07. December 2017 | Germany | Company

Thinking beyond the tracks

Weinheim, 4. December 2017 – How can a floor covering help make traveling on regional trains even more attractive in the future? nora systems, manufacturer of rubber floor coverings, is exploring this question on two levels, each 27 by 3 meters.

The company has been presenting a range of products and innovative flooring solutions in a bilevel rail car with these dimensions since November. In collaboration with DB Regio AG, Südostbayernbahn, d.lab innovation lab for DB Personenverkehr, neomind design studio and numerous other development partners, the German flooring manufacturer is using the “Idea Train” to investigate what passengers using local public transport will want in the future.

On the safe side

In this setting, safety requirements have the highest priority. All nora floor coverings on the Idea Train meet the European EN 45545 standard for fire protection on railway vehicles, comply with hazard level HL2 requirements for regional transport and are classified as safe in terms of fire toxicology. Thanks to state-of-the-art milling techniques, they can also have inlays added – such as for escape route markings.

At speeds of up to 160 kilometers per hour, with frequent braking and accelerating and some challenging curves, it is particularly important for passengers on regional trains to be able to walk and stand safely. For the Idea Train, nora systems has selected rubber floor coverings that meet the requirements of slip resistance class R9 or higher. For the bistro area, where there may be splashes and spills, the floor coverings are rated R11.

For comfort on board

“What’s special about the Idea Train is that we were able to be very creative with our floor design proposals,” says Jürgen Karger, Sales Manager Transportation at nora systems. From power napping, lounging, and gaming, through to shopping, the specifications for the individual modules in the bilevel car inspired the nora project team to create specific color and installation concepts that are totally new for trains.

For example, they decided to lay the noraplan valua floor covering in the “Family” and “Parents/Children” modules in an innovative plank-like pattern – in a rich dark brown color that looks warm and natural, making it feel both cozy and robust. The floor coving creates an environment that meets the needs of parents and their children alike. One very clever feature here is that the joints between the individual planks are only milled on the surface – as an inlay. As a result, the entire floor surface remains sealed and is completely waterproof.

Giving free rein to creative ideas

A new product by nora systems was chosen for the “Lounge” module: noraplan lona in a delicate green tone with a filigree design, which creates a relaxed atmosphere where passengers can sit and chat. noraplan valua and lona and other nora rubber floor coverings were also laid in additional modules in the Idea Train – in a range of colors taken from the broad color palette. “We’re looking forward to seeing how the public responds to our ideas and which ones will be used in trains in future or included in an overhaul of current rail cars. Many other solutions are possible and can be realized with nora systems now – not just in the future,” says Jürgen Karger*

* The text can be freely used. Publication of images in connection with press releases of nora systems GmbH is free of charge if the source is quoted. The copyright can be found under Image Properties >> Details. The use for advertising purposes is not permitted. We ask for a specimen copy.

About nora

nora by Interface is the commercial rubber flooring brand of Interface, Inc. Produced in Germany for more than 70 years, nora premium rubber solutions help to support operations, efficiencies, health, safety and well-being with sustainable flooring that eases maintenance, reduces noise, and provides added comfort underfoot.

Interface, Inc., (NASDAQ: TILE) is a global flooring solutions enterprise with an integrated portfolio of carpet tile and resilient flooring products, where everything is third-party certified carbon neutral. With our design approach to flooring systems, we help our customers create high-performance interior spaces that have a positive impact on people’s lives and the planet. Our range includes Interface^® carpet tile and LVT, nora^® by Interface rubber flooring, and FLOR^® premium area rugs for commercial and residential spaces.

Interface is third-party certified as a Carbon Neutral Enterprise. We neutralized our carbon impact across our entire business, including all operations and our full value chain, marking an important milestone toward our objective to become a restorative and carbon negative enterprise by 2040.

Learn more about Interface at interface.com and blog.interface.com, nora by Interface at nora.com, FLOR at FLOR.com, and our sustainability journey at interface.com/sustainability.