Lancaster, Pa.—Despite the fact demand for alternative, environmentally
friendly products continues to grow, a number of salespeople are still reluctant
to recommend or specify these types of goods. But, for those that do, the
rewards are plenty. Case in point is designers Steven Brooks and Marcy Newman of
Loffredo Brooks Architects and flooring contractor Consolidated Carpets, who won
the grand prize in the annual StarNet Design Awards Contest for their use of
Dodge-Regupol’s ECOsurfaces recycled rubber flooring throughout their winning
project—the City Hall Academy at the Tweed Courthouse in New York City.
Whether the room was for adults to work or relax or for children to learn, a
wide variety of the mill’s ECOsurfaces products was used, including a myriad of
waterjet cut designs. In addition to the grand prize, the job was awarded first
place in the Education Category. Over 40 entries were received for the contest,
with honors awarded in seven different application categories. Lori Dowling,
StarNet’s president and CEO, said the Design Awards was created to recognize
“those who are setting new standards of creativity in commercial interior design
through the innovative use of floor covering.”
Kathleen Keller, director of marketing communications for Dodge-Regupol,
noted the company is “proud to be among the winning team to be awarded the grand
prize. We are the largest user of scrap tire rubber in North America by annually
controlling and processing over 2.5 million tires, or 45 million pounds, to
create more than 200 million square feet of flooring. And, each product is
designed to be both functional and beautiful. Attributes include outstanding
slip resistance, unbelievable durability, cushioned resilience, stain
resistance, low VOC emissions, consistent color wear and, easy installation and
maintenance.”
It was ECOsurfaces’ design versatility that caught the judges’ attention with
regard to the winning project. “The winning design ranges from brightly colored
and intricately cut floor maps for grad school classrooms, to more sophisticated
tonal color combinations where the rubber floor resembles wood or cork. The
delightful variety of textural effects, unique color play and original floor
motifs make each space an exciting environment in which to learn.” “The most
remarkable thing about this project is,” noted Maurie Welsh O’Neil, one of the
three judges, “while each space has its own individual palette theme and
personality, the designers were able to achieve all this using a single floor
covering material throughout. It’s one of the most creative uses of a single
flooring product we have ever seen.
“In addition to making the most of function and aesthetics,” she added, “the
designers managed to keep the job environmentally friendly.” In other news,
Dodge-Regupol announced it has expanded its line of surfacing products with
ECO-max, a modular, yet extremely durable pedestal tile system, said Art Dodge,
president and CEO. ECOmax is designed for a number of uses including patio
walkways, pool surrounds, rooftops and playground areas. “ECOmax allows us to
offer a surfacing solution for a market we otherwise could not have served,” he
explained.
“Its durability and versatility make it appropriate for such a wide range of
applications.” Featuring a patented installation system, ECOmax is easy to
reconfigure for non-adhered installations. The 2-ft. square tiles are available
in two thicknesses and have “excellent drainage properties and slip resistance
for outdoor applications,” Dodge noted. The product also has indoor uses, such
as an alternative to raised access flooring since its unique design allows for
cable transport beneath the tiles. “There’s no other product like it on the
market,” said Dodge. For more information on Dodge-Regupol and its extensive
line of ECOsurfaces products, call toll-free at 877/326-7873.
