New extensions at Romsey Primary School and Cadland School Southampton, both designed by Hants CC architects, have been carpeted throughout with Tretford cord. These are typical of many new schools which are rejecting hard flooring in favour of the improved aesthetic, sustainable and performance benefits of carpet. Experience shows that the warmth, appearance and colours of carpet also have a marked effect on pupil behaviour and learning.

The popularity of Tretford carpet is based on its unusual composition because 80% of its wearing surface is goat hair while the backing is 100% jute. Not only do the natural fibres make the corded construction highly sustainable but they give it exceptional resilience. This means that the carpet will resist compression, tracking and dirt retention, unlike needlepunch or traditional synthetic fibre carpets, and will retain its appearance over a long lifecycle.

Carpet is widely used for both PPI and private school design because of its recognised benefits over traditional hard floors. These include health and safety considerations, because slips, trip and falls are reduced, superior noise absorption because of reduced impact and airborne sound, added warmth and increased insulation which reduces heating, and cost effective maintenance (a 60% reduction in labour time and expense).

Tretford carpet is available in 48 colours in roll format and 35 colours in tile. It can easily be cut to any shape or combined to create individual patterns. Samples and information are available from JHS Carpets (tel 01827 831400) or visit www.jhscarpets.com

Tretford cord in action at Cadland School, Southampton