If the phrase “post pandemic workplace” conjures images of clinical offices peppered with plastic partitions and cold, sterile surfaces, fear not. Sterile isn’t in DesignTonic’s repertoire ;)
This isn’t to say that we haven’t been carefully considering the materials we’ll be using in our commercial interior designs going forward. Safety is of paramount importance to everyone, both to curb virus transmission and to ease any anxiety over the return to the workplace.
Fortunately, there are plenty of options - old and new; natural and man-made - which will allow us to keep our spaces safe, stylish and comfortable.
Here are 5 we like a lot - and one for the future.
1. Copper and its Alloys
Some materials are naturally antimicrobial.
Since ancient Egypt, copper and its alloys (brass, bronze, zinc) have been used for their medicinal properties - sterilising infections, wounds and water.
Copper contains properties which don’t just reduce microorganisms, they destroy them - and quickly. A recent Canadian study found copper killed up to 99.9% of bacteria on high-touch surfaces within one hour of contact.
Best of all, it looks beautiful. A real showstopper, and an excellent choice for high contact points like light switches, door handles/push boards, handrails and bathroom fittings.
2. Engineered Quartz and Corian
3. Linoleum
Who knew, but this once-ubiquitous flooring is made from all-natural, biodegradable materials, is super-durable with a life cycle of between 20-40 years and best of all, contains natural anti-bacterial properties thanks to the linseed oil it’s made with.
Not to be confused with vinyl flooring, which is fully fossil-fuelled and has no natural antimicrobial properties.
4. Cork
Naturally fire retardant, 100% renewable, hypoallergenic, impermeable to moisture and gas and with proven natural antibacterial resistance to some bacteria, cork is a beautiful, tactile and versatile material for surfaces and floors alike.
Plus it ticks all the style and sustainability boxes. A definite future favourite here.
Muratto cork from Puretree Cork - a natural, bold style statement.
5. Porcelain Stoneware and Antibacterial Ceramics
There’s a reason you see porcelain stoneware in high-hygiene spaces in the Food and Medical Industries. Non-porous and stain resistant, it can withstand even the most robust of cleaners and cleaning regimes.
Ceramic tiles are another great option.
The heat used in firing ceramics kills off harmful bacteria and VOCs, making the tiles non- toxic by nature.
For added post-pandemic protection, ceramic tiles are available with anti-microbial and self-cleaning coatings which can eliminate surface bacteria for the entire life-span of the tile, making them an excellent choice for floors and surfaces.
Marazzi’s porcelain stoneware collection includes these stunning, sustainable tiles from their Carácter range. Suitable for indoor and outdoor use, they’re made from 40% recycled materials and treated with both an anti-slip solution and their Puro antibacterial technology.
We also love this slate- effect range from Panaria. Available in 5 colours with incredible attention to detail in the texture and finish, they’re treated with the company’s antimicrobial PROTECT finish.
Let Nature lead the way
Here at DesignTonic, we like to keep at least one eye firmly fixed on sustainability and so this list leans towards the natural materials we have in our arsenal.
But it would be remiss of us not to mention that there's also a raft of antimicrobial products on (or coming onto) the market designed to help us deal with post-COVID life; from adhesive films to treated fabrics to anti-pathogen paints from trade leaders like Crown and Dulux.
One of the more exciting developments is in surfaces which inhibit the transfer of pathogens through biomimicry.
Having discovered that textured surfaces in nature have the ability to self-clean and effectively prevent bacterial cells from settling and growing, scientists have been developing products which imitate these surfaces - which include shark skin, cicada wings and lotus leaves - using minute texturisation to stop bacteria from colonising.
The potential of products like Sharklet film to fight pathogens without chemicals or additives is really exciting, and one we’ll be watching for our commercial interiors clients.
Want to level up office safety without sacrificing your workspace’s good looks? Contact us today to speak with one of our interior design experts!
