Written by
15 March 2025
•
4 min read
Nestled in the picturesque Kotare Park subdivision on the outskirts of Cambridge, the Ebode Homes show home stands as a testament to sustainable, high-performance living. This modern, energy-efficient residence blends innovative design and eco-friendly materials to deliver a space that’s not only beautiful but also kind to the environment. A key component of this home’s success is the Quick-Step laminate flooring from Floorscape, which perfectly complements the home’s energy-efficient design while contributing to its sustainability goals.
To better understand how Quick-Step laminate flooring contribtes to the success of the show home, we spoke to Ebode Homes/Higgs Build director Shaun Higgins who shares how the EU Ecolabel-certified flooring perfectly complements the design.
When Ebode Homes designed its showhome in Cambridge, it was committed to setting a new standard in sustainable construction, and Quick-Step’s Perspective Nature – Brushed Oak Natural laminate flooring aligns seamlessly with this vision.
“We wanted something that not only looked and felt like real wood but also aligned with our commitment to energy-efficient, eco-friendly homes,” shares Shaun. “The natural oak colour and deep grain texture add warmth and character, making the space feel inviting and lived-in.”
Not only is the laminate flooring aesthetically pleasing, it’s also a sustainable design choice. Featuring the EU Ecolabel certification, Quick-Step flooring is made with environmentally conscious materials and processes, ensuring that it meets strict standards for sustainability. This certification is particularly significant in the context of the Ebode Homes Show Home, where every detail—from the structurally insulated panels (SIPs) construction to the carbon-neutral Dekton countertops—was carefully selected to minimise environmental impact.
Quick-Step’s laminate flooring is also PEFC-certified, meaning it comes from responsibly managed forests, ensuring that the wood used in the product’s composition is harvested sustainably. In addition, the flooring’s production process is energy-efficient, complementing the home's focus on reducing energy consumption and minimising carbon footprints.
In a show home where foot traffic is heavy, durability is a must. Quick-Step’s Scratch Guard Technology ensures the laminate flooring maintains its pristine appearance, even under constant use. This technology enhances the floor’s resilience, making it highly resistant to scratches, stains, and wear.
“In terms of performance, it’s been fantastic. The Scratch Guard Technology makes it super durable (a must in a high-traffic show home), and the HydroSeal coating ensures it stands up to moisture. It’s also really easy to maintain, which is a huge plus.”
The Quick-Step Uniclic® system simplifies the installation process, allowing for a secure and quick installation with minimal disruptions. For Floor Boards Hamilton (who installed the floor), it made installation a breeze. While every project encounters small challenges, the installation of Quick-Step laminate went smoothly, and the team was able to ensure that the flooring was perfectly aligned for a flawless finish.
One of the standout features of the Ebode Homes Show Home is its superior insulation, which keeps the indoor temperature stable at 20°C year-round. With Structurally Insulated Panels (SIPs), a MAXRaft floor slab, and thermally broken joinery, the home offers exceptional thermal efficiency, contributing to its remarkable 70% energy savings. Quick-Step’s flooring plays a key role in enhancing the overall indoor comfort, complementing the home’s high-performance insulation.
“Thanks to its laminate composition, Quick-Step flooring provides a pleasant underfoot feel, enhancing the cosiness of the space,” shares Shaun.
Visitors have also frequently remarked on how the flooring mimics the appearance and texture of solid timber.
“People love it! Visitors often comment on how real it looks and feels. Many are surprised it’s not solid timber, which just goes to show how well it mimics the natural beauty of wood.”
Explore Quick-Step flooring from Floorscape.