Subsequent to United Arab Emirates’ first case of COVID-19 in January 2020, the government has taken swift action to combatting this issue and implementing measures to curb the virus. This has greatly affected the travel industry and subsequently tourism is at an all-time low. What we used to witness on a daily basis filled up malls, houseful cinema theatres and packed F&B outlets have virtually gone down to zero. So how has this impacted the retail industry? Well for starters, non-food retail and restaurants have seen a downward spiral in performance since February and are left to wonder when will business return to normal levels as it was once. Online retail was already booming and now on top of it with the virus, business for brick-and-mortar has been severely impacted. Physical retail outlets have to accept that their customer base is now going through a crash course and for those that do not already have an online presence are getting hit hard the worst. However for those retail outlets that already have a strong omnichannel retail presence, they will have to ask themselves whether customers see sense in visiting their stores. As for those outlets that do not currently have a good online presence they need to establish their physical presence as not only as experiential playgrounds but also as trusted and transparent safe haven. “Right now, there’s a fear as customers move through a store”, Daniel Binder, a partner at Columbus Consulting gives his opinion on the current pandemic scenario. “What retailers will have to figure out is how to bring a sense of structure and calm.” This why it’s so important to ensure designs that have taken into account using products that are suited to people who will now be hyper-hygiene-conscious consumers. Our multi-purpose resin flooring solution for commercial spaces is highly durable and able to withstand high traffic and regular maintenance of almost any public space. Whilst not only being as a safer option in terms of cleanliness and resistance to bacteria, our resin commercial flooring option also proves to be visually aesthetic with many different designs that can be incorporated and best of all; zero joints. Suitable for any environment The material is built and designed to be implemented at any possible place including offices, retail or any communal areas that need to be easy to maintain Able to withstand any usage– Highly Durable– Easy to clean and maintain– Ling-Lasting and hard-wearing

As we isolate in our homes, we become progressively mindful of how our inside spaces influence our dispositions, our capacity to work and our physical solace. Interior designer Stanley Sun, one of the authors of Mason Studio, accepts that the present Corona infection emergency will affect how we design spaces later on. “We will design our homes and our commercial and public spaces with new awareness of personal safety concerns,” Sun says from the firm’s headquarters in Toronto. Sun has led major design projects all across the globe and has offered some valuable insights about what kind of approach we are going to witness in the future with the interior design industry. We will combine our virtual and physical environment At present, there are essentially physical environments and virtual spaces, Sun says. Video conferencing is making individuals increasingly mindful of how they are seen, and spaces later on will be structured in view of that. Muted or reverberating sound, harsh or insufficient light will be a focal point of consideration as we inhabit virtual spaces. Public spaces will include universal clues for comfortable social barriers “The ‘personal bubble’ will begin to build,” Sun says. “Public interior spaces will include universal signals to help for making agreeable social barriers without being distracting, obvious or non-approachable. Products will be more remote separated, individuals won’t need to pack together so as to see something.” Space planning, circulation and programming will include physical distance measures Amenity spaces in townhouse or high rises will be designed to permit gatherings to isolate from one another. The manner by which we see safe places in social environments will start to expand, making a visual move in how our interiors function. The influence of mental & physical well-being in design will increase exponentially The significance of interior design and mental and physical wellbeing will turn out to be more predominant than any other time in recent memory. Designers should consider how we can aid emotional wellness through interior environment, utilizing lighting, materials, sound and acoustics. In homes, spaces will turn out to be increasingly adaptable. Offices in residences will be a norm Residences will no longer have a home office, however an office at home. Huge reexamination of how we can make a delightful, practical office at home will be planned and set up to suit full time satellite working environments.

Terrazzo has proven to be a product that has stood the test of time. Terrazzo’s flexibility in terms of its designs and applications makes it the go-to product for commercial and residential purpose to create fantastic visuals. The beauty of terrazzo is with its limitless array of colors and textures that create glamorous and aesthetic spaces. Terrazzo flooring has traditionally consisted of marble or granite chips set in concrete and grinded then polished to a smooth surface, creating a decorative and artistic pattern which consists of many different size and colored flakes. However what we have seen is with the advanced technology and rapid use of resins in today’s era of designs, epoxy based terrazzo has certainly gripped the market. The whole procedure of design, installation and the use of surfaces has been revolutionized. Now designers can create artwork and use floor as their canvas to create the designs they like by the use of epoxy based terrazzo which allows for greater versatility. To create this artistic effect, we use epoxy or PU based system instead of concrete which makes it easier to pour blocks of colored resin into any desired pattern. Furthermore metal bands have been added onto the floor to mark out different sections for the desired pattern and colors. Once the final color has been laid down, the floor is then grounded, polished and sealed to create a smooth glossy appealing floor. So what are you getting with these 2 different finishes? Epoxy Terrazzo The main benefits that one can incur from epoxy terrazzo are the greater design flexibility and speed of application. Epoxy based as compared to its counterpart cement based is a lighter flooring solution. Using an epoxy solution to bind aggregates such as marble, granite and shimmering pieces of glass to create a smooth and luxurious floor finish. If the temperature and surface are suitable, this system has the ability to cure overnight and be ready to get polished the next day, permitting a faster project turnaround. This speed of application is suitable for shopping malls, retail outlets and medical facilities. However this is an application which is not suitable for outdoors as epoxy does not suit well for outdoor application. Cementitious Terrazzo Cement terrazzo is more suitable for places that are challenging when it comes to exterior application and renovation projects where there is no vapor barrier beneath the surface. Cement terrazzo consists of cement along with different aggregates, including sand cushion, bonded, rustic, monolithic and polyacrylate systems. This system is usually often thicker and more heavy then its counterpart, which is why this system is ideal for heavy traffic areas and harsher environments. It takes about 7 days curing time for this type of terrazzo where the area has to remain free of traffic. This is a clear loss of time for running and operational businesses. To highlight the main differences between the two: Type Epoxy Terrazzo Cementitious Terrazzo Color Options Offers a plethora of colors and designs Slightly limited color options Thickness 6-10mm Thick and heavy Application area Good for internal usage Internal and external Moisture tolerance Few concerns on moisture vapor transmission Good at handling moisture vapor transmission Finish High level glossy Low level glossy Curing Fast curing Longer duration to cure To get an in-depth understanding and review our samples, please get in touch with our representatives.

What is epoxy terrazzo? Initially this concept originates from the mosaic floors that were done in ancient Rome. Since then terrazzo has taken a major revamp and has been refined by the use of modern materials and better installation methods to meet the needs & requirements of this era. Reason why terrazzo has been so successful in commercial, residential & institutional spaces is because of its superior design capabilities, physical properties and easy maintenance. Terrazzo’s name is said to be generic & it is a finished surface resulting from a bonding matrix which can be either from cementitious or resinous nature, with marble or other aggregates. The floor is your canvas when it comes to terrazzo. Creative compounding made together with creative designs can have amazing visuals. Floor designs are complemented with other work surfaces and display stands, skirting coved base and wall surfaces. The whole installation process takes place at the site and is performed in-situ at work. However customized designs can be constructed in workshop and seamlessly incorporated into the design. The material is delimited by the use of divider strips which are usually zinc or PVC, that perform the function of design enhancement or crack/expansion control. Epoxy resin is highly resistant to acids and other chemicals making it the perfect product for places where there is high foot traffic such as malls, hospitals & food preparation areas. Why Go With Terrazzo? Not only is it easily customizable with huge selection of colors and aggregates but it also is incredibly easy to clean which is such a big plus for owners of the facility. Let’s take a look at why Gulf Trading’s epoxy terrazzo is sought after by the architects and designers. Aesthetics – Our policy is to never say ‘It’s impossible’ to an architect. We strive for excellence and materialize it by bringing the floor to life. The great thing about terrazzo is that design possibilities are unlimited with many color ranges and aggregates at your disposal. Ease of clean- Terrazzo is a non-porous material with anti-microbial growth properties and it does not accumulate moisture making it highly resistant to stains. Thus, terrazzo only requires less maintenance without the need for harsh chemicals. Eco friendly –Unlike other flooring options that end up in landfill, terrazzo easily lasts for hundreds of years which is very unlikely it will end up in one. Plus some terrazzo material can be made with post consumer and recycled content. Key Benefits Customized designs Low maintenance Extremely durable Retains quality with age Weather adaptable – It has withstood the test of time in both extreme and harsh conditions Supports green building requirement Justifiable cost

Schools, colleges & universities play an integral role in our society and are the foundation for an economy to prosper. A country’s well-being is linked proportionately to the educational standards it has set & what major roles do architects & designers play in this is crucial to the development of the economy. However with rising costs or let’s say lower tolerance to rising costs these days, to building a school or a university, architects & designers have to come up with new solutions to tackle this on-going issue. What has been slowly & steadily gaining traction is the use of decorative PU flooring for educational institutes. Why shift to PU flooring for educational facilities? There are a number of reasons why it would be in the interest of not only the developer/operator of school but also the architect/designer as well as the main contractor. So let’s get into it on why PU flooring should be adopted by all the designers & operators alike; Affordability – The norm these days is vinyl flooring for educational institutions. Reason being is because it is anti-bacterial & easy to clean. However after screed has been applied, we require self-leveling compound before proceeding with vinyl installation. But when it comes to PU, after screed has been applied with a power float, PU can be directly applied on the surface. Hence saving major costs! Quicker Installation – With PU flooring the installation can be done rapidly and this saves valuable time for the developer of the facility. Unlimited designs – With PU flooring designers can play around with different colors on the floor without being burdened by the fact that it will lead to more wastage and hence higher cost. Acoustic properties – It is of the utmost importance for an educational facility to have sound reduction properties when it comes to flooring. PU flooring is able to absorb the sound in hallways with thousands of students walking daily. Zero joints – PU has the upper hand here as opposed to vinyl flooring as it contains no joints, easy to clean and anti-bacterial at the same time. What’s more is that it is highly chemical resistant so using it in labs & places as such will not damage the floor. Durable – PU flooring has been known to be able to withstand high foot traffic. It is a perfect solution for lobbies & main hallways. Slip resistance – PU flooring also has the option to be anti-slip. Hence it can be used in washrooms, kitchen and wet-areas. Get in touch with us to learn more about our solutions and the key benefits that comes before, during and after installation. We have samples available to showcase. You can get in touch with us at sales@gulftrading-uae.com or alternatively WhatsApp us at +971568283065.

We never know what the future holds and given such volatile times, it has been both easy and hard to predict on what the future entails. One thing is for certain though technology has a big role to play on the future landscape of interior design industry. We sat down and discussed on what kind of technologies will we be seeing in the near future and how will it impact the interior design industry. For anyone that’s remotely close to this industry or has an interest in it, here’s what the future entails for interior design: 1. Smart Homes Smart homes concept has been introduced a while back in the market & our homes have never been more connected. Google home has already been in the market for a long time & has made it a reality to turn on/off television, lighting, heating & much more all through a personal assistant by speaking to your Google Home device. ‘Smart interiors’ is what’s upcoming & bringing a plethora of ideas and innovations into the market place. Take for example the Italian design company Tipic which is pioneering smart kitchen integrations with their revolutionary Tuler kitchen worktop. Built from a slab of quartz composite, the smart work surface includes a sink that appears as you wave your hand over a sensor. Wave again, the sink rises to the top creating the illusion of a perfectly flush uninterrupted work surface. The Tuler kitchen is working on creating some fantastic additions to the worktop by adding built in weighing scale and charging sensor for your smartphone. The result, Tipic says, should be seamless on the worktop. It’s not just in the kitchen or living room but also such technology can be implemented in the washroom where we can have a voice controlled shower or even a button that changes the view from the bedroom window. The possibilities are definitely endless! 2. 3D Printing 3D printing back in the day was an idea farfetched. However today we are at a stage where it has become accessible to almost anyone. Today 3D printing is efficient & exciting. Interior designers can quickly demonstrate their designs & allow their clients to touch and feel their ideas in miniature form. The time taken from conceptualization and implementation is greatly reduced as the client now has an idea on how the finished product/place will look & feel like. It is a win for both parties! 3. Virtual & Augmented Reality Virtual & Augmented reality has completely changed the landscape of the interior design industry. What used to be a tiring and cumbersome way of presenting to client which stretched on for weeks has now been cut back to a mere few days. The use of VR allows a user to completely immerse themselves in a different environment which allows a unique 360° user experience. Using software like Sketchup, V-Ray and 3Dsmax with VR technology, it is now possible to create actual scenarios where the person using it is immersed in their home, office, retail & F&B outlet or any other space, where the person is able to see how it will actually look & feel like. Gone will be the days for designers where they have to explain & build models in computer generated 3D designs to showcase the client on how it will look like. A person can now literally walk through various ideas and gauge for themselves on the size and dimension of furniture, ceiling & other accessories. Another sensation making the rounds is Augmented Reality. This allows the user to showcase the furniture or any other object on their smartphone device to overlay that design/product into the physical world with virtual elements. The ability to easily go through different designs and items from your smartphones and transmute them onto the physical world has been a major breakthrough and help for designers.

Planning on updating your space? Why not kick start with a new floor? 2019 has been a year where products from the past was revisited and brought back with a fresh look! Choosing the right flooring has never been more difficult as we are bombarded with so many options. Here’s why we have brought you a small list on what has been trending and which ones you can select! 1.     Microcement Microcement, also known as micro screed, microtopping is a polymer modified cement based coating which can be applied thinly to walls, floors and stairs in both domestic and commercial environments. Microcement has strong bonding properties and because of this reason it can be applied on many surfaces like tiles, wood, calcium silicate, concrete etc. Recently it has become quite popular among interior designers, home owners and business owners looking to build or renovate their space. The look of it bring a contemporary feel and natural touch to the environment. Proving to not only be aesthetically pleasing but also quite durable has boosted its reputation and usage in the industry. 2.     Epoxy based Terrazzo Reason why terrazzo has been so successful in commercial, residential & institutional spaces is because of its superior design capabilities, physical properties and easy maintenance. Terrazzo’s name is said to be generic & it is a finished surface resulting from a bonding matrix which can be either from cementitious or resinous nature, with marble or other aggregates. The floor is your canvas when it comes to terrazzo. Creative compounding made together with creative designs can have amazing visuals. Floor designs are complemented with other work surfaces and display stands, skirting coved base and wall surfaces. Epoxy resin is highly resistant to acids and other chemicals making it the perfect product for places where there is high foot traffic such as malls, hospitals & food preparation areas. 3.     Designer Epoxy Designer Epoxy or as some call it metallic epoxy combine design and durability to provide you with not only aesthetically pleasing but also a long lasting floor. This type of epoxy has been gaining momentum in quite some places. Metallic coatings are composed of metallic pigments which are held in suspension of resin. The color technology of this system creates movement and a sense of depth where light hits the floor. Spaces that are best suited for such application would be; entrances, lounges, cafes & retail outlets, garages, kitchen, living rooms. 4.     Vinyl Vinyl comes in different looks: stone, hardwood, concrete, and more. The waterproof type is highly popular and it comes in planks or tiles. It is warm and comfortable underfoot and it is also effective in absorbing sound. This can be used on indoor and outdoor surfaces. 5.     Polished Concrete Polished concrete is the best way to showcase the raw look of plain concrete be it indoors or out. Some homeowners prefer the bare appearance of a concrete floor. It looks great in minimalist and contemporary homes.

Aggregates can be considered the silent heroes of a resin flooring job. Yes, the chemistry of the resin product itself is of the utmost importance. However the great look of the flooring is achieved because of the aggregates that are mixed in the compound. This insight is to shed light on aggregate and show you its importance in the field of resin and the aesthetic look of the interiors when used it correctly. What are Aggregates? Aggregate is a term used to describe pieces of broken or crushed rocks, minerals, stones that are generally used in concrete of building and construction work. Terrazzo is quite versatile; it can accommodate all kinds of different chips depending on how you would like the aesthetic appeal. It can be either granite, flint, glass or other small chips and variation in size. Aggregate tells us a lot regarding interior spaces, where we can create bright and glittering, classic and traditional or a contemporary modern touch. Terrazzo is an ancient concept, however today’s technology with the use of resin has brought in a wide range of aggregates that can be added such as marble, quartz, concrete, porcelain and metal, all combined to create a perfect smooth finished floor. Using aggregates such as recycled glass and other materials helps to reduce the amount of waste taken to landfill and hence is a sustainable choice. Depending on the aggregate and the quantity being used, it can play major role on factors such as durability, lifespan and cleanability of the floor. Aggregate Sizes Picking the right aggregate size can be tricky especially as each comes in different shapes and sizes. Crushing techniques usually make a range of different sizes altogether of the chips being used. A cone crusher will reduce the aggregate in size and produce rounded edge whereas a jaw crusher creates a more elongated shape with a jagged outline. To help give you an idea on how this looks like, here are 2 examples we have showcased below; In the first example, aggregates are granite and flint pieces ranging from 1.5-5mm In this next picture, the aggregates are clear glass pieces ranging from 1-5mm We hope that this has helped you understand aggregates a little better. To get in an in-depth look on our work and to speak to an expert, please feel free to get in touch with us.