Rubber surfaces: the key to a modern and healthy school environment

Health and indoor environmental quality

A healthy indoor environment is essential for the comfort and productivity of students and teachers. Research confirms that air quality directly affects cognitive function, which is why it is important to use materials with low volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions. Natural rubber ranks among the top in this respect due to its properties. Floors from this material meet strict standards and are certified by recognised institutions such as Greenguard Gold and Blue Angel. These certifications confirm that natural rubber contributes to maintaining clean and healthy air in schools, which is crucial for the long-term health of students and teachers.

The rubber also excels in acoustic performance. Noise is ubiquitous in schools and can negatively affect learning and well-being. Acoustic rubber flooring can reduce footfall noise by up to 21dB, creating a quieter and more productive atmosphere.

Creative potential

Changes in the approach to teaching are a major challenge for architects. The traditional "classroom/corridor" scheme is a thing of the past and different types of educational and other school activities can take place almost anywhere thanks to new technologies. This opens up completely new creative possibilities. Architects and designers will appreciate the wide range of colours and patterns of rubber materials that allow them to create inspiring and stimulating environments.

"In our recent project in Helsinki, we got rid of traditional desks and classrooms. The teacher no longer sits at the desk. Open spaces provide more stimulus and encourage interactivity. In today's schools, it is possible to learn even if you are not sitting at a desk."

JKM Architects

Sustainability and environmental benefits

Nowadays, sustainability is one of the key aspects of construction and interior design. Natural rubber is a material that stands out for its exceptional environmental performance. It is recyclable, and its production is environmentally friendly, which contributes to minimising the ecological footprint. Schools seeking to achieve certifications such as LEED or BREEAM can also more easily achieve their sustainability goals through the use of rubber. 

Hygiene and easy maintenance

Hygiene comes first in education, so it is important that not only the floors are easy to maintain but also that they are as resistant as possible to various types of dirt. Natural rubber also meets these requirements well. Thanks to special finishes such as Artigo PRO and TXL, the rubber floor surface is very resistant to dirt and scratches. This treatment not only makes maintenance easier, but also reduces the need for aggressive cleaning agents, which is advantageous from both a hygiene and environmental point of view.

In addition, the rubber is slip-resistant, minimising the risk of accidents.

Want to know more? Get in touch

Rubber is the ideal solution for modern school buildings. Not only does it offer a range of original interior design options, but it also meets the most stringent health and environmental standards. If you are considering which material to use for the flooring in your project, contact us to arrange an appointment. We will be happy to show you samples and introduce you to the technical details of this unique material.

Contact us