- crobial and antistatic properties that improve indoor air quality and resist bacteria growth without chemi- cal additives. Marmoleum Striato's sustainable, water- based Topshield 2 finish provides occupancy-ready installation and exceptional performance against real world flooring damage, including soiling, stain- ing, scratching and scuffing. "Unlike non-renewable floor coverings, Marmoleum floor can easily and cost- effectively be renewed, bringing it back to its original beauty, even after years of heavy use," she says. "In fact, Marmoleum has a system service life of 30 years." Altro Orchestra resilient flooring has been engi- neered to create the ideal environment to learn and live. "In demanding areas with constant noise and foot traffic, such as hospitals and school corridors, comfort under- foot and sound reduction are paramount," says Nick Alexandropoulos, marketing communications specialist, noting that the sound dampening qualities turn steps from a passersby to a dull drum beat. "Altro Orchestra makes life easier on the feet of students, patients and hard- working staff who spend countless hours on the move." Alexandropoulos adds that comfort underfoot not only makes walking easier, in spaces where pedes- trians have a higher risk of tripping and falling – like senior living – but that Altro Orchestra's additional padding can help prevent injury. With a grand pal- ette of 40 colours and designs varying from calming neutrals to vibrant shades in concrete, linen and pep- pered looks, Altro Orchestra allows buyers to design the right atmosphere to suit their needs. Altro Orchestra is 2.8-millimetre sheet vinyl floor- ing, manufactured with 22 percent rapidly renewable biobased content and certified for low-VOC emissions, helping facilities achieve environmentally-friendly and LEED goals. "Our Altro Orchestra co-ordinates with Altro Operetta and Altro Serenade. The three flooring options share many colours with different lev- els of thicknesses and sound reduction to suit what- ever the customer's space demands." In the spring of 2017, Tarkett introduced Safe Sense Tactile Walking Surface Indicators (TWSI) system tiles for the Canadian market. The Safe Sense Guide Tiles and Warning Tiles are a TWSI-code compliant solution for CSA B651-12 and ISO/FDIS 23599 that assist the visually impaired near staircases, changes in level and guide paths. "Tactile Guide Tiles are designed to aid the blind and visually impaired to traverse open spaces by indicating primary routes of travel, and allow those who use white canes while walking to feel the desig- nated route," says Chad Bittner, director of marketing, healthcare and education, Tarkett North America. "The Safe Sense line comprises two types of tiles: Tactile Warning Tile and Tactile Guide Tile. The Warning Tiles indicate special hazards for the blind or visually impaired when used to indicate changes in level in areas such as steps, ramps and escala- tors," Bittner adds. "Additionally, they can help guide the blind and visually impaired tactually, or by feel, through the soles of shoes." The 24-inch by 24-inch tiles are available in all 98 solid colours within the Johnsonite rubber tile and stair tread lines. Like all Johnsonite products, Safe Sense Tiles are designed to integrate design and life-safety into floor- ing and stairwell solutions. As a Tarkett company, Johnsonite develops its products following cradle to It's Hot Underfoot cradle principles, using only quality materials that con- tribute to a healthy environment. The EverWood and EverTile luxury vinyl collec- tions from Torlys Inc. have seen huge success since their introduction in 2015. Both collections combine on trend styles, patterns and textures with quality engi- neering, ensuring floors start beautiful and stay beau- tiful. The CorkPlus attached underlay in all EverWood and EverTile collections is infused with Microban anti- microbial product protection to inhibit the growth of mould and mildew, making the entire series the authentic waterproof flooring solution. "Both collections are also outfitted with ultra-tight Uniclic joints and a high-density WPC core, keeping floors stable and dent resistant, while also allowing for easy reparability with the Torlys BullDog Easy Plank Replacer tool," says Brian Gencher, VP, marketing and product development. EverWood Elite from Torlys Inc. Marmoleum Concrete from Forbo Flooring Systems. Orchestra from Altro Floors.

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