Clients look to create warm, homely and inviting spaces in all settings these days, whether residential homes, hospitality, healthcare, educational institutions or workplaces. This can present challenges, especially in areas like open-plan kitchens, bathrooms, shower/wet rooms and laundries that are frequently exposed to water.

The Building Code stipulates that wet areas surfaces must be impervious, easy to clean, and well-ventilated. From a design perspective, this means selecting fit-for-purpose, aesthetically pleasing products that meet these stringent requirements.

Acceptable solutions

Vinyl: Durable and stylish

Vinyl is an excellent option that is both durable and stylish. Acting as a protective membrane, it is long lasting and reliable and an acceptable E3 solution when thermo welded at the joins. Available in a wide array of colours and designs, vinyl can enhance the aesthetic appeal of any space. Additionally, its versatility allows it to be used on both floors and walls, providing designers with the flexibility to fulfil any design vision.

Porcelain Tiles: Elegance meets efficiency

Porcelain tiles are another acceptable E3 solution. Resilient, easy to clean and with low porosity, tiles remain a popular option for both their aesthetic appeal and practicality. Suitable for use on both floors and walls and with an extensive range of colours and textures to choose from, tiles can seamlessly extend across multiple indoor and outdoor spaces, making them a versatile choice for most architects and designers.

KiwiRail chose to use tiles for their Auckland office fit out, selecting Refin tiles for their quality, design and low water absorption rate (2%), ensuring compliance with council requirements.

Alternative solutions

Wood-look flooring has become an in-demand product category for many interior designers and architects who are looking to bring some warmth to the spaces they design. Jacobsen has worked closely with their independent testing partner to bring to you wood-look flooring options that meet both client preferences and E3 building code compliance.

Jacobsen’s engineered wood, Timbertop, is a popular choice with designers. The range has been carefully curated and provides a premium, luxurious colour palette to select from, enhancing any space. While this product adheres to E3 regulations, given the nature of real wood, it requires careful placement to ensure longevity.

For high traffic areas Aspecta Elemental LVT provides a hardwearing alternative solution, with a beautiful wood-look appearance and suitable for extensive use.