Agua’s Five Best Selling Healthcare Fabrics
If you read the piece published recently by Managing Director, Suzanne Ralton on Agua’s long-standing specialisation in the healthcare sector, you’ll hopefully have gathered that many of Agua’s high-performing upholstery fabrics feature characteristics that lend themselves to healthcare interiors. To help you understand what these characteristics are, Agua have pulled together an edit of their best-selling fabrics that are suited to the healthcare sector.
[Find Agua Fabrics on the BCFA Product Finder]
For Frontline Healthcare
Taurus
Taurus is the most popular faux leather vinyl, and has been used extensively in demanding NHS and frontline healthcare environments for many years. Taurus is available in 50 colours and features a shallow-grain emboss that lends it a subtle leather-like texture. Taurus in particular is ideal for infection control purposes; the shallow grain prevents the build-up of microbes within depresses in the fabric and is cleanable by bleach or any other NHS-approved cleaning products. Moreover, Taurus offers contract-grade durability, fire-retardancy, is anti-microbial, stain resistant and waterproof – all of the core performance characteristics you’d expect of Agua.
Parody Linen
This textured vinyl features an emboss that mimics a woven linen fabric, but offers superior stain resistance, durability and is comparatively cost-effective. Unlike a plain vinyl, it can be used to create a softer, residential look within a hospital setting, but nonetheless meets all the durability, practicality and infection control criteria required for frontline healthcare environments – in much the same way as Taurus.
For Care and Residential Homes
Oregon and Alberta Hyde
This is one of Agua’s most specialised collections; a coordinated range of soft fabrics and faux leather vinyls, which mimic an elegant, antique leather look on soft seating. Used together, these materials upholster seats that are highly durable and require the bare minimum of maintenance. It is recommended that Alberta Hyde (vinyl) is used for high traffic areas like a seat’s cushion and arms, paired with the coordinating Oregon Hyde (tactile soft fabric) for a seamless look. In care and residential homes, this range offers a comforting and yet practical dual-textured finish which helps with cleaning, maintenance and longevity.
Nova
Dependable and durable, Nova is a microfibre polyester with a fine herringbone pattern. It’s also Agua’s first suggestion when a client is searching for a highly durable ‘semi-plain’ collection. The microfibre element keeps any staining on the outer surface of the material and prevents stains from penetrating into the fabric weave, which ensures Nova is easy to clean. Moreover, the range is now available with a new protective technology, AguaGuard365, which offers certified protection against bacteria and viruses – including COVID-19.
For Secure and High Hazard Environments
Of course, there are certain healthcare projects which require materials that really can go above and beyond. The 7 Collection is designed with these spaces in mind; Agua’s thickest and toughest vinyl material is tested to Crib 7, the highest fire retardancy standard in the UK. Thanks to its impressive durability, the range is a natural choice for secure or high-hazard environments where safety and practicality are high priority. While it’s perhaps not quite as glamorous as the mainstay vinyls in our collection, it serves a highly specialised purpose and serves as a reminder that at Agua we really do create high-performance fabrics to tackle each and every eventuality.
Contact Agua Fabrics through BCFA Product Finder.
The BCFA Product Finder is a unique search engine created especially for interior designers to source contract furnishing companies. Utilising this platform will support your findings for upcoming projects, with over 200 members profiles showcasing the latest product launches, new materials available, industry news and design trends.