Inex February 2018

FEBRUARY 2018 ISSUE 54 inex-online.com Download the Inex app for iPhone, iPad and Android. Search ‘Inex-online’

ex[rated]

in[spire]

ex[pose]

in[sight]

Inex explores ORIGIN, a treetop hotel room designed by Atelier LAVIT

smartvoll reveals its stunning loft project and gives a whole new meaning to the word space

Inex takes a look at ecoBirdy’s children’s furniture, made from 100% recycled plastic

This month, Sally Homan talks to Inex about her decision to retrain as an interior designer

Duke Ellington School of the Arts, Washington D.C. cox graae + spack architects / Lance Bailey & Associates Photography: Š Chris Ambridge

Combining stunning looks with incredible durability, Armourcoat decorative polished plaster finishes can be used on walls and ceilings creating a wide range of effects, either standard or custom, to suit a contemporary or traditional interior style.

www.armourcoat.com

3 EDITORIAL

58 Editorial: Rebecca Kemp rebecca@mixedmediainfo.com Paige Smith paige@mixedmediainfo.com Digital Advertising: Sam Ball sam@mixedmediainfo.com Grant Jeffs grant@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: Charlie Ivy charlie@mixedmediainfo.com Managing Director: Sam Ball sam@mixedmediainfo.com Publisher: Mixed Media Information Pear Platt, Woodfalls Farm, Gravelly Way, Laddingford, Kent. ME18 6DA Tel: 01622 873229 Fax: 01622 320020

Terms and Conditions No responsibility will be taken for drawings, photography or literary contributions during transmission or in the editor’s hands. In the absence of an agreement the copyright of all contributions, literacy, 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 appearence or non publication of any advertisement.

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pcycling has long been a term batted around the interior world. By definition it means to reuse a discarded object or material in such a way as to create a product that is once again useful and often visually stunning. Taking something old, broken and useless and turning it into something extraordinary is, I’m sure you’ll agree, a charming notion. So imagine how satisfying creating a whole interior from just recycled products would be.

That’s exactly what one design studio in Japan did. Kengo Kuma and Associates took this enchanting idea to new heights when it decided to use discarded cables to decorate the whole interior of a bar and old bicycle pieces to transform the exterior. Turn to page 64 to step into the vivid and wondrous world of Tetchan Yakitori.

Elsewhere in this issue, Inex leaves the vibrant and colourful backstreets of Japan to explore the peaceful tree tops of the Château de Raray with Atelier LAVIT. On page 39, we uncover a tree house hidden high among the branches of an old oak tree that has been inspired by a bird’s nest, and on page 50 we discover how one restaurant in Downtown LA made ceilings and acoustic design an eye-catching feature.

Sticking to the theme of upcycling, here at Inex we’re excited to announce that we’ve had a little bit of a transformation ourselves! Next month’s copy will see a few changes style-wise, as well as the addition of our new regular feature Desired Designs, which will showcase a selection accessories; each issue will help add some flair to any interior. We’ll also be unveiling our brand-new website in March, which we think is pretty special! We hope you love the changes as much as we do!

50 Top left: A look inside Design Research Studio’s first state-side bar Cover: An immersive experience through the extraordinary rooms of Tetchan Yakitori bar Top: Managing Director at Lyndon by Boss Design, Tim Armitt, deliberates the importance of colour in commercial furniture Above: A look at a unique system of custom hexagonally-shaped cellular coffers made from recycled plastic to dampen sound in an LA restaurant

I hope you enjoy this edition. Don’t forget, you can also access all of Inex’s features and product inspiration at your fingertips via the magazine’s state-of-the-art app. To download your version free of charge, simply search ‘Inexonline’ on the App Store or Google play.

Paige

Paige Smith paige@mixedmediainfo.com Follow us on Twitter: @INEXonline Download the INEX app for iPhone, iPad and Android. Search 'Inex-online'.

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Keats by Lyndon Simple, clean, elegant.

A timber framed seating collection that is available with or without arms, Keats offers the ultimate in comfort and luxury.

Now available in seven refined painted frame colourways.

Head Office 342 Swindon Road, Cheltenham. GL51 9JZ.

London Showroom 29 Clerkenwell Road, London. EC1M 5RN.

sales@lyndon.co.uk lyndon.co.uk

5 CONTENTS A close look at the bird’s nest-like hotel rooms hidden in a French forest A tour of an exciting and inspiring loft space that smartvoll has created A look at the a bright and welcoming space Nulty has created within MÖKKI and Selfie bar and restaurant at the RitzCarlton Hotel

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08 LIGHTING

A look at the work that Nulty has recently completed on the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Kazakhstan.

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INSPIRE Design studio smartvoll unveils its incredible use of space in a loft conversion where a stunning staircase is the focal point.

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EXPOSE Brand-new company ecoBirdy has released its first collection of children’s furniture made from 100% recycled plastic.

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COMMERCIAL FURNITURE Tim Armitt, Managing Director at Lyndon

by Boss Design, discusses the importance of colour in commercial furniture.

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INSIGHT Sally Homan talks to Inex about her decision to have a complete career change and retrain as an interior designer.

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EXRATED Inex explores the treetop hotel rooms that Atelier LAVIT designed in the Château de Raray forest.

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WALLCOVERINGS Kingston Shaw Interior Design explains how it transformed a communal area for students with the help of wallcovering expert Tektura.

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CEILINGS & ACOUSTICS Tag Front, in conjunction with Arktura, has developed a system of custom hexagonally-shaped cellular coffers made of recycled plastic to dampen sound for 71 Above with stunning results.

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SCANDINAVIAN Furniture expert Wharfside shares how to make any interior look and feel like a Scandinavian haven.

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BAR DESIGN Design Research Studio – Tom Dixon’s architectural and interior arm – unveils its first state-side hospitality project in the form of Himitsu.

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RECLAIMED & RECYCLED Inex discovers Tetchan Yakitori bar where almost the entire interior is made of recycled materials.

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7 DIARY

The Brisbane Home Show BCEC, Australia 23-25 February Visit Brisbane’s Home Show to see, try and buy all the latest products for your kitchen, bathroom or interiors upgrade.

There are hundreds of new ideas for both inside and out. Get free expert advice from more than 280 leading Queensland suppliers. brisbanehomeshow.com

Athens Home Expo Maroussi, Athens 24 February - 4 March The biggest names in the area of furniture and home furnishings will present their most beautiful creations for nine consecutive days, giving you the unique opportunity to get to know a wide range of home furnishings and household equipment. athenshomeexpo.gr

HOME DECOR Poznan, Poland 6-9 March HOME DECOR is a perfect opportunity for traders and designers to learn about new products in the interior design industry. It’s a chance to find out what will be fashionable in the coming season and find new and exciting suppliers. homedecor.pl

UNICERA – Ceramic Bathroom Kitchen Fair CNR EXPO, Yesilkoy, Istanbul 27 February – 3 March UNICERA will exhibit more than 1000 leading brands this year that will display a wide range of products from bathroom products, floor and wall coatings, ceramic processing technologies, kitchenware, decoration products, packaging and storage. unicera.com

Life Instyle Royal Hall of Industries & Hordern Pavilion, Sydney 22-25 February Life Instyle is a trade event for boutique retailers showcasing emerging trends, brands and products on the cooler side of style and design. With a strong commitment to creativity and originality, the event provides a definitive platform and inspirationfilled sourcing experience. lifeinstyle.com.au

Scottish Interiors Showcase Macdonald Inchyra Hotel & Spa, Polmont 20–21 February Scottish Interiors Showcase is an annual trade-only event, which brings together over 80 key suppliers to the interior design, furniture, soft furnishing, lighting, gifts, hotel and retail marketplace. Scottish Interiors Showcase will continue to offer a unique opportunity to be the first to preview the very latest collections from some of the best suppliers and manufacturers to the interior world. scottishinteriorsshowcase.co.uk

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8 LIGHTING

Ritz-Carlton Hotel sees the light Nulty has recently completed work on the RitzCarlton Hotel, Astana, based in the exclusive Talan Towers, a high-end, mixed-use development in the capital of Kazakhstan.

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alan Towers is situated on the left bank of Astana, in the heart of the business district.

Forming the background of the main square, the towers have become an iconic landmark for the city, setting a new hospitality benchmark and providing a world-class destination for business and leisure travellers.

Working alongside design studio Blacksheep, Nulty has created two individual lighting design concepts: one for the all-day dining destination, MÖKKI, and the other for the penthouse sky bar, Selfie.

Located on the third floor of the luxury development, all-day restaurant MÖKKI features a large open space encompassing different retail zones such as a bakery, deli and grill. The main dining area at the heart of MÖKKI is characterised by a curved timber dropped ceiling, illuminated by track-mounted spotlights, positioned within the soffit above. This allows light to graze through the timber fins creating movement and intrigue whilst highlighting key areas of the restaurant.

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“Both hospitality areas use light in a very different way.

We created a bright and welcoming space within MÖKKI, highlighting surfaces and playing with textures and finishes, whereas the Selfie bar and restaurant needed a scheme that created mood and drama adding to the exclusivity of the space.”

Associate Lighting Designer, Anna Sandgren

A feature marble wall wraps the perimeter of the space with carefully positioned LED lights integrated behind, washing light up to create a subtle perimeter horizon. Lowlevel lighting has been added to the shelves within the bakery and deli, with integrated LEDs in the joinery to illuminate the produce.

Complementing the clean architecture of the various spaces, a brass trough is incorporated into the ceiling to form a grid system, allowing a consistent design aesthetic to flow throughout. Surfacemounted spotlights are nestled within the trough to provide general illumination, whilst suspended brass rails allow beams of soft light to graze the marble counters below.

The exclusive Selfie bar and restaurant is on the 18th floor of the tower. The space boasts spectacular panoramic views of the city’s skyline, framed by floor-to-ceiling windows.

The extraordinary ambience is created through a rich palette of jet-black marble, mahogany wood, velvet and copper, which continues throughout the space. The dark interior design is lifted by high

ceilings that feature deep recessed downlights to provide an intriguing dining experience. The lighting is purposely refined throughout to encourage intimacy and emphasise the breathtaking views.

The back of the restaurant features a slate marble wall installation trimmed with copper edges and illuminated by integrated LEDs to pick up the texture in the interior and provide additional depth to the space.

Mahogany wood columns punctuate the external wall of the restaurant and have been washed with light from above to highlight the rich material palette.

Decorative copper pendants are suspended throughout the dining space to create additional drama and contrast, whilst exuding a warm, intimate glow for guests sitting below.

The bar area has been backlit by illuminated light sheets to create a stunning backdrop that picks up the glint in the wine bottles and provides a visually exciting display and makes it the perfect place to relax. nultylighting.co.uk « INEX-ONLINE.COM

15 INSPIRE

The discovery of space On 350m2 and two storeys, the classic idea of a loft is noticeable, yet is being reinterpreted in many regards by the architects of smartvoll.

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special focus lies on the use of materials and what is technologically possible. For this project, architecture unfolds on the inside.

Smoothed and waxed concrete is one of the decisive materials for shaping the interior.

The space is not only being preserved, but it is being enriched by completely new qualities.

In order to ensure consistent brightness everywhere, smartvoll decided to forgo typical galleries and to basically leave the upper ribbon window free. Bedroom, bathroom and guestroom are distributed throughout the space, as separate bodies. The epicentre of the room is the kitchen – a 7m-long block. The whole composition is rounded off by a concrete sculpture, or stair sculpture, which not only opens up all rooms, but also appears to be carrying them.

“We wanted to revitalise the space’s original charm.

Magnanimity and a spatial experience of both storeys were priorities. In all dimensions.” smartvoll architects

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All images ©Tobias Colz / smartvoll

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“Through the stair sculpture, which spans across the rooms, you do not see the way between the levels as a vertical, functional connection, but rather as an electric spatial experience” smartvoll architects

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Here: The Noah bench

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“Connections of space and view are being held intact marvellously and the room is not being cut into different bodies, but can be experienced perfectly with its impressive height of 8m� smartvoll architects

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Incidentally, the sculpture divides the room, creates a roof over the kitchen, recesses and elevations and therefore allows you to stay in motion and to see everything from everywhere. The same applies to the glass shower, which protrudes from the fully-glazed bathing block at a height of 5m. James Bond-style decor like this can be found all over. The absolute highlight, albeit being a bit hidden, is the wellness area that includes a fireplace.

The stairs are an architecture within the architecture.

Concreted in-house, the engineering is being used in all respects. Besides the concrete, only subtle, semitransparent materials are being used, such as Profilit, to separate the guest area, curtains for the bedroom or integrated furniture, like a hanging steel shelf. Every other piece of furniture seems to be integrated into the construction. An unalterable picture, which celebrates only free space.

At the lower level, the room is connected to two balconies.

However, even this facade aligns itself with the carriers of the concrete sculpture in the slant – the balconies look like additional alcoves of the overall concept. They feature a contemplative zen-garden, including a grassy knoll, a tree jasmine and a classic relax-terrace. smartvoll.com  INEX-ONLINE.COM

24 EXPOSE

Fantastic plastic Officially launched in January 2018, ecoBirdy is a new brand that has presented its first collection of unique design furniture items for children at Maison & Objet in Paris.

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ollowing an in-depth two-year study period exploring how to sustainably recycle plastic toys, ecoBirdy started to create pieces that are made of 100% recycled plastic waste and can easily be recycled again.

The Antwerp-based designers have not only created design pieces, but a whole system from the collection and recycling of old, unused plastic toys to the design and production of the furniture. It was essential to the founders that each step be based on social and environmental responsibility.

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An accompanying storybook and school programme has been designed to introduce youngsters to the circular economy and inspire them to contribute to a more sustainable future. The design, recycling and production of ecoBirdy furniture is all done in Europe. Fair business practices are an integral part of the ethos.

In the words of ecoBirdy’s Founders, Vanessa Yuan and Joris Vanbriel: “We found that plastic toys use plastic more intensively than other consumer goods. By giving old plastic a new life, our aim is to free our ecosystem from its pernicious impact. As we use innovative technologies, made for the reuse of plastic, there is no need to add any pigments or resin.”

The collecion For the first collection, the designers have aimed to create pieces that enable children to experience creativity and at the same time raise awareness of sustainability. All items are made entirely out of recycled plastic from European waste. Due to accurate sorting, cleaning and grinding during the recycling process, the plastic of all products is absolutely free from harmful chemicals. It is clean, pure and 100% safe. Thanks to a speckled look, all pieces are vivid eye-catchers as well as being recognisable products of recycling.

25 EXPOSE

Rounded edges and a smooth silky surface make the furniture pieces pleasant to the touch and easy to clean. The whole collection is produced in Italy. In the manufacturing process, manual labour plays a significant role alongside machines.

Charlie the chair Friendly, soft forms and rounded edges are complemented by a large seating surface. This makes Charlie not only comfortable for children but also offers other advantages. Thanks to these shapes, Charlie is both light and stable, a combination that makes it simple for children to move and yet not easy to tip over. Suitable for private as well as public spaces, Charlie is supplied with an invisible floor anchoring device. Charlie comes in five colours and can be used both indoors and outdoors.

Luisa the table Part of a set with Charlie, Luisa is a table featuring soft shapes and rounded edges. Thanks to a smooth transition from the tabletop to the legs, Luisa is comfortable as well as safe for childrens’ use. Suitable for private as well as public spaces, Luisa is supplied with an invisible floor anchoring device.

The designers have not only created design pieces, but a whole system from the collection and recycling of old, unused plastic toys

Kiwi the storage container The playful shape of this unit reminds one of a kiwi bird, the body being the storage space. The beak is removable.

It was designed with the intention of raising awareness of the endangered kiwi bird species. This home accessory combines functionality with a frolicsome look and will never fail to capture attention.

to the design and production of the furniture

Rhino the lamp Thanks to the speckled look, Rhino casts a soft glowing light that brings a special atmosphere into a child’s room as well as any other spaces.

Taking its inspiration from rhinos, this piece aims to raise awareness, not only of of sustainability, but also of this endangered species. ecobirdy.com « INEX-ONLINE.COM

26 SHOW PREVIEWS

A world of innovation for a world of change Celebrating an impressive 32 years, kbb Birmingham – one of the UK’s largest and most established kitchen, bedroom and bathroom events – returns to the NEC, Birmingham, from 4 to 7th March.

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ollowing the success of last year’s theme, Future, kbb continues to forecast forthcoming trends and challenges facing the UK KBB community, identified by partner, AMA research. Bringing you a world of innovation for a world of change, kbb Birmingham will manifest four challenges and trends in each feature across the four days, providing innovation, inspiration and insight to help businesses grow in a world of change.

The four trends are: 1. Society: Evolving customer behaviours alter the meaning of lifestyle design, e.g. DIY-conscious early adopters outsource cutting-edge design and smart space innovations fuelling the installer skills shortage.

2. Smart technology: Be it future or fad, ‘smart’ is creating new possibilities for those on both sides of the debate, e.g. virtual reality transforms showroom buying behaviours and voice recognition modifies our use of space, whilst reactionaries revert to traditional kitchen and bathroom design.

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3. Disruption as opportunity: ‘Disruptors’ change the construction landscape, heralding new design opportunities, e.g. uncertainty surrounding Brexit stimulates house price stagnation driving a growing refurbishment market fuelled by mature, equity-rich homeowners undertaking big-ticket kitchen and bathroom projects.

4. Materiality: UK consumers demand higher quality products and materials, e.g. worktops continue to dominate the kitchen furniture market driving innovation and diversification in the surfaces sector.

The Innovation Awards, in partnership with Blum, aim to discover and celebrate brands that are producing products, methods and ideas that align with the theme’s four trends, to help shape the future of the industry. The award entries will be judged by an esteemed panel of judges including kbb’s Brand Director, Joel Butler, and the winners will be announced at the show for visitors to be able to cast an innovative eye on the winning products.

kbb Birmingham 2018 sees the return of great British companies along with new international exhibitors including, Smeg, Sensio, Perrin & Rowe, Villeroy & Boch, Crosswater, Karonia, Caple, Carron Bathrooms, Franke, Nolte, BLANCO, Samsung, Dansani, Blum, Hettich, Novy, Roper Rhodes and Impey.

Joel Butler commented: “I’m really looking forward to another successful year at kbb Birmingham, and particularly how the community will explore and learn from this year’s theme. We’re welcoming a range of new and returning exhibitors, all of which will showcase a high calibre of products, methods and ideas. I would recommend visitors try and spend more than one day at the show.”

Join the conversation with 16,000 industry buyers from 4 to 7th March, at NEC, Birmingham. Visit the website to register for your ticket and for more information on what you can find there, plus details of how to get there and where to stay. kbb.co.uk «

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London Design Week returns For six days in March, London Design Week 2018 at Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour is the nerve-centre of creative excellence – an unmissable event that is essential for anyone who wants the inside track on the latest design thinking.

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his celebration of the new season includes new imaginative installations, more than 100 immersive experiences, bespoke pop-ups and tempting food and drink. Visitors who value genuine talent, skill and provenance can discover the latest offerings from 120 exhibitors from around the world, while on the main stage, international speakers share their knowledge at the authoritative Conversations in Design series. A new initiative is ‘Legends’, which sees connoisseurs from the worlds of design and decoration, art, fashion and architecture collaborate to transform an array of showroom windows and showcases with wit and verve.

Channelling the design world’s rising spirit of individuality and creative expression, London Design Week 2018 seeks to go beyond fleeting trends. This is an event where powerful design professionals can engage with established makers and style-seekers can delve deeper

into their design passions via talks, demonstrations, workshops and discovery tours; and luxury brands can converse with emerging influencers and tastemakers.

The programme aims to be both accessible to all and sophisticated in its outlook, broadening awareness of outstanding design. A global audience of visitors and a host of international brands make this an event whose influence reaches far beyond its London base.

Claire German, Managing Director at Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour, says: “Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour has become known for its strong curated events. London Design Week 2018 promises a magical combination of design encounters and ways to connect with 600+ leading international brands, unseen anywhere else, all contributing to the many elements which will make this an unmissable week.”

There is courtesy transport and entrance is free. dcch.co.uk « INEX-ONLINE.COM

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Coloured wood furniture more than just a splash Here Tim Armitt, Managing Director at Lyndon by Boss Design, discusses the importance of colour in commercial furniture.

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hen it comes to interior design, it’s often said that the design process is never complete without considering the use of colours and colour combinations.

Whether it’s to highlight a particular feature, establish an identity, or create a mood, the impact that colour can have on a room and its occupants is undisputed. Colour also takes on a whole new meaning in the commercial arena and has been known to make or break a space. For instance, whilst the use of warm tones, like red, orange and yellow can energise a space; cooler tones such as blue, green and purple can help create a quiet and relaxing atmosphere. Also, as well as highlighting or obscuring an object, the clever use of colour can emphasise or diminish shapes and architectural details.

Whilst we know that colour can have a profound effect on a space, it has been the neutrals, taupes and the everpopular grey that have reigned supreme for many years in the commercial environment. However, all of that is set to change – vibrant colours are back with a vengeance.

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Whether it’s for leisure, hospitality, the workplace, retail or leisure interiors, colour is now becoming a major consideration and a fundamental element of the overall design. From vibrant accent walls to soft furnishings, floorcoverings and accessories, designers at last have unparalleled freedom to create bright and energetic commercial interiors.

Adding colour to a design scheme using accent walls, soft furnishings, and the usual accessories is nothing new.

Also, we’re all familiar with the power of colourful and patterned upholstery. Whether it’s used on sofas, lounge chairs, office task seating or even modular furniture, colourful upholstery can help create striking interiors.

Equally, when it comes to specifying quality timber frame furniture, we’re used to seeing natural finishes on woods such as walnut, birch and oak that lend a rather subtle yet elegant tone to each piece. However, such is the enthusiasm for the return of colour that some furniture manufacturers have taken colour to a whole new level, and it’s now possible to specify timber or wooden frame furniture in a wealth of vibrant colours too. The colour can be applied to the underframes, tables, legs and even the arms of timber frame seating, and the end result is the same – bold, vibrant and spectacular.

Whether it’s to echo corporate branding in the workplace, or to simply make a bold design statement in a hospitality venue, coloured wood furniture can be used to inspire emotions, create illusions such as a sense of space, or to simply just set the mood or atmosphere in a particular environment. Alternatively, the furniture can be cleverly chosen to blend with other colours in the design scheme, and by mixing and matching bold colours from the same corner of the colour wheel, a high-impact look can be achieved. The permutations for designers are endless.

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Standard colours look great, as do the on-trend orange and pretty pastels, vibrant yellow or ‘Ultra Violet’ – this year’s colour of the year. They are all simply magnificent and can transform an ordinary interior into one that’s quite extraordinary.

If there’s not a standard colour to suit a particular scheme, it’s worth talking to a furniture manufacturer that will offer a bespoke service.

Some will even produce the furniture frame in any RAL colour, which is a particularly useful option when reflecting branding in corporate interior design schemes.

Furniture, especially seating, is usually chosen based on its functionality, comfort, ergonomics and durability. However, subject to the scheme, the use of coloured furniture should be taken seriously too. Take a library interior for example. Whilst adult reading areas are intended to be calming and relaxing, younger children thrive in brightly-coloured environments.

Hence, the children’s section of the library is perfect for boldlycoloured seating and tables.

So, when it comes to the use of colour, don’t be limited to just the furnishings, paint and accessories.

With a little bit of thought and planning – and accessing the right furniture company of course – coloured timber furniture will make more than just a splash. lyndon.co.uk «

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32 INSIGHT

All images ©Suzanne Black

A change of direction After completing her science degree and having a career in the food industry for a while, Sally Homan decided to have a complete career change and retrain as an interior designer. She studied at the KLC School of Design and worked in the design industry in London before setting up her business, Robertson Lindsay interiors, in Edinburgh.

What inspired you to become an interior designer?

Throughout my 20s I bought and developed properties to live in as well as for a hobby. I really enjoyed making the transformations and this led to my career change.

Who has been your greatest source of inspiration throughout your career?

My clients! Every client has a different personal style. We like to work with them to explore their tastes so that we can create a bespoke home for them. It is important to me that each project is different and original.

How do you approach your projects?

The most important thing is to listen to your client and to review the space and how it is going to be used. My team and I then consider all these elements to develop a design scheme.

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Who is your favourite interior designer and why?

I love some of the American designers’ work – Kelly Wearstler for her fearlessness and Joan Behnke for her elegant designs.

Would you say that you have a design style? If so, how would you describe this style?

I love colour and pattern and have always been inspired by travel.

I like my designs to reflect the people who live in the home and will use the space. My designs are an accumulation of all of these influences.

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What do you believe is the biggest challenge for today’s interior designers?

A lot of very creative designers aren’t necessarily good business people. It is essential to run an efficient studio with a consistent flow of projects, provide excellent customer service and deliver on budget. In my previous career, I had to get millions of pounds worth of food into supermarkets on time and on a very tight budget. It taught me how to do that!

What has been your most notable project?

Unfortunately, client confidentiality gets in the way of questions like that! We are really enjoying our work on a Scottish castle. The architecture gives us a lot of challenges. Sometimes new-build houses might not seem so exciting at the outset but you have so much flexibility on how to change them.

Can you talk us through your concept for the City Centre Duplex Apartment project?

We had so much fun with this project.

Our clients were a great couple who had very different tastes in interiors.

One liked vintage-industrial and the other liked a relaxed, soft look. We created a design that worked for both of them and has their personalities woven through it.

How do you personally feel that you fulfilled the brief for the City Centre Duplex Apartment project?

Our clients were delighted with the result. We have created a home with heart and soul.

Have you witnessed any recurring requests from your clients?

Clients are regularly asking for their homes to be calm sanctuaries in which they can relax from their busy lives.

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Do you have a preferred colour palette that you enjoy working with?

I particularly enjoy working with green and blue, they reflect nature, are relaxing to live with and work very well in country properties.

Can you please talk us through the brief that you received for the Fife Farmhouse project?

Our clients wanted the home to reflect the colours of the surrounding countryside and for it to be relaxing.

How do you personally feel that you fulfilled this brief?

There is so much inspiration in nature. We used soft blues and greens with muted neutrals throughout the house.

The interior flows seamlessly with the views pictured through the windows.

What do you believe is of utmost importance when it comes to the interior design?

Delivering a great aesthetic is obviously the aim. It is so important to deliver this on budget and on time for the project to be a success.

What advice would you offer to those that are considering a career in interior design?

Be very professional in how you apply for roles. It is a brilliant career and competition can be quite fierce for jobs.

Make sure you have researched the company you apply to and send a portfolio to the director so that you stand out.

Don’t expect to be a front-line top designer until you have learnt on the job. So much of this job is about delivery.

The creative design is just the tip of the iceberg.

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What do you believe is the biggest challenge for newly qualified interior designers?

It can be hard to get your foot in the door. We receive hundreds of CVs and requests for work experience.

If you work hard on your CV and portfolio you will stand out. Don’t forget to mention your business skills like numeracy, communication and organisation. So many courses don’t teach it and it is vital.

Do you have any favourite suppliers for your interior schemes?

Yes – they are the small creative manufacturers that we have worked INEX-ONLINE.COM

with for years as the business has grown. In terms of the big names, I love De le Cuona for paisleys, Jim Thompson for colourful fabrics and Colefax for their soft country blues.

What can we expect to see from you over the next year?

We are working on a remote Scottish cottage in the Mull of Kintyre. The beautiful countryside colours of the region are inspiring our design. We also have several projects in central Edinburgh where we are focusing on immaculate cabinetry and bespoke lighting schemes. robertson-lindsay.com «

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39 EXRATED INSPIRE

A treetop retreat As its customers often define it, ORIGIN is an exceptional cabin, a unique and tailor-made project hidden among the tree tops.

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hundred-year-old oak – one of the most beautiful and tall of the domain of the Château de Raray – was the starting point for the whole reflection: how to sublimate the tree?

Concept The architectural challenge for Atelier LAVIT was to create a functional and comfortable hotel room, being faithful to the first inspiration of the project – a bird’s nest. The design of the cabin, coupled with the construction techniques, led to a rationalisation of the assembly logic of the branches collected by the birds to create their impregnable shelters.

A meeting point between poetry and carpentry mastery, ORIGIN tree house discreetly stands out among the centenarian oaks of the Château de Raray forest, as if it had always been part of the scenery.

Majestic and elegant, it integrates and completes an already impressive landscape, sublimating it by offering a shelter.

Access The access is a sequence – passing first from a platform suspended on another tall oak 30m away, which includes a heated spa and a chilling area. Then a wooden walkway, 10m from the ground, leads you straight into the heart of the nest.

ORIGIN is an exceptional cabin. This unique and tailor-made project is hidden among the tree tops and was inspired by the notion of a bird’s nest.

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Terrace A wooden ladder invites you to continue the ascent in close contact with the tree, to find a large 360° panoramic roof terrace.

A belvedere on the oak forest of the domain, as surprising as unexpected because it’s hidden by the exterior wooden cladding.

Patio The octagonal plan organises the space around the oak trunk, incorporating it into the inhabited volume as the protagonist of the space that is the entrance to the tree house. Once on the patio, there is easy access to the living area thanks to two large sliding glass doors.

Nest A cosy, bright and intimate atmosphere fills the space thanks to the large windows. The inner lining of the wall is made out of poplar tree, a light and clear wood essence with a subtle scent. The smooth, flat interior walls are matched by the custom-made furniture surfaces, worked with fine horizontal slats, in a simple game of geometric volumes.

Around the patio, the living spaces develop in succession; from the entrance to the living area and the sleeping area, until a narrow corridor with three sliding doors that give access respectively to a dressing room, a well-equipped bathroom and a technical closet.

Each one of the living spaces faces the large windows overlooking the forest, offering a mid-air view on the foliage of the centennial oaks of the domain.

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Marco LAVIT NICORA Born 1986, Marco Lavit graduated in architecture at Ecole Speciale d’Architecture, Paris and at Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, Melbourne in 2011. His dissertation was on wineries design. His sensibility towards design took shape at the studio of the Architect and Designer Riccardo Blumer. His time at LAN Architecture further strengthened his architectural direction, with a strong focus on design culture and attention to detail.

Marco founded his architecture and design practice, Atelier LAVIT, in 2014 together with Carlo Lavit. Since then, the practice has been active in France and Italy. Atelier LAVIT’s work originates from the dialogue with artisans and their savoir-faire, especially made in Italy. Architecture and design often proceed in parallel, striving to reach essential forms. This approach results in an extemporal production, which does not follow trends, but rather lets the strength of raw materials speak for the designs themselves. In architecture, the studio has a preference for the use of wood, often applied to unusual and innovative housing structures.

In 2017, Atelier LAVIT realised an exclusive tree house for the Park of Raray Castle, France, and a series of surprising, floating cabins for a hotel in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, France. Marco is one of the Rising Talent Awards 2018 for Maison & Objet Paris. atelier-lavit.com «

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48 WALLCOVERINGS

Lessons on design Kingston Shaw Interior Design was delighted to have completed the design of the communal spaces for its clients Crosslane Group and Prime Student Living with the help of wallcovering expert Tektura.

The new student accommodation is situated in Sheffield and is the latest luxury student living project by the companies.

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eaturing a games room, gym, communal eating area, social hub, workspaces and a cinema room, Brass Founders offers students a luxury home from home.

“Designing this wonderful space was an opportunity to re-imagine our own student accommodation desires and provide a unique space for today’s scholars to live, work and study in,” explains Kingston Shaw’s Managing Director, Kate Kingston. “Working with exceptional professionals on the project allowed us to design a space that combined practicality with luxury and in turn created a multi-functional distinctive and stylish space. We have INEX-ONLINE.COM

incorporated a life-size Twister board in the games room and sourced a bird-cage chair for the living room, which we suspect will become the ‘selfie-shot’ of the space.”

Crosslane engaged with Kingston Shaw Interior Design because it wanted to provide its customers with a boutique hotel feel, which Kingston Shaw is renowned for providing. The spaces were designed to be inviting, elegant and inspiring.

Moving away from the traditional student accommodation by using sumptuous fabrics and memorable wallcoverings. The individual spaces exude character and, combined, create a truly unique and personality-led property.

Kingston Shaw drew on its experience as a hotel designer to inject colour and interest into the spaces, whilst maintaining functionality and operational utilities.

Working with Tektura products enabled Kingston Shaw to deliver its vision through the wallcoverings, creating a woodland feel to the entrance using the Heritage Wood and a regal feel to the dining area using the Old Masters George V. Kingston Shaw was impressed with the assistance that it received from both the technical and logistics departments at Tektura, making specification and delivery professional. tektura.com «

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The Yellow Trees mural has been customised in black and white The Ink Blot design was chosen for the wall adjacent to the tree print and around the window areas The Old Masters George V mural gives the dining room a regal feel

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50 CEILINGS & ACOUSTICS

Taking acoustic design to new heights The design for 71 Above is influenced by the radial plan of the building it sits in. This is a continuous space allowing every seat in both the dining and lounge areas to enjoy the tower’s 360° panoramic views of Downtown Los Angeles.

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key challenge to the design was how to manage the solar control. It was agreed upon that views of the city should be easily accessible, day or night.

Considering that the restaurant is on the 71st floor, the selected glazing uses a special electrically controlled glass that changes opacity as the sun moves across the sky, minimising the heat and glare within the restaurant, and making any type of window coverings unnecessary.

The electrically controlled glass is framed by thick steel columns INEX-ONLINE.COM

clad in fire-proofing material. The steel columns are concealed by bent wood panels that curve out over the dining area just below the ceiling.

The sides of the columns adjacent to the windows are clad entirely in mirrored glass making the columns disappear visually. Because of this, the windows appear wider than they actually are and the columns seem to be impossibly thin giving the illusion of a much more expansive view. In some areas, the wood panels conceal collapsible partitions that can be pulled out to make private dining rooms.

51 CEILINGS & ACOUSTICS

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52 CEILINGS & ACOUSTICS

Hexagons Tag Front, in conjunction with Arktura, developed a system of custom hexagonally-shaped cellular coffers made of recycled plastic to dampen sound. The grid adapts to the complex, circular geometries of the building, filling most of the space while leaving strategic voids for the brass chandeliers to be suspended below them. This arrangement complements the city grid into the distance.

The aesthetic environment is the result of a carefully selected and curated design by Tag Front.

Details such as the handmade tiles behind the bar and on the walls were all specified. All furniture was either custom or specially altered in some way to complete the vision Tag Front had for 71 Above.

The attention to detail is clearly visible in the rich variety of finishes chosen, including the fabrics, leathers, hardware, wood, marbles and colours. tagfront.com ÂŤ INEX-ONLINE.COM

53 CEILINGS & ACOUSTICS

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54 WALLCOVERINGS Search ‘ibuildmagazine’

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55 SCANDINAVIAN

How to design a Scandinavian sanctuary With the trends from this stunning region sweeping the interior world, Wharfside shares how to make your interior look and feel like a Scandinavian haven.

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ou may have heard of the term ‘lagom’ or ‘hygge’ which were Scandinavian interior buzzwords throughout last year. They mean to have a way of life within your home, which is uncluttered and to only have what you truly require within the space. Now, don’t fear, if your client has children or pets, or just a few pieces they wish to showcase, this doesn’t mean they have to get rid of them all, it means keeping the items they love and clearing out the clutter. Here, Wharfside discusses the perfect way to create a Scandinavian sanctuary.

Colour schemes Don’t fear, you don’t have to go all white if you don’t want to, there are some fantastic ways to add warmth and colour to a Scandinavian scheme, to help keep a client sane if they have children, dogs or just love a touch of colour.

Think black accents Monochrome is a fantastic classic, and works beautifully for Scandinavian design. If you can’t bring yourself to use black paint, think about using black frames for artwork, to help make a white wall have more depth.

Pops of yellow Grey is a neutral for Scandinavian design, and one of the best colours to match with this calming hue is a bright yellow. Adding a pop of yellow really will help to bring a sunny and bright feeling into a space.

Grey is your friend We just mentioned the importance of grey as a neutral colour in Scandi designs, so if white is just too stark, opt for grey as your base colour – it goes with everything and it is

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a great colour for homes which are more family-oriented rather than the showhome feel.

Use warm woods Warm wood is a wonderful way to bring depth and warmth to a Scandi scheme. Scandinavian homes and designs are full of wood and natural fabrics and materials, so opt for a warmer wood such as cherry.

Blue is a go-to Blue is a colour that many Scandi homes have, particularly for the bedroom. The blue we are thinking of is cool, nearly there, and of a neutral style – helping to aid calm and serenity for the space you sleep in.

Bedrooms Scandinavian design works really well for the bedroom – it creates a space which is calm, and technology-free, enabling your clients to get a good night’s sleep, without any distractions. Consider removing any technology from the bedroom as a starting point.

Another way to help create a Scandinavian-inspired bedroom is to have great storage for items, providing a place for clients to store things away

when they get into bed at the end of the day.

Remove that armchair that is only used to throw dirty clothes on, and invest in a stunning wardrobe which will entice the homeowner to want to hang up their clothes.

Often, Scandinavian bedrooms are light and bright, which can feel a little strange to some of us who are used to creating cosy spaces in a bedroom.

However, there is method behind the whites, greys and blues – it creates an airy, inviting and awakening space in a bedroom, perfect for darker mornings when it is hard to get up. It also feels more fresh and inviting.

Now, if you still want cosy, go for a grey paint, and add the all-important textures and layers to make the room feel incredibly luxurious. Consider scatter pillows, and a luxurious throw over the bed, particularly inviting for our colder winter nights!

When choosing the furniture, often the right wood is one which is lighter in colour, such as alder, beech or oak, as these work beautifully with the lighter colour schemes. You can then add some deeper colours with bed linens and curtains, such as navy blue, or deep greys. wharfside.co.uk «

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58 BAR DESIGN INSPIRE

A mixology of Japan and America Design Research Studio – Tom Dixon’s architectural and interior arm – unveils its first state-side hospitality project in the form of Himitsu, a cocktail lounge-bar in Atlanta, Georgia.

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nspired by Japanese mixology and American prohibition, Himitsu is a darkly theatrical speakeasy, peppered with the rich colours and textures inspired by the emotion and drama captured in Todd Murphy’s painting King of Birds. Himitsu – meaning ‘secret’ in Japanese – is the sister bar to popular Atlanta sushi haunt, Umi Sushi.

Design Research Studio has created a raw yet sophisticated aesthetic for the brand-new cocktail lounge. Playfully offsetting slick, metallic against rougher, natural materials, the interior retains the pre-existing industrial features and exposed structural details.

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The bar The focal point of Himitsu is the illuminated copper bar which frames the alchemy performed by the mixologists and celebrates the craftsmanship behind the cocktail-making process.

An installation of the newlylaunched Tom Dixon Melt pendants, are delicately suspended in the central void and create a striking gesture upon arrival. The Melt pendant draws inspiration from molten metal, distorted natural forms and emits a hallucinogenic glow that casts an ethereal luminosity and sets the tone for the rest of the bar.

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63 BAR DESIGN

Himitsu is furnished with a composition of sculptural pieces that were selected to create distinct silhouettes within in the space.

Smoked mirror and natural marble tabletops sit on industrial Tom Dixon roll bases to form a tactile landscape of surfaces which explore texture, distortion and the reflection of rough against the smooth.

The result is a luxurious lounge, central dining and an animated bar which are defined by the various seating clusters and light levels to create both open and intimate spaces for entertainment. designresearchstudio.net ÂŤ

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Down to the wire When Kengo Kuma and Associates designed Tetchan Yakitori bar, the practice wanted to inherit the atmosphere of a makeshift barrack street emerging after the war.

T

he project took place in Kichijoji – one of Tokyo’s suburban towns.

Harmonica Yokocho is a wondrous bystreet that still retains the atmosphere of black-market stalls during the post-World War II period.

Kengo Kuma and Associates designed the interior for a small Yakitori bar that sits on the edge of the street.

The bar interior is mostly made of recycled materials. The company applied recycled LAN cables over every surface which created a shaggy, wooly look. As a result, an amazing interior emerged, where form becomes invisible and only materiality

and various colours appear as if floating in the air. It also came to match well with the wall painting by Teruhiko Yumura.

Throughout the project at Tetchan Kichijoji, Nakadai – a company which handles scrap materials – helped develop an idea using LAN cables, acrylic balls and 300 bicycle wheels with exposed rims, that were used to cover the entire facade of the building.

Inside, the tables and chairs are also made with the same, allowing the design team to build a consistent space using the wheel rims as the basic particles. kkaa.co.jp «

THE FOLLOWING PAGES WILL ALLOW YOU TO COMPLETELY IMMERSE YOURSELF INTO THE VIVID AND WONDROUS WORLD OF TETCHAN YAKITORI

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74 PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

A new twist for Christopher Hyde Christopher Hyde Lighting, bespoke lighting expert, based at the Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour, has added a new range to its contemporary collection. The dynamic new collection of the Granada and Seville lights has captured a different take on the Christopher Hyde brand. With inner finishes available in gold, silver and copperleaf, these lights are given added luxury. This exciting collection comes with LED lighting technology.

LEDs are the most energyefficient bulbs. They use 90% less energy than traditional incandescent light bulbs and can pay for themselves through energy savings in just a couple of months. christopherhyde.com 0207 351 0863

Lyndon takes the high road Lyndon’s Agent high table with bar stools combines first-class style with functionality – perfect for informal, corporate and hospitality environments, and where space is at a premium.

Oozing style and appeal, the Agent high table features a robust yet elegant white MFC top that creates a durable finish lasting for up to several years. The simple yet bold lines of the table and the quality of the timber used for the underframe reflect Lyndon’s expertise in handcrafting wood materials, as well as giving the table an exquisite finish. The coordinating bar stool achieves high levels of comfort courtesy of a generous scoop to the seat. lyndon.co.uk 01242 584897 INEX-ONLINE.COM

Innovative modern design with BLANCO’s COLLECTIS 6-S sink The COLLECTIS 6-S sink demonstrates the innovative modern design from BLANCO UK which meets the user’s needs. The functional sink has a central sorting bin to make it convenient for the user when organising and preparing food. The sorting bin comes with a lid to cover the bin when not in use and is integrated with a sorting compartment which is fitted with a space-saving waste pipe to collect the waste cuttings. With an elegant look and practical outflow, the COLLECTIS 6-S is available in White, Tartufo, Pearl Grey, Nutmeg, Rock Grey, Jasmine, Coffee, Champagne, Anthracite and Alumetallic. blanco.co.uk 01923 635200

Polyflor launches Polysafe Quattro PUR Polyflor has just announced the launch of its new Polysafe Quattro collection. This innovative safety flooring range offers barefoot and shod sustainable wet slip resistance with a stud-free finish for enhanced comfort underfoot. Polysafe Quattro has been specifically designed to provide a high degree of slip resistance in continually wet areas within the healthcare, residential care, housing and leisure sectors. This includes areas such as changing rooms, walk-in showers, wetrooms, adapted bathrooms, spas and pool surrounds. As the potential for slips is higher in wet environments, it is important to choose an HSE-compliant safety flooring such as Polysafe Quattro which offers sustainable slip resistance. polyflor.com 0161 767 1111

75 PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

Duke Ellington Theatre egg Washington D.C.’s Duke Ellington School of the Arts reopened last year following a multi-million-dollar renovation.

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he modernisation project, designed by a joint venture partnership between cox graae + spack architects and Lance Bailey & Associates, has transformed the ageing historic national landmark into a top-tier student facility.

The stunning design has struck a balance between restoring and respecting the original historic building while creating major new

academic and performance spaces.

The interior environment centres on a giant oval-shaped structure within the four-storey atrium – the Duke Ellington Theatre egg. Inside the egg is a full-sized 800-seat theatre complete with orchestra pit, lighting catwalks and high-performing acoustics.

Advanced BIM modelling and 3D laser scanning techniques were employed for the complex design of the theatre. Once constructed,

the outer shell was expertly hand-finished in Armourcoat polished plaster by local installer ACI/Senza Fine. The design team took inspiration from piano keys for the interior, featuring crisp white wall finishes with black accents, paying homage to the iconic Musician, Composer and D.C. native Edward Kennedy ‘Duke’ Ellington. In total, over 25,000ft2 of finishes were applied to the theatre, cafeteria walls and columns over three levels.

Chris Ambridge, Associate Principal at cg+s architects, commented: “The choice to use Armourcoat came at the end of an extended process of exploring many options. The decision was important since the theatre is the centrepiece at the heart of the school. We found a precedent in London of a similarly complex application and quickly became comfortable that Armourcoat was the right product for our project in terms of cost, schedule and aesthetics. The project team and client have been delighted with the end result; the finish is sophisticated and durable. We hope to have opportunities to use Armourcoat again in the future.” armourcoat.com « 01732 460668 « marketing@armourcoat.co.uk « INEX-ONLINE.COM

76 PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

Introducing AQATA’s new DS500 Quintet shower enclosure AQATA has expanded its Design Solutions range to include the new DS500 Quintet. The uniquely five-sided shower enclosure fits perfectly into corners providing a contemporary design as well as maximising the bathroom’s floor area – creating a feeling of more space. The DS500 Quintet enclosure has been introduced to the Design Solutions collection of luxury frameless 10mm shower enclosures and screens. Measuring 2010mm in height and available in two sizes: 900 x 900mm and 1200 x 900mm, the DS500 offers great versatility and can be ordered as a rightor left-hand opening. Continuous clear seals fit seamlessly between the glass and the hinges to provide a discreet seal and the frameless glass door has positive magnetic closing.

01455 896500 aqata.co.uk

Salone del Mobile 2018: Experience a new dimension in bathroom design At this year’s Salone del Mobile, AXOR and Hansgrohe, the two brands of the Hansgrohe Group, will delight visitors with groundbreaking bathroom and kitchen innovations. From 17th to 22nd April, industry-leading professionals and design-conscious consumers will be able to explore new products presented by the two brands at the Rho exhibition centre in hall 22. For 25 years, AXOR has been a pioneer in the development and production of avant-garde design objects for luxury bathrooms and kitchens. To celebrate its 25th anniversary, AXOR will be exclusively premiering AXOR M.E (My Edition). hansgrohe.co.uk 01372 472001

Domus launches Geometrica – a pastel-coloured porcelain tile collection Launching at Domus this month, the Geometrica tile collection is a colourful glazed porcelain range with a matt concreteeffect finish. Inspired by artistic and architectural movements of the 20th century, the tiles show various motifs and design inspirations, from the Bauhaus to Pierre Chareau; from the Beat generation to a cyber-style. In an alphabet of basic shapes, Geometrica comprises five solid colours along with graphic patterns in a predominantly pastel-coloured palette, with the addition of black. domusgroup.com 0207 819 2300

Innovative modular furniture system makes every space matter Boss Design’s new ATOM furniture collection is a revolutionary concept created by award-winning Furniture Designer Simon Pengelly. An extensive system consisting of modularised seating, tables, desks and screens, ATOM is the most versatile furniture collection on the market – a single family of products capable of furnishing an entire workplace. Flexibility and choice are paramount in creating a dynamic workplace that enables everyone to work in their own way.

Maximising productivity and wellbeing, ATOM has been designed to offer a seamless and holistic furniture solution for a complete working environment; from reception to boardroom, facilitating the needs of small and large teams, as well as individual focused working. bossdesign.com 01384 455570

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LEVATO MONO

Porcelain paver system and coordinating internal tiling The Deck Tile Co’s new website www.surface360.co.uk now has +150 colours and finishes in their Levato Mono 20mm porcelain ranges plus co-ordinating internal tiling – enabling seamless visual transition between internal and external spaces.

20mm porcelain pavers 40x80 45x90 60x60 75x75 80x80 30x120 40x120 60x120 ‘Floating floor’ – installation over single ply membranes Eternal product - zero maintenance required – offering massive overlife savings Highly abrasion and stain resistant Highly slip resistant ; R11 AB+C Lightweight – 45kgs per m2

INTRODUCING OUR NEW WEBSITE: WWW.SURFACE360.CO.UK

High load bearing and impact resistance Timber, stone & cementitious effects Completely non porous Ideal for balconies, roof terraces and piazzas, for both commercial and residential use Frost proof Height adjustable/slope correcting support system ranging from 9mm up to 550mm

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