Nature-inspired Floor Perfected for Healthcare Environments

Recognizing the need for a product that felt welcoming and organic while meeting the stringent requirements of healthcare environments, nora systems, Inc. collaborated with architects and designers to introduce noraplan® valua.

When nora systems, Inc. asked architects and designers around the world what they were looking for in a healthcare flooring system, the answer was nearly unanimous: a natural design that meets the stringent safety and maintenance requirements of public spaces and healthcare environments. The result of nora’s research is noraplan® valua, a rubber floor covering that carries the outside elements of nature indoors while focusing on patient-centered environments and meeting the combined values of ultra-durable performance and well-being for today’s healthcare industry.

Why the focus on nature? Research has demonstrated that the healing properties of nature can have a significant positive effect on patient and familial stress. This plays an important role in HCAHPS evaluations, patient recovery time and pain management.

“The goal of noraplan valua was to capture the essence, shades and surfaces found in nature,” said Tim Cole, vice president of marketing at nora systems, Inc., North America. “The name ‘valua’ comes from the Finnish language and means flow, which perfectly captures the idea that natural rubber flows directly from the tree into this product. We like to say that noraplan valua is inspired by nature and designed by our customers, whose ideas, experience and feedback have resulted in a beautifully versatile floor covering that meets the changing and challenging demands unique to healthcare spaces.”

noraplan valua offers a tranquil color palette of 32 nature-inspired hues available in sheet and plank format as well as two surface design options that provide varying degrees of contrast and a seamless natural texture. In addition to enjoying limitless design possibilities, those who install the flooring will appreciate its durability and the ergonomic properties that deliver comfort underfoot to healthcare providers who spend long periods of time on their feet. And, the floor’s dense, nonporous surface helps repel dirt and bacteria while resisting stains. This same natural density allows the floor to stand up to water, chemical and other liquid spills without absorbing them. This is especially important in healthcare settings, where disinfectants, betadine, blood and urine spills are not uncommon.

Cleaning the floor is simple, requiring little more than a mop and tap water. This translates to significant time and materials savings. And because the floor never requires waxing, stripping or the application of sealants, areas of a facility do not need to be closed off or patients moved while wax is stripped, re-applied and allowed to dry. This is especially important in healthcare facilities that operate 24/7, seven days a week.

The elimination of waxes and other harsh cleaning products from the floor’s maintenance regimen contributes to improved indoor air quality, as does the absence of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), plasticizers (phthalates) and halogens (e.g. chlorine). In fact, noraplan valua is GREENGUARD Gold Certified for low VOC emissions. Additionally, the floor’s excellent footfall sound absorption properties make for quiet, restful surroundings, while its bacteriostic and fungiastatic properties help to ensure a hygienic environment.

Like all nora floor coverings, noraplan valua coordinates with other products in the nora portfolio of more than 300 standard colors and patterns to create a coordinated look throughout a facility.