Business Norway

Published 20 Aug 2023 (updated 2 Jul 2024) · 3 min read

Grey marble shelf with abstract objects above a swirly brown carpet

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Manufacturing and design

At a glance

Flooring entrance system for commercial buildings
Stylish, durable, mix-and-match carpet tiles
Increases sustainability, improves indoor environment, lowers costs

Heymat has created the Zen Entrance System, a carpet tile series for use in entrances of commercial buildings. The company adheres to the philosophy that a good first impression sets the tone for the rest of the building. “We have combined the best from design, functionality and recycled materials into an international award-winning product,” says Sonja Djønne, founder of Heymat.

CHALLENGE

A few years ago at a trade fair, Djønne realised that Heymat’s iconic doormats had captured the attention of European architects. Heymat was already known for its durable, sustainable and stylish mats, and the architects wanted a larger version for commercial buildings.

“So I went home and figured out how architects could use our mats in bigger, high-traffic areas,” says Djønne. Working with renowned Norwegian designer Kristine Five Melvær, Heymat developed an innovative solution: the Zen Entrance System, which won the Red Dot Design Award in 2023.

SOLUTION

Stylish, sustainable entrance flooring repels dirt and moisture

Heymat’s Zen Entrance System consists of three carpet tile designs, which can be mixed and matched to create a unique pattern for each project. The tiles can be laid in all directions, and cut and adapted for different rooms.

“The tiles come in three colours and subtle patterns so they can be combined in countless ways, adding design to any interior project,” wrote the jury for the Red Dot Design Award.

The three-dimensional surface has a scraping and absorption effect. This makes the tiles highly effective against mud, dirt and water. The mud runs into the grooves, moisture evaporates, and dust and dirt are trapped in the pile. No matter the weather outside, visitors will experience a clean, dry surface when entering the building.

Entrance way with big glass doors and grey carpet tiles

BENEFITS

Sustainability a core value at Heymat

The surface (pile) of the carpet tiles is made of 100 per cent recycled PET plastic, while the rubber backing consists of 20 per cent recycled materials. “We work closely with all our suppliers and business partners to help us to minimise our environmental impact and further develop sustainable solutions across our entire product range,” says Djønne.

Zen’s durability ensures a long lifetime for the product itself and other flooring in the building. Since the mat system traps dust and dirt, it reduces the amount of airborne particles in the building, improving indoor air quality as well.

The carpet tiles are easy to clean and repair, keeping maintenance costs low. If certain patches become worn, only the specific tile needs replacement rather than the whole carpet. “Our products are simple to use and inspiring to work with,” says Djønne.

MARKET POTENTIAL

Trend towards inviting textile flooring

Some European design trends bode well for the mat system market. “Entryways are getting more attention after being neglected for years,” says Djønne. “I think we are moving towards more textile and less ceramic tile in buildings. Textile absorbs sounds and gives a warmer, more welcoming feeling.”

The Zen Entrance System is the latest release in Heymat’s wide range of floormats for the B2B and B2C markets. A family-owned company in North Norway, Heymat is well established in Europe and plans to enter the US market by the end of 2024.

In addition, Heymat products are available internationally through heymat.com/shop.