Unparalleled design possibilities with carpet

Anno 2018 carpet tiles are commonly used in projects. This is for several reasons. Carpet tiles have a modular nature, are easy to replace when dirty or damaged and are easier to move in for instalment. But is the big popularity of carpet tiles justified? How much is the architect restrained in his design process because of the carpet tiles? Is it time for a revalidation of the wall-to-wall carpet?

With the introduction of 'het nieuwe werken' (the new working) the traditional cell offices disappeared. Work spots were equipped flexibly, making it possible for every employee to work at every work spot. This was stimulating for both employer and employee. For the facility services this development meant a change of its work activities. Movable system walls were not present anymore, making the carpet 'definite'. The modular nature of a carpet tile lost its functionality because of this. Big floor fields were created, giving the architect more space to make the floor special. This created a big space for the wall-to-wall carpet. Besides standard collections, new techniques also offer the architect the freedom to create their own, unique designs. From conservative to outspoken. Carpet offers endless possibilities for customized printing. Something not possible with carpet tiles.

Despite this development, the big demand for carpet tiles remains. The arguments for the use of carpet tiles mostly belong to the past though. The modular use is less and less common. The replacing of dirty or damaged carpet tiles is not often done and the moving in for instalment is a heavy duty for the installers. There also are considerations to be made regarding sustainability. Carpet tiles have less cutting loss compared to carpet and therefor are often seen as the most sustainable option. What most people don't know however, is that carpet tiles do have cutting loss during the production process. In both cases the cutting loss of carpet tiles and wall-to-wall carpet is 100% recycled. In this regard wall-to-wall carpet and carpet tiles reach the same level of sustainability. Looking at the raw materials needed, the total weight of both products stands out. Wall-to-wall carpet weights approx. 1600 g/m² and carpet tiles approx. 4900 g/m². Woven wall-to-wall carpet weightseven less, approx. 950 g/m². This means wall-to-wall carpet uses substantially less raw materials and therefor has an advantage compared to carpet tiles.

On all these characteristics wall-to-wall carpet stands its guard. It matches well with the big floor fields in contemporary offices, gives possibilities for customized printing and scores well on sustainability. Time to reconsider the 'automatic' choice for carpet tiles.

Get inspired by carpet 

Vivian vugts - manager marketing & communication at LEOXX.