May 10 2007
The demand for functional, outdoor, designer flooring is growing. Within the hotel sector in particular, there has long been the desire for quality products adapted to outdoor environments. Many have wished that the design of outdoor dining areas, terraces, pool areas and similar places, would better corresponded to interior and other surrounding environments. The Swedish firm -Bolon, manufacturers of woven vinyl flooring, have developed an outdoor collection called Outdoor, which meets market demands for quality aesthetic flooring.
Nature's colors
Just as in the creation of its other products, Bolon has focused on giving Outdoor a subdued and tasteful appearance. The new collection consists of six floorings with names reflecting sunny days on vacation; sky, grass, sun, stone, earth and beach. The clear, clean colors are close to nature's own palette.
"The colors are designed to suit outdoor environments, for example at hotels, and I wanted them to be reminiscent of vacation paradises and summer. I took my inspiration from travel, to such places as "hideaway" hotels, where design is often a central element. Based on this, we at Bolon have created an exciting new line that is attractive to architects and interior designers. Particularly those who demand that little extra, both in function and quality, as well as in design," says Marie Eklund, chief designer and head of marketing at Bolon.
Strict requirements for outdoor flooring Different requirements apply to outdoor flooring than to flooring intended for indoor use. It must not only be stylish, practical and comfortable to walk on, but it must also be low maintenance and UV tolerant to prevent its colors from fading. The Sheraton Hotel on Kauai, Hawaii is an example of a satisfied customer who appreciates this development. They have nearly 6,600 square yards of specially manufactured Swedish flooring installed, in harmony with the surrounding decor.
Bolon's outdoor collection maintains the same high durability as its other products, but the material has been specifically adapted for outdoor use. The pigment, stabilizing system and other components are made to tolerate the excessive strains caused by sun and heat. The flooring has gone through a number of different tests, including color durability. The results show that it lasts for many years, something that Bolon guarantees.
"The product obviously lasts for the entire guarantee period, which is five years in most countries, but which will most likely be much longer than that. We are convinced that our customers will be very satisfied with our Swedish designed, outdoor flooring and will use it for a long time," concludes Marie.