Granite, rubber unite in noraplan unita
nora systems has done the unimaginable by successfully combining rubber with granite to create a harmonious floor covering that is timeless and natural.
01 April 2013
NORA systems has effectively used two very different materials to create a product with a surprising harmonious effect: it has combined nora rubber floorings with granite in such a way that they complement each other perfectly in its new floor covering called noraplan unita.
noraplan unita impresses with a previously unknown blend of materials in a unique design. The granite chips are dispersed randomly and subtly. “Light is the great ally of noraplan unita. Its reflections on the otherwise matt flooring create a vivacious and exquisite atmosphere. This is enhanced by an alternately discriminating and more concentrated dispersion of the granite, the so-called glitter variant,” says a spokesman for the German specialist in high-quality, resilient floor coverings.
“How the light plays on unita lends it a versatile design, which allows the floor covering to be laid in all manner of spatial situations. This makes it the perfect complement for our customers’ architecture,” says Carsten Klever, product manager for the noraplan line of products.
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noraplan unita ... granite (below) dispersed randomly. |
With noraplan unita, granite has become a design-defining constituent of the resilient and dimensionally stable nora rubber flooring.
The innovative design of the flooring does nothing to compromise the familiar nora quality. noraplan unita is yet another extremely tough and environmentally compatible rubber floor covering that is healthy to walk and stand on.
What on the face of it sounds so simple was a real challenge. Development work on incorporating this combination of materials in the new nora floor covering – believed to be unique in the history of rubber floorings – lasted over a year.
“What we have come up with is a true all-rounder,” says Dieter Rischer, head of the design and development division at nora systems.
The challenge faced by nora was how to handle processing the hard granite with the resilient rubber. In contrast to conventional methods of dispersing granules, it immediately became evident that the stone could not be incorporated in the same way.
“The answer to the key question of how we mastered this challenge will remain our secret,” says Stefan Muller from the technical engineering department. “This outstanding product goes to show that we did actually achieve it.”
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The two design variants of noraplan unita have a timeless and natural character. Whether puristic or elegant, a stylistic element or a supplementary feature suitable for everyday use, noraplan unita is a piece of flooring architecture in close touch with nature.
noraplan unita is available in 12 different natural shades of colour with discreetly dispersed granite. Those who prefer a more sparkling effect can choose between the four natural colours of the glitter variant. noraplan unita is also available as part of the successful nora system blue concept.
As a global market leader, nora systems has been shaping the development of rubber floor coverings for many years. Although the company has been active in the Middle East for more than 20 years operating via a network of representatives, it took the bold step last year, of establishing a representative office headed by regional manager Steven McFadden.
This move was made to take advantage of significant market growth which McFadden believes could double or even triple over the next few years as governments and private institutions invest heavily in educational, healthcare and transport infrastructure projects such as railway stations and airports.
