Contemporary learning is about the provision of inspirational education facilities that put learners and educators at the heart of the school. Design and layout, along with facilities and resources, all play a vital role in the creation of a dynamic space conducive to learning and developing potential. 

Polyflor shares nine benefits that explain how vinyl flooring is fast becoming a product of choice in schools.  

9 benefits of vinyl flooring for schools 

1. Meeting specific functionality requirements: 

• Specialised vinyl floors can be: 
• Noise-absorbent (classrooms and corridors). 
• Slip-resistant (change rooms, laboratories, showers and wet spaces). 
• Electrostatic dissipative (IT rooms). 
• Hygienic (bathrooms and kitchens). 
• Aesthetically beautiful (reception areas). 
• Exceptionally durable (heavy foot and wheel traffic). 
• Easy to clean (dining rooms, laboratories and frequently used spaces). 

2. Creating multi-functional spaces: Vinyl flooring allows a room to be a classroom, science lab, function room or multi-purpose sports hall – meeting multiple needs and functions. 

3. Enhancing the learning environment: Research indicates that natural spaces created by light colours and warm floor surfaces and stimulation through different colour options are important in modern learning environments.   

4. High-quality design: New-age vinyl allows for breathtaking design opportunities. 

5. Longevity, durability and ease of maintenance: A well maintained vinyl floor will last at least 20 years. Special PUR-coated vinyl enhances the durability and allows for easy, hygienic and dry (as opposed to wet) cleaning, making it ideal for heavy foot and bags-on-wheels traffic. 

6. Improving lifetime cost: Whilst the upfront cost may be higher than alternative floor coverings, the lifetime cost is lower. Many vinyl floors include technology that ensures minimal chemical, energy and water usage – decreasing the lifecycle maintenance costs by up to 60% over a 15-year period. 

7. Green credentials: Through modern manufacturing, vinyl has a low environmental impact. Low volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions and excellent hygiene ensure good quality air in schools. 

8. Promoting school pride: Vinyl allows for bespoke designs, promoting a school’s message and enhancing a sense of belonging. 

9. Maximising choice: With a wide range of products available, vinyl can cater for multiple design needs and functional requirements across all levels of education (primary, secondary and tertiary). 

Vinyl flooring offers many benefits for the school environment, as shown at Curro Durbanville High School, for which BPAS Architects was shortlisted in the “completed buildings – school” category of the World Architecture Festival 2023. 

For more information, contact Polyflor SA: 

Tel: +27 (11) 609 3500 (speak to Blythe or Wendy) 

Email: marketing@polyflor.co.za 

Website: www.polyflor.co.za  

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