Page 86 - CFJ_Jul26

SECTOR FOCUS FLOORING IN EDUCATION

that are either vibrant or more relaxed.’ particularly as layouts
Speed and availability also play a critical become less rigid.
role. ‘When you combine that with UK ‘Planks are being
manufacturing and fast turnaround times, used far more now
it becomes a really strong proposition because they allow
for contractors,’ Ryan said. ‘We’re also for creativity,’ he
seeing a big increase in LVT in schools, added. ‘You can zone
alongside PVC-free resilient options that areas in a much
tick sustainability boxes.’ softer, more organic
Michael agreed, noting that schools are way, rather than it
increasingly balancing practicality with feeling too uniform.’
design. ‘There’s still a need for durability For Ryan, that
in circulation areas, but in teaching spaces ability to operate
there’s more emphasis on energy and across the entire
engagement. You might keep things education spectrum
simple in corridors, then introduce more is key. ‘We fit into so
colour, pattern or texture in classrooms. much, from primary
The expectation now is that spaces should schools right through to universities and reality of cost, particularly in government-
work hard but also look considered.’ student accommodation,’ Ryan said. funded work at the moment.’
When it comes to higher education, ‘We’ve delivered everything from high- He pointed to Shaw Contract’s
however, the brief shifts again and design end installations in private colleges to manufacturing capability as a big
takes centre stage. ‘Universities are much wellbeing hubs with calming, design-led advantage in that balance. ‘We make
more design-led,’ Michael said. ‘We’re schemes, through to accommodation and stock our own yarn, which gives us
often involved earlier in the process, projects using a mix of carpet tiles and an advantage on availability, Michael
creating visuals so clients can see how LVT. Having that breadth means we can said. ‘We’ve got strong stocks of yarn in
a scheme will come together. You’re not respond to pretty much any brief.’ Scotland, so we can support projects at
just installing one tile across a space; you Michael explained a key challenge in scale.’
might be zoning a library into quiet areas, education projects is balancing design That control over production, he added,
study zones and collaborative spaces, all ambition with budget reality. ‘There’s means flexibility when it matters most. ‘It
within the same footprint.’ always a conversation about making a allows us to enhance spaces across pretty
That flexibility is increasingly important, space look special, but there’s also the much every budget level. Even at entry

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86 CFJ July 2026 www.contractflooringjournal.co.uk
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