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FALL 2016

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THE MAGAZINE OF SUSTAINABLE FLOORING & DESIGN

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greenoperations.net fall 2016 i GO i 3

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PERSPECTIVES4 goPinion

20 guest columnarch. systems’nancy Jackson

30 resilient floorcoVering institute

38 national woodflooring association

PEOPLE13 usgbc’s

mahesh ramanuJam

PRODUCTS22 luminous carPets

Tandus Centiva marries flooring with LED technology

26 lVtManufacturers help designerscut through the clutter

31 subfloor PrePSchönox provides solutions

PROFILE

16 13&9

PROJECT REVIEWS14 mohawk’s wellmore

of tega cay

24 metroflor’s mhouse

32 roPPe’s gulf coast regionalblood center

FEATURES6 answering the

gsa call

10 transParency today

K-12 makes the gradethrough design35

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4 i GO i summer 2016 greenoperations.net

GOPinion•

The importance of transparency — across any industry —stems from our innate desire to acquire information andbuild trusted relationships. The digital age we live intoday has only furthered our global curiosity and

expectations. We can travel the world at the click of a button,make purchasing decisions based on other people’s reviews andget answers to nearly any question we have via our cell phones.

Information sharing is at an all-time high, and with this comesan evolution of how we conduct business and who we get intobusiness with. Gone are the days where being green was simplya marketing strategy. Today, the A&D community and consumersalike are seeking out manufacturers’ sustainability stories. We areconnecting the dots between materials, health, production levelsand personal experiences. And in doing so, we’re shifting therelationships we have with products and places to create ahealthier built environment.

As you’ll read in this issue, the demand for sustainable aware-ness and transparency is coming from every angle of our indus-try. Education and government are two segments looking at theseissues to make massive strides to meet the individual needs of aspace. School districts are beginning to shift priorities fromupfront cost to long-term sustainable benefits when specifyingmaterials. Designers are also working with elementary, middleand high schools to incorporate products that lend themselves tomixed-use classrooms as teaching methods advance.

Similarly, the U.S. General Services Administration is takingnote of changing work environments and moving away from theutilitarian needs of offices from years past. That’s right, the federalgovernment is blazing new trails when it comes to setting productstandards for its facilities based on productivity and sustainability.

Looking to provide solutions, many manufacturers are takinga forward-thinking approach to transparency simply by joining inthe conversation. Mills are becoming more aware of the process-es and materials they are using and recognizing the weight third-party certifications, ingredients lists and their own environmentalconscious all hold.

And on a global level, organizations like the U.S Green BuildingCouncil are helping all of us ask better questions, find better solu-tions and really focus on the potential sustainability has to positive-ly impact our communities. As Mahesh Ramanujam, COO ofUSGBC, shared with Green Operations on page 13, transparencycan create fear in the market, but it also offers opportunity. We’residing with the USGBC on this one and embracing the open dia-logues and collaboration as opportunities for all of us.

Sarah Bousquet

Seize the opportunity to be transparent

Volume 07, Issue 03, Fall 2016. GO/GreenOperations is published 4 times a year(quarterly) by Ro•El Productions Inc., 550W. Old Country Rd., Suite 204, Hicksville,NY 11801. Presort-standard postage paid inEaston, Pa., and additional mailing offices.Postmaster, send address change toGO/Green Operations, SubscriptionDept., 151 Fairchild Ave., Suite 2, Plainview, NY 11803.

Entire contents copyright 2016. All rightsreserved. Printed in the U.S.A. Material inthis publication may not be reproduced inany form without written permission fromthe publisher.

Please notify us if you are receiving duplicate copies. The views expressed byour columnists do not necessarily reflectthose of the staff or management of Green Operations magazine.

editorialsteven feldman publisher/editorial [email protected]

sarah bousquet [email protected]

k.j. quinn, ken ryan, liz switzer, amber keenoycontributing [email protected]

advertisingnadia ramlakhansales associate [email protected]

art/productionlisa m. ceraso-faracecreative [email protected]

headquarters550 w. old country road, suite 204hicksville, ny 11801tel: 516.932.7860 fax: [email protected]

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6 i GO i fall 2016 greenoperations.net

An unlikely source is emerging as a trendsetter for work-place design. With building interiors long consideredugly ducklings for their mundane looks, one of the

nation’s largest commercial real estate owners is raising the barfor requirements in performance standards and style.

“GSA has really been a leader in new workplace design, fromthe standpoint that we were among the first people to say the wayto do the best workplace design is understanding the workspacearound it,’” said Kevin Kampschroer, chief sustainability officer atthe U.S. General Services Administration (GSA). “The real strongvalue to government and any organization is to have people worktogether from time to time; that’s how you build cohesion. So theworkplace isn’t looking for the same type of utilitarian needs as 40years ago.” The agency manages architects and engineers to pro-vide design for federal clients needing new workspaces.

The federal government is reportedly creating 21st centurystyle workplaces to drive down cost, increase productivity andgreen office space. Within the past two years, GSA revised itsfacility standards and set requirements for new or renovatedbuildings, moving to a performance-based approach. The endresult is federal projects are breaking away from institutional-

type looks and creating workspaces which more closely resem-ble corporate offices.

“What we now see in facility standards are 16 types of floor-ing listed with levels of performance from minimum ‘scrape by’to as good as you can get, measured on scales of durability,maintainability and environmental characteristics,”Kampschroer said. “We publish a set of performance standardsto give the design team options, and really reinforce the idea weare not actually looking for particular products or solutions butthe kinds of performance measured on those scales.”

This represents a radical change in philosophy for a sectorthat has historically specified based on price and functionalityrather than floor design. The Design Excellence Program — oper-ated through GSA’s Public Buildings Service — stresses creativityand streamlines the way GSA hires architects and engineers,substantially cutting the cost of competing for GSA design con-tracts. “The whole idea behind Design Excellence is the Federal government should not go the cheapest route possible,”Kampschroer explained. “There is value in design.”

The Federal government reportedly owns and leases near-ly 10,000 properties, although only a percentage of them under-

the GSAcall

GOPlatform•

BY K.J. QUINN

answering


go remodeling or new construction work during the year. Whilethese projects are not necessarily increasing budgets to accom-modate more expensive interior decorating products, designersare making smarter choices. For example, “We are buildingLEED Silver and Gold buildings at the exact same price as thebuildings before,” Kampschroer said. “This was the result of[allowing] design teams to use their creativity and imagination,and for GSA project teams to be open minded to new solutions.”LEED-certified Federal buildings include approximately 130owned by GSA and another 400 leased facilities.

One key factor driving change is lead time from when newconstruction or renovation projects appear on the books untilthey are shovel ready. In the past it was not uncommon for yearsto go by before the work was started, so interior design plansbecame antiquated. “We have told design teams, ‘If you can do abetter design that achieves a higher level of performance, sus-tainability and show ideas, we will look at it with an open mind,’”Kampschroer said.

GSA has led the workplace transformation by renovating itsown headquarters in Washington, D.C. Workspaces utilize multi-ple soft and hard surfaces which meet performance, sustainabili-ty and aesthetic objectives. “When you walk around our newheadquarters, I can show you dozens of ideas that 20 years agowould not have occurred to people, even after Design Excellence,or 10 years ago after adopting sustainability into building design,”Kampschroer said.

EMPHASIS ON SUSTAINABILITYThere are a myriad of laws and regulatory acts at the federallevel that require sustainable design in commercial applications.

One of the most significant changes in floor covering for GSAprojects is the advent of environmental standards. The objec-tives defined in Executive Order 13693 from last year requirereductions in greenhouse gas emissions, waste and in water use.

“The objectives also require the use of recycled materialsand efforts to recycle materials, as well as enhanced indoorenvironmental quality,” said Scott Landa, a consultant and for-mer VP of business development for Interface. “Additionally,GSA’s Public Building Service, in its architectural guide docu-ment (P-100), has defined performance and environmental stan-dards for all flooring used in buildings under GSA control.”

The standards have reportedly contributed to changes inmaterials used to produce soft surfaces such as carpet tile. “Thesestandards require that companies provide a selection of its mod-ular products that offer high recycled content levels — both post-industrial and post-consumer — as well as high performing carpettile,” Landa said. “GSA measures performance through extendedwarranties, requirements for heavy and severe traffic wear, andANSI NSF140 Gold and Platinum environmental standards.”

Concerns over meeting sustainability objectives have beengreatly reduced, however, as more flooring manufacturers listenvironmental and health data for their products. “There’s abroad enough selection of products out there that meet sustain-ability requirements,” noted Peter Lepage, vice president, gov-ernment sales division, CCA Government Floors & Interiors,Alexandria, Va.

Generally speaking, flooring specifications must adhere to allenvironmental, health and safety requirements of the Federalgovernment. While functionality and sustainability are alwayshigh priorities, government specifiers are now focused more onthe value of the products they select and less on price points.“Cost is always a consideration but not the driver in all cases,”Lepage said. “A lot of times the drivers could be the performanceand design requirements for the facility.”

Shaw Contract Group’s broadloom, carpet tile and hard sur-face options are rigorously tested to ensure they suit the needsof any Federal government project, according to John Stephens,vice president of marketing. “These products are designedknowing it’s not always about the initial cost, but how a productperforms over time in the facility.”

NEW FLOORING CHOICES MEET CHANGING WORKPLACE NEEDSFlooring manufacturers say they are becoming more innovativein developing solutions for the government sector. More options

senger design group specified shaw’s absorbed tile, Visible tileand colour Plank tile in its redesign of the colorado army nationalguard readiness center in colorado springs, colo.

Continued on page 8


are popping up, including products made from recycled materi-als and bio-based content that are low emitting or emissions-free. “The intent of the President’s executive order is to createenvironments that will first be places where employees can workefficiently and effectively in spaces that do not negatively impactour environment while also eliminating any indoor negativeimpact from unwanted volatile organic compounds (VOCs),”Landa said. “Soft surfaces provide the greatest coverage area inoffices and, therefore, can be looked at to be a major contributorto solving problems.”

Case in point: New soft surfaces which exceed the GSA stainrequirement are fiber-based products featuring inherent stainresistance — such as Solution Q Extreme fiber — while maintain-ing the texture requirements. “In addition to this high-perform-ance option, innovations in primary backing, tufting and second-ary backing have allowed soft surface manufacturers the abilityto produce high-quality and high-performing products with lessfiber,” noted Kieren Corcoran, marketing director, education andgovernment, Patcraft.

The plethora of new commercial floors provides govern-ment specifiers with features to weigh and benefits to compare.“Carpet tile is a popular choice for several reasons,” Shaw’sStephens said, “primarily because the cost of carpet tile hasequalized with that of broadloom. Installation is quicker, easierand less costly.”

Government facility managers prefer a more conservativeaesthetic and highly durable products due to the long liferequired, Corcoran pointed out. “In the areas where an open-office format is not possible, facilities are leveraging carpet tiledesign elements to cost effectively update their appearance.”

While high fashion flooring may appear more expensive onthe surface, in many cases, the total cost of ownership is lowerthan traditional products. For example, industry studies indicateperformance-wise, luxury vinyl tile (LVT) can be as cost effective

if not more so, given it will have a payback period of about threeyears compared to floors maintained with wax or polish. “LVToffers higher aesthetic and better sustainability attributes thanVCT,” Shaw’s Stephens said. “There’s also less maintenance withLVT, the aesthetic reads less institutional, and the performanceand design features create an atmosphere conducive to attractand retain talent.”

As government agencies strive to be good stewards of thepublic’s dollars, this can provide impactful savings. “For exam-ple, if there is a problem that cannot be resolved, one carpet tilecan be replaced via a cost-effective, efficient shuffle strategyrather than cutting out and replacing a piece of broadloom,potentially creating a visual eyesore or larger replacementexpense,” Patcraft’s Corcoran said.

Indeed, there is a shift from broadloom carpet and VCT toLVT, especially in elevator lobbies, cafes and kitchens, as thesefacilities strive to establish a more inviting floor design — such aswood or stone visuals — instead of the traditional institutional feel.This design flexibility coupled with enhanced performance of theproduct provides excellent value to facility owners. “We’re find-ing that as every year goes by, we can do more with the sameamount of investment,” GSA’s Kampschroer said. “As sustainabili-ty standards have gone up, manufacturers and the design andconstruction industry have responded with more creative waysof achieving performance goals without costing much money.”

left: countyof alameda in oakland, calif.,designed by noll & tam architects, features the timelesspatterns from Patcraft’s enflection and enform carpet tiles.

right: interface’s accent flannel in gold/twill is featured in thenasa iesb, a leed-nc gold-certified facility.

Continued from page 7

GOPlatform•

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Transparency is taking the flooring industryin innovative directions and in the processchanging the way business is done. The

secretive silos of proprietary information thatdominated the manufacturing landscape adecade ago are giving way to practices of inclusiv-ity and integration, built on the foundation of col-lective awareness around environmental andhealth impacts.

In the building community, transparency is nolonger just a buzzword; it is an evidence-basedand successful business practice for products,services and entire building projects that seek toreach new users.

GOcoVer story•

BY LIZ SWITZER

today


“We’ve changed the ways we manu-facture. We have changed the ways webuild. And we’ve changed the way weoperate,” said John Stephens, vice presi-dent of marketing at Shaw Contract.“Today, design professionals and manu-facturers are taking ownership of poten-tial impacts by staying informed and cre-ating products or making decisions tobenefit the day-to-day users of a space.”

“By demonstrating a willingness to beopen and honest about products andpractices, green building experts andpractitioners gain the trust of investors,tenants, policy makers and others whoenter the spaces they design, constructand operate,” said Leticia McCadden,spokesperson for the U.S. Green BuildingCouncil (USGBC). “There is no substitutefor trust in the marketplace, and the triplebottom line demands that companies and individuals continue to grow in theircapacity to be transparent — from the con-ception and design phase of a building tothe eventual deconstruction and repur-posing of its composite materials.”

THIRD-PARTY PROGRAMS ENCOURAGETRANSPARENCYThe materials transparency momentumtook its biggest leap forward in 2013 withthe development and adoption of LEED v4, the Materials and Resources (MR)Credits 1 and 3. LEED v4 provided added

incentives for manufacturers to becomeearly adopters, encouraging more prod-ucts to be reviewed according toEnvironmental Product Declarations (EPD)and the Health Product Declarations (HPD)protocols. The declaration labels haveserved a dual purpose. First, helping man-ufacturers better understand their supplychains and make better decisions aroundsustainability; second, communicating thatinformation to architects and designers.Together, the credits have raised the barsubstantially and pushed the $1 trilliongreen building industry forward in a waythat no previous iteration of LEED ever has.

As a result, transparency is finding its way into corporate sustainability selec-tion criteria by large corporations likeGoogle. New green building codes likeIgCC/ASHRAE 189.1 are also drivers asthey are adopted jurisdictionally andrequire much more information than thesourcing of raw materials and percent-ages of recycled content, noted CindyDavis, director of the LEED CertificationProgram and Research & InformationCenter at global architecture, urban plan-ning and design firm Callison RTKL.

“With most of us spending more than90% of our time indoors, we are increas-ing the duration of our exposure to chem-icals in products that are part of the build-ing’s shell, interior and furnishings,” saidVickie Breemes, director of the Advanced

Building Technologies Team at interna-tional architecture and design firm LittleDiversified Architectural Consulting.“Having material ingredients disclosedallows designers to make better, informeddecisions that impact human health andthe environment.”

James Connelly, director of theInternational Living Future Institute (ILFI)Living Product Challenge, pointed to thefact we’re already seeing the growth of thetransparency platform, and it will onlycontinue. “I think it will be very easy forconsumers and designers to equallyselect the right materials, and that’s whatwe really wanted all along,” he said.“Transparency was the key that allowedall of this to occur and is in part drivingwhy we are going to have healthier build-ings in the future.” The ILFI runs the LivingBuilding Challenge, Declare and the LivingProduct Challenge — which challengesdesigners and manufacturers to create

oPPosite Page: the Park from shaw isdesigned to redefine boundaries.

aboVe: mohawk group’s true rubber products have received a declare label,which provides manufacturers and specifiersof building materials with a ‘nutrition label’that fully discloses all product ingredients.

Continued on page 12



GOcoVer story•net positive products.

But material transparency is not yetcommonplace, though it is now possible tofind one or more products in almost everymaterial category that have been evaluat-ed — and this number is constantly increas-ing, said Sarah Hirsch, associate principalat BNIM, a Kansas City-based architecturefirm recognized as an innovative leader indesigning high-performance environ-ments. Hirsch leads specifications devel-opment at BNIM, which in 2007 designedand built the Omega Center forSustainable in Rhinebeck, N.Y., the firstproject in the world to achieve both LivingBuilding status and LEED Platinum.

Organizations like the ILFI, Cradle toCradle Innovation Institute, HealthProduct Declaration Collaborative, Google,Green Screen and Pharos Project havecreated additional resources, pushingtransparency forward by evaluatingproduct ingredients for their impact onboth human and environmental health.However, transparency has meant manydifferent things to many different people.As manufacturers turned their attention toproduct ingredients, the biggest challengebecame finding a common language forthis important conversation. So theybegan to embrace product labeling pro-grams from reliable third-party organiza-tions like the ILFI, albeit slowly.

“These programs have established acommon framework and language thatMohawk and other building product man-ufacturers can use to communicate prod-uct ingredients and health information,which ensures accurate and consistentreporting,” said George Bandy, the newvice president of sustainability at MohawkGroup, recipient of the ILFI’s first everManufacturing Visionary award for its com-mitment to leadership in sustainability.

Mohawk was the first company to haveDeclare labels across all its product lines.Declare was developed by the ILFI in 2012as an ingredients initiative and labelingsystem for building products. Declare

labels effectively function as a materialsnutrition label that uses the Red List to clas-sify products. Mohawk currently has 22Declare labels that cover the majority of itscommercial offerings — more than 500products — the most of any company.

“To have a Fortune 500 company thatis conservative in nature be willing to behonest and transparent about its ingredi-ents had a huge ripple effect on the indus-try,” ILFI’s Connelly said. “Now all themajor flooring companies are participat-ing. Hopefully the smaller ones will comealong soon.”

Interface has been another catalyst fortransformation. In June, the companyrolled out its bold new Climate Take Backinitiative to “reverse climate change andset new standards for manufacturers todeal responsibly with carbon.” The pro-gram is the successor to Interface’sgroundbreaking 1997 Mission Zero vision.Climate Take Back intends to take in wasteand convert it into useful purposes, create

supply chains that benefit all life and“make factories that are like forests.”

Part of being transparent for Interfaceis acceptance of the idea that it requiresboldness, to be willing to be open aboutbusiness and processes even when thatcauses discomfort, said Erin Meezan, vicepresident of sustainability. “When we setout to prove that a zero footprint companywas possible, most people didn’t think thatwas doable at the time. Now that we havetaken the leap again on our new missionClimate Take Back, aspiring to reverse cli-mate change, we have some more con-vincing to do. And, once again, it startswith transparency.”

high performance design specialist andarchitecture firm bnim designed and builtthe omega center for sustainable living inrhinebeck, n.y., in 2007. it’s the first projectin the world to achieve both living buildingstatus and leed Platinum certification.


HOW HAS THE TERM ‘GREEN’EVOLVED IN THE A&DCOMMUNITY OVER THE PASTDECADE? DOES THISTRANSLATE GLOBALLY?The idea around making thingsgreen started initially as a nice-to-have or a way to differentiateyourself in the marketplace.Today, being green is anabsolute requirement — acrossproducts, projects, processesand the like. And yes, thisevolution is on a worldwidescale. From a global point ofview, not being green is simplynot a choice because developedand developing countriesrealize this would be in directconflict with having a betterlifestyle and meaningfuleconomy. Today, it’s aboutpeople, planet and profit.

1

WHAT IS ONE THING MOST OFTHE A&D COMMUNITYPROBABLY DOES NOT KNOWABOUT USGBC?We have a majorannouncement coming thisfall, where we will discussplans to scale our platformand focus on performance —turning focus from individualbuildings to cities,communities, neighborhoodsand beyond. We arechanging things everysingle day. ThroughGBCI, we have multiplenew rating systemsand programs thatcomplement the LEEDgreen building ratingsystem and addressdifferent areas ofsustainability, fromlandscapes toelectrical grids tohealth and wellnessand more.

2HOW IS THE PUSH FORTRANSPARENCY AFFECTINGTHE INDUSTRY?Transparency in anyindustry sometimes createsfear in the market, but it alsooffers opportunity and atUSGBC we are embracing it.Some developers may benervous that it willchallenge their brand orslow investment interest,but most of what they do isalready public, and theirsustainability efforts shouldbe no different.

4

WHAT DOES SUSTAINABILITYLOOK LIKE IN 2026?It’s all about real-time dataand metrics when it comesto sustainabilitymeasurement, as this will bethe most powerful decision-making tool. Developers willbe bored with showcasingstagnant environmentalscorecards, and they will bemore confident and able toeasily calibrate data to telltheir own sustainabilitystories and find their ownimprovement opportunities.We will see a moresustainable builtenvironment that focusesbeyond the building, tyingin health, wellness, climatechange and otherenvironmental issues morethan ever before.

5

WHAT ARE THE TOP THREECHALLENGES FOR THE COMMERCIALBUILDING MARKET WITH RESPECT TOSUSTAINABILITY?The most pressing opportunity is toshow how sustainability connects tothe bottom line. Being green is great,but you need to show the cost savingswith building sustainable, efficientprojects. Next, when you look, thereare numerous examples of operationalsavings on commercial projects, butthese are not always classified assustainability-driven savings. We needto make that connection for people.Finally, most people don’t actuallyknow with confidence how sustainabletheir building is. They simply don’thave the right tools. Think of it ashaving your own credit score, but

nowhere to go measure itagainst other people’s

scores. That part ismissing, and it’s ahuge challengeand opportunitythat USGBC isaddressing headon with our newplatforms thatimprovetransparency,

data collection andmetric tracking.

35 QUESTIONS FOR…Mahesh Ramanujamcoo, u.s. green building council (usgbc) and president, green business certification inc. (gbci);incoming ceo of usgbc

GOPeoPle •


Wellmore’s six-building campus sits on 10 acres and distinguishes itselffrom similar facilities around the country by emphasizing an award-winning “purpose-based wellness program” that supports the physical,emotional and mental well-being of its residents. This healthy approach to sen-ior living was a key factor in specifying materials for the space. The projectspecified several Mohawk products in its focus to utilize sustainable flooringwith unique styling options to meet the needs of individual areas throughout its140,000-square-foot footprint.

Gina Gaines, senior interior designer at Maxwell Group, which manages theproperty, chose Lees Silk Road Collection — a broadloom made of Duracolornylon — for the common areas and most of the living quarters for its performanceand design capabilities.

The color and pattern selection were especially important in the memorycare building, Gaines noted. “We use a lot of pattern in the public areas becauseit is very forgiving and easy to maintain. In memory care, however, we have tobe especially careful with visuals. Colors that are too far apart on the color spec-trum and some patterns can be confusing for people with dementia.”

Starcrest II, a broadloom from the Mohawk Group Residence Collection,was selected for Wellmore’s assisted living villas. These upscale apartmentsrequired an elegant residential look but also needed to hold up to commercialstandards. A moisture barrier backing was also used in the villas.

Haven Loft, an engineered hardwood, was chosen for the bar area and asa border in the main dining room, while Grainiac — a wood-look resilient plank— was used to create a distinctive visual in some of the dining areas and activi-ty rooms, as well as the rooms in skilled nursing and memory care. It was alsospecified based on its ability to handle beds being moved and spills.

GOProJect•WELLMOREOF TEGA CAY

Project: wellmore of tega cay senior community, tega cay, s.c.Flooring manufacturer: mohawk groupProducts used: mohawk group silk road collection, mohawk group residence

collection, haven loft (engineered hardwood), grainiac (glue-down lVt)

Project lead: triad design group

WHY MOHAWK?Silk Road: timeless looks; high-

performance attributes including amoisture barrier backing withcushion; variety of patterns.

Residence Collection: eight styles;superior durability andperformance; wide range ofoptions including textures, colorsand sustainable attributes.

Haven Loft: durable enhancedurethane finish with aluminumoxide; variety of installationoptions; sophisticated colors andtextural details provide visualinterest and disguise wear; range ofcoordinating moldings andtransitions; accentuates a variety ofmohawk carpet and rugcollections.

Grainiac: natural hardwood look andfeel; traditional to contemporarycolor lines; easy to install andreplace; 12 mil wear layer protectedwith m-force enhanced urethane;no-polish maintenance; floorscorecertified. ‘‘ ’’

This senior living community is a contract space, but it’s also someone’s home.It needs to look like a home: calm, timeless, special. Mohawk helped us achievethat end goal.

—Gina Gaines, senior interior designer, Maxwell Group


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Visit us at Greenbuild Booth 3029


Based in graz, austria, 13&9 was born in 2013 through an interdisciplinarypartnership between architect martin lesjak and designer anastasia suafter the pair won an international competition for their conversion and

redevelopment of cannon hall at the graz armory,called rolling stones. now — just three years later —the product design firm has received global acclaim forits eclectic product collections and original designphilosophy.

inspired by collaboration, 13&9 not only designs,produces and sells its own branded products, but ithas also entered into several successful partnershipswith top international manufacturers. the pair madeits flooring debut last year in a joint venture with themohawk group and had its second successful showing

with additional carpet launches at neocon 2016. the team’s achievements infurniture, lighting, fashion, accessories, art, sound design and now flooringspeak to 13&9’s inquisitive yet humble nature. Green Operations sat down withlesjak and su to get a deeper look into what makes 13&9 exceptional.

THE SOUL OF DESIGN

GOProfile•

13&9Martin Lesjak and Anastasia Su epitomize curiosity, collaboration and connectivity

BY SARAH BOUSQUET


Q WHERE DOES THE NAME 13&9COME FROM?a Our name came to us oneafternoon while we were

discussing the future andphilosophy of our firm. Wediscussed combining our names,but realized we needed a brandthat was both personal anduniversal. While we were thefounders of this company, itspurpose is based in our larger community. I (Anastasia)suggested we use numbers. I have a number — 13 — that hasfollowed me my entire life, from my day of birth to othersignificant moments. Martin’s number is 9. It’s his soccernumber and very personal for him. We decided thesenumbers fit very well together as they symbolize partnershipand something personal we built together, but are alsounderstandable and memorable to the world.

Q WHAT IS 13&9’S APPROACH TO DESIGN?

a From the very beginning we made sure to have strongconversations about what we really wanted to do with

our partnership. We came up with “The Soul of Design” as ourbrand statement to represent our philosophy: to have productsthat are able to tell stories and connect and interact withpeople. We thought this term would help people see the valuein our designs. It’s so important to us to find relevance in the

things we do. We don’t want to justdesign another nice thing, but tofind meaning and purposedepending on social, ecological,technological or individualrelevance. Our projects have togive something away, not justcreate material objects. We’rebringing products to life — givingthem a soul — with amultidisciplinary approach. The

members of our team are all from very different backgrounds,which is not common but such a special thing.

Q WHAT ARE A FEW ADJECTIVES THAT BEST DESCRIBEYOUR PRODUCTS?a Transformative, soulful, flexible, interactive and playful.

Q CAN YOU TALK ABOUT YOUR PRODUCT MIX? WHATDETERMINES THE INDUSTRIES AND SEGMENTS YOUDESIGN FOR?a Basically we are very curious. We don’t think about

ourselves as specialists because we are driven by auniversal curiosity. So, we see the potential for new products orinnovation everywhere. This is why we have such diverseproducts. It’s also something we teach our team — to stay openas much as possible. We like to bring our whole team together

left: the low collection is aline of entirely outdoor furnitureoffering a new perspectivethanks to its direct relationshipwith the floor. 13&9 designed thecollection for Viteo outdoors.

right: lesjak and su founded13&9 after collaborating on theaward-winning redesign projectrolling stones in graz, austria.


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and try to push boundaries with out-of-the-box thinking. The decision for adesign often comes from an individual’sbackground, whether it’s fashion,architecture or something else. We alsoget requests from other companies, andwhen we feel there is a propensity todevelop something we go for it.

Q DOES SUSTAINABILITY PLAY A ROLEIN YOUR PRODUCT OR PARTNERSHIPDECISIONS? a Yes, it’s one of the main columns ofour corporate strategy. On one hand there’s relevance

and soul, but on the other hand it’s how we deal with ourenvironment. Looking to see if something can be part of a circleeconomy, use sustainable materials or be multifunctional is atour core. For example, when we collaborate with someone wewant to know everything about their production process andmaterials so we can learn from each other and maybe evenoffer different sustainable options.

Q ON THE COMMERCIAL BUILDING SIDE, HAVE YOU SEEN ADEMAND FOR MORE SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTS?a It’s funny, but we like to say the millennials will save theworld. The upcoming generations have grown up in a

digital world where information is at their fingertips. They needtransparency and genuinelywant to know the stories andapproaches behind theproducts they purchase. Withthat, sustainability is not just amarketing idea anymore, itneeds to be the true essenceof a project. So, the answer isyes. There is movement in themillennial generation to pushfor even more transparencyand environmentalresponsibility.

Q WHAT ELSE ARE YOUFINDING THE

COMMERCIAL END USER ISLOOKING FOR TODAY?a Transparency is very

important as wementioned, but commercialend users also really want to

have an experience. They’re looking for products they caninteract with. This experiential part of product design is veryfruitful today. The idea of expanding boundaries and crossingborders is also growing. We are seeing a bond happeningbetween working and living. Multitalented products that canbe used in both residential and commercial are becoming veryinteresting.

Q TELL US ABOUT YOUR ENTRANCE INTO FLOORING VIAYOUR PARTNERSHIP WITH THE MOHAWK GROUP IN 2015AND 2016. HOW DID THIS UNFOLD?a I (Martin) have always been interested in flooring frommy architecture background. Some firms don’t give

flooring the same weight as other aspects of a project, butwe’ve always seen flooring as one of the major surfaces in aspace. So, we’ve played a lot with flooring, but as a productdesigner this was a new opportunity for us. When Mohawkcame to us, we were very interested in the individualization offlooring. We wanted to push boundaries and know how wecould create a floor that offers endless design options andinteracts with people. Mohawk was very open to our ideas, andwe all saw this unconventional approach as an opportunity.

Q WHAT WAS THE DESIGN PROCESS WITH MOHAWK LIKE?a We always start any project with this question: What isthe idea and relevance? We had a lot of conversations

with our team around what flooring we would want for ourown interior design use. We came up with a concept andbrought it to Mohawk’s team. Then the real collaborationstarted. It’s important to not be superficial, but to allowourselves to go further with our partners and understand them.We really wanted to be involved in every part of the processand know Mohawk’s design DNA, vision, production processand materials. They brought their experience and expertise,and we always tried to push them as far as possible. A big pushis usually good!


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Q YOU ALSO DESIGNED THE MOHAWK GROUP’SSHOWROOM AT THIS YEAR’S NEOCON. WHAT WAS THECONCEPT THERE?a After the success of our Moving Floors collaboration in2015, this year’s partnership with Mohawk was not just

about a product design. Instead we worked together to enhanceMohawk’s design awareness and strategy, which came with theopportunity to deconstruct and recreate its NeoCon showroom.The concept was a stage for flooring, and we wanted to createthe maximum open space that showcased the floors at everyangle. What I (Anastasia) really loved about this project was thetransformative atmosphere Martin was able to make. Usingmirrored walls at a slight angle made the floors look like theywere on the ground, walls and ceiling. It’s a very sustainablespace and doesn’t feel like a showroom but a multidimensionalroom. It was also fun to look at the atmosphere during NeoConand see how people were interacting within the space.

Q DO YOU FIND THAT YOU APPROACH FLOORING DESIGNDIFFERENTLY THAN OTHER PRODUCTS? a Our approach is always similar. Start with goodquestions. But, we’ve learned a lot launching Moving

Floors, Topography and Moonscapes with Mohawk. We’veexplored the process for more than two years now and havetruly fallen in love with flooring. It’s definitely something wewould love to continue and look at taking on again.

Q HOW HAS 13&9 EVOLVED SINCE ITS INCEPTION?a We’ve developed a lot both personally andprofessionally. We have a great team that we continue

to grow consciously, and we’ve had the chance to workinternationally in many different fields on products that havecreated relevance. When you imagine we just started three-and-a-half years ago, and today people know who we are it’smuch more than we expected at our first meeting. But wedidn’t really have any expectations, just vision.

Q WHAT’S BEEN YOUR GREATEST CHALLENGE AS A DESIGN TEAM?a Every day has some kind of challenge, but we can’t seeany great challenge because we are very solutions

oriented. Challenges are often a positive for us. They are likesome kind of playground. Challenges are opportunities, andopportunities are challenges. We also balance each other verywell and come from different points of view, which helps.

Q WHAT’S NEXT FOR 13&9?a Our collaborators BuzziSpace, Lande and Quinze & Milanwill introduce several of our products and office furniture

collections at this year’s Orgatec in Cologne, Germany. Then inNovember we are going to introduce our collaboration withMohawk’s hospitality brand Durkan at BDNY in New York.There will be additional product launches in the upcomingyear at Salone del Mobile in Milan, Italy. We are also excited tohave been invited to lecture at the University of AppliedSciences FH Joanneum in Graz, Austria, and Martin will begiving a guest lecture at Savannah College of Art and Design.

Q WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE DESIGNERS TODAY?a Stay curious, cultivate your passion and be collaborative!

clockwise from toP left: 13&9’shex-o series for Xal features ahexagonal shape unique to lighting thattouts sound-absorbing design elementsgreat for commercial spaces with highnoise levels; mohawk group partneredwith 13&9 to unveil two new collectionsfocused on individuality at neocon2016: topography, a modular carpetcollection with five tiles varying in size,geometry and texture, andmoonscapes (inset), a broadloomcarpet inspired by the abstractpatterns of the moon’s landscape, andcan be cut and reconfigured into largerfloorscapes; and wood light is a 13&9design inspired by nature. its designhighlights the texture, scent andstructure of a piece of wood.

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It was evident that after attend-ing this year’s NeoCon thatcollaborative work environ-

ments and the creation of socialspaces are a definite designtrend. This means the lines areblurring between workspaces,and the decrease of the cubicleenhances interactions andinvites connective experiencesamong employees. Today’scompanies desire offices thatwill foster creativity, and the bar is being raised todesign comfortable areas to work in. To meet thesedemands, influences from the hospitality industryare driving corporate design today. Flexible hotel

lobby inspired social areas — or as it is now popular-ly coined “the third space” — encourage teamwork,strategizing and even relaxation.

To support this new direction in corporatedesign, distinctive, innovative and sustainable mate-rials are installed to encourage optimum workplaceengagement. Offering a variety of unassigned placesto support teamwork on diverse projects calls forimpressive interior finishes complementing the “fun”lounge-like furniture selected. At the Knoll NeoConshowroom, renowned hospitality design firmRockwell Group created Rockwell Unscripted, a new

office furniture line. This startsthe dialog for designers torethink traditional flooringchoices and be more in line with selecting materials theywould choose for brandedenvironments, such as hospital-ity properties.

Popular choices making themove from hospitality and retailto the modern workplaceinclude resilient, hardwood and

porcelain. On the resilient side, luxury vinyl simulat-ing wood grains, concrete and natural stone offersound absorbing qualities, a fresh aesthetic, ease ofmaintenance and a longer life cycle than carpet orcarpet tile. Another benefit with luxury vinyl thatincorporates state of the art technology in its con-struction is the ability to install over existing hardsurfaces without removing the flooring, making it lesslabor intensive while contributing to sustainability.

Hardwoods also support the trend of making abold statement in corporate design with improvedUV urethane coatings and engineered construction.Contemporary color palettes that include ultra-matteand metallic finishes on a range of exotic anddomestic species translate this idea seamlessly.

And porcelains are quickly becoming a go-tocorporate flooring option, providing a high-perform-ing product solution for any third space design.Whether it’s a minimalist, monolithic effort or captur-ing the veining inherently found in natural stone foran emotive appeal, porcelain is pushing creativity inall new workspaces.

Regardless of the type of floor being specified,taking the best from hotel lobbies is the evidenttrend spotted in corporate design today. After all,every office has a grab-and-go coffee station. We canexpect to see more hospitality influences to pop upas the workplace continues to evolve into a spacewhere we live, work and play.

Goodbyeoffice cubical

hello third spaceBY NANCY JACKSON

PRESIDENT, ARCHITECTURAL SYSTEMS

Schönox produces primers, repair products, moisture mitigation systems, floor leveling compounds, adhesives, and waterproofing materials that can successfully take damaged, uneven subfloors through to finished floors ready for use. We work daily to develop solutions that are innovative with regard to performance as well as environmental stewardship.

In business for over 120 years, Schönox is certified under the ISO 9001 and 14001 quality and environmental management standards. Our products offer low VOCs, recycled content, dust-reduced properties, and significant contributions to LEED credits, all while offering superior performance.

Visit hpsubfloors.com/informed-decisions to learn more.

Schönoxsmall impact on the environment, huge impact on the industry.

Toll Free: 855.391.2649 www.hpsubfloors.com

HPS North America, Inc. is a TMT America Company

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ON THE SUBJECTshed some light

tandus centiva offers innovative solution with luminous carpets



Luminous Carpets has created quite abuzz in the commercial sector as ahigh-quality flooring option that inter-

acts with people via its use of Philips LEDtechnology. The winning partnership hasled to a durable, stylish flooring solutionthat can be used to greet and interact withpeople in the built environment throughlight-up shapes, words and messages.

Originally developed by Desso in con-junction with electronics manufacturerPhilips, Luminous Carpets was introducedto the U.S. market last year under theTandus Centvia brand.

In developing the product, GeertSnaphaan, Luminous Carpets’ productmanager, said, “Desso is constantly look-ing for new added values for its products,and Philips was working on the integra-tion of LED lighting in different materials.”Thanks to previous collaborationsbetween the two companies, “a naturalconnection was made.”

The unique light-transmissive carpettile has an exclusive backing that allowsLED light to pass through. “The construc-tion of the carpet was completely adapted[for this product] — yarn, carrier, pre-coatand certainly the backing are developedespecially to let light through,” Snaphaansaid. “We have the best results on looppile products.”

Four carpet textures are currently

available in Luminous Carpets in 14 neu-tral colors that range from white andcreams to mochas and grays. Lighter col-ors are used because the darker the car-pet, the more light is absorbed into it.

The carpet is installed on top of theLED units so it remains flush with the non-lit areas of the floor. Keeping the lights sep-arate from and below the carpet givesdesigners more flexibility and helps withease of maintenance and replacement.

In terms of the lighting used, develop-ers kept in mind they had to manage theheat emitted from the light. “Heat comingoff of light could have an impact on thedurability of carpet,” noted Roy Scheepens,business development manager, NorthAmerica, Philips. “LED lighting is relativelycool. We performed extensive tests forthings like heat management for carpetand also found clever ways of trying toavoid seams. We came to find Desso andTandus Centiva can produce special car-pet tiles for installation over light. Theymade sure the adhesive used did not affectthe light either.”

INDIVIDUALIZED INSTALLATIONSThere are three different installationoptions for Luminous Carpets, whichmakes it a solution for various types ofapplications. It is easily installed in raisedaccess floors commonly found in offices,

on top of a floor (with the flight source inthe subfloor), or can be recessed or routedinto floors.

“Beyond the fact we can shine lightthrough carpet, end users can use theirmobile devices to actually personalize andchange designs in the floor,” Scheepensadded. “You can create a welcome mes-sage or run the company’s Twitter feed, forexample — which is what a lot of our clientslike about this.”

The LC Grid option for LuminousCarpets — which includes a 12mm thinLED panel that displays dynamic text andimages in 20cm x 80cm or 20cm x 20cm— can be controlled by a web-based con-tent management system that allowsusers to create and schedule content.

According to Snaphaan, the companyhas plans to expand the carpet portfolioand explore hard surface in addition tofurther developing LED units by addingcolors, controls and sensors. Target seg-ments include front offices in corporateand hospitality, welcoming guests andillustrating branding along with wayfind-ing and safety. Branding at trade shows isalso a popular application.

In terms of competition, Shaphaansaid, “The solution is patented so there isno direct competition. The feedback hasbeen very positive and we are currentlydoing projects around the world.”

oPPosite Page: usingluminous carpets’ web-basedcontent management system, end users can customize messages for specific visitors or events.

left: luminous carpets is manufactured with a uniquebacking that allows led light to pass through the carpet.


In an economy that makes it necessary to do more with less,harnessing the creative energies of an entrepreneurial culture isbecoming a way of doing business. And with that, The mHouse, a conceptenvironment showcasing all-manmade materials, revealed the world’s mostinnovative and compelling decorative surfaces in unique and creative ways.A research lab for tomorrow’s modern environment, The mHouse project isall about what’s possible. The organizers looked to Aspecta for covering3,500 square feet of flooring because it evoked the smooth surface of well-layered, stained concrete without its downside: hard and unforgiving,susceptibility to moisture/mold, and mildew and cracking. Aspecta providedthe expansive look of concrete with�all the positive attributes of LVT: warmthand comfort underfoot; moisture resistance and durability — enough to bewarrantied for 25 years commercially. Aspecta LVT flooring set the bar highat mHouse.

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Project: the mhouse, watertown, wis.Contractor: John aufderhaar, bedford falls communications, watertown, wis.Installer: ben naleid, naleid interiors, watertown, wis.�Architect/specifier: John Vetter, Vetter denk, milwaukee, wis.�Interior designer: amy carman, amy carman design, elm grove, wis.�Distributor: herregan�Flooring used: 3,500 square feet of aspecta five washed concrete carbon #5968111

THE ASPECTA ADVANTAGEStyle: aspecta five in washed

concrete - carbon provides asmooth, neutral yet strikingfoundation.

Comfort: warm and comfortableunderfoot.

Care & Maintenance: no-wax floor iseasy to clean. tiles can be replaced if need be.

Durability & Performance: 100 %virgin vinyl; 28 mil wear layer and3.2mm gauge thickness;�ceramicbead finish; commercial 25-yearnon-prorated wear warranty and10-year labor warranty.

Sustainability: non-phthalateplasticizers. first resilient flooringto achieve nsf/ansi 332Platinum certification. theaspecta revise program takesback jobsite scraps to be recycledinto other vinyl products.

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With The mHouse, we wanted to create a material-driven universe thatevokes a�sense of balance, beauty and brilliance to showcase the mosttechnologically evolved manmade materials. We are grateful to Metroflor for installing its contract brand Aspecta LVT throughout the space. It’s afantastic floor in every way and exactly what the interior designer waslooking for. Aspecta is simply perfect for this setting.

—John Aufderhaar, contractor

We were fortunate to be part of a project showcasing the best manmadesurfaces for interiors that are appropriate and authentic for this setting. We hope The mHouse has a transformative effect to inspire interior designersand architects with ideas about how to use Aspecta and the other manmade products in innovative ways.

—Russ Rogg, president & CEO, Metroflor Corp.

All Aspecta Commercial products are carefully crafted by people who check every square inch before you do. Blazing a trail in transparency, we share our product ingredients and the innermost workings of our Asian factory partners.

Learn more about our sustainability initiatives during GreenBuild when Chief Sustainability Officer Rochelle Routman leads Panel E13 – The Path to Red List Free: Product Ingredient Transparency, Thursday October 6, 2:00pm – 3:00pm.

To learn more and order your samples visit: www.aspectaflooring.comOr call us now at 855-400-7732 Ext 2070.

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cutting through THE CLUTTER


There is no question luxury vinyl tile(LVT) has revolutionized the flooringindustry. While the commercial

vinyl market had once pledged its alle-giance to VCT and sheet, the hottestresilient offering available today has gob-bled up market share from seeminglyevery other flooring category, including itsclosely related predecessors. With that, topLVT manufacturers take every opportuni-ty to share their latest innovations to helpdifferentiate from the pack.

When it comes to design options, floor-ing companies that produce LVT havecontinued to go above and beyond sincethe product made its biggest splash yetaround 2012. For example, EarthWerks’Cocktail collection is a line geared towardthe commercial market with a 22 mil wearlayer and 30-year warranty. But what setsCocktail apart is its color palette, whichincludes bold blues and greens in addi-tion to grays, browns and beiges. The var-ied options allow for unique custom instal-lations. “You can get abstract with fun col-ors,” said Lindsey Nisbet, head of productdevelopment and marketing strategy.

“And on top of that, all our other productscome with the same warranty so you canmix and match. We offer flexibility withLVT in the commercial market so you canprovide the best of both worlds.”

For the contract space EarthWerksalso touts its relationship with Enzo to cre-ate customized designs for any of its prod-ucts using water-jet cutting technology.EarthWerks can add logos, patterns, pic-tures, designs and way-finding elementsto provide one-of-a-kind installations. “Theprogram [to create a design] is easy to useand removes the guess work from theprocess,” Nisbet said. “It is very cost effec-tive and easy for designers to work with.”With proper labels and a floor plan sum-mary, she added, a custom water jet instal-lation can be installed in less than a day.

To help appeal to varied environ-ments and applications, Metroflor prod-ucts are offered in an array of platforms tomeet the needs of any specifier. “We donot rely on a singular installation method-ology,” said Paul Eanes, senior vice presi-dent, Metroflor. “We offer the correct plat-form to address jobsite requirements, Continued on page 28

How LVT manufacturers are helping the A&Dcommunity navigate a crowded sea of product

whether they be poor subfloor conditions,noise abatement concerns or even wheremoisture is the primary issue. Not all sub-floors are created equal, and dry-back orglue-down products may not be the mostcost-effective answer. Metroflor canresolve the technical problem withoutsacrificing design or color while meetingvirtually any flooring budget.”

Metroflor’s Aspecta is its brand of LVTthat is specifically tailored for the contractmarket with three collections: AspectaOne, Aspecta Five and Aspecta Ten.Aspecta One is the company’s latest intro-duction that, like Aspecta Five, is a glue-down option. It is available in plank andtile looks, offering a high-performing butvalue-priced alternative to Aspecta Five.Aspecta Five’s 1⁄8-gauge thickness perfect-ly aligns with VCT without the need for

oPPosite Page: uncommon tile shapesfrom kardean designflooring create unusualyet attractive geometric designs like a cubixinstallation.

aboVe: metroflor’s aspecta ten is alocking floor with isocore technology,making it ideal for spaces with imperfectsubfloors that also want a quick installationwith minimal downtime.



transitions. Further, this thickness helpsmitigate subfloor telegraphing. AspectaTen is a locking floor with Metroflor’s newIsocore patent-pending technology andan attached pad for noise reduction andenhanced comfort underfoot. “It is theideal product where subfloor conditionsare undesirable and speed of installationis important to minimize downtime, suchas hotel rooms, condominiums, selectretail shops and medical office buildings,”Eanes explained. “It is also 100% water-proof and is treated with UltraFresh,which helps retard bacterial growth, moldand mildew.”

Armstrong’s new Diamond10 technol-ogy uses the hardness of diamonds tokeep its Natural Creations floors lookingnew through heavy traffic. By repellingdirt and stain-causing agents, the dia-mond-infused coating means NaturalCreations floors are easier to clean, there-fore requiring less maintenance.According to the company, the new col-lection with 135 designs was created “indirect response to commercial interiorperformance needs, and emerging andfuture interior design trends,” answeringthe call of architects, designers and facilitymanagers in various sectors for a numberof reasons. For instance, Diamond10 tech-nology also provides protection from alco-hol-based hand sanitizers, making it a pre-ferred choice in healthcare facilities.

For Karndean Designflooring, itsKaleidoscope collection is a “home run” inthe commercial market thanks to its differ-ent design features. Six atypical tileshapes are included in the line, includingdiamond, hexagon and rhombus, amongothers. “It’s a custom program that allowsend users to design floors that fit their par-ticular needs within a space,” said EmilMellow, vice president, marketing. “It isvery simple to select. Just pick the shape,pick a color out of almost 200 SKUs wehave available and put in the design youwant. It really creates focal points.” With acommercial grade rating standard to

Karndean’s LVT, Kaleidoscope stands upto heavy traffic like that typical in restau-rants or corporate environments.

In working with the A&D community,Mellow said Karndean’s linchpin in com-munication is its Product Selector, a three-inch-thick coffee table book with a com-plete product catalog featuring large-planview swatches and angled laid-floorimages for every offering, along with a syn-opsis. “It’s part of our go-to-market strategyto get this resource in the hands of everydesigner or architect in a firm. We want itto be the go-to book on their desks. It iselectronically linked on our website, butwe understand these are visual peopleand they like having something in theirhands.” The Product Selector — which isconsistently updated in its digital formthrough its app and on the Karndean web-site — is now in its third generation and isavailable in addition to Karndean’s archi-tect folders and its Commercial SectorPortfolio, which comes with educationalmaterials to provide information on notonly product but the company itself.

Tarkett has developed a unique newresource to specificers with what it calls a“co-creation” tool that allows for the cus-tomization of product from the company’sCollections Infinies line, which includes asampling from four renowned designers.After conceptualizing a custom-made LVT

product from Collections Infinies, the spec-ifier can then use the online visualizer tosee the flooring in the actual space. “Itenables [users] to get some backgroundabout the product designers themselvesand their inspiration,” explained JonathanKlinger, chief marketing officer, Tarkett.“One of the things we hear time and againis the romance and narrative arounddesigns are key parts of the sellingprocess. This tool really helps bring thatinspiration to life for any designer whochooses to work with our partners. It alsoprovides the actual functional tool thatallows designers to design their personal-ized LVT products.”

While Klinger said Collections Infiniesstands out on its own with digital printingfor expanded design capabilities andenhanced realism, along with some topnames in design tied to the line, the onlinetool helps product stand out “by changingthe colorways from a curated palette tocreate the absolutely right designs forthat client. Co-creation allows the client topartner with the designer and personal-ize the product.”


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tarkett’s collections infinies line allowsspecifiers to ‘co-create’ tailored productusing selections from world-renowneddesigners through a unique onlinevisualization tool.

www.shannonspecia l tyf loors .com800.522.9166

NOW OFFERINGVIRGIN VINYL & PVC FREE

SOLUTIONS


GOPersPectiVe•

Diisononyl Phthalate (DINP) is a general plasticizer used in many products, includingsome vinyl flooring and carpet backings, as

well as roofing, wire, cable and automotive parts. InDecember 2013, DINP was added as a reproductivehazard to a list of almost 900 chemicals establishedunder California’s Safe Drinking Water and ToxicEnforcement Act of 1986, commonly referred to asProp 65. Manufacturers using DINP were given aone-year period to determine whether warningsneeded to be displayed on their products contain-ing DINP.

Based on DINP’s long history of safe use in floor-ing and other building products, the Resilient FloorCovering Institute asked that this decision bereviewed. The request, filed in November 2014, wasthe first Safe Use Determination sought since late2007. This past June, the California Office ofEnvironmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA),

which works under Prop 65 to evaluate environ-mental and safety risks, issued a Safe UseDetermination for DINP in vinyl flooring products.

Acting under the authority of Prop 65, exposureexperts at OEHHA reviewed DINP documentation forfour types of vinyl flooring — heterogeneous, homoge-neous, vinyl tile and vinyl composition tile. Theystudied a variety of exposures, including skinabsorption, inhalation and ingestion. The agency

determined that DINP exposure from vinyl flooringcontaining 18.9% of DINP or less does not exceed thesafe harbor level and issued a Safe UseDetermination on June 21, 2016. Therefore, a Prop 65consumer warning for qualifying products is notrequired.

The resilient flooring industry is pleased thatOEHHA has reviewed exposure levels of DINP inboth virgin and recycled vinyl flooring and foundthat qualifying products do not require a Prop 65warning. OEHHA’s decision confirms that DINP invinyl flooring not exceeding the 18.9% threshold issafe and appropriate for homes and commercialbuildings. DINP is a thoroughly studied compoundthat enhances the flexibility, resiliency and long-last-ing performance of many vinyl products.

This year, the California Court of Appeals willconsider an appeal filed by the AmericanChemistry Council in May 2015 to remove DINPfrom the Prop 65 list.

ABOUT RFCI The Resilient Floor Covering Institute is a nonprofitindustry trade association that represents the majormanufacturers of resilient flooring and associatedmaterials marketed throughout North America. RFCIhas led the resilient flooring industry to the forefrontof sustainability with the development of four envi-ronmental tools for purchasers and specifiers: theFloorScore independent certification program forindoor air emissions; Environmental ProductDeclarations that disclose industry averages for envi-ronmental impacts over a product’s lifecycle;Product Transparency Declarations that provideinformation on flooring product ingredients; andANSI/NSF 332 Sustainability Assessment forResilient Floor Coverings that provides a third-partyproduct sustainability certification.

For more information about RFCI and resilientflooring, visit rfci.com.

DINP plastercizergets safe designation

from Prop 65 agency BY DEAN THOMPSON,

PRESIDENT, RESILIENT FLOOR COVERING INSTITUTE

‘‘’’

…OEHHA’s decision confirmsthat DINP in vinyl flooringnot exceeding the

18.9% threshold is safe…


ucts that allow teams to renovate ratherthan demolish subfloors — eliminating thedust and debris from that process and notdisturbing the materials embedded insubfloors.

SYNTHETIC GYPSUMSchönox has two self-leveling productsand a patching compound manufacturedusing synthetic gypsum that is made froma by-product of the process used to purifyemissions from power plants. Trissl saidSchönox is proud of this environmentalsuccess story in which the by-product isenhanced and fortified in its conversionprocesses and used to make subfloorproducts that include up 52% pre-con-sumer material. The resulting Schönoxproducts achieve durability with com-pressive strength of at least 5,800 PSI.

“There is no compromise betweenproduct performance and environmentalstewardship with Schönox products,”Trissl said. “Our extensive research anddevelopment efforts have produced dualbenefits in both areas, and we don’t have aseparate set of green products. We standbehind the attributes of all our products.”

In particular, AP and APF are synthet-ic gypsum-based, fiber-reinforced, self-lev-eling compounds suitable for wood floorsas well as other critical substrates designedfor refurbishment work in interior areas.

In business for more than 120 years, HPSSchönox manufactures its products inGermany under ISO 9001 and 14001 —

two of the most stringent quality and environmental management standards.Schönox’s research and developmentdivision works continuously on creatingsolutions that are innovative with regardto performance while being environmen-tally responsible and safe for installers.

Thomas Trissl, principal, said the com-pany’s commitment to the environment isas unyielding as its subfloor materials. Itsarray of floor leveling products allowsinstallers to leave subfloors in place ratherthan being sent to a landfill. Rough, dam-aged and uneven floors can be coveredwith Schönox products, resulting in smooth,sound subfloors ready for covering.

AIR QUALITY ISSUESSchönox has invested heavily in air quali-ty R&D for many years. Every Schönox

primer, moisture mitigation product, self-leveling compound and adhesive quali-fies for contribution to the Low-EmittingMaterials LEED credits given their low orno VOC characteristics. Schönox prod-ucts contribute to many LEED credits,including Material and Resource. “If youare specifying materials for a project to beLEED accredited or simply appreciateknowing your specs are strong environ-mental choices, we have the products foryour needs,” Trissl said.

This concern for air quality extends toinstallers. Schönox has products in eachof the floor leveling, patching and water-proofing categories with dust-reducingproperties. The company’s Roll and Goand Multifix adhesives are applied from astanding position, and its iFix waterproof-ing system is also applied with rollers in asmooth, efficient manner. But perhaps themost significant contribution to the healthand safety of installers is its series of prod-

left: schönox gave herregan distributors ademo of its self-leveling products, touting easyinstallation and reduced air quality issues astwo differentiators.

below: schönox aP is a synthetic gypsumbased fiber reinforced, self-leveling compoundespecially suited for wood subfloors.

subfloor products emphasize environment, safety

BY KEN RYAN

schönox’s

GOProduct •


The Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center began operations in 1975 with a mis-sion to partner with the community to help save and sustain lives by provid-ing a safe supply of blood, blood components and relative services. Today, theindependent, non-profit has grown to more than 650 employees and collectsnearly 1,000 donations each day to serve more than 170 health care institutionsacross Texas. When the opportunity to renovate the facility was presented, sev-eral key factors played a role in floor covering decisions: durability, funding andbudget, sustainability, maintenance and the ability to create an integrateddesign using different types of flooring specific to the needs of individual spaces.

For instance, the existing VCT flooring in the corridors had noticeableindentations from employees and guests wearing high-heel shoes. SheriBurmaster, project manager for the blood center, immediately started lookingat resilient options with a higher PSI (pounds per square inch) rating to preventthe same unsightly marks on the new floor that had occurred over time withthe previous product selection. She specified Roppe’s SafeTcork vinyl tile asthe solution for its 2,000 psi rating and complimentary color options.

When the design was completed, several solutions were selected from theRoppe product line which allowed the flooring to follow similar palettes withinthe facility while meeting the varied expectations of different spaces. Burmasternoted the mixed but unified design combined with the variety of flooring optionsutilized in the blood center, help the buildings feel new again. Aside from the indi-vidual advantages each Roppe product carries, the ability to obtain many typesof flooring through one distributor facilitated a smoother installation and vendorrelationship. The atmosphere is now updated and welcoming to the manydonors that share the staff’s mission to serve the community’s blood needs.

GOProJect•GULF COAST REGIONALBLOOD CENTER ANDBILL T. TEAGUENEIGHBORHOODDONOR CENTER

Project: gulf coast regional blood center — bill t. teague neighborhood donorcenter, houston

Flooring manufacturer: roppeProducts used: stairwells, fiesta rubber treads; corridors, safetcork solid vinyl tile;ramps, recoil fitness flooring; donor area, northern timbers/northern leathers pre-

mium vinyl

WHY ROPPE?Fiesta rubber treads: PVc free,

contains 10% post-industrial wasteand meets floorscore and chPscriteria; colors coordinate withother roppe products; all colorsavailable at a single price point.

SafeTcork: contains 10% post-industrial waste and meetsfloorscore and chPs criteria; corkcontent improves slip resistance;built-in anti-microbial agents; 2000Psi withstands heavy loads withoutpermanent indentation.

Recoil fitness flooring: enhancedwalking comfort and slip resistance;PVc free; contains post-industrialand post-consumer waste,increased sound and shockabsorption.

Norther Timbers/Norther Leatherspremium vinyl: 10-year limitedwarranty; 28 mil wear layer; uV-cured ceramic bead finish addsdurability while revisiting scratchingand wear; two products can beinstalled together seamlessly.

‘‘ ’’The majority of the flooring replaced was original to the two buildings built in1980 and 1991. I am confident the new products will remain for a similar timeframe and will look as great as they do today.

- Sheri Burmaster, project manager, Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center

envireTM

R U B B E R S H E E T A N D T I L E

Design versatility with natural resilience. EnvireTM Rubber Sheet and Tile combines the sleek beauty of sheet fl ooring with a 15-color palette to create spaces that are unique and timeless. Developed for use in high traffi c areas that require exceptional wear resistance and dimensional stability, including healthcare facilities, classrooms, corridors, multi-purpose areas, clean rooms, lobbies and more.

proudly made in the

Your link to Roppe products and LEED® documentation. Visit: roppe.com.

Explore your options with our online FLOORING DESIGNER at roppe.com

Red List Chemical Free

•

clockwise from toP left: mannington commercial’s teles is ahigh resiliency rubber floor featuring indentation resistance of 1,500Psi — said to be six times higher than the standard specification for

rubber tile — acoustic benefits, comfort underfoot and a self-migrating wax finish. the line, available in square tiles and planks,

sports a sophisticated aesthetic inspired by natural earth scapes;Perkins+will’s design team specified materials with an inherent finish— such as linoleum — to meet the performance and design needs of

Pitt river middle school in Port coquitlam, british columbia, canada;cannondesign chose vinyl tiles that look like stone in leslie

shankman school corp.’s hyde Park day school’s circulation spaces,where high-traffic areas are aesthetically pleasing and offer greater

slip resistance; tarkett’s aria is a vinyl floor with accent granules and24 colors that add depth and dimension to any interior space.

homogeneous construction and tough uV-cured polyurethane alsomeans more durability and easier maintenance.

GOPlatform•


When it comes to flooring choices, public school systemshave been creatures of habit specifying productsbased on immediate cost and function. But, times are

changing and so are the interior design needs of today’s K-12 edu-cation sector as aging buildings undergo makeovers nationwide.

“Needs have changed over the years as clients are now look-ing for flooring products that encompass ease of maintenance,acoustical properties, durability and innovative design elementscollectively,” noted Melissa Kelly, NCIDQ, CID, interior designerat KZF Design, Cincinnati. “And today, many budgets are pre-pared to include the upfront costs to get the long-term results.”

K-12 is in the midst of a remodeling boom, fueled by the risingnumber of students and older school buildings. Local and stategovernments have reportedly loosened their purse strings to fundcapital improvement projects at elementary, middle and highschools. It isn’t that money is no object for school districts anymore.Rather, purchasing influencers — ranging from school boards toadministrators to local community members — are spending morewisely. While performance, health and safety requirementsremain important criteria, school districts are now lookingbeyond installed costs and factoring in the long-term maintenanceexpenses for flooring. It is, however, a work in progress.

“The greatest challenge that remains are opposing budgetconstraints, where it is difficult to increase the capital budget in order to reduce the maintenance budget,” said KierenCorcoran, marketing director, education and government at Patcraft.

These life-cycle costing issues carry greater weight thanever for budget-conscious school districts nationwide, which is amajor reason for increased interest in luxury vinyl tile (LVT) andcarpet tile in the education space. This growth in low-mainte-nance soft and hard surfaces comes at the expense of vinyl com-position tile (VCT), a low-priced workhorse product requiringchemical applications that far exceed the original installationcost over time. Generally speaking, VCT often requires re-wax-ing due to major scuffing issues. By comparison, a product suchas rubber flooring features a low-maintenance cleaning systemand is known for “healing” itself when faced with punctures.“This means going to no-wax hard surface floors and better qual-ity carpets,” noted Julie Tonning, district manager, ManningtonCommercial.

“We will not recommend VCT for any schools because it requires heightened maintenance, adding overall cost,” saidRaquel Morales, senior associate at CannonDesign, New York.“Whereas with an alternate product such as rubber, it’s installedonce; no wax or top coat is needed.”

While new solutions continue to move design and sustain-ability in the education segment forward, some members of the

colored zones and low walls identify class-specific eating areas at thefriendship school in waterford, conn. JcJ architecture specifiedsheet vinyl in a playful pattern for the Pre-k through kindergartenschool, creating a dynamic atmosphere for its young attendees.

K-12: Making the grade through


BY K.J. QUINN design


A&D community are still reluctant to break away from VCT as apreferred product. “For some public school districts, this may bebecause VCT has a lower first cost, and maintenance staff tendto see it as a ‘tried and true’ product they know how to workwith,” said Emily Czarnecki, NCIDQ, senior interior designer atJCJ Architecture, New York. “However, new education-specificneeds are helping to drive innovation in the segment.”

LEARNING INNOVATION FROM THE GROUND UP Flooring needs are changing, in part, to adapt to the new designof school learning environments. As classrooms evolve with thegrowing needs for each generation, designers report seeingmore open environments that require different acoustic quali-ties, easy maintenance and flexibility for multiple types of activ-ities. “You need to be more versatile as more areas in the schoolhave become flexible and are used for different types of learn-ing,” said Aimee Eckmann, AIA, ALEP, LEED AP BD+C, seniorproject architect, associate principal at Perkins+Will, New York.“School layouts are defined less by walls; flooring can now beused to differentiate space.”

For instance, Perkins+Will’s design team specified materialswith an inherent finish to meet performance and design needsat Pitt River Middle School, Port Coquitlam, BC. “The district was apprehensive about using polished concrete floors in classrooms due to union grievances,” said Alex Minard, architectAIBC, MRAIC, LEED AP BD+C, CPHD and senior associate. “Wetherefore used a gray resilient flooring in classrooms and pol-ished concrete in the halls. We left the concrete exposed in twoclassrooms as a test for the district to gauge their comfort withthat material.”

Similarly, many elementary classrooms feature multiple set-tings within one space, so it is almost routine to specify a mixtureof soft and hard surfaces. JCJ, for example, created L-shapedclassrooms at the Northeast Academy and Kolnaski ElementarySchools in Groton, Conn. “Two-thirds of the classroom is carpet-ed for class work and reading areas, while the other third hasresilient flooring where more activity-based centers and ‘wet’areas are located,” JCJ’s Czarnecki explained. “We always try topromote a mixture of textures and surfaces that best meet thebuilding’s needs and suit how its spaces will be used.”

Although designers report that hard surfaces are beingspecified predominantly in classrooms and soft surfaces inspaces such as media centers and common areas, each districthas different requirements. This in tandem with the rise of open-concept, multi-use spaces has led to the recurring design themeof coordinating soft and hard surfaces in similar looks.

This theme often carries throughout an entire building,noted Jeff Krejsa, senior vice president of marketing for Tarkett.“A designer working within a school environment can easily go


GOPlatform•


from a rubber material that may be inside a cafeteria, gym ormulti-purpose room to a VCT or LVT material in the hallways.”

CREATIVE PRODUCTS SPARK FRESH DESIGNLVT and carpet tile are also coveted in the K-12 segment todayfor their color and design flexibility, enabling specifiers to moveaway from the mundane looks of the past. “There is a strongtrend to move from VCT to LVT, as the LVT aesthetics continueto improve,” Patcraft’s Corcoran said.

The striking realism of LVT and its strong resemblance tonatural materials is a major draw for designers. CannonDesign’sMorales noted the great variety of stone and wood replicas —both texture and color — today as an example. “These are greatfor spaces with high-traffic areas where, aesthetically, you stillwant a natural look,” she said, “plus the greater slip resistance ofan LVT.” For these very reasons, CannonDesign specified avinyl wood plank in classrooms and a vinyl tile that resemblesstone in all the circulation spaces at the Hyde Park Day Schoolin Chicago.

While LVT is a rising star within the education segment,other resilient floors — including linoleum and rubber — contin-ue to retain a small niche as they provide warm and sophisticat-ed aesthetics that appeal to staff, students and parents. “We’reseeing resilient as the primary material used in K-12,” Krejsa

said. “Its popularity is even beginning to move it into areas thatmay have traditionally used soft surfaces like offices andadministration spaces.”

On the soft surface side, carpet tile is growing the fastest, inpart, for its creative application options with an assortment ofsizes, colors and textures. The product’s sustainability factors —easier to take up and recycle than broadloom — also has modu-lar carpet gaining traction in education.

“Carpet tile can be especially effective in assisting withacoustics within classrooms and corridors,” JCJ’s Czarnecki said.“We have seen a tremendous change in the engineering of car-pet over the years, and with the addition of vinyl backing,antimicrobial and stain-resistant nylons, it has become a verydurable and versatile product that actually promotes a healthierenvironment.”

Carpet tile’s flexibility also allows the creation of multiple pat-terns to designate areas, zones or boundaries in open spaces,CannonDesign’s Morales noted. “Patterning or change of colorcan also help with wayfinding as well.”

KEEPING THE LEARNING CURVE Whether specifying hard or soft surface, the biggest takeawayfor designers in the K-12 segment might actually just be theimportance of education and evolution. Looking ahead theA&D community needs to help school districts remain knowledgeable about flooring choices. Not all products arealike or applicable for every situation, but innovative solutionsare blurring historical boundaries to meet the modern class-room’s needs.

“While districts want to make sure there is a respect for pub-lic funds being used,” JCJ’s Czarnecki said, “the trend towardblending the fit and finish of flooring materials to create a morewelcoming and elevated environment is real and growing.”

oPPosite Page toP: classrooms at the hyde Park day school inchicago feature vinyl wood plank flooring specified bycannondesign as a low-cost solution in place of a wood floor.

oPPosite Page bottom: marine science magnet high school ofsoutheastern connecticut worked with JcJ architecture to createvariety and interest between classrooms and its home base usingcontrasting carpet tile patterns throughout.

aboVe: kZf design helped elder high school show appreciationfor its graduates by transforming a former study hall into the newalumni development center.

right: architects put their trust in the multi-room versatility, cost-saving durability and unique maintenance properties of tarkett’s iQgranit to satisfy the requirements of schools and hospitals worldwide.



There is a peculiar trend evolving in the flooringindustry lately: It seems everywhere I turn, thereare flooring products that look like wood but are

not wood at all. Seemingly every flooring type – tile,carpet, laminate, LVT/resilient — is being made to dupli-cate wood’s unique aesthetic. So, if imitation is the sin-cerest form of flattery, what does this tell us?

To me, it clearly demonstrates the strong desirefor wood flooring among today’s commercial con-sumers. And if consumers want wood, why not getthe real thing as opposed to imitations?

There are many more advantages to choosingwood over imitation flooring products than simply itsdesign elements. The most obvious is that wood is anatural product. It is produced in a factory called aforest using a renewable source of energy called thesun and requires nothing more than water and soilprovided by Mother Nature to grow. In addition,

when trees are harvested, they can be replanted,which makes them a renewable resource.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Servicesupports this claim. It reports that average annual nethardwood growth for the entire eastern United States— where domestic hardwood is primarily grown — isgreater than average annual removals. Furthermore,

for every hardwood tree harvested, 1.66 trees arereplanted in its place, which is increasing standingvolume by more than 50%. The result: Total standinghardwood volume has grown in to more than 328 bil-lion cubic feet in the United States.

Trees are a carbon neutral product. During theirgrowth cycle, they take in carbon dioxide and pro-duce oxygen. At the end of a tree’s life cycle, thereverse is true — the tree will stop producing oxygenand will instead produce carbon dioxide. At thispoint, the tree is no longer beneficial to the environ-ment, so it is therefore more advantageous to harvesta tree at maturity. When a tree is harvested andbecomes a product like wood flooring, its carbon issequestered for its useful life and not released backinto the atmosphere. So as you look around youroffice right now — at your desk, wood flooring oreven the picture frame hanging on your wall — eachof those items is sequestering carbon dioxide andwill continue to do so until it’s recycled into anotherform such as mulch, plywood or fuel.

Additionally, wood floors have the added benefitof improving indoor air quality. According to theUnited States Environmental Protection Agency,wood floors do not harbor allergens, microorgan-isms or harmful pesticides that can be tracked infrom the outdoors. This is a significant advantage forthe 50 million Americans who suffer from allergiesbecause wood floors help to eliminate the triggersthat can cause them.

With all of the advances in sustainable forestmanagement, wood manufacturing and finish tech-nology, it’s no wonder wood has never been a moredesirable flooring material for much more than itslooks. It offers tremendous insulation properties,adds warmth to any room, is cost efficient and sus-tainable, and has timeless beauty. Your clients maybe enticed by faux wood aesthetics, but the addition-al benefits found in real wood floors cannot be simu-lated. It is a win-win-win for your customers, theenvironment and you.

The benefits of wood flooring:

More than meets the eyeBY MICHAEL MARTIN,

PRESIDENT & CEO, NWFA

‘‘’’

While your clients maybe enticed by faux woodaesthetics, the additional

benefits found in realwood floors cannot be simulated.

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