2022 has noticed an extensive range of trends in workplace designs. The corporate sectors are changing their flooring needs, and technological advancements are providing a multitude of solutions for flooring trends that the industry has not seen in the past. Ace Le, APAC Marketing Director, Shaw Contract, articulates “As architects and designers create spaces that support a myriad of working styles and needs, end users and specifiers are increasingly embracing both, organic and technological forms. Across the Asia Pacific, I see more and more interior and flooring designs interpreting the idea of the Natureverse by conceptually stepping outside and imagining new worlds, aesthetics and solutions. Meanwhile, workplaces equip some zones with technology and designate others as tech-free zones: places to plug in and places to pause. As connectivity increases, so will the number of platforms on which employees, employers, and clients interact. Choices empower people — neurodivergent and neurotypical alike — to more effectively manage their own priorities more.”
He further adds “Future-proofing the workspace means designing such for occupant comfort. It requires deeper exploration into how a space can become universally accessible and comfortable for all employees. A focus on health and well-being champions a work-life balance and time spent outdoors. Building certifications that emphasise human centricity, like WELL are gaining strong traction. And future-proofing also means designing in flexibility, embracing diversity, equity and inclusion.”
Addressing the demand for sustainable flooring options Shaw Contract’s portfolio includes an award-winning new carpet tile collection called Collective, which is a carbon neutral carpet tile collection that uses EcoSolution Q100™, a high-performance nylon fiber with 100% recycled content, optimized for low embodied carbon. Every square yard reduces the carbon impact by 42%, versus traditional carpet tile. All styles in Collective are low embodied carbon and carbon neutral along with being Cradle to Cradle Certified® Silver.
The sector has also witnessed a significant shift from the old, traditional flooring patterns, to more “resimercial” and textural patterns that have also been hugely popular along with commercial carpets. Rachna Agarwal, Founder and Design Ideator, Studio IAAD, opines, “The past decade has also witnessed a growing emphasis on sustainability and eco-friendly materials. Naturally-sourced ones like cork and bamboo flooring come in this category. Teak and White Oak have become very popular. More commercial spaces now use natural stones with mineral streaks and knots that embrace imperfections as part of the aesthetics and create a more natural feel. Cement, terrazzo and stone tiles with an edgy finish and rustic look elevate the design and have a honed finish, making it a sensible choice for outdoor areas. These flooring options are both budget-friendly and characterful, primarily when used with floral motifs or other materials. In recent years, affordable and functionally appealing Linoleum and vinyl have also carved a niche in the commercial sector.”
The right pick
While selecting office flooring, the material is always based on its form and function. Each room has its function, and it will never be the case that one flooring material would work in the entire office. From a design perspective, Meena Murthy Kakkar, Design Head and Partner, Envisage, explains, “The most prominent aspect that one should consider for commercial flooring spaces is its wear and tear. The designer should evaluate the usage of the space and suggest flooring material accordingly. For example, Kota stone is a good option for flooring in cabins but not for public staircases. For incorporating wooden flooring, one needs to consider its grade — AC-4 being the best choice. One should also make informed choices while opting for high-maintenance options like Italian flooring, considering the time and money the owner is willing to incur.”
Shedding light on the technological perspective of flooring design, she adds, “One should pay attention to the process and techniques implemented to create that product. Sustainability is vital; hence, the origin and creation of a product and the amount of energy spent on making it are essential. An excellent example is bamboo flooring, as they are resilient and sustainable. Interestingly, a variety of surface treatment and coating options are now available to choose from.”
Spaces such as lobby and reception areas are considered to have prominent footfall. Some of the stylized options, such as terrazzo, wooden finishes and luxury vinyl tile (LVT), are a few traditional materials suitable for such high-level traffic areas. The LVT’s new hexagonal and rectangular tile shapes give a uniquely fresh take on the traditional square standard. Flourishing with the latest technology, 3D Epoxy floors have lately become more popular due to their eye-catching appearance in public. Microtopping floors (aka Microcement) are the newest of all and it provides durable surfaces as thick as 3mm with a unique appearance. Digitally printed tiles also allow the architects to have a look at wood, marble, and stone flooring by printing graphics on porcelain tile surfaces. Minute details such as distressed textures and wood grain are also possible due to its injected technology.
Open office spaces and break rooms require aesthetic materials that help absorb excess background noise and withstand high foot traffic. Durable and easily maintainable materials such as carpets and LVT work great in such areas. Metallic epoxy flooring is gaining attraction in commercial spaces, Its fusion of colours and designs gives visitors a unique experience to walk on the floor. To give rise to sustainability, eco-friendly flooring make from sustainable resources low-VOC-emitting floor materials, carpets made from recycled fibers and Reclaimed wood floors are gaining popularity.
Conference rooms, on the other hand, have lower foot traffic than common areas. Wood finishes, luxury carpets and LVTs are prominently suitable in such places. Pantry and cafeterias require hassle-free, low-maintenance, spill and water-resistant options; hence, quarry tiles, LVT and linoleum are a couple of materials that will work here. The modern, sleek look of Terrazzo flooring is also used to make a statement in office spaces, It holds up well over time and can also be made with recyclable materials, marking it a significant return on investment for designers and clients.
Technology takeover
Technology has noticeably changed the flooring industry. From design, manufacturing and styling to new installation techniques, the market has seen some commendably innovative products launched in this segment. Raichand Bhandari, Managing Director, A-Class Marble, states, “Over the decades, flooring installation services have been experiencing enormous growth in technology and innovation. Present-day flooring technologies address environmentally responsible choices, high precision manufacturing and installation, making exclusivity affordable and accessible through various experience centres and constantly upgrading quality and variety available.”
A better tomorrow
With technology, mass improvements have been observed in flooring materials. Bhandari elaborates that “Floors are foundational to the look and feel of an office space. You can take multiple directions regarding your floors, and it’s one of the most high-impact ways to upgrade spaces. Flooring materials such as hardwood, vinyl tiles, and stone are currently leading the trends. This year has shown an apparent inclination towards lighter, airier interiors that feel crisp and clean. Therefore, the palette anchors at contemporary colours: think greys, blondes and ashy whites, and blues, greens and dark browns.”
Case studies
Meena Murthy Kakkar, Design Head and Partner, Envisage, is currently working on an office space with attractive patterned flooring in cement. Black and white patterns on the cement base with a sealant take care of the wear and tear quotient.
Rachna Agarwal, Founder and Design Ideator, Studio IAAD, recently completed work on a corporate office project in Bangalore that features eye-catching flooring. For the lobby area, they used ceramic tiles in a chevron pattern that is colourful and energising. She explains that “The geometrical patterns were the perfect anchor to host minimalist furniture and provide a quirky vibe. In addition, matte-finish tiles with cement or epoxy grouts prevent them from getting slippery, which is important in high-footfall areas like the lobby.”