Our 5-Part Plan To Help Flooring Contractors

At Duraflor, we are keen to help our flooring contractor clients provide their customers with the tools they need to promote their services. We provide flooring solutions without the fuss.

To achieve flooring without the fuss, we have implemented a 5-part strategy that allows us to create a seamless experience for flooring contractors.

1. 1. Product Planning
Firstly, we must start with our product selection. We study our clients purchasing habits and trends, which allows us to prioritise which products should be stocked and which colours are the most popular. This means we rarely run in to any stocking issues. This means our clients can continue with their projects without the fear of not being able to bring in the materials they require. We also listen to feedback from our clients about our products and use this information to develop and innovate. We believe that including flooring contractors within the decision-making process is a huge advantage for us when it comes in innovation and strategy.
1. 2. An Easy Purchasing Experience
We understand that flooring contractors are almost always on the go and busy. This is why we created a website that allows our clients to get to the information they need, as quickly as possible. Our clients can download the Duraflor Brochure from any page on our website. The brochure is clear and concise, providing all the required information, such as:
- Product specification
- Colour collections
- Guarantees
- Our range of services
Our website also provides contractors with a floor calculator page that allows our clients to enter a room size and receive the total area in square metres. Which means they are able to order the exact amount they need and avoid waste.

We also make pricing easier, as well as giving contractors a link to our pricing table that is on our website, and that is always up to date (including volume discounts). Contact us for the link or a copy of our printed brochure which includes a QR code to get our prices and can also be given to your customers to display our comprehensive range. Note: prices are only available to trade customers.

3. Industry Expertise

Product knowledge is not something that just employees of Duraflor should be trained on. We can provide training to flooring contractors on our products. This helps contractors become more knowledgeable about our products and how they can meet specific project requirements. We are here to help with every step of the way. We can visit a site; help you draw up plans and determine requirements. Many of our projects share similarities – fixed budgets, quick turnaround, and a desire to create a practical yet stunning environment. – We can make that happen.

Our customer service is second to none. Especially once a project is complete. We provide guidance on care and maintenance and technical advisory services whenever you need it.

4. Logistical Opportunities

Duraflor products are distributed by SASGO Ltd, which operates its own FORS Silver accredited fleet in the south. This ensures deliveries to larger sites can be achieved. SASGO has operations in Langley just off the M4/M25 junction, in Leeds and in Glenrothes, Fife, close to Edinburgh. This means we can provide national coverage and support.

Our clients are also welcome to collect their orders (where applicable) from our trade counters in Langley and Glenrothes.

5. Sustainability – Green floors in all colours

We can offer a wide choice of sustainable flooring options. As a company, we believe in reducing our carbon footprint and ensuring that our products meet strict industry standards and contribute to green building initiatives. Both Duraflor and its production partners, are committed to a programme of environmental improvement. This includes compliance with internationally recognised standards. We realise the impact that producing floor coverings has on the environment, and we share the desire to pro-actively reduce that impact.

Many of the products in the Duraflor range have been tested and all rated either A+ or A for use in Retail, Health, Schools, and Office environments.

We also actively participate in the Recofloor Vinyl take-back scheme. Helping in every way that we can to reduce waste.

Our stance on sustainability allows our contractors to provide their clients with a more sustainable and environmentally friendly product. This makes their services more attractive to potential projects.

If you would like to speak to a member of our team about what Duraflor can do for you and your business, please get in touch on 0330 053 2500.

The Key Trends in the Construction Industry

The direction of construction trends for 2023

The key trends in the construction industry for 2023 are not new, but they are growing in intensity.

1. Modular and Offsite Construction

Modular and offsite construction refer to the process of building structures in a factory and then transporting them to the construction site for assembly. This method of construction is gaining popularity because it offers a faster, more efficient, and cost-effective way of building. It also provides greater control over quality and reduces waste, which is critical in today’s environmentally conscious world. The use of modular and offsite construction is expected to increase in the coming years, especially in the residential and commercial building sectors.

2. Sustainable Construction

Sustainable construction practices involve using renewable and environmentally friendly materials, designing energy-efficient buildings, and reducing waste during construction. As the world becomes more conscious of its carbon footprint, sustainable construction practices are becoming increasingly important. Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) have gained popularity in recent years as a trend in the construction industry, particularly in the flooring sector.

An EPD is a comprehensive report that provides transparent and verified information on a product’s environmental impact over its entire life cycle. This includes everything from raw material extraction and production to use, maintenance, and disposal. EPDs enable stakeholders to compare products and choose those with the lowest environmental impact. This promotes sustainability in the industry and aligns with the growing demand for environmentally conscious practices.

3. Building Information Modelling (BIM)

While BIM (Building Information Modelling) has been around for a while, it has become a more prevalent trend in recent years. This is because the technology and software used in BIM have advanced significantly, making it more accessible and user-friendly for architects, engineers, and contractors. Additionally, as the construction industry continues to become more digitised and automated, the use of BIM has become more widespread, with more companies adopting it as a standard practice. Furthermore, BIM is continually evolving, with new features and capabilities being added, making it an evergreen trend that continues to develop and improve over time.

4. Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality

Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) are becoming more popular in the construction industry as they offer immersive experiences for clients and stakeholders. With VR and AR, clients and stakeholders can visualise a project before construction begins, providing an opportunity to make changes early in the design phase. VR and AR can also be used for training and safety simulations, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries on construction sites.

5. Digitalisation and Automation

The use of digital technologies and automation is becoming more common in the construction industry. Drones are increasingly being used for surveying and inspections, reducing the time and cost of collecting data. Autonomous equipment for construction is also being developed, reducing the need for human intervention, and improving safety on construction sites. Cloud-based project management tools are being used to increase collaboration, transparency, and data sharing, improving project outcomes.

Overall, the construction industry is embracing technology, sustainability, and collaboration to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and improve project outcomes. As the world continues to evolve, it is essential for the construction industry to adapt to meet the changing needs of society.

Sources:

McKinsey & Company – https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/capital-projects-and-infrastructure/our-insights/modular-construction-from-projects-to-products
National Institute of Building Sciences – https://www.nibs.org/news/532750/New-Report-Details-the-Benefits-of-Green-Buildings.htm
Autodesk – https://www.autodesk.com/solutions/bim
Construction Executive – https://constructionexec.com/article/virtual-and-augmented-reality-in-construction
KPMG – https://home.kpmg/xx/en/home/insights/2018/12/top-10-trends-in-construction.html

Sustainability in office design

Green Freedom Storm II in a boardroom and plants

A significant focus on sustainability in office design

One of the most significant trends for office design in 2022 is an increased focus on sustainability. Companies understand the importance of doing more than just playing lip service to climate change and are taking steps to embrace sustainability. Commercial interior design has adapted alongside changes to office culture, and taking credible steps towards sustainability is a key factor in many design choices.

How the built environment impacts the planet

Figures from the Green Building Council show that the built environment has a significant impact on the planet.

• The built environment accounts for almost 40% of global carbon emissions.
• Extraction, manufacture, transport, and assembly of materials used to construct and fit out a building account for 11% of these emissions.

Following COP27 an estimated 80% of global emissions are now covered by pledges that commit to reaching net-zero emissions. There is greater focus on turning pledges into action, but making sustainable choices remains hard to navigate in may industries.

Sustainable, practical, and cost-effective

The challenge, of course, is marrying sustainability, practicality, and cost-effectiveness. When you’re designing office space, you need something that will last and look great, as well as being good for our planet.

Our new product sustainability guide helps to give you confidence, that with Duraflor you are making a good, sustainable choice.

Conscious choices, responsible future

As more and more designers and flooring contractors choose to use environmentally-responsible products, it’s important to have confidence in the choices being made. We work with you to discuss design options at the start of the process, the new guide gives a few suggestions. We can also offer a carpet tile part-exchange service and are part of the Recofloor vinyl take back scheme, helping to close the loop and reduce our impact on the environment.

Get in touch with Duraflor to discover how we can help you create a more sustainable office design.

Office design and layouts 2022

What office design and layout trends will remain

As people return to the office following the pandemic, it’s more important than ever that office spaces are modernised and appeal to workers to encourage them to enjoy using their desks again. 2022 has seen design and layout trends come and go already, and below we list the ones that we think are here to stay and can offer the best development to an office’s value.

Bigger focus on the outdoors

No one wants to feel like they are cooped up inside a clinical office. One of the biggest trends of 2022 has seen an increased focus on natural lighting with big windows taking over. Of course, having a better view of the outdoors is no good unless the view is pleasant, so planting trees or other greenery is a popular option. Not only will this boost productivity, but it will increase the value of the property, Outdoor offices and roof terraces are becoming more popular should you have the space for this, which offer a unique opportunity to design a natural space.

Amenities

In 2022, it’s incredibly important to implement amenities into an office layout. Convenience and comfort are at the heart of modern working, so implementing things such as a nearby kitchen or cafe that can be easily accessed are vital. Ergonomic desk design integrated with dedicated wifi for each one can help sell a building as completely functional, especially with nearby break-out and leisure spaces with airy layouts. Combining productive features with relaxed environments is increasingly popular as people look to work hard without burning out (or having to go for a walk on their lunch break).

Flexible layout

With most organisations integrating a hybrid working design, innovative multi-functional spaces are more important than ever. One possible solution to this is to implement movable dividing spaces that allow for custom office layouts at the hands of the team, who can then go on to work collaboratively or individually. Large, open-plan designs with a wide floor space make this possible and keep everyone inside the loop. This can allow for ever-popular creative brainstorming tasks to take place without the need to venture into a boardroom. This is again related to convenience, which adds significant value to any office space.

Value Adding in Construction

Reception area with TV Espressa on floor

The concept of value adding in construction

Adding value is important in many industries because it ensures that selling assets will gain you a profit. But what exactly does it mean within the construction industry? We focus on commercial buildings in this blog, and outline some of the most effective ways to add value.

What is added value in construction?

Value is the measurement of the benefits that something brings in relation to the cost or resources that were needed to achieve it. In construction, it is often expressed as a ratio between a function and the whole life cost of the function. So, added value refers to an increase of value created by the addition of a function.

The gross value added can be calculated using the actual numbers involved, if these measurements are available.

However, added value isn’t just measured in monetary terms. It can also refer to how well a commodity compares in function to other similar commodities on the market, that may not be able to be calculated by price. A building may not be more expensive when value is added but it will set it apart from its competitors with a new and unique feature, meaning its worth is increased and depending on the market, it may see more profits as a result.

This is particularly important because manufacturers of construction products and property developers are always competing with a large number of similar products and properties on the market, so they need to make themselves stand out if they are going to get noticed and sell.

How is value added in construction?

This can be embodied in construction in many ways. Take commercial buildings, for example, value is often increased by adding space either through a renovation of an existing space or by building an extension. This can add value in monetary terms (a larger building usually equals a higher price) and also through beneficial worth even if the market value doesn’t go up, as a more spacious office is much more likely to sell.

Or, for a less costly and quicker option, value can be added by something as simple as installing new flooring. Adding fresh luxury vinyl tiles, carpet tiles or vinyl safety flooring to a commercial building can add both monetary and beneficial worth, which extends the life and quality of the building and increases the chances of it selling for a higher profit in the future.

We found an article on other ways to add value – these include:

Reconfiguring the space
Outside Facelift
Update Energy System
Update Signage
Increase Security

If you want to add value to your commercial building with new flooring, get in contact with Duraflor today.

Considering neurodiversity in office design

An office design plan that includes zoning

Neurodiverse environments

While neurodiversity is not a new idea in the workplace, not all businesses have supported it in the past, but that is finally changing. In fact considering neurodiversity in office design is reported to be a 2022 commercial design trend.

The term ‘neurodiversity’ refers to the variances in our brain functions and how we interpret information. Neurodiverse conditions include ADHD, Autism, Dyspraxia and Dyslexia.

To cater for neurodiverse employees, employers are starting to create more diverse work environments – gone are expansive open-plan offices. New designs include enclosed spaces for more focused work, shared spaces for socialising, quiet zones to take a break and dedicated areas for client meetings.

In creating a neurodiverse office space you need to consider

Community
Collaboration
Communication
Concentration

These considerations include low stimulation environments for hyper focus, quiet rooms for greater concentration, low traffic areas to reduce anxiety and zones that encourage movement and communication. There is an excellent blog that we have found that highlights the best office layout/zoning to address a condition that a surprisingly high percentage of us have to a greater or lesser extent.

The value of a well-designed workplace continues to grow, especially since it’s been linked to increased staff productivity and wellness. In recent times, we’ve had to reconsider and re-evaluate what we need most from our workspaces, as well as how their design may best serve us.

When combined with other key trends of 2022, an office environment automatically becomes more inclusive and more desirable to be in. This results in greater productivity and greater creativity. These additional trend considerations that work hand in hand with a neurodiverse office environment are:

More natural light

One of the most fundamental office interior design trends in 2022 is to try and include more natural daylight. If there aren’t many windows in the office space, other options help:

• Using diffused light (light that is evenly distributed) such as frosted glass, diffuser screens and softboxes

• Installing features that mimic natural lighting, such as light dimmers

• Low-growing plants and shrubs on windowsills that provide shade and reduce glare

It’s also beneficial to use non-reflective matte floors and wall panels, especially if using a light colour as they help to reduce glare.

Biophilic office spaces

Bringing more nature into the workspace by designing a biophilic office area, with features like living walls and windowsill herb gardens also help. Biophilia refers to our inherent relationship with our natural surroundings and is thought to boost productivity and reduce stress in the workplace.

As well as looking attractive, incorporating more plants helps to reduce sound, helping staff in open-plan offices to concentrate. Plants can also be used to create discrete zones that help to divide areas within open-plan offices more subtly. A strong consideration when focussing on neurodiversity in office design.

We can help provide the perfect flooring that creates zones that are easily recognised and meet differing functionality. We are happy to advise on how best to achieve the look you desire and the practical options you require. Contact us to discuss your latest project.

Making a construction site safe

Working in the construction industry has historically been considered one of the most dangerous jobs. In 2019, the HSE released a report saying that the industry had the highest average number of deaths each year and was responsible for the second-highest number of deaths on the job.

A proper understanding of Health & Safety Regulations is required for any site operatives or visitors, but in this article we touch on basic common sense considerations and responsibilities, when it comes to making a construction site safe.

Communication

Strong communication between all team members is key to ensuring that all health and safety processes work well. If you can master it, you can make sure everyone is on the same page and reduce safety risks in the workplace.

Health and safety on construction sites in the UK is managed by clients, designers, and contractors. The Design and Management Regulations 2015 require that all parties involved in a construction project are responsible for managing health and safety risks. Each party has a duty of care that they must fulfil to ensure that people working on the project are kept safe from hazards. They must also follow all relevant health and safety legislation when doing so.

Clients: The client is responsible for ensuring that all relevant parties know their legal obligations under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015. This includes ensuring that any risk assessments completed by designers or contractors are passed on to them on time.

Designers: Designers are responsible for undertaking risk assessments and providing advice on managing risks to the client. They also need to keep records of this information for three years after completion of work (or longer if required).

Contractors: Contractors need to make sure that they have suitable policies to manage health and safety risks at each stage of construction, including taking reasonable steps to protect workers from harm and ensuring that subcontractors comply with these policies.

Managers: Managers carry out day-to-day supervision of workers. They make sure that everyone understands their role and how it relates to other workers’ roles. Managers also implement policies and procedures to ensure that everyone is following regulations while they’re on site. It is also up to the manager to provide training for new employees so they know what to do in an emergency.

As an employer, you need to ensure that workers have the tools they need to report problems on the job site as soon as possible. If you do this, not only will your workers be able to take care of their own safety, but you will also be able to keep the problem from happening again.

Training

Training can cover very simple things, like how to use ladders safely and how to avoid getting hurt from falling. The most important thing is to make sure that everyone has had the right training, which will help lower the amount of danger on the premises.

Know the dangers

One of the most dangerous things on a construction site is a worker who does not know what is going on around them. If you are an employer with responsibilities, knowing about these risks can help you lower the risk.

Make sure the premises are safe

Making sure that tools are not left lying around, wires are not trailing across floors and the building and site itself are as safe as possible goes a long way to protecting your workers and any other visitors to the site. Mitigate slips and falls by putting down appropriate safety flooring and cleaning up any spillages as soon as they occur.

Even though it is the employer’s job to make sure that their workers are safe on the job, it is also the workers’ job to follow these suggestions. With the work of a whole team, it is possible to make a building site much safer to work on.

Working with Duraflor

As a company we work in conjunction with main contractors, flooring contractors and designers on major construction projects. We offer site visits and help with project planning. We are always mindful of all aspects of site pressures and do all we can to help you manage projects.

How to add value to your commercial property

Seating area and corridor Espressa on the floor

How to add value to your commercial property to attract and retain tenants.

In this blog post, we’ll be looking at value creation in the built environment and give you a few tips on how to add value to your property.

What is value creation in construction?

Adding value to real estate property means making improvements to enhance its value and ultimately increase cash flow. This can include renovations, repairs, subdivisions, building reconfiguration, zone changes, vacancy lease-ups, etc.

How to add value to your commercial property?

There are a plethora of ways to add value to your commercial property. They include:

1. Improving the exterior

Sprucing up the exterior of your property is a small change, but it can make a drastic improvement. A few simple ways you can improve the exterior of your building include:

• Cleaning windows regularly
• Landscaping
• Painting the outside bricks

2. Add more space

Adding space can go a long way in increasing the value of your commercial property. Parking space and extra storage are always in demand, so adding more of that can help increase the demand for your property. If you have a commercial building, creating additional offices or more conference space can help make the building more alluring. That said, ensure that the extra space you create is practical and functional. A key consideration these days is modern office trends, a need to include collaborative spaces, embrace how the pandemic has changed the way we use technology not only at home but in the office. Offices now have to be destinations rather than a place people come to each day.

3. Add new amenities

Other than the space itself, tenants and buyers consider the amenities the building has to offer. Availability of wireless internet, a fitness centre, an entertainment area, etc., can significantly increase the value of your property. If you are unsure what amenities to add to your building, talk to your tenants and other individuals who frequently use the building because they know exactly what could make their lives easier.

4. Invest in smart building technology

Smart building technology may be what you need to add a wow factor to your building. It automates processes to automatically control the building’s operations, such as lighting, security, heating, etc. This improves the efficiency of your building and can be a unique selling point.

5. Update and modernise

As mentioned earlier, new developments are always coming up. Therefore, it is crucial that your building is comparable to the surrounding properties in terms of quality, aesthetics, and style. Installing new floor coverings, updating the HVAC system, buying energy-efficient appliances, etc., are a few updates that can really modernise your property.

If you want to update your commercial building’s flooring, Duraflor is a leading luxury vinyl tiles and carpet tile supplier for commercial spaces. Get in touch with us today for more information about our products.

Office Design Trends Of 2022

What are the significant office design trends of 2022?

You may have thought post- 2020/21 pandemic high levels, hot-desking would come to the fore as one of the office design trends of 2022 with having fewer people in an office at any one time (combined with a good cleaning regime of course) – but that seems to be missing the point.

According to a report by the National Bureau of Economic Research, from small businesses to large companies, approximately 70% of companies will adopt a hybrid “home and office” model by 2022.

So, the shift is more sizeable, resulting in a comeback for co-working spaces, and not just for freelancers and entrepreneurs, but for whole office teams that want to temporarily use the facilities rather than having a permanent base.

Plus, we already touched on the other trend – a “destination office” – A key concept here is the idea of designing a “destination office” – a highly attractive workspace that staff want to come to rather than being obliged to attend. A place where healthy interaction is encouraged.

We now look a little more detail at some of the key considerations for offices in 2022.

1. Integrated technology workstations and acoustic Pods

In an age of high-tech, it only makes sense that we want to be able to access technology at our fingertips while we’re working. We want to be able to charge our smartphones, tablets and laptops easily in the office. But now that we are used to making calls on Teams or Zoom, we also want to continue this method of communication with customers and suppliers, or remote colleagues even while sitting in an office with many of our work team. So, while offices are about interaction, having Pods or soundproof offices where we can interact is also a greater consideration, especially if multiple participants of an online call are also in the same place.

2. Collaboration centres

Collaboration centres are a popular commercial interior design trend because they help people work more efficiently meaning that they ultimately get more done. These are designated spaces that allow people to brainstorm, share ideas and generally work together. They’re often set up in an open concept design, so that several people can work together at the same time if they choose to. It is no surprise that this will be a key feature of a destination office – creative thinking around this, including items such as bleachers and other collaborative furniture innovation should form part of thinking, as well as zoning off different areas of the floor, which is where we come in.

Ideas to make offices more energy efficient

Energy efficient ratings on an office plan

Ways to make offices more energy efficient

Energy efficiency is a critical factor in building and construction work. As the world’s natural resources get depleted, all entities are trying to preserve and carefully manage these resources. Commercial buildings are no exception.
State of affairs

Offices are in fact amongst the largest energy consumers in the country, next to the retail, industrial, health, and hospitality sectors. In addition, heating and lighting take up most of the energy produced in the country. Such consumption confirms the importance of energy efficiency in all new buildings and renovations of old buildings.

Many of these ideas you will already be aware of but it is worth recapping.

1. Invest in certified energy-efficient devices

Specifically, invest in Energy Star-labelled products – with regards the

UK, this label is used on office equipment and shows that a product has achieved energy efficiency standards set by the EU. These products consume less power than similar products. Consuming less energy leaves more for future use while buying time for natural resource rebuilding efforts.

2. Adopt modern architectural designs

In the past, office blocks were enclosed cages that needed lighting round the clock. Seeing as lighting is one of the biggest energy consumers countrywide, adopting an open plan style office layout helps minimise the need to keep the lights on. By using more natural light, the building will use less energy for lighting. Additionally, using more steel and glass in construction with proper sealing prevents heat loss. This option adds to energy conservation since the building won’t need as much heating.

3. Use energy-efficient and longer-lasting materials

Besides lighting, the floors and walls are the following energy loss points in a commercial building. There are energy-efficient commercial flooring products such as luxury vinyl tiles that have balanced heat retention and dissipation. This way, you won’t need to constantly heat the offices when it’s cold or cool them down during summer. Commercial carpets and carpet tiling boost energy efficiency by retaining heat during cold seasons.

4. Make the commercial building smart

Installing smart thermostats, smart lighting, and other automated devices helps monitor energy use and increase efficiency in energy consumption. For example, smart lights turn off when no one is in the office. Similarly, a smart thermostat regulates the office temperature far more accurately than people.

Conclusion

It’s essential to find ways to preserve energy and consume it responsibly and sustainably. Designing energy-efficient commercial buildings is an excellent strategy since commercial buildings are among the biggest energy consumers.

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