The average Australian is no longer an outdoors person, with a new study revealing that most Australians spend an average of 90 per cent of their life indoors. This finding throws up a whole new challenge for architects and building designers in having to assess the health impact when selecting materials for home construction and interiors.

Natural timber, for instance, is not only a popular home building material in Australia but is also proven to contribute to the wellbeing of residents. A research report by Planet Ark, ‘Wood: Housing, Health, Humanity’ compiled findings from different studies conducted around the world on the psychological and physiological effects of timber on humans.

Wood and the better health factor

According to the report, mere exposure to timber or reconstituted wood brought down stress and blood pressure levels, and increased social interaction and positive self-expression. Timber in interior environments also improved the air quality with their natural ability to absorb moisture during periods of high humidity, and release it during dry times.

Wood: Good for health, but also expensive

There’s no doubt natural timber-based products have a positive effect on humans. However, timber is also an expensive material, inclusion of which can make construction and design budgets spin out of control, affecting other aspects of the project. The Planet Ark study revealed the only negative feedback from respondents on using timber in their projects was on the issue of high cost.

Additionally, timber is a high maintenance material, especially with the continuous effort required to retain the finish in the harsh Australian environment. Issues such as risk of mould and mildew as well as the time required by timber to acclimatise before installation are hassles that many homeowners want to avoid during construction or renovation.

Laminate flooring: All the benefits of natural timber minus the hassle

Highly popular among architects, designers and specifiers, laminate flooring is fast replacing natural timber options in residential, commercial and retail applications. Laminate floors not only deliver significant time and cost savings during installation but also minimise ongoing maintenance efforts as they come pre-finished and are highly durable.

Unlike traditional solid timber floors, laminate flooring can withstand the knocks of everyday life or heavy foot traffic with high resistance to scratching and general wear and tear, and very little surface discolouration when exposed to harsh UV levels. Laminate floors do not need to be polished, ever.

Laminate floors made in Switzerland

Swiss company Kronoswiss has invested in the latest production technology to engineer a new generation of laminate floors that replicate natural timber species in almost every possible way including grain, texture and tone. Available in a wide selection of plank widths and lengths, the new 12mm laminate range from Kronoswiss uses the latest research and manufacturing technology to match the health benefits of natural timber.

For instance, the VOC levels of the new generation Swiss-made laminates meet the very stringent air quality regulations demanded in modern construction. Made from locally produced 100 per cent FSC Mix certified wood for a distinct environmental advantage, Kronoswiss’ new laminate flooring is unlike any traditional laminate range, successfully overcoming the issues of appearance and texture.

Kronoswiss has also replicated the depth of real hardwood to create a natural appearance for the laminates and provide all the health benefits associated with exposure to timber. The laminate floors display excellent scratch- and impact-resistance and are backed by a 20-year limited residential warranty.

Kronoswiss is available in Australia from Preference Floors, a 100% Australian owned company specialising in supply and distribution of engineered timber floors, bamboo floors, laminate floors and vinyl plank floors.

What looks like hardwood, feels like hardwood, even breathes like hardwood, but is not hardwood? Find out more about laminate floors from Kronoswiss.