Marmoleum FR² in IdeenzugUrban
Marmoleum FR² featured in Deutsche Bahn’s IdeenzugUrban - A vision for the future of city rail travel
TRANSPRESS
S-Bahn Hamburg, together with DB Regio, unveiled its new Urban Idea Train (IdeenzugUrban) at the UITP Global Public Transport Summit 2025. The concept vehicle represents Deutsche Bahn’s vision of the urban train of the future and Forbo Flooring Systems is proud to have contributed to this project with our Marmoleum FR² floor covering.
S-Bahn Hamburg, together with DB Regio, unveiled its new Urban Idea Train (IdeenzugUrban) at the UITP Global Public Transport Summit 2025. The concept vehicle represents Deutsche Bahn’s vision of the urban train of the future and Forbo Flooring Systems is proud to have contributed to this project with our Marmoleum FR² floor covering.
The IdeenzugUrban is a forward-looking concept developed by Deutsche Bahn (DB) in collaboration with leading design and technology partners. It reimagines how rail interiors can meet the challenges of future metropolitan mobility — from growing passenger numbers to the need for more sustainable and flexible travel solutions.
According to Deutsche Bahn, the train “showcases a vehicle interior of the future … combining architecture, design, new technologies, and materials to improve the quality of the passenger experience.”
The design focuses on the needs of today’s urban passengers, those who expect functionality, comfort, and sustainability to coexist. Multifunctional areas, lounge spaces, and innovative digital features redefine what it means to travel by city train. Every detail is carefully considered to enhance the passenger experience, from the lighting and seating to the flooring beneath their feet.
Marmoleum FR² - the sustainable flooring choice
For the IdeenzugUrban concept, Forbo Flooring’s Marmoleum FR² was the flooring of choice, a material that perfectly aligns with the project’s sustainability and performance goals.
Marmoleum FR² is made from a high percentage of natural and renewable raw materials, including linseed oil, wood flour, rosin, jute, and limestone. As part of Forbo’s Marmoleum range, it has been independently confirmed as climate positive (cradle to gate), meaning that the CO₂ absorbed by its natural ingredients during growth exceeds the emissions generated during production.
In other words, it’s a flooring that not only performs beautifully but also contributes positively to the environment.
♻️ Made from natural, renewable materials
🌍 Climate positive from cradle to gate
🔥 Certified fire performance (EN 45545-2: HL2)
🛡️ Durable, scratch and dirt resistant
🧼 Naturally bacteriostatic and hygienic
💡 Wide range of designs and colourways
📐 Available cut-to-size, ideal for bespoke rail interiors
⚖️ Lightweight at only 2.9 kg/m²
🔧 Low life-cycle costs – easy to repair and renovate
A floor that defines the space
In the IdeenzugUrban, the flooring does more than provide a durable surface, it actively shapes the interior design. Through intelligent floor zoning, using Aquajet cutting, Marmoleum FR² helps passengers orient themselves within the train while enhancing the modern, dynamic look of the space. The result is an environment that feels open, intuitive, and welcoming, while meeting the demanding requirements of public transport interiors.
Collaboration for innovation
This ambitious project brought together multiple partners united by a shared vision for the future of urban transport. Our thanks go to DB Regio, S-Bahn Hamburg, and the creative minds at neomind, whose design expertise shaped the striking visual and functional concept of the IdeenzugUrban.
Together, we’ve helped create an interior that reflects the values of sustainability, flexibility, and innovation, redefining what the next generation of urban mobility could look like.
Flooring for the future
As rail operators worldwide seek greener and smarter solutions, Marmoleum FR² demonstrates how natural materials can meet the highest standards of durability, safety, and sustainability. Forbo Flooring Systems is proud to be part of the IdeenzugUrban — helping Deutsche Bahn showcase what the future of sustainable mobility truly looks like.
Photo credit: Deutsche Bahn / Oliver Lang