According to the Census Construction Forecast by the AIA, all signs point to healthy gains in the K-12 education design segment over the next couple of years. The education market is predicted to grow by 3% this year and 3.6% next year, mostly on the K-12 side. Pandemic-induced grants through the government’s Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER) apply to flooring if it relates to reduced infection transmission, acoustic issues, and enhanced indoor air quality. (Floor Focus Magazine.)
Performance Characteristics Required for School Surfaces
It’s imperative that flooring and wall surfaces in school environments hold up to wear and tear and sustain design appeal for the long term because it could be many years before budgets accommodate updating again. Porcelain and ceramic tiles outlast and outperform other surfacing materials, making them the most cost-efficient surface materials in the long term. That’s one reason these tiles have long been a surfacing material of choice when it comes to institutional design of all types, including schools. Tile is also easier to clean* and less expensive to maintain than other materials; it’s impermeable (making it inhospitable to the growth of mold, mildew, and bacteria), sanitary, and has zero VOCs (volatile organic compounds), thus contributing to good air quality. For these reasons, porcelain tile flooring certainly meets ESSER funding requirements. (The third round of funding is nearly twice as big as the first two combined and is available through 2024.)
Education Design Aesthetics
While sanitation and indoor air quality are of utmost importance in institutional environments such as schools, the design and aesthetic of educational institutions are now as important as ever — the visual and physical experience that an institution fosters is an integral part of the school experience. Current education design trends embrace value-added features that improve health, comfort, and academic outcomes. Ceramic and porcelain tile’s value-added features and immense design versatility make it truly a no-brainer when it comes to the specification of school surfacing.
School Design Trends & Real-Life School Tile Installations With Crossville Tile
Here’s a look at education design trends for K-12, colleges, universities, and technical schools, as well as real-life installations and case studies incorporating Crossville porcelain and ceramic tile.
Intentional Use of Color
Educational facility designers understand the power of color and how it can affect a student’s mood, attention span, and motivation to learn. Shades of blue, green, and purple tend to be calming, whereas reds, yellows, and oranges generate feelings of energy, Research has shown primary and bold colors promote playfulness and positivity — ideal for preschool and elementary school environments. On the other hand, calm, earthy colors may be better for middle and high schools, as these colors promote concentration and relieve anxiety. Crossville offers a plethora of tile collections in on-trend trend hues to help designers realize their visions for school design projects.
Argent porcelain tile at Sue McGown Elementary, Houston, TX
Color by Numbers wall tile at American Senior High School, Miami, FL Read the case study.
Crossville Porcelain Tile Panels by Laminam in Blend, Filo, and I Naturali were used on walls throughout three Amarillo, Texas High schools. Read the case study.
An Argent porcelain tile floor was designed with details to mimic the ocean waters and sandy beaches at the International Culinary Institute, Myrtle Beach. Read the case study.
Expansive Design
Schools are retooling design to make spaces live large, adding height with tall, exposed-beam ceilings, and widening hallways with bump-outs and alcoves.
Empire porcelain tile at Gettysburg College , Gettysburg, PA (left) and Oxide porcelain panels at Cape Cod Regional Technical High School Harwich, MA. Read the case study.
Blend porcelain panels at Northwestern University, Evanston, IL. Read the case study.
The Comfort of Home
Comfortable, homelike design is a trend across many commercial segments, and the education segment is no exception. Students are more likely to feel motivated when surrounded by designs that inspire creativity and make them feel safe and comfortable. One simple way to create that homelike atmosphere is with wood-look tile flooring. These “wood tiles” provide a warm, homelike feel but with the powerful performance of porcelain.
SpeakEasy wood-look tile at Baylor School, Chattanooga, TN. Read the case study.
Crossville Porcelain Tile Panels by Laminam in Blend, Filo, and I Naturali were used on walls throughout three Amarillo, Texas High schools. Read the case study.
SpeakEasy wood look porcelain tile on the exterior of Dartmouth Middle School in San Jose, CA. Read the case study.
Keeping It Green
Many schools are very concerned about the environment, so it makes sense that greenery and sustainability are top design concerns. These are just a few of many projects that incorporated Crossville tile with sustainability and/or LEED credits at top of mind. (All Crossville manufactured porcelain tiles are Green Squared Certified. Learn all about our sustainability initiatives here.)
Mainstreet porcelain tile at Mesa College, San Diego, CA. Read the case study.
Moonstruck porcelain tile at Ivan G. Smith Elementary School, Danvers MA. Read the case study.
See More school Installations with Crossville Tile
We have many educational case studies featuring Crossville tile located in our Project Gallery. Just click on the “Education” tab under the “Industry” tab to view them all.
Great Design Starts With A Sample!
You can quickly and easily order a sample of any Crossville tile through Crossville’s Sample Express. To quickly order free tile samples, just set up an account here to get started. Once you have an account, ordering a tile sample is as simple as clicking a button — and samples are always free.
Other Great Reasons To Set Up An Account
- Save your favorite products and resources
- Create and organize projects
- Review sample order history
*About Our Cross-Sheen® Finish for High-Traffic Interior & Exterior Floors & Walls
Cross-Sheen® is an integrated finish that greatly enhances the protection of Crossville tile from the majority of scuffs, stains, and even most graffiti. By creating an advanced, easier-to-clean tile surface, Cross-Sheen® allows for fast removal of unsightly marks using only mild cleaner, resulting in hassle-free cleaning and long-term performance of Crossville tile. Learn more about Cross-Sheen® and other proprietary finishes here.
