Solon, Ohio—Tarkett North America introduced Discovery, a new collection designed to aid architects, designers and facility managers in creating inspiring education spaces for every learner. According to Tarkett, Discovery includes two soft surface options and a coordinating LVT, all of which were designed around the unique needs of students and educators.
“Good education flooring design supports each person who comes through the door, in every square inch of the building,” said Jonathan Stanley, vice president, education & government strategies, Tarkett North America. “We developed Discovery with those needs in mind. Our designers explored the neurodivergent spectrum and what it means to educate the whole child. The result is a collection that combines serene neutrals and vibrant colorways to encourage curiosity, imagination and perspective in all types of learners.”
According to Tarkett, One in seven people worldwide is estimated to have a neurodiverse condition such as ADHD, autism, dyspraxia, dyslexia and Tourette’s syndrome. For the development of Discovery, Tarkett said it explored how interior environments impact thinking, behavior, engagement, social awareness and interactive experiences. With intention grounded in research, the company’s designers created flooring that is designed to both soothe and engage the senses so every person—whether neurotypical or neurodiverse—experiences a learning environment that helps them flourish.
The collection’s two soft surface options are Visual Path and Mentor. With high-definition shapes and lively patterns, Visual Path is said to awaken the senses with a fun, dynamic aesthetic. This soft surface is intentionally designed to conjure organization and connectivity with its use of color and geometry. Conversely, Mentor infuses any educational space with a soothing effect. Softened painterly lines, a diffused pattern and eye-pleasing geometry invite learners to find calm and clarity.
Both Visual Path and Mentor are available in Powerbond and three modular tile sizes, in a palette of 12 colorways that support education spaces. Visual Path and Mentor are produced with Tarkett’s premium Dynex SD fiber, which offers extreme durability and permanent stain resistance.
Joining the collection in October, Method LVT is designed to coordinate with Visual Path and Mentor, with geometrics that bring playful energy to any educational space. Method LVT is protected by Tarkett’s proprietary Techtonic technology, adding best-in-class scratch resistance and reduced life cycle costs. The design is available in eight standard colors and can easily be recolored to match other Tarkett flooring with the company’s digital printing technology.
In addition to its contribution to engaging design, the collection includes several proprietary technologies that contribute to a healthier indoor environment and a healthier planet, according to Tarkett.
Visual Path and Mentor are offered on Tarkett’s ethos Modular with Omnicoat Technology carpet backing. Ethos is non-PVC, made with PVB film from recycled windshields and safety glass and contains 48%-64% overall recycled content. Ethos is Cradle to Cradle Certified Silver, and Tarkett said it has analyzed and optimized 100% of ethos materials for human and environmental health. Ethos products are manufactured in Dalton, Ga., in a facility that operates on 100% renewable electricity and a 98% water reduction since 1993.
Powerbond’s closed-cell cushion is said to provide a wall-to-wall moisture barrier, more comfort underfoot and absorbs 22% of airborne sound to support overall wellness and performance. All soft-surface flooring produced by Tarkett North America are free of all six classes of harmful chemicals and PFAS. Eco-Ensure soil protection technology has a Cradle to Cradle Material Health Certificate at the Platinum level.