This article is Part Three in a series of articles examining the benefits and variations of modular carpet tiles. In Part One we examined some of the Australian classification schemes used to differentiate suppliers of carpet tiles from one another. Part Two spotlighted why architects specify carpet tiles, using a variety of CK Design International projects as case studies.
The variety of modular carpet tiles available on the Australian market is astounding, and the task of choosing just one supplier can be daunting.
But different projects require different products so the following list of Australian suppliers of modular carpet tiles spotlights both the distinguishing features of individual suppliers as well the performance of their products on a variety of measures.
Where possible, we have included the products’ Australian Carpet Classification Scheme (ACCS) rating which rates carpets according to their durability and appearance retention, placing them in categories and giving them a star rating on the advice from an expert panel.
The Environmental Certification Scheme (ECS) accreditation, which further rates the carpet on a four tier system according to its environmental performance, is also listed when given by the supplier.
Finally, the products’ Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) certifications are included; any product listed with a Level A GreenStar or GreenTag will achieve 100 per cent on the GBCA GreenStar Materials performance tool.
Supplier: Interface
Product: Net-Effect
Image: supplied.
About: Net-Effect from Interface recruits discarded fishing nets from poor fishing villages to create a 100 per cent recycled yarn modular carpet tile. It was a recent winner at the 2014 Good Design Awards and is a finalist for the BPN Sustainability Awards.
Ratings:
-
ECS: Level 4A
-
ACCS: Level 4, Contract
-
Green Star: Level A
Supplier: Gibbon Group
Product: The DESSO AirMaster
Image: supplied.
About: Available from Gibbon Group, The DESSO AirMaster tiles are PVC free and designed for disassembly. They also contribute to Indoor Environment Quality (IEQ) by removing fine dust particles from the air (beneficial for asthma sufferers, for example).
Ratings:
Supplier: Above Left
Product: EcoSoft
Image: supplied.
About: Above Left offer customers the choice of an EcoSoft backing for their entire carpet tile range which is made from 80 per cent post-consumer material reengineered from discarded drinking water bottles plus 5 per cent post-industrial recycled PET. Above Left differs from other suppliers by taking back and reusing not only their own products at the end of their first life but any uplifted uncontaminated carpet tiles, regardless of the manufacturer.
Ratings:
-
ACCS: Level 4, Contract
-
ECS: Level 4
-
Green Star: Level A
Supplier: Nolan. UDA
Product: Katto Emboss
Image: Nolan UDA.
About: Katto Emboss from NolanUDA is a unique product where a pattern is applied to the standard carpet tile range using a heat embossing technology. The end result is a range of patterned carpet tiles that are durable and hardwearing, stain resistant and anti-static. They are also supported with a 15 year warranty.
Ratings:
-
ACCS: Level 4, Contract
-
ECS: Level 4
-
Green Star: Level A
Supplier: Ontera
Product: Envibond
Image: Ontera.com.au
About: Envibond backing from Ontera uses 50 per cent post-consumer recycled content and has a low VOC emitting bond that exceeds the Australian Standards. Its Frictionback option eliminates the use of adhesives, which further reduces VOCs and makes the tiles easy to install.
All Ontera products are able to provide maximum available credit points in the IEQ section of Green Star.
Ratings:
-
ACCS: Level 4, Contract
-
ECS: Level 4
-
Green Star: Level A
Supplier: TAG - The Andrews Group
Product: Bolon Studio range
Image: bolon.com
About: The Bolon Studio range is available in Australia from The Andrews Group and is a versatile and contemporary flooring concept. By making your own selection from a range of tiles and combining the shape with the majority of the company’s floor collections, the concept creates room for bespoke interiors.
The Bolon Studio range is based on five shapes; triangle, deco, plank, hexagon, and wing. Patterns will look completely different depending on the choice of colour, the direction of the yarn, and the fall of the light in the room.
Ratings:
Supplier: Signature Floor
Product: Friendly range
Image: signature floor.
About: Signature Floor’s Friendly carpet tiles feature solution dyed nylon fibre with a unique loop construction. They deliver outstanding soil and stain resistance and provide excellent durability in the toughest commercial installations.
Ratings:
-
Green Star: Level A
-
Green Tag: Level A
