Continuing a decades-long partnership, Tarkett has launched a new collection with designer Jhane Barnes. The Connectivity collection features three designs—Celestial, Celtic Knots and PM Square—all ideal for education environments, including K–12 and higher education settings.
Celestial, available in Powerbond and three modular sizes, combines different types of mathematical sequencing and visual elements to create an unexpected yet harmonious design. Barnes uses mathematics and signature textile techniques to create innovative designs, and took a geometric approach to Celtic Knots, which was inspired by the ancient Celtic symbol representing unity and growth—a fitting theme for education environments. In her design, Barnes used only straight lines and right triangles to create interlocking knots and a delicate woven pattern. Like Celestial, Celtic Knots is available in Powerbond and three modular sizes.
Both Powerbond designs are offered with Powerbond RS, the world’s first CERTIFIED asthma & allergy friendly soft surface floorcovering. Made with ultra-low VOCs, the hybrid resilient flooring combines the look and feel of carpet with the durability and cleanability of a resilient surface. Made with the only truly impermeable, closed-cell cushion backing and installed with chemically welded seams, Powerbond RS provides a wall-to-wall moisture barrier to prevent mold and mildew. Its low pile height allows for the easy removal of dust and allergens: In testing, 95 percent of allergens were removed effectively with a simple dry vacuuming.
The modular options are available in Tarkett’s ethos Modular with Omnicoat Technology and in Flex-Aire Modular Cushion. A Cradle to Cradle Certified Silver non-PVC backing, ethos Modular is made with post-consumer recycled PVB from car windshields and architectural glass from buildings. Flex-Aire contains 22–28 percent overall recycled content and provides superior acoustic performance, appearance retention and moisture management.
All Celestial and Celtic Knots soft surfaces are made with Dynex SD, Tarkett’s proprietary, branded yarn that provides permanent resistance against most staining agents. For even greater protection, Dynex SD is treated with Eco-Ensure, a fluorine-free formula with a C2C Certified Material Health Certificate at the Platinum level that resists soiling from oils and organic materials. Eco-Ensure lowers the cost of maintenance and creates healthier spaces by promoting better indoor air quality with low-VOC emissions.
Celestial and Celtic Knots, each available in 12 coordinating colors, pair well with PM Square LVT, the third design in the Connectivity collection, which will be available later in Q1. PM Square was created using Latin squares, the mathematical constructs famously used in Sudoku puzzles.
PM Square LVT features Techtonic protection for top-of-class resistance to scratches, scuffs, stains and abrasions. A unique, polyurethane floor coating, Techtonic includes no unnecessary composite materials to prevent scratch whitening and has a matte, low-gloss finish for a more natural appearance.
