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Floors, Walls & Ceilings
June 2018 www.fca-magazine.com
Speaks for itself.
Knauf AMF – modular ceilings and more...
for Spe for Speaks itself.
itself.
Knauf ceilingsand andmore… more… KnaufAMF AMF––modular modular ceilings
www.knaufamf.com www.knaufamf.com
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Welcome
...to our Floors, Walls & Ceilings Focus
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n this Floors, Walls & Ceilings supplement, FC&A introduces you to a plethora of projects from around the globe. In this edition, two manufacturers talk of the work they have completed for the same scheme, London’s White Collar Factory in Shoreditch. On page 11, partitioning expert Style talks through the unique ‘working wall’ it created for Adobe’s brand-new offices, and on page 08, FILA explains why its own cleaning regime products were specified for the state-of-the-art mixed-use project. Moving 5969 miles away from London and onto Hong Kong, Troldtekt wood-wool acoustic ceiling panels have been selected for an enviable, out-of-this-world residential project in Sai Kung, Hong Kong by Millimeter Interior Design; turn to page 18 to see how this aesthetically-beautiful space has been improved with the addition of Troldtekt’s acoustic panels. I hope you enjoy this issue. For further information about any of our contributors or if you wish to comment on a particular article featured within this edition, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Editor Rebecca Kemp rebecca@mixedmediainfo.com Editorial Assistant Paige Smith paige@mixedmediainfo.com Print & Digital Advertising Sam Ball sam@mixedmediainfo.com Print Design Manager Jack Witcomb jack@mixedmediainfo.com Digital Design Manager David Perry david@mixedmediainfo.com Production Assistant Sofia Franchi sofia@mixedmediainfo.com Accounts Jackie Dearman jackie@mixedmediainfo.com Managing Director Sam Ball sam@mixedmediainfo.com
Rebecca 04
Sound control in restaurants:
Terms and Conditions:
07
Creating a sound-appropriate space in Littleport:
08
FILA specified for 17-storey London office building:
11
Style moves walls in landmark London project:
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GolfNow’s headquarters sports a new look:
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A time-saving time lapse:
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LCD privacy solution for Japanese restaurant:
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Oxford Brookes wins over students:
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Scandinavian haven:
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Troldtekt meets acoustic requirements in Hong Kong:
Contributions are invited and when not accepted will be returned only if accompanied by a fully stamped and return addressed envelope. No responsibility will be taken for drawings, photographs or literary contributions during transmission or in the editors hands. In the absence of an agreement the copyright of all contributions, literary, photographics or artistic belongs to Mixed Media Information Ltd. The Publisher accepts no responsibility in respect of advertisements appearing in the magazine and the opinions expressed in editorial material or otherwise do not necessarily represent the view of the publisher. The Publisher does not accept any liability of any loss arising from the late appearance or non publication of any advertisement.
Front cover:
Knauf AMF offers advice for a comfortable atmosphere. See page 04.
Rebecca Kemp Editor, Future Constructor & Architect
Contents Creating an acoustically-sound and aesthetically-pleasing environment for restaurant applications is no mean feat. Here, Knauf AMF offers advice for a comfortable atmosphere. A number of acoustically-sound Rockfon ceiling solutions have been chosen for an SEN school and academy in a large-scale regeneration scheme for Cambridgeshire. Specialist sub-contractor, Stone & Ceramics, has opted for a FILA cleaning regime at London’s trendiest new office building, White Collar Factory. On page 11, FC&A returns to London’s latest collaborative office building, White Collar Factory. Here, partition expert Style’s innovation is put to the test with its movable walls. Ecophon has supplied its Solo Baffles for technology company GolfNow’s state-of-the-art brand-new office in Belfast. F. Ball & Co. looks at the advancements that have been made in recent years to save time for the application of floorcoverings. In search of a high-quality touch for its valued customers, London-based restaurant Four Degree approached ESG for a privacy solution for its prestigious Whisky Lounge. Global modular flooring manufacturer, Interface, has helped Oxford Brookes Business School to create an inspirational environment where students can thrive. Kährs’ light flooring has been selected to reflect a Scandi-inspired interior at an Arts & Crafts, Mid-Century heritage house. Troldtekt wood-wool panels have been selected for an awe-inspiring new house in Sai Kung, Hong Kong. Here, Troldtekt gives us a tour of the dwelling.
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Floors, Walls & Ceilings
Taking the headache out of restaurant design Knauf AMF Commercial Director, Peter Symons, examines how acoustic ceiling and wall solutions can create inspiring interior designs and offer a comfortable atmosphere.
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esearch suggests that the number of people choosing to eat out in the UK this year is expected to grow by 83 million visits with the over-50s group seeing the largest increase to 130 million visits by 2022, according to data from NPD group. Whilst these numbers are good news for the hospitality industry, noise is still cited as one of the main reasons diners choose not to return to a restaurant, no matter how good the food and service. National charity Action on Hearing Loss says noise levels in some popular restaurants can top 90 dB on busy nights – equivalent to eating next to a motorbike or lawnmower. In its poll, 91% of 1200 people said they would not return to a loud environment. A certain level of noise is welcomed by customers. Some background chatter and unobtrusive music can add atmosphere to a restaurant, as long as diners can still hear their companions. So how do you achieve the perfect balance? Installing acoustic ceiling and wall absorbers can be an
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extremely cost-effective solution to control sound, and there is a wide range of materials, face patterns, sizes and shapes available to enhance any interior design. Colour can help create mood in a restaurant. A ceiling can be designed to work with any colour scheme. Manufactured in any colour or pick an image that’s replicated onto the surface, a suspended ceiling can add a sense of warmth and visual impact to an interior. It can be fitted directly to the soffit or installed using either an exposed or concealed grid system. For restaurants with low ceilings, period features or exposed services, ceiling rafts or baffles are a versatile option for controlling sound. Rafts are lightweight, frameless, durable and easy to install. Fixed to the ceiling using discreet wires, they appear as if they are floating in air. Produced in a range of shapes and colour options, they make an architectural statement. Baffles are ideal for interiors fitted with floorto-ceiling glazing or with concrete soffits.
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By varying the distance between the rows of baffles or changing their size, the perfect acoustic performance can be achieved. Baffles are manufactured with smooth or textured surfaces in a range of colours and shapes. Wall absorbers can be used in conjunction with an acoustic ceiling or independently to improve sound absorption and offer high impact resistance to cope with tough daily use. Metal is a versatile and durable suspended ceiling material which lends an industrial chic to contemporary and classical interiors. Acoustic metal ceilings are manufactured in a choice of dimensions, shapes, edges, face patterns and colours to create unique designs that express creativity. Acoustic ceilings that are specially developed for kitchens incorporate anti-bacterial technology which helps prevent the growth of microorganisms. They also offer 100% humidity resistance, excellent sound absorption and a wipeclean surface.
Floors, Walls & Ceilings
Images: Top right: AMF Topiq Sonic ceiling rafts make an architectural statement Top middle: Heradesign suspended ceiling is colour matched to the restaurant’s interior design Top left: Heradesign ceiling baffles in custom-made shapes add visual impact Right: AMF Mondena lends an industrial chic to this contemporary interior
There are currently no Building Regulations for acoustics in restaurants, which is why sound control is not always considered at the design stage. Installing sound absorbent materials once the furnishings are in place can be expensive and not always easy. But if noise is driving customers away, the ceiling is often the only space available for acoustic treatment. Ceiling baffles and rafts can be installed around existing services and fittings, and harmonise with the interior design. Wall absorbers can provide additional sound control. If customers feel relaxed and can dine in acoustic comfort they are more likely to return and recommend the restaurant to others. And that means better longterm business. 8 www.knaufamf.com
* info@knaufamf.co.uk ( 0191
518 8600
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ESG preferred ESGSwitchable Switchable–– the the UK’s UK’s preferred switchable solution switchableLCD LCDprivacy privacy glass glass solution A R C H I T E C T U R A L • S W I T C H A B L E • F I R E R E S I S TA N T • S E C U R E A R C H I T E C T U R A L • S W I T C H A B L E • F I R E R E S I S TA N T • S E C U R E
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Floors, Walls & Ceilings
Images: Left: One of the challenges faced was fitting an acoustic product in the double-height dining hall. The design of Rockfon Contour baffles makes them easy to install at height and in tight spaces. Above: Rockfon helped SCL Ceilings to overcome challenges. Its products met the specifications for each area including acoustic requirements and installation restrictions.
Rockfon solves demanding challenges with intelligent ceiling solutions Recent economic growth in Cambridgeshire has led to huge demand for new educational facilities. An ambitious £37.5m Littleport complex comprising special educational needs (SEN) and primary schools, an academy and a leisure centre is nearing completion. Rockfon ceilings, baffles and wall panels are installed throughout the academy and the SEN school.
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hen building schools suitable for children with special educational needs, more attention needs to be paid to the acoustics. SEN pupils are often sensitive listeners and can be easily distracted or distressed by too much noise. Installing sound absorbent finishes which offer the highest classification of sound absorption (Class A) in the learning areas helps create the appropriate sound environment where pupils can flourish.
Acoustic control in the classrooms Rockfon Blanka ceilings are perfect for all learning environments because they offer Class A sound absorption which significantly decreases reverberation levels, helping to increase speech intelligibility. At Littleport, they are installed in the atrium, classrooms, science laboratories and the woodwork rooms at the academy and the sensory room at the SEN school. For areas of the school which demand the greatest level of acoustic control, for example, the auditorium and gymnasium, Rockfon Blanka dB 40 is the ideal choice.The ceiling provides enhanced room-to-room sound insulation which helps reduce the transmission of noise into adjacent spaces. Its surface durability makes it more resistant to the demanding school environment.
Ceiling installation SCL Ceilings is the approved ceiling contractor for the schools. Rockfon worked closely with Contracts Manager, Andy Golding, who is very pleased with the outcome.“The modern, innovative design of the school buildings provided us with a number of challenges,” he said.“Rockfon helped us to overcome these.Their products met the specifications for each area including acoustic requirements and installation restrictions.” One of the challenges faced was fitting an acoustic product in the double-height dining hall. The design of Rockfon Contour baffles makes them easy to install at height and in tight spaces.
Colourful acoustic design Rockfon Color-all wall panels offer Class A sound absorption and, combined with the ceiling baffles; they prevent noise generated in the dining hall from spreading to other areas. Chosen in White and Breeze colours, these visually-appealing wall panels enhance the interior design helping create a comfortable place to dine.
Meeting high standards Rockfon Hygienic ceiling tiles are installed in the school’s kitchen areas.They are specifically developed to meet the high sanitation standards required in hygienic areas.The ceiling’s robust
surface can withstand the use of pressure cleaners as it repels water and dirt. Rockfon Koral, a versatile, white micro-textured ceiling tile with a wipeable surface, is easy to keep clean.This makes it ideal for damp areas which is why it’s installed in the hydrotherapy pool, toilets and showers.The ceiling is designed to withstand high humidity of 100%, and the tiles can retain their shape even at high temperatures of 40°C. Rockfon Koral, like the majority of Rockfon’s ceiling tiles, provides the highest class of sound absorption – Class A and achieves Class A1 for fire safety.
Impact resistance The activity hall, activity suite and fitness room in the sports hall are built using hard reverberant materials that are subjected to tough wear and tear. Rockfon Scholar ceilings offer Class A sound absorption which reduces the level of reverberation, creating an environment where people can exercise in acoustic comfort.The durable surface can also withstand some impact resistance from objects such as balls and the reinforced edges protect the tiles if removed for maintenance purposes. 8 www.rockfon.co.uk * info@rockfon.co.uk ( 0208
222 7457
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Floors, Walls & Ceilings
FILA joins Stone & Ceramic specification at White Collar Factory A FILA cleaning regime has been specified by Stone & Ceramic, at White Collar Factory in London’s Tech City.
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esigned by AHMM Architects, for Derwent London, the mixed-use project comprises refurbished buildings and new builds, including a new landmark office tower. Stone & Ceramics’ installation includes DOMUS ceramic surfaces within the office’s urbanstyled washrooms, where FILA solutions were used for deep and routine cleaning. Located on the Old Street Roundabout, White Collar Factory provides an impeccably sustainable model and has already achieved numerous awards and certifications. It is defined by the 17-storey office building, which features a double-height office penthouse with an open mezzanine level and roof terrace with an integrated running track.
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Behind the tower a new public space has been created, surrounded by lower-rise office and restaurant space and apartments. Stone & Ceramics’ installation features large-format and brick-style ceramics from DOMUS Creta, Mods and Trasparenze. After installation, FILA Deterdek – a concentrated buffered acid detergent – was used to safely remove residues, including cementitious deposits. Tiles were then deep cleaned with FILAPS87, whilst FILA Cleaner was used for a final cleanse and for ongoing maintenance. 8 www.filasolutions.com
* filauk@filasolutions.com ( 01584
877286
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Images: Above: Stone & Ceramics’ installation includes DOMUS ceramic surfaces within the office’s urban-styled washrooms, where FILA solutions were used for deep and routine cleaning Below: A FILA cleaning regime has been specified by Stone & Ceramic, at White Collar Factory in London’s Tech City
Are you improving your school this summer? Ecophon provides the acoustic solutions for classrooms
When planning a refurbishment or new build school project, the choice of the acoustics solution should be a critical part of the planning process. Improving the acoustics can lead to: • Reduced noise levels in the classroom • Lower stress levels and enhanced physical comfort • Greater understanding of speech by pupils • Improvements in retention of information • Reduced voice problems for classroom teachers
Create a calmer, more successful classroom? Without appropriate acoustic treatment, classrooms can become difficult, stressful places for teachers to teach and for pupils to learn. Noisy classrooms are especially challenging learning environments for children with special educational needs. With over 50 years experience in designing and manufacturing acoustic ceilings, Saint-Gobain Ecophon offers a comprehensive range of classroom solutions.
Meeting the standards - BB93 a minimum
More information about classroom acoustics and Ecophon’s solutions can be found at www.ecophon.co.uk/classrooms
All refurbishment and new build classrooms should comply with the acoustic performance standards for schools, known as BB93. Compliance with standards must be seen as the absolute minimum to ensure that a classroom is acoustically fit for purpose.
For more information please call 01256 855280 or email specification@ecophon.co.uk
Saint-Gobain Ecophon Old Brick Kiln, Ramsdell, Tadley, RG26 5PP Tel: 01256 850977 Email: info@ecophon.co.uk
January 2016 Download the fc&a app for iPhone, iPad and Android. Search ‘fc&a’
January 16 Issue 71
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American white oak helps achieve seamless spatial flow
Sustainability in Development Conran and Partners completes 20 hectare regeneration in Tokyo, Japan
Greenhouse An innovative screen solution prevents residential property from overheating
Design & Desire Regional showpiece in Azerbaijan hosts the nation’s cultural programs
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Floors, Walls & Ceilings
Adobe’s creative office space solution from Style
Above: The ‘working wall’ is very simple to operate, allowing groups to come together and quickly create a personalised space to work in Below: Delivering further flexibility to the Adobe offices, Style installed a fully automatic, Skyfold vertical-rising partitioning wall capable of delivering 55 dB acoustic privacy to divided areas
Creating a fluid environment to encourage collaborative working, partitioning expert Style designed and delivered a unique and highly innovative ‘working wall’ solution for Adobe’s new offices in the landmark White Collar Factory building, Shoreditch.
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he cluster of individual sliding and pivoting wall panels can be used to create numerous sized spaces for impromptu meetings and brainstorming sessions. They can also be pulled together to form a wider temporary wall. Delivering further flexibility to the Adobe offices, Style installed a fully automatic, Skyfold vertical-rising partitioning wall capable of delivering 55 dB acoustic privacy to divided areas, as well as a semiautomatic DORMA Moveo double-glazed operable wall. Creating a modern workspace for the world’s best-known brands requires innovative solutions and clever use of space. That’s why architect practice Gensler chose Style, a UK-leading movable wall specialist, to deliver Adobe’s vision, working with contractor Como. The result is a vibrant open-plan space that includes meeting rooms, social hubs, a library, tech cafe and games area.
“We used a combination of movable wall systems to create the uniquely flexible working environment that Adobe desired,” said Style’s Group Managing Director, Julian Sargent. “The ‘working wall’ is very simple to operate, allowing groups to come together and quickly create a personalised space to work in.” For added functionality, each panel features a magnetic whiteboard on one side and a fabric finish on the other, for notes to be pinned onto it. The pivoting system allows the panels to be swivelled around during breakout sessions, to share ideas with adjoining groups. Enhancing the attention-grabbing interior of the Adobe offices, the chic finish of the Skyfold contrasts with the cool and vibrant mix of colours on the ‘working wall’. An intricate manifestation added to the Moveo glass systems combines necessary privacy with a sense of light and space, making this is a truly breathtaking project.
8 www.style-partitions.co.uk
* sales@style-partitions.co.uk ( 01202
874044
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Floors, Walls & Ceilings
Interesting look with baffles and plasterboard edgings
Fact File: Architect: Mark Higgins, RPP Architects Main contractor: Heron Bros Ceiling contractor: Convery Ceilings Project size: 190 units Products: Solo Baffle
Technology company GolfNow has opened a new state-of-the-art office in Belfast, having acquired BRS Golf, the company founded by County Down brothers Brian and Rory Smith. The company is operated by Golf Channel and is part of the NBC Sports Group. It is the leading provider of cloud-based online tee time booking systems to golf clubs in the UK, Ireland and the US, with over 1500 customers worldwide.
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n order to accommodate its growing team, GolfNow has moved to brand-new offices at City Quays 1 in Belfast. Mark Higgins of RPP Architects was the interior designer working on the project, along with the design firm EMMA Architecten. He explained that Ecophon’s Solo Baffles were utilised in the boardroom, meeting rooms, breakout spaces and cafeteria/kitchen
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areas in order to assist with acoustic quality. “They are a nice, simple, aesthetically-pleasing product, allowing easy access to building services above. They have worked well in practice improving the acoustics in a busy open-plan working environment.” Ecophon’s Andrew Acheson said: “I think they’ve achieved a very interesting look with the baffles and plasterboard edging.” Mark also added: “We had good local support from the Ecophon team and the client is very happy with their new workspace.” Ecophon Solo Baffles are easily demountable and are often the acoustic solution of choice, primarily when it isn’t possible to install a wall-to-wall ceiling. For example, in buildings where it’s necessary to maintain the volume so that natural light can fill a room via skylights. Solo Baffles are also an option when TABS (Thermally Activated Building System) is chosen as a cooling system. They are also used in activity-based working environments (ABV), where good acoustics are just as crucial to
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success as the visual aspect of the design. The baffles can be suspended using several different systems offered by Ecophon. Ecophon Solo Baffles are made from high density glass wool with Akutex FT surface on both sides. In fact, the majority of Ecophon acoustic systems are made from 3rd generation glass wool, containing more than 70% recycled glass and a plant-based binder. This is the result of our efforts to continuously work to reduce the environmental impact from our products. Images: Top: Ecophon’s Solo Baffles were utilised in the boardroom, meeting rooms, breakout spaces and cafeteria/kitchen areas in order to assist with acoustic quality Left: Ecophon Solo Baffles are easily demountable and are often the acoustic solution of choice, primarily when it isn’t possible to install a wall-to-wall ceiling
8 www.ecophon.co.uk * info@ecophon.co.uk ( 01256
850977
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Floors, Walls & Ceilings
Fast-track flooring systems: products enabling installations in a fraction of the time
It wasn’t that long ago that installing floorcoverings could have taken up to three days from start to finish. However, advancements in cement and adhesive technology have resulted in the development of products that can cut this time down to just one day.
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here floorcoverings are going to be installed, the application of a levelling compound is required to make sure the surface is perfectly smooth. Levelling compounds, in particular, have seen significant reductions in drying times. In the past, it might have taken up to 24 hours for a levelling compound to completely dry. Nowadays, the fastest drying levelling compound on the market is ready to receive floorcoverings in as little as 45 minutes after application. Selflevelling properties also make them easy to apply with minimal trowel work. Another development that has sped up levelling compound application is the manufacture of levelling compounds that can be used over old adhesive residues.When using these products, flooring contractors don’t need to spend valuable time mechanically removing old adhesive residues, as normally required. Also, when they are used over old adhesive residues, there is no need to apply a primer beforehand, saving further time. Before any work is undertaken, a moisture test should always be carried out to determine if the subfloor is dry enough to receive floorcoverings. Subfloor moisture, including residual construction moisture, is the leading
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cause of floor failure. To prevent this, where a moisture test indicates that the relative humidity (RH) level within the subfloor is above 75% (65% if wood floorcoverings are to be installed), a waterproof surface membrane should be applied. Single-coat waterproof surface membranes are now available that will fully cure in as little as three hours and will isolate residual construction moisture or rising damp where relative humidity values are up to 98%. An even quicker two-coat system requires 15 to 20 minutes curing time for the first coat and a further 30 minutes curing time for the second coat, so a barrier against RH values of up to 95% can be created in less than two hours. The contractor can then select a suitably fast-working adhesive to install specified floorcoverings. The choice of adhesive will often be determined foremost by what type of floorcoverings are being installed and where they are being installed, but there are options for when time-saving is a priority. Nowadays, acrylic and vinyl adhesives are available that build up a strong enough bond to allow for foot traffic in less than an hour after the application of floorcoverings. Pressure-
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Images: Top: Single-coat waterproof surface membranes are now available that will fully cure in as little as three hours Above: Pressure-sensitive adhesives for the installation of vinyl tile and plank floorcoverings are available that dry in as little as 40 minutes
sensitive adhesives for the installation of vinyl tile and plank floorcoverings are available that dry in as little as 40 minutes. There are also carpet tile tackifiers available that, once applied, only take 30 minutes to form a permanently tacky film ready to receive floorcoverings. Finally, recent innovation has led to the development of a hybrid pressure-sensitive for vinyl that has been approved for use with vertical flooring accessories, such as skirting, capping and coving. The high initial tack provided by this adhesive means that it can be used as an alternative to traditional contacts adhesives, saving contractors time where vinyl floorcoverings are taken up the wall, as in wetrooms. This adhesive is specially formulated to develop the ultra-high bond strength required to hold floorcoverings in place in areas exposed to extreme temperature fluctuations, such as heavily glazed areas subject to solar gain. It is also solvent-free, making it ideal for sensitive areas like schools and hospitals. 8 www.f-ball.co.uk
* mail@f-ball.co.uk ( 01538
361633
Floors, Walls & Ceilings
Privacy on demand for Four Degree Whisky Lounge Situated in the vibrant South West London stands Four Degree, a contemporary Japanese restaurant with a modern European twist. Recently featured on the popular Channel 4 reality TV show, Made in Chelsea, Four Degree really is the place to be for exquisite cocktails and fine dining.
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ow home to the UK’s first Macallan Whisky Lounge, the restaurant’s interior design demanded a highquality touch for its valued customers. ESG was commissioned to supply the LCD privacy glass needed to create a floor-to-ceiling wall partition between the Whisky Lounge and the restaurant space. For a space, which demanded elegance, quality and privacy, ESG switchable glass was the optimum choice. By utilising its latest 12mm LCD privacy glass with a grey switchable tint, ESG manufactured a total of 20m2 at its UK facility before one of the company’s preferred installation partners installed the glass partition between the two spaces. The minimalist, frameless design was achieved by installing a minimal 25mm depth top and bottom track to hold the glass which allows an
unobstructed view into the lounge showcasing its fantastic whisky displays. The complete installation was powered by just one of the glass merchant’s ESG-4K controllers and a wall-mounted, wireless switch. All electrical systems were fitted with no visible wiring and bus bars providing a clean, aesthetically-pleasing finish. Each switchable panel hosts a high-clarity film situated between two low-iron glass panels. By producing near-zero haze, the glass walling will easily allow natural light to flow throughout the lounge, while also blocking 99% of UV rays. At the touch of a button, the glass can effortlessly change from uninterrupted views across the restaurant to instant privacy. In approximately 100 milliseconds the Whisky Lounge can be turned into an intimate space for whisky lovers, private parties and valued clients.
ESG supplied products: 10 12mm grey tinted ESG Switchable glass panels – nine fixed, one hinged door ESG Switchable 4K controller ESG Switchable JB junction box ESG Switchable wireless wall switch With the unique technology inside ESG’s 4K controllers, developed in-house and exclusive to ESG, the company has no doubt its switchable privacy glass will provide a stunning yet functional addition to the Four Degree restaurant, for years to come. Images: Top: ESG was commissioned to supply the LCD privacy glass needed to create a floor-to-ceiling wall partition between the Whisky Lounge and the restaurant space Above: By utilising its latest 12mm LCD privacy glass with a grey switchable tint, ESG manufactured a total of 20m2 at its UK facility
8 www.esg.glass
* sales@esg.glass ( 01376
520061
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Floors, Walls & Ceilings
Oxford Brookes: where we learn matters Competition to win the attention of potential university students has been growing for a number of years, as the value of higher education comes under intense scrutiny. Now institutions increasingly put their ambition to provide a holistic and transformational experience at the centre of their plans for students. This ethos was fundamental to Oxford Brookes’ recent redevelopment of the Clerici Building and global modular flooring manufacturer, Interface, was central to delivering this goal.
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he Clerici redevelopment involved taking the university’s former main entrance building and transforming it into a hub for teaching, learning and studying.The building is the new home of the Oxford Brookes Business School, a number of teaching rooms and the Sir Kenneth Wheare Hall, a flexible space for teaching, events and graduations. Tracy Panther, Associate Dean of Student Experience at the Business School, said:“It’s been absolutely fantastic to see students move in so quickly and use every inch of the building, particularly the social learning spaces.You walk around and see happy smiling faces. Students are spending more time here because it is homely
Images: Top: Interface’s Human Nature range has been used across the Sir Kenneth Wheare Hall to help create a flexible, beautifully designed space which can be used for a number of activities Above: Interface’s Concept Design team worked closely with the team at Oxford Brookes to create multifunctional spaces
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and comfortable, and that means they’re spending more time engaged with their studies.” Interface’s Concept Design team worked closely with the team at Oxford Brookes to create multi-functional spaces across Clerici which are both welcoming and conducive to learning. Some of Interface’s sustainable and nature-inspired collections were used to bring this vision to life, and work in harmony with the furniture that features soft woods, fresh colours and patterns which reflect biophilic design principles. Commenting on the project, Laura Light, Interface Concept Designer, said:“It’s important that students have access to different settings, whether that’s somewhere to study or to socialise. Being able to create different designs which enhance that is really important.We knew we needed to be flexible and adaptable with our plans while maintaining the impact of the flooring across wide spaces.We needed to add a lot of diversity across the floor, so used a number of ranges to complete the overall effect.” Interface’s Human Nature range has been used across the Sir Kenneth Wheare Hall to help create a flexible, beautifully designed space which can be used for a number of activities. These products are ideally suited to the main auditorium, which is both a high-traffic walkway and a light and airy space which links the hall and the building’s Gateway or main entrance. Interface’s Composure range helps to reinforce the structural link between these two spaces. As the two ranges complement one another,
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the combination offers subtle wayfinding between the two parts of the building, creating a journey for students. Three different shades of Interface’s Composure range, Diffuse, Solitude and Transcribe, feature across the Gateway and main learning spaces. This multi-tonal approach offers variations in contrast, texture and pattern to not only bring diversity but to also define the different spaces within the building. For students, this creates a variety of settings where they can both work and relax. The Composure collection connects with tiles from Interface’s Urban Retreat 103, Infuse and Equilibrium ranges to add further texture throughout the space. Interface’s Skinny Planks were also used in Kiwi throughout the auditorium and the building’s Gateway, to link it with the colour scheme throughout the rest of Clerici. Drew Hardie, Head of Space Planning at Oxford Brookes, said:“The Sir Kenneth Wheare Hall is where our students get inducted and also where we host their graduations.Their whole cycle starts and finishes in that one room, so the design and feel of the space really help bring that together. Clerici is a key building off our central courtyard which is used for social learning, teaching, meeting academics and research. If they can stay here because they like being in spaces at the university, then we’ve done our job.” 8 www.interface.com
* interface.uk@interface.com ( 01274
690690
Floors, Walls & Ceilings
Kährs ash flooring design chosen for Cotswolds ‘Arts & Crafts’ property renovation Award-winning architecture and development company Design Storey has specified a Kährs ash wood floor design for its Cotswold property renovation project in Chipping Campden. The project, which appeared in episode seven of Channel 4’s Best Laid Plans, celebrates the MidCentury and Arts & Crafts heritage of the house.
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ccupying a large corner plot, the property was re-designed to make the most of its aspect and orientation. Design Storey switched the focus of the house by removing the single garage and replacing it with a contemporary single-storey kitchen, dining and living area, where Kährs’ ash wood flooring runs throughout the open-plan design. A large carport and driveway were created to the north-east – this encouraged use of the previously under-used south-west garden as well as creating the kitchen/dining/ living area which is appropriate for modern living. The broken plan area has also been supported by a downstairs snug or office area and utility room to create a practical yet striking dwelling. “We chose a Kährs ash flooring design as we were looking for a light wood flooring which reflected our Scandinavian-inspired interiors. We were keen to specify ash as this is the native wood species that is most prevalent in the Cotswolds, yet it is not as frequently found in the interiors. Using ash enabled us to tie the flooring in with the timber for the doors, bespoke joinery and stair treads,” commented Design Storey Architect, Lydia Robinson.
As a result of the renovation, the 1950s house has been revitalised as a contemporary four-bed home, with a modern yet practical interior with a design approach which celebrates the Mid-Century and Arts & Crafts origins of the house. The two-storey extension and porch, constructed of Cotswold stone, feature innovative triangular dormer windows and large quoined buttresses. The single-storey kitchen pavilion has a vaulted ceiling with a hipped roof clad in handmade tiles referencing the historic roofs of the vernacular agricultural buildings found throughout the Cotswolds. The project had been shortlisted for Design through Innovation in the 2018 RICS Awards, which showcases the most inspirational initiatives and developments in land, real estate, construction and infrastructure. Kährs’ range includes a selection of sustainable ash wood flooring designs, ranging from on-trend light grey hues to classic warm, natural beige shades, as well as other species of wood flooring including oak, walnut, beech and maple. All designs can be can found on Kährs’ Architect and Designer Website, where extensive product information including downloadable datasheets, swatch imagery and BIM objects are available – as well as an array of inspiring references.
Images: Top: Design Storey switched the focus of the house by removing the single garage and replacing it with a contemporary single-storey kitchen, dining and living area, where Kährs’ ash wood flooring runs throughout the open-plan design Above: Architect, Lydia Robinson, chose a Kährs ash flooring design as she was looking for a light wood flooring which reflected the Scandinavianinspired interiors
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Floors, Walls & Ceilings Images: Here: With so many hard surfaces, reverberated sound is controlled by the use of Troldtekt acoustic ceiling panels throughout the main living space and interior garage
Living with quiet One of the most unusual locations for Troldtekt acoustic ceiling tiles has to be found inside a fascinating new house in Sai Kung, Hong Kong.
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his remarkable and exciting project by Millimeter Interior Design has transformed an impractical and cramped split level into a four-storey home incorporating a large living room, family room, four bedrooms, den, open rooftop sitting area with spectacular sea, garden and a unique approach to garaging. The design is minimalist to the extreme with a simple but beautiful and ambient simplicity. The full ground floor stretches from the entrance out to the backyard deck, separated by a large set of foldable
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glass patio doors overlooking a 5m-long swimming pool. A cleverly designed sunken kitchen creates a clutter-free experience while perfectly fitting out all the essentials. The dining table is hidden at the floor level and can be elevated when required to further enhance space usage. With so many hard surfaces, reverberated sound is controlled by the use of Troldtekt acoustic ceiling panels throughout the main living space and interior garage. The benefits of 100% Troldtekt natural woodwool panels include high sound absorption,
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high durability, natural breathability, low-cost lifecycle performance and sustainability as documented by Cradle to Cradle certification at ‘Silver’ level. Available in various sizes and in four grades from extreme fine to coarse, they can be left untreated or painted in virtually any RAL colour. 8 www.troldtekt.co.uk * info@troldtekt.co.uk ( 01978
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