Inex July 2016

JULY 2016 ISSUE 35 inex-online.com Download the Inex app for iPhone, iPad and Android. Search ‘Inex-online’

in[sight]

ex[rated]

in[spire]

ex[pose]

Faiza Seth and Radhika Seth talk to Inex about the merger of their two companies to form Casa Forma London

Hakwood and FleaFollyArchitects teamed up for June’s Clerkenwell Design Week to produce the HakFolly installation

Inex takes readers on a guided tour of N Studio’s recent project for Notting Hill’s Prince Edward Mansions

Brothers and Sons talk to Inex about the inspiration behind their Alumni collection which started with the aluminium Alpha

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3 EDITORIAL

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Editor in Chief: Hannah Frackiewicz hannah@mixedmediainfo.com Editorial Assistant: Rebecca Kemp rebecca@mixedmediainfo.com Digital Advertising: Sam Ball sam@mixedmediainfo.com Michael Abrahams michael@mixedmediainfo.com Studio Manager: Chris Lilly chris@mixedmediainfo.com Production: Jack Witcomb jack@mixedmediainfo.com Artworker/Sub-editor: David Perry david@mixedmediainfo.com Accounts: Simone Jones simone@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

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ospitality is a key market for the design industry. It’s a sector that is constantly under scrutiny, in respect that it must meet and exceed customer expectations and satisfy all of their needs. First impressions are integral to the instant satisfaction of these establishments, therefore the interior design plays a crucial role.

From upholstery and cabinetry through to the electrical fixtures and fittings, every interior element must be considered and surpass the guest’s expectations of quality. It is no mean feat, but one that is certainly made possible with the high level of products currently available in the marketplace.

In this month’s edition, Inex explores MKV Design’s most recent projects which involved the completion of two luxury hotels in Azerbaijan. Turn to page 26 to find out more. Meanwhile on page 42, Hamilton Litestat reveals how its high-end switch plates and sockets met the contemporary needs of a Lithuanian hotel.

Elsewhere in this issue, founders of Casa Forma and Luxury Interiors London announce their recent merger to form Casa Forma London, Web Blinds explores the current trends within conservatories and their uses and aeris discusses the evolution of the workplace and the essential provision of trusted office furniture.

I hope you enjoy this issue. 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 ‘Inex-online’ on the App Store or Google play.

26 Top left: N Studio created Prince Edward Mansions’ scheme far from the ‘show home’ feel that many of today’s homes stage Cover: Faiza Seth and Radhika Seth have united their expertise and knowledge to form Casa Forma London Top: Before Alumni’s inception, Brothers and Sons was in search of an alternative for the Woody chair Above: MKV Design’s Boulevard Baku scheme features full-height bronze fretwork throughout Boulevard’s public areas

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.

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

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Offering a pure and slender appearance, Diana has a timeless appeal. Manufactured from solid beech & hardwood it is ideally suited to cafe, brasserie, restaurant or domestic environments.

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5 CONTENTS

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JULY DIARY

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INSPIRE N Studio’s Head of Interior Design Holly Stone and Creative Director See-Beng Ng give Inex readers a grand tour of the company’s recent project in the affluent area of Notting Hill.

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INSIGHT Inex profiles the new merger of Luxury Interiors London and Casa Forma – Casa Forma London – as it embarks on its journey in the interior design industry as one.

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EXRATED FleaFollyArchitects and Hakwood collaborated during Clerkenwell Design Week to produce HakFolly, an installation inspired by the stacking of wood found in Hakwood’s factory.

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EXPOSE Brothers and Sons is known for breaking standards which is evident from the company’s Alumni collection. Here, Inex outlines the inspiration behind the collection.

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HOTEL Responsible for two of Baku’s most opulent hotel designs, MKV gives Inex a run down on the brief received for Intourist Baku and Boulevard Baku.

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KBB In keeping with Inex’s hospitality focus, Hansgrohe offers advice on how bathrooms play a key role in hospitality venues and what today’s hotel guests expect from their personal showering experiences.

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COMMERCIAL FURNITURE Wellbeing in the workplace is a topic in frequent conversation amongst interior designers. Here, aeris clarifies how high-quality, flexible office furniture will motivate today’s office workers.

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CONSERVATORY Web Blinds runs through its study for the current oddest uses for conservatories in the UK and how to add a splash of colour to an otherwise junk-filled space.

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HVAC Simon Buddle, Senior HVAC Consultant at Cornflake, offers his advice on specifying the right HVAC systems for your clients.

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Top left:

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FleaFollyArchitects took inspiration from Hakwood’s

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factory for the HakFolly installation Middle: aeris’ 3D ergonomics concept supports and encourages a natural, selforganised motion Left: Blinds are a great way to add a splash of colour to a conservatory

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7 DIARY

The Manchester Furniture Show Manchester Central 17-19 July Manchester is the place to be for contract buyers, interior designers, specifiers and procurement officers this summer. The newest trends in upholstery, dining, beds and bedroom furniture will all be on show at Manchester Central; a unique, up-tothe-minute exhibition space, right in the heart of this magnificent city. manchesterfurnitureshow.com Harrogate Home & Gift Buyers’ Festival Harrogate, North Yorkshire 17-20 July With over 250 new suppliers amongst the 850+ exhibitors at this year’s Home & Gift Buyers’ Festival, attendees can feel more inspired and indulged than ever. There are over 1000 leading brands covering four dedicated sectors – giftware, interiors and accessories, jewellery and fashion alongside greetings and stationery. homeandgift.co.uk

Las Vegas Market 475 S. Grand Central Pkwy, Las Vegas 31 July- 4 August Since its launch in the summer of 2005, Las Vegas Market has become the most comprehensive furniture, home decor and gift market in Western United States, presenting a unique cross section of 3000+ resources in an unrivalled market destination. At this year’s show you can expect the fastest growing gift and home decor market in the nation, new category launches – including casual and outdoor furnishings – alongside housewares and gourmet in a five million square foot, state-of-the-art venue. lasvegasmarket.com Decor + Design Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre, Australia 21-24 July Decor + Design is an interior designer’s heaven. Showcasing products as far as the eye can see, with over 250 exhibitors showcasing the latest in interiors, soft furnishings, lighting, homewares and furniture, Decor + Design is a platform for designers to be inspired and an event that will increase designers’ knowledge. decordesignshow.com.au

Australian International Furniture Fair Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre, Australia 21-24 July Co-located with Decor +Design is the Australian International Furniture Fair (AIFF), the largest trade-only show for the furniture and interiors industry, offering numerous opportunities to do business face-to-face with some of Australia’s leading retailer groups, independent retailers and buyers. It is the must-attend event to discover new trends and products, enhance relationships and secure orders. aiff.net.au

The Other Art Fair Arnolfini, Bristol 22-24 July The Other Art Fair is a leading artist fair to discover and buy art directly from the very best emerging artistic talent. This summer, the fair returns for a second regional instalment at Bristol’s waterside Arnolfini, presenting a variety of hand-picked works by 80 contemporary artists. Celebrated for its unique and immersive visitor experience, The Other Art Fair’s 12th UK edition will continue to delight and inspire its visitors. bristol.theotherartfair.com

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8 INSPIRE

Fit for a prince N Studio is the interior design and interior architecture studio behind a number of London’s most stunning homes. Nestled between Notting Hill’s Moscow Road and Hereford Road stands N Studio’s recent addition to its portfolio, Prince Edward Mansions.

With a particular emphasis on integrating unique antique pieces into the dwelling, N Studio created this scheme far from the ‘show home’ feel that many of today’s homes stage.

N

Studio’s team is made up of a diverse group of individuals with a broad range of skills and specialisms. Head of Interior Design Holly Stone and Creative Director See-Beng Ng are at the forefront of N Studio. Here, Holly and See-Beng take Inex on a tour of their affluent project in West London’s esteemed location, Notting Hill.

Open-plan living The brief N Studio received for the Prince Edward Mansions was all about optimising the space for family living, whilst staging an elegant style. Holly explains how they achieved this specification:

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“This started with the layout and although the apartment had a good footprint, it was divided into too many separate rooms. It needed reconfiguration that was suitable for today’s preference for openplan living.”

A specific cue within the brief centred around the master suite where N Studio was asked to create a spacious master bedroom with ample storage space seamlessly integrated into the fabric of the architecture and a luxurious bathroom space. N Studio was briefed to create a large, sociable family kitchen with space for dining, as well as a separate formal entertainment space and a family chill-out space.

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“We are always inspired by the style of the property itself,” comments Holly. “It is important that design is sympathetic to its environment and the architecture.

The team takes inspiration across our travels and we are often at markets or auctions to find unique items for our homes imbuing them with personality and originality.

We find that even finding one item can inspire an entire room scheme.”

It was important to N Studio that the bedroom felt like a sanctuary. “We didn’t approach the scheme for this room in terms of forming a main focal point,” Holly clarifies. “It was more important that the colours and style were sympathetic and soft with light feminine touches. Having said that, there is a pair of large, vintage Italian mirrors above each bedside table that increase the feeling of space in the room, which creates a sense of history and naturally draws the eye when you enter.”

Top left: N Studio found a striking mid-century painting at the Battersea Antiques Fair which is hung outside the panelling within the dining room Bottom left: The neighbourhood around Prince Edward Mansions is already very well established Right: Fine architectural detail, for example the cage lift, helped set the scene for N Studio’s

Light and fresh The palette within the main bedroom combines pale blues, soft greys and creams with touches of tan. N Studio chose this palette to complement the dove grey and bianco p marbles in the adjoining master bathroom. “The palette is serene and, on a sunny day, its lightness and freshness makes it a stunning place to be,” Holly enlightens. “It is not often that the bathroom leads the colour scheme of a bedroom, but in this case it felt right.”

design approach Below: N Studio wanted the important formal drawing room to really respond to the period of the property

The wallpaper chosen for the master bedroom is from Fromental and depicts a rockscape with hand-finished detailing. The design was worked out and scaled to fit the wall, resulting in a bespoke element to the design. “We wanted something that would be an interesting but not overwhelming backdrop to the bed,” comments Holly. “The wallpaper’s fluid design and calm colours are a perfect addition to the scheme and serve to open up the space, drawing your eye around the horizon of the lines and around the entirety of the room.”

N Studio wanted the important formal drawing room to really respond to the period of the property. The dimensions of the room means that full-height panelling creates a sense of grandeur, rather than closing it in.

Additionally, with such dimensions, features like the beautiful fumed oak herringbone flooring can really be appreciated.

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bright and abstract feel to the walls.

Watercolours provide that brightness of colour, but with a softness and subtlety of line that create such a delicate and beautiful backdrop.” The art was also influenced by a rug N Studio designed in collaboration with Allegra Hicks to ensure that the colours worked harmoniously together.

“We considered installing a period fireplace in the room, but felt that we wanted to create more of a statement,” explains Holly. “We designed a travertine and brass contemporary fire surround that brings a touch of modernity whilst also nodding to the period features of the apartment.

The drawing room and dining room had previously been separate rooms, so once N Studio had combined them into an open-plan space, the maximisation of space and light was seamless. To make sure that theme continued, N Studio kept the colours neutral, light and fresh.

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A work of art Each piece of art within the drawing room is a bespoke commission.

“The oil above the fireplace was commissioned to complement the vast canvas in the dining room and is predominantly neutral in colour, with a hint of the teal present in the large piece,” explains Holly. “We were influenced by the layout of the panelling when choosing the series of artworks for the wall behind the sofa.

With three large panels, there was scope for a collection to be displayed prominently. We planned for a set of eight and found that watercolour would be the best medium to give a

Top left: The brief N Studio received for the Prince Edward Mansions was all about optimising the space for family living Top centre: N Studio created a bathing space that is inviting and conducive to encourage people to relax Right: The wallpaper chosen for the master bedroom is from Fromental and depicts a rockscape

Making connections N Studio successfully connected the drawing and dining room through the flow of space, achieved through the room layout and choice of the furniture. “Approaching the rooms with one colour palette helped,” explains Holly. “As well as a continuous and symbiotic flow of finishes throughout.”

As a family home, the family kitchen is where most meals would be eaten, leaving the dining room reserved for more formal occasions.

With this in mind, N Studio treated the dining table as though it were a hall table, propped with books and interesting artefacts.

N Studio found a striking midcentury painting at the Battersea

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Antiques Fair which is hung outside the panelling within the dining room, rather than inside, giving a more contemporary feel to the piece. “This was actually our first purchase for the room, but we thought it was special and dramatic enough to create a scheme around it,” explains Holly.

“Personally, excluding the artwork, I find the main focal point within the dining room the beautiful dining table. It was created as a bespoke piece, so it could fit the space perfectly. The real beauty in the piece is in the timber. We used a beautiful poplar burr and the piece underwent many rounds of sampling for the stain finish, as we wanted to get the honey colour just right to work with the fumed oak floor, as well as the room as a whole.

Clients increasingly want to know that they have a one-of-a-kind item that no one else will have.”

N Studio fulfilled the brief by making a beautiful home that suits the functionality requirements of a modern family. The layout now works for a modern family, with spaces opened up such as in the entrance hall and staircase, improving the sense of arrival in the home. “Our eclectic approach gives the impression that both the furniture and the artwork have been curated over a number of years, providing an authentic and homely feel. We’ve created a home with soul and character,” concludes Holly.

Rise to the challenge One of the biggest challenges N Studio found with this project was the integration of the various ‘mod cons’. See-Beng Ng elaborates: “Usually this is a complex task on any building project, but it has been significantly more challenging working on a heritage building.

We had to ensure that modern technology was seamlessly designed into the apartment whilst not compromising on the architectural integrity and the quality of the interior spaces.”

Working with an existing building meant N Studio was constrained by existing structures and interior features. “This made the coordination of the technical design more complex,” explains See-Beng Ng. “The technology of a home is quite often overlooked and the irony is that these are often the items that eat up a large amount of space. Working collaboratively and closely with the engineer is key.”

Authenticity is very important in N Studio’s design, particularly when working with an existing building with a very particular heritage style.

Whilst there were only a few surviving original architectural features within the apartment, the external facade of the building (red brick Edwardian mansion block) and the fine architectural detail within the communal hallway (for example the cage lift) helped set the scene for N Studio’s design approach.

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12 INSPIRE Right: The veining of the marble in the double shower room provides an added layer of sophistication and design interest Below: N Studio chose pale blues, soft greys and creams to complement the dove grey and bianco p marbles in the master bathroom

“This became our point of reference,” clarifies See-Beng Ng. “Our design put emphasis on being contextual without resorting to pastiche. We wanted to create something contemporary to reflect a ‘modern lifestyle’ while remaining authentic to the grain of the building.”

An example of this is the timber flooring. N Studio specified a hand bevelled product that had gone through several stages of the drying and smoking processes to achieve the exact balance of tonality and colour that sat comfortably within the apartment. “We are very pleased with the high quality of the craftsmanship and how it significantly enhanced the quality of the interior space,” comments See-Beng Ng. Pure luxury Historically, bathing and selfgrooming were much more of a ritual and people took the time and pleasure in getting ready. N Studio felt this ritual was somewhat lost and forgotten in the rush of our modern lives where everything is instant and speed is of the essence.

There is currently a growing awareness of health and wellness which N Studio wished to channel INEX-ONLINE.COM

in this serene apartment. N Studio created a bathing space that is inviting and conducive to encourage people to relax, unwind and reflect.

Marble has long-established itself as the prestigious material for the more luxurious bathrooms.

Take the grand bathing houses of Budapest and the Turkish bathhouses in Istanbul for example.

N Studio wanted to recreate this sense of luxury and grandeur within a domestic scale. The veining of the marble provided an added layer of sophistication and design interest.

Marble is also a very practical material – its natural properties for withstanding environments of high humidity and heat also makes it a very practical choice for the bathroom scheme.

“The neighbourhood around Prince Edward Mansions is already very well established. Potential clients, in our minds, will have very high expectations. Our astute understanding of how people would like to live has allowed us to create a home of very high quality; a well-designed layout with generous living and functional spaces,” concludes See-Beng Ng. nstudio.com «

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14 INSIGHT

New beginnings Award-winning luxury property development, architecture and interior design firm, Casa Forma, and interior design and sourcing agency, Luxury Interiors London, have announced a merger. Faiza Seth, Founder of Casa Forma, and Radhika Seth, CEO of Luxury Interiors London, will unite their expertise and knowledge to form Casa Forma London. Here, they both talk to Inex about what their collaboration will bring to the industry.

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aiza Seth launched Casa Forma in 2007 as a property development business. After the global financial slowdown in 2008, Faiza took a more conservative view of investing generally and evolved Casa Forma into a bespoke, luxury interior design and architecture firm. Radhika set up Luxury Interiors London in 2004 as a procurement agency. In 2006, Luxury Interiors London started taking on larger sourcing projects and a year later the company won its first international project for one of Asia’s largest developers.

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Can you please you give us a brief description of both your backgrounds?

Faiza: I was born in India, but moved with my family to the United States when I was two and grew up in Chicago. Living all over the world has given me an understanding of different cultures and an appreciation of diversity. This has been incredibly useful in our work as it has inspired me with stylistic elements taken from the various cultures, but also, as so much of our work has an international focus, it has helped me build relationships with people from diverse backgrounds all over the world, leading to both personal and professional enrichment.

15 INSIGHT

Radhika: I think one of the reasons Faiza and I work so well together is that we have had similar backgrounds with a broad range of cultural experiences throughout our upbringings. I was also born in India, but moved with my family to Canada when I was three. I then went to boarding school for a few years in India before returning to London. Since then, I lived all over the US before finally returning to London in 2004.

Above: The merged Casa Forma London team is the result of drawing together the best aspects of both companies Left: Radhika loves working with clients who are willing to let her be creative Bottom left: Faiza Seth and Radhika Seth will unite their expertise and knowledge to form Casa Forma London

How did the merger of Casa Forma and Luxury Interiors London come about?

Faiza: I was introduced to Radhika through a mutual friend and I just felt that Radhika was driven, hardworking and had the same vision as me. I had built Casa Forma’s brand over the past nine years and our design expertise, the ability to offer both architectural and interior design services, our brand and our reputation has Casa Forma longevity in the interior design and architecture industry.

Top right: One Hyde Park is Radhika’s favourite project from Casa Forma’s portfolio Right: The company ensures that its projects aren’t focused on filling a property with the same pieces

What do you believe that this collaboration will bring to future Casa Forma London clients?

Radhika: Our companies do have complementary strengths and weaknesses, and we’ve found that through sharing our knowledge, expertise, and with a stronger combined team, the business benefits and ultimately the experience is better for our clients.

Do you both have signature styles?

If so how will you merge these together?

Faiza: My personal style is classic contemporary with a touch of Art Deco which I feel is sophisticated and timeless. However, Casa Forma as a company doesn’t have a particular design style or formula and we focus our designs to suit the needs of each of our clients.

Radhika: As it’s our clients and not us who will be living in these properties, the design should be tailored to their lifestyle and personal taste. So for each of our projects, we assign one lead contact, who the client is able to talk to about the design and what it is they require from the space. This allows our clients to be exactly as involved or removed from the design process as they want.

What can you each bring to Casa Forma London?

Radhika: Funnily enough we both studied economics in university, so together we have a good understanding of the business issues surrounding the property market.

Personally, my prior work with Luxury Interiors London has given me a lot of experience in sourcing luxury products and building up the contacts required to have access to some of the most exclusive items and opportunities which our clients are seeking.

Faiza: I have always enjoyed working

with clients to create beautiful spaces.

From the nine years that I have spent with Casa Forma, I have gained a large amount of experience in the structural changes that can be made to a home in order to improve the experience of living there. I often think that the largest part of our work is the structural redesign, as it can change so much about a property; from the levels of light in a room, to the flow of people through the property, structural redesign truly changes the character of the building before we even begin thinking about fixtures and fittings.

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16 INSIGHT

Left: One of the things that Radhika admires about Casa Forma is the success it has had over time Below: Faiza Seth launched Casa Forma in 2007 as a property development business

What inspires each of your designs?

Faiza: I have always been inspired by the beauty that surrounds us all the time. My inspiration comes from nature, art, travel, and simply the observation of everyday beauty.

Radhika: I’m inspired by the people we work with, both the Casa Forma in-house team, but also our clients. They present us with design challenges every day that we have to come up with interesting and beautiful solutions for and often that has led to some of the most original and striking pieces that we’ve worked on.

How will you work together on schemes?

Radhika: One of the most exciting elements of the design process is the collaborative brainstorming period where we all work as a team. It’s important for us that we bring together our individual experience and expertise to create the best possible finished project for our clients.

Do you both have strengths and weaknesses that the other does not?

Radhika: We do try and work together on most of our projects so that each of us can add our own thoughts and design ideas. Faiza is an incredible strategist and manages all elements of branding and marketing.

Faiza: Radhika is very good at understanding and creating relationships with our clients and ensuring effective delivery of our services through our incredibly talented international team of architects and designers, so often she handles those aspects.

What do you admire about each other’s companies?

Radhika: One of the things that I admire about Casa Forma is the success it has had over time. You see so many design companies that have really great ideas, but lack the longevity and credibility that Casa Forma has achieved. It really is a testament to Casa Forma’s award-winning team, INEX-ONLINE.COM

brand strength and maintaining consistent high standards and attention to detail that it has continued to grow for so many years.

Faiza: Luxury Interiors London had strong business strategies and really good leadership that allowed it to become established in an industry with lots of competitors.

I think it’s an impressive feat that shows that those heading up the company are strong and decisive.

What is your favourite project from each other’s portfolio?

Radhika: One Hyde Park is my favourite project from Casa Forma’s portfolio because it truly represents bespoke luxury design and the timeless, refined elegance that Casa Forma strives to achieve.

My opinion coincides with general consensus as the property has won numerous design awards since completion.

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18 INSIGHT

What do you feel is a key consideration for designers working with high-end interiors?

Radhika: A lot of people assume that high-end interiors is all about sourcing the most exclusive and expensive items and throwing a vast amount of money at a project in general, however that’s not how we approach design. Often, our high-end clients want creativity and value, along with good quality. At Casa Forma, our ethos is that highend design is about time spent on a project, so we work with our client to create a space that is perfectly suited to them.

Faiza: For me it’s about providing a fully bespoke service to deliver properties with beautiful, timeless interior design. We ensure that our projects aren’t focused on filling a property with the same pieces from high-profile designers that many people will have, instead we make a lot of the fixtures and fittings inhouse so they are truly bespoke. Our design studio does of course believe in timeless, refined elegance, but our service and design style is entirely client focused.

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How are your teams finding working together?

Radhika: As with any merger, it has taken some time for everyone to settle in and for us to do some reorganisation and structuring to make Casa Forma stronger and more efficient than ever before, but I feel the merged Casa Forma London team that we have today is the result of drawing together the best aspects of both companies.

Is there a particular type of project that you would both like to work on?

Radhika: At Casa Forma London we love every project we work on, it’s what makes us so good at what we do. Commercially, I love working on innovative projects, true industry trend-setters. We are currently in negotiations with some of the world’s top international developers to work with them on launching the next generation of luxury developments in various markets. Privately, I love working with clients who are willing to let us be creative, think outside the box and design them a truly luxury residence designed around their life and personal tastes.

What materials do you like to work with and why?

Faiza: There is a wide range of fantastic innovative materials available these days and we are always researching for new, exciting finishes and solutions for our projects. We specify a lot of handmade, bespoke materials specially developed by artists such as gilt decorative glass, antiqued glass mirrors and semi-precious stones. I like to work with these materials because they result in beautiful, unusual design elements that people may not have come across before. casaforma.co.uk «

Above left: Faiza’s personal style is classic contemporary with a touch of Art Deco Top: At Casa Forma, the ethos is that high-end design is about time spent on a project Above: Casa Forma London specifies a lot of handmade, bespoke materials specially developed for projects

19 INSIGHT

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20 EXRATED

Stack it up Hakwood, a family company based in the Netherlands, works closely with architects and designers worldwide. Hakwood flooring adorns the most impressive interiors in more than 60 countries from the Louis Vuitton Foundation in Paris and Saks on Fifth Avenue in Chicago, to the breathtaking Shard in London and the Royal Monceau Hotel in Paris. In June, Hakwood was the proud sponsor of a striking installation at Clerkenwell Design Week, HakFolly.

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esigned and built by FleaFollyArchitects, HakFolly is a reference to the monastic past of London’s St John’s Gate. The concept arose when FleaFollyArchitects visited Hakwood’s factory in the Netherlands where FleaFollyArchitects took inspiration from the quantity and repetition of the stacked wood found in and around the factory. The practice managed to turn this inspiration into a vision with a sophisticated installation of stacked timber that received a vast amount of attention at this year’s Clerkenwell Design Week (CDW).

Beauty, strength and durability William Knight, CDW’s Show Director, introduced FleaFollyArchitects to Hakwood.

Whilst visiting Hakwood’s factory, the architects noticed that during all stages of the timber floor fabrication the wood was stacked, creating unusual tiered structures that in themselves were quite beautiful but never seen by

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the public. FleaFollyArchitects relished the idea of not solely using Hakwood’s finished plank products, but including additional timber elements used during the fabrication process of the boards.

FleaFollyArchitects therefore presented the viewer with not only a glimpse of the finished product, but an abstract sense of Hakwood’s manufacturing and stacking process. The entire structure is made through stacked timber which illustrates the beauty, strength, durability and inherent quality of the timber boards by utilising them in a way which creates not a floor, but a space and a piece of architecture.

Sitting at 4.5m high, this ‘temple of timber’ came about after months of careful planning and tight time restrictions for on site work – the structure itself took two days to install.

The installation was created using Hakwood’s Duoplank flooring, with a bespoke finish – HV1358, a custom pink to match CDW’s signature magenta colour.

21 EXRATED Far left: Whilst visiting Hakwood’s factory, FleaFollyArchitects noticed that during all stages of the timber floor fabrication the wood was stacked, creating unusual tiered structures Below left: The entire structure is made through stacked timber which illustrates beauty, strength and durability Left: FleaFollyArchitects relished the idea of not solely using Hakwood’s finished plank products, but including additional timber elements used during the fabrication process Left: The combination of Hakwood’s products were fundamental for the installation due to

The combination of these products were fundamental for the installation due to FleaFollyArchitects’ vision.

“Hakwood were keen for this installation not to be a promotion for their products, but an opportunity to show both the company and product in a different and eyecatching light. Through a close collaboration between Hakwood and FleaFollyArchitects, we have used our experience in crafting narratives to create a complex and exciting spatial experience which takes Hakwood’s highquality products beyond their typical use,” commented Thomas Hillier, of FleaFollyArchitects.

Marketing Director of Hakwood, Holly Hak, added: “This was a great opportunity to collaborate with FleaFollyArchitects and participate at Clerkenwell Design Week. The installation appealed to a diverse range of visitors, from all ages of the general public, to students, interior designers and architects. We had great feedback about the HakFolly installation and we commend FleaFollyArchitects for their vision and execution.”

The installation responded directly to the archway at St John’s Gate, while maintaining the stacked narrative.

The architects were inspired by the monastic atmosphere and the rich historic culture which surrounded the archway. Their ambition was to create a tranquil and peaceful moment within the festival, as a parallel response to the serene ambience the historic archway creates within the hustle and bustle of Clerkenwell.

The clever black and white engraving created by FleaFollyArchitects to represent the installation further, supported the link to St John’s Gate’s long history.

FleaFollyArchitects’ vision Below: The installation was created using Hakwood’s Duoplank flooring, with a bespoke finish – HV1358, a custom pink to match CDW’s signature magenta colour

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22 EXRATED

Above: The material started with wood and FleaFollyArchitects had to figure out how it could use this material to design the installation

The design process The material started with wood and FleaFollyArchitects had to figure out how it could use this material to design the installation. HakFolly was their answer to this design challenge. FleaFollyArchitects was fond of the natural and sustainable look, feel and even smell of the installation. The stability of the material made it successful in an exterior setting.

Left: FleaFollyArchitects presented the viewer with not only a glimpse of the finished product, but an abstract sense of Hakwood’s manufacturing and stacking process

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Materials A big benefit to the limited mechanical fasteners used in the stack is that the material can be recycled into a new project. Hakwood sought an opportunity to donate the material and happily found a collaboration with Bath Spa University’s design department. These students will use the material for an interesting design project in October.

Natural materials always bring something authentic and timeless to a design. One benefit of European oak is that it is very receptive to colour and texture treatments and techniques. This allows European oak to keep its natural appeal while having the flexibility to fit each project’s unique style.

Hakwood will be exhibiting at the 100% Design Show in September. During this show it will launch a new and exciting product. hakwood.com «

CONSTELLATION Designed By

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Constellation

CONSTELLATION

Available in eight new colours, Constellation creates even more choice for designers by providing a contemporary twist in carpet planks

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24 EXPOSE

Breaking standards With great passion and design expertise, Brothers and Sons creates surprisingly timeless collections of beautiful, functional furniture made with innovative, sustainable materials. Breaking standards is Brothers and Sons’ goal and this is illustrated in the design of its distinctly remarkable Alumni collection.

Above: When designing this collection, Brothers and Sons found it vitally important to offer an entire collection to suit various areas of the industry Left: The Alumni Alpha was the first design for the Alumni collection Above right: Before Alumni’s inception,

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efore Alumni’s inception, Brothers and Sons was in search of an alternative for the Woody chair.

With initial drawings produced two years ago based on the Woody chair’s design, Alumni has now been produced into an autonomic collection. A vital step for the company in the design process was to research the production possibilities of aluminium as a primary material. And, after substantial investigations, the Alumni Alpha was the first successful design. From the outset, Brothers and Sons designed the Alpha chair with its intention for the lifestyle market, but today the company sees Alpha admirably inhabiting a high-end store or a designer’s showroom.

Brothers and Sons was in search of an alternative for the Woody chair

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Clean, slick designs Brothers and Sons’ aluminium concept came into play when the company wanted to incorporate an arm rest into its original Woody chair-inspired design, however the team hit a brick wall when it came to the wooden construction and were in search of another solution.

25 EXPOSE

clients with different looks and endless options of coatings and upholstery to make each chair suitable for a multitude of interior projects.

All Alumni models within the collection have no reference to one other, making each piece truly unique.

There are five various models within the collection with a wide range of colours, coatings and upholstery.

From the beginning, Brothers and Sons was convinced the Alpha should be able to have an upholstery option.

Firstly, due to user comfort, but also for a warm aesthetic and feel to suit clients’ preferences with an abundance of fabric and colour options.

Brothers and Sons wanted the linear shape of the bucket seat to keep its true character. It was important for the company to keep the inside and the outside separate, which is why Brothers and Sons prevented the fabric from folding over the edge of the chair, resulting in clear, crisp outlines as Jasper specified from the outset.

As a company, Brothers and Sons lays its focus on the high-end sector of the interior design world, with a blink towards the residential sector. For the future, the company believes that a home will easily be transferred into an office environment and vice versa, which is why the company introduced the Alumni Task to this innovative collection.

Shortly after this setback, Jasper Broeders, Owner of Brothers and Sons, announced his profound interest in producing a bucket seat from aluminium. Jasper wanted to develop a chair that would resemble the clean, slick lines of modern computers, such as those found on Apple’s products. With a design based on the focus of the material, the design process took flight with the sharp shape of the Woody the first step to designing a faceted bucket seat, as opposed to a round seat, which was a logic choice when using aluminium as a prime material.

Brothers and Sons wanted to eliminate the idea of its first Alumni chair being ‘the next plastic bucket seat’ and decided to break the standards with ‘real’ materials that anticipate a sense of touch.

It was a challenging road for Brothers and Sons to find the right production method for the Alumni collection. However, after testing several techniques, Brothers and Sons found a way to create the perfect design.

The final Alpha execution arose after deciding the bucket seat would not fit the original Woody underframe – it would have been too big and out of scale. During development, Brothers and Sons created the folded legs in the same aluminium material, which was a perfect fit and the Alumni Alpha was born.

Sporting a different look After designing the Alpha, Brothers and Sons created four further bases.

Today, the Alumni series provides

The collection Designed for offices and meeting rooms, the Alumni Task is a simple, practical design. The chair’s height alignment has been specially developed for this piece, alongside the custom-made base which fits perfectly with the seat itself.

Although a practical design, this piece still, as with the rest of the collection, makes a statement.

Another addition to the collection is the Alumni Wood, which the company describes as “a true valuable addition to the series”. This model fits particularly well within the hospitality sector and can even make a unique inclusion within the residential sector. The material contrast between the aluminium and an organic, warm material like wood results in its own character and stands out.

Sledge frames are proving popular within today’s furniture industry, so Brothers and Sons wanted to participate in this supply and demand. Regularly, a standard sledge frame is connected to a seat, but as the company designs every base separately, the sledge frame was designed specially for the Alumni seat, following the chair’s linear shape.

More feminine and less robust than the Alpha is the Alumni Grace. The name speaks for itself, the Alumni Grace is a graceful, light design. This particular model was designed for high-end restaurant, club and hotel sectors.

When designing this collection, Brothers and Sons found it vitally important to offer an entire collection to suit various areas of the industry. Which is why the company is currently in the development process for an Alumni bar stool to add to the collection, with a concept for the future of designing a lower and wider armchair addition. brothersandsons.com « INEX-ONLINE.COM

26 HOTEL

Brilliance in Baku In the 17 years since Founder Maria Katsarou Vafiadis founded MKV Design the company has completed a unique roll call of interior projects around the world for independent hotels, leading hotel brands and owners of luxury residences. One of the company’s recent projects involved the completion of two luxury hotels in Baku, Azerbaijan.

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KV received two briefs, one for Intourist Baku and one for Boulevard Baku, which are both part of Marriott’s Autograph collection.

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Both hotels celebrate Baku’s past while symbolising the international and aspirational city it is becoming.

MKV’s first brief was for Boulevard Baku, the largest conference hotel within Baku.

Situated on the seafront of the Caspian Sea, the client wished for the hotel to capture the story of Boulevard Baku’s location. MKV was responsible for the design of all the lobby and lounge areas as well as the conference area and the spa. The brief required MKV to create a distinct identity for these spaces, with references to the city’s industrial legacy while celebrating the 21st century rebirth of Baku and the aspirational lifestyles of the city’s residents as they look to the future.

Boulevard Baku The design of the Boulevard Baku’s public spaces is a confluence of past, present and future. MKV delved into Azerbaijan’s rich culture and diverse geography, as well as into Baku’s architectural inheritance and its past association with the Silk Road. Allusions to these were introduced throughout the design. MKV’s designers also engaged with Baku’s vibrant contemporary art scene, working with local artists to create modern, fresh, stylish and international indoor spaces.

Boulevard Baku’s extensive spa and wellness facilities, in addition to serving hotel guests, is a private health club for local residents comprising a state-of-the-art fitness centre, an indoor pool with natural daylight, a beauty salon and a spa. Connection with nature is at the heart of the spa. This is a timeless space where the indoor pool area looks onto the garden outside and, during summer, opens up to allow guests to take treatments and relax outdoors in the sunshine. Yet, during the cold winter months, the spa envelops guests in its comfortably curvaceous forms and elegantly defined spaces.

27 HOTEL

Above left: Full-height bronze fretwork is a continuous feature throughout Boulevard’s public areas Above right: The sheer size of the Boulevard and the scale of its lobby meant that MKV needed to create impact in this space to give it soul Below left: Boulevard’s indoor pool is a timeless space that looks onto the garden outside Right: The design of the Boulevard Baku’s public spaces is a

The sheer size of the Boulevard and the scale of its lobby meant that MKV needed to create impact in this space to give it soul. Two rows of large, structural columns define the space and features such as full-height bronze fretwork, which is a continuous feature throughout Boulevard’s public areas, screens and sheer curtains were introduced around these to soften the effect and form more human-scale seating areas. A recessed pewter ceiling and a modern glass chandelier adds warmth and lightness to the contemporary sofas and the vibrantly coloured accessories and rugs. From the lobby, the long corridors have very directional features, such as water cut marble with an Italian gold mosaic within the floor.

confluence of past, present and future

Intourist Baku MKV’s second brief was for Intourist Baku, located just 11 miles away from Boulevard Baku’s location close to the Baku Eye. Here, the client wished to create a hotel with the glamour, sophistication and intimacy of Baku’s original Intourist Hotel which, during its mid-20th century heyday, was ‘the place to be seen’.

Although the architectural design of Intourist Baku’s new building was a replica of its predecessor, MKV responded to the brief by designing a hotel with a narrative that is clearly its own. Boutique in quality and scale, the interiors of the new hotel might be a lovely family home or a special place for local people, reviving memories, but within a 21st century context. The design vision was to create a hotel that is glamorous, contemporary and intimate in ambience.

MKV approached Intourist Baku with a view to reimagining the atmosphere of the original Intourist in its heyday, rather than a literal recreation of past interiors and since the building was in fact new, there were no historical parts to incorporate.

Intourist Baku’s lounge has the ambience of an exclusive member’s club with a mid-century design aesthetic that complements the clean lines of the interior architecture.

Elegant furniture and lighting in INEX-ONLINE.COM

28 HOTEL

modern classic forms, by renowned European brands, are finished in high-quality materials and rich tones. Harmonising with the warm colour palette, a green forest marble wall with a recessed fireplace and log storage forms a dramatic backdrop. The overall effect is one of sophisticated glamour.

Reflecting both of the hotels’ external environments within the internal design was more explicit

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within the Boulevard, as the design of the new hotel is very much about the story of its location. Baku’s industrial legacy is experienced on arrival in the reception lobby, where gas fires flank the entrance, shooting flames upwards from granite hearths that are set against a background of falling water.

Two eye-catching metal sculptures on each side of the reception desk remind guests of Azerbaijan’s wealth of birdlife and behind them, abstract

artwork suggests the Caspian Sea on a summer’s day. The 1300m2 column-free ballroom departs from all reference to the industrial past into a design inspired by nature. Hundreds of white metal leaves cluster on the ceiling, the patterning to the carpet suggests a forest floor and the room opens onto an internal courtyard with planting and a water feature. The spa too has an intrinsic connection to nature and the sea, towards which it faces. Above the indoor pool, sculptural leaves suspended from the ceiling create a soft ‘tree canopy’ and seem to dance in the rippling light.

Intourist offers subtle references to its location, but it is more about the world inside than the Boulevard.

Glass chandeliers, floating through the reception and restaurant areas, allude to the sails of the old ships which once ploughed the Caspian Sea – cultural motifs were the design inspiration for the reception floor pattern, as well as for the decorative timber screens which recur throughout the public areas. Artwork in the guestroom corridors consist of large-scale images of old Baku buildings, which MKV photographed and reworked in collaboration with a local art gallery.

The Boulevard Hotel is primarily a large hotel for business and functions, so MKV placed a lot of emphasis on

Above left: Boutique in quality and scale, Intourist’s interiors of the new hotel might be a lovely family home or a special place for local people, reviving memories Centre: Intourist Baku’s bar concept is of an international style that will appeal to a sophisticated clientele Left: Intourist Baku’s lounge has the ambience of an exclusive member’s club with a mid-century design aesthetic Below right: The client wished to create a hotel with the glamour, sophistication and intimacy of Baku’s original Intourist Hotel

29 HOTEL

helping guests find their way around the public areas, creating in effect a grid to allow for ease of navigation and by giving long corridors a very directional feel with a parade of screens and a magnificent floor patterning. Whereas, Intourist’s guests were likely to be local and international people ‘in the know’, confident in quietly sophisticated interiors and familiar with high-quality pieces. MKV responded, for example, by including collections of original contemporary furniture in the public areas and a crystal embossed wallpaper in the otherwise streamlined guestrooms.

Located between the lounge and restaurant areas, Intourist Baku’s bar concept is of an international style that will appeal to a sophisticated clientele. The antiqued brass of the bar glimmers under shafts of light slicing through dark walnut timber and white lacquer boxes suspended from the ceiling in a crafted design which ‘cuts through’ the marble wall from the lounge. The hint of a seagoing raft is apparent in these boxes, an idea picked up in a printed canvas, set into a porthole-shaped frame over the bar which depicts an ancient ship that might once have set sail from the seafaring nation of Azerbaijan. The timber flooring is composed of hexagonal panels in an M.C. Escher fashion and a striking zig zag table traverses the bar space – a striking alternative to the conventional sharing table.

Comfort is the primary consideration when creating a luxury restaurant experience that requires getting every element exactly right, beginning with a thorough understanding of how the space will flow from an operational point of view and following this through to the fine details that make a place feel exceptional. MKV’s challenge with Intourist Hotel’s restaurant was a series of structural columns that dominated the space. So, MKV softened their appearance with mirror cladding overlaid with sheers and screens, some of which can slide between columns to create more intimate spaces. Dining tables feature polished copper

details and smartly tailored seating is supremely comfortable. An entire wall features a mural and another is clad in exquisite travertine stone.

A chandelier of illuminated glass droplets adds a feminine touch to balance the architectural lines and hard surfaces. To the rear of the restaurant, an open kitchen provides an interactive dining experience.

The public spaces in Intourist flow naturally from the entrance lobby, leading guests into the next area with intriguing glimpses and carefully composed views. Behind the reception desks are the first of the decorative timber screens which recur through the ground floor space, with their hint of a 1960’s patina, together with full-height sheers and a magnificent cascade of ceiling pendants that swirl through the public areas like an unfurling sail, they hold the spaces together while each area has its own experience to offer.

Creating luxury As a company, MKV believes that a luxury hotel experience is a combination of many things. Maria elaborates: “Within the mix of service, design, facilities and location, design can help to deliver a sense of place and authenticity, as well as those exquisite details that create enduring memories

for guests. Guests want to share their stories when they get home and great memories reinforce the sense of luxury.

“A generous amount of space is also often said to be important, especially a large guestroom and bathroom. This simply cannot always be achieved in urban hotels where there are constraints on space and, here, the skill and creativity of the designer becomes even more important in creating a sense of luxury through high-quality finishes and furnishings – those details appreciated by well-travelled connoisseurs of hotels.

For me, a lovely spa is all-important alongside public areas where guests can feel at home, but with the added advantage of being looked after.”

MKV set out to create cohesive interior schemes that flow seamlessly throughout both the Boulevard and Intourist, such that each space has a distinct identity yet belongs to an interconnected whole, which Maria believes “is particularly important in hotel public areas where patrons need to be able to easily navigate their way to a restaurant, bar, spa or function area”. In each of the Baku hotels, the material finishes, colour palettes and bespoke features create a design language that is used to both delineate and link individual spaces. mkvdesign.com «

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30 KBB

5-star showering Whether staying in a budget airport hotel or luxury villa within a hotel resort, guests now judge the quality of the establishment by its bathrooms. No longer is the hotel bathroom simply a functional space, it is becoming much more a part of a guest’s stay. The budget hotel sector is an area of the market that manufacturers would be foolish to ignore. Here, Hansgrohe explains what today’s guests expect from bathrooms in the hospitality sector.

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onsumers’ demands are steering towards a more luxurious bathroom experience in all sectors and we are seeing this filter into design decisions. Hospitality owners are realising that with a little more investment into what is spent in the bathroom – in terms of fit-out – the hotel can differentiate from others in the area or with a similar style and lift the brand image upwards at a relatively low expense.

So how can hotels deliver against these higher guest expectations?

Focusing on the shower experience is one answer. We know from research that the shower is much higher up the agenda than it was say 20 years ago, as this has evolved as a requirement to unwind after a long day, or to give a refreshing, invigorating start to the day.

In response to this, hotel operators are looking for a shower that offers their guests a really fantastic shower performance.

From their point of view though, it must also optimise water usage and deliver sustainability benefits, while ensuring the guest’s showering experience is not compromised.

As an example, Hansgrohe offers this by mixing air with water in its hand showers and overhead showers to increase the volume of water which makes the droplets softer and offers a better customer experience, whilst saving water and the value to the operator is that it also saves money.

Whether the showers are concealed or exposed, Hansgrohe is seeing more choice in terms of two-head showering; these offer both a fixed overhead and a hand shower, providing more flexibility for the guest. We are also noticing that interior designers and hotel operators are putting more emphasis on showering controls that are simple and intuitive, as unlike most people’s homes, where they have the advantage of familiarity, a shower in a hotel bathroom is probably being used for the first time. Simple push buttons, like on Hansgrohe Select products, are intuitive and easy to use whether with soapy hands, jetlagged or in the early hours of the morning after just a few hours sleep.

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Above: Interior designers and hotel operators are putting more emphasis on showering controls that are simple and intuitive Left: Soft metallic colours are becoming popular as a means of creating a customised bathroom solution with red gold and black chrome leading the way

When it comes to doors and doorkits there is one place to be inspired, informed and in step with the latest trends. The new Vicaima website has it all and is open wherever and whenever you are, come and see for yourself.

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32 KBB

Products that are safe, thermostatic, and user-friendly offer a better guest experience for the young and old alike and are seen as adding value. The latest Select launch from Hansgrohe is Axor One designed by Barber & Osgerby – an all-in-one interactive shower control, that consolidates up to three outlets into one simple element. The flow of water is activated by pushing the large paddles on and off, which guests INEX-ONLINE.COM

can do with the back of the hand or elbow.

The good news is that there are great solutions across most price points for hotels. For any budget, specifying a well-known, premium brand provides confidence and peace of mind to the hotel investor. They can be reassured of reliability with no surprises – solid engineering, quality manufacturing and genuine innovation.

The modern traveller is looking

for convenience, simplicity, exceptional functionality and reliability in combination with sustainability. At the budget end of the market, an attractively-designed hand shower above the bath can deliver this, providing it offers a satisfying shower, looks attractive and is easy to use. Upgrades like a choice of shower spray that is easily switched by a push button or a two-tone chrome and white colour finish are small extras that make a big impression.

At the high-end, large shower heads signal luxury and there is a return to wellness in the bathroom. Sales dropped off in this sector in recent years but it is now back on the agenda, with a focus on showering not just for enjoyment but also for the therapeutic benefits.

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Above left: Consumers’ demands are steering towards a more luxurious bathroom experience in all sectors Above: Another way to differentiate is

Another way to differentiate is through metallic finishes other than traditional chrome. Soft metallic colours are becoming popular as a means of creating a customised bathroom solution with red gold and black chrome leading the way. Hansgrohe’s most popular Axor mixers and showers are now available in seven standard colours: bronze, nickel, gold optic, red gold, black chrome and brass are all offered in a polished and a

brushed version. In addition, there is stainless steel optic, so the hotel customer has a breadth of finishes to choose from. For matching taps and accessories throughout the hotel bathroom, Hansgrohe’s Axor Manufaktur division can create brassware in any RAL colour, bespoke sizes, add monograms or logos and Swarovski crystal handles for the ultimate in high-end customisation. hansgrohe.co.uk «

through metallic finishes other than traditional chrome Right: We know from research that the shower is much higher up the agenda than it was say 20 years ago

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34 COMMERCIAL FURNITURE

Healthy and motivated: a workplace in motion Productivity, mobility and flexibility – the conditions under which professionals fulfil their daily tasks demand a high degree of adaptability. New technologies are presenting employees with new challenges in ever shorter cycles accompanied by the demand to be available at all times. Many people are now putting work unreservedly at the centre of their lives. Increased individual responsibility and the growing complexity of professional life means that the lines between our work lives and private lives are beginning to blur.

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job is now no longer purely a means to earn money, but has become decisive in positioning a person in modern society – it has become part of a person’s personality and identity.

This is why we work a lot – most Britons work more than 40 hours per week. The consequences are a rapid rise in cases of illnesses due to stress and sitting still for long periods during the day with too little motion. This is costing companies billions. An attractive workplace is thus of relevance not only for reasons of prestige and health, but it also has an enormous economic significance.

Employers have a great responsibility to create working conditions in which employees feel well, remain healthy and experience a sense of appreciation. For only a workforce that feels good – both mentally and physically – is motivated, efficient and productive.

Alongside a healthy working atmosphere, the right furniture and fixtures are a decisive factor for a feeling of INEX-ONLINE.COM

wellbeing at an employee’s place of work. Many companies have realised this and in recent years have invested in furnishing workplaces – air conditioning, the latest computer technology, sound insulation, modern telephone systems etc. Things have also changed with regards to desks and office chairs. Thanks to numerous studies, practically everyone now knows that we sit too much and need more motion in the workplace.

For this reason height-adjustable, standard stand-up desks and ergonomic chairs are becoming an increasingly familiar part of the office landscape.

The problem here is that it is all a

matter of quality, the right motion and the proper dynamics to achieve a healthy effect. For not every so-called ergonomic chair that wobbles around a bit is good for you. Unfortunately, office chairs are still standing in the shadows compared with computers, tablets and mobile phones. Whereas computers are constantly being updated with new purchases being the order of the day.

There is a distinct lack of information when selecting office chairs and a grudging budget for them, which is a fatal mistake because chairs are the central element of the office. They are sat upon for up to 10 hours a day. If the user’s posture is of the wrong kind – without motion – this can result in overweight individuals, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and chronic back problems.

All of the above are enough to motivate every employer to invest in high-quality office chairs that keep you moving.

The central element for wellbeing at the workplace For 20 years, the aeris company has been occupied with the problem of the lack of motion at the workplace.

The result is the concept of 3D

35 COMMERCIAL FURNITURE Far left: The right furniture and fixtures are a decisive factor for a feeling of wellbeing Centre: aeris’ 3D ergonomics concept supports and encourages a natural, self-organised motion Left: It is all a matter of quality, the right motion and the proper dynamics to achieve a healthy effect Below left: The 3D active technology in the swopper and the 3Dee’s baseplate permits employees to follow each and every tiny, natural movement of their body

ergonomics, developed for active seats which support and encourage natural, self-organised motion when sitting or standing in everyday working life. This type of motion corresponds to a human being’s natural urge to move – spontaneously, intuitively and freely in all directions at any time. In this way, more motion is integrated into your daily life quite incidentally. In simple terms, during a

40-hour week in the office, aeris active seats help employees keep in motion for 40 hours a week.

The 3D active technology in the swopper and the 3Dee’s baseplate permits employees to follow each and every tiny, natural movement of their body. The seats adapt to the person sitting on them and not vice versa.

The vertical movement relieves the intervertebral discs and stimulates the

blood circulation. The sideways flexibility increases the radius of action, strengthens the muscles and optimises a user’s natural posture at the same time. Furthermore, the 3D joint located close to the ground provides for a natural forward tilt as soon as you make a move towards the workplace. This keeps your back straight, which makes you breathe deeper and stimulates your blood circulation – deeper breathing gets more oxygen to the brain and thus promotes better concentration and performance.

The aeris active seats are thus simple solutions, easily integrated into everyday life, to the problem of lack of motion and a great way of ensuring healthy and happy employees, less absence from work, increased productivity and enhanced performances.

Attractive employers win the competition In the future, there will be an ever growing pressure on employers to provide optimum, healthy and attractive working conditions thanks to the demographic change.

This means that employees will become increasingly older and stay longer in their jobs. Employees’ health will therefore become ever more important. Older, sick employees are absent from work for a much longer time than their younger colleagues.

On top of this, a ‘fight for talent’ is to be expected as the gifted, young generation become scarce. Employers who can offer young, qualified potential employees a working environment in which they feel good and healthy, can tap into their full potential and have the opportunity of being successful will have the best chance of winning over those young people for their company. aeris.de « INEX-ONLINE.COM

36 CONSERVATORIES

Add colour and charm to a conservatory

Conservatories don’t have to be once-a-year rooms. A little privacy, a bit of temperature control and a touch of style is all it takes to transform this indoor-outdoor room into a more liveable space. And blinds enhance this possibility. Here, Web Blinds elaborates on current conservatory blind trends and the most common uses for UK conservatories.

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hink back in time to conservatories you remember from the 1980s, 1990s or even the early 2000s. Chances are you’re imagining a characterless uPVC greenhouse; a quick extension bolted on the side of a property.

No style, no purpose and no forethought as to the best use for the space.

The fact is conservatories felt too hot in summer and too cold in winter, discouraging their use.

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Many conservatories became a waste ground – an uneasy, junkfilled link between the house and garden.

Times have changed.

Conservatories today are highly liveable spaces – stylish, wellconsidered and temperate.

The humble blind is among the reasons for this shift, offering a chance to add colour and charm to the conservatory, as well as temperature control and improving privacy.

Above: The humble blind offers a chance to add colour and charm to a conservatory

The best blinds for conservatories Enjoying wide, open landscapes is one of the best things about having a conservatory. But there are also times when a bit of privacy is appreciated. And then there are those fleeting moments when the sun’s glare gets too much and a touch of shade is necessary. High-quality conservatory blinds balance these requirements.

Pleated and roller blinds are great choices. The fabrics offer excellent privacy, but also tuck away at the top of the window frame, leaving uninterrupted views of the outdoors.

Alternatively, Perfect Fit blinds are ideal too. This design is fixed within a casing that clips into uPVC frames, becoming part of the window for a smart finish that also opens wide.

The truth is, just the little privacy offered by these blinds immediately increases the options for using a conservatory, opening it up to almost every purpose.

What’s trending?

Sheer fabrics are extremely popular. The veil-like material reduces the worst of the sun’s glare and also offers cover from outside, without completely cutting off the world.

steel reinforced natural hardwood doors entrance doors | internal feature doors | garage doors oversized doors | passive house certified doors made and designed in UK

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In terms of colours, calm greys are very ‘now’. They won’t draw the eye away from the lush views on offer when partially raised. And when lowered, the simple style won’t overcomplicate the decor in the conservatory.

the window and that all-important view there to enjoy. If a middle ground is needed, keep the panels closed and open the slats, creating a shaded and secluded space with a hint of the outside on show. What’s more, the windows can be left ajar with the shutter panels closed and slats open, letting a lovely breeze inside and cooling the conservatory on those hot summer days.

What about shutters?

Conservatories and shutters are a natural fit. It’s possible to fit shutters to windows of almost all shapes and sizes, so the tall, floor-to-ceiling windows in conservatories are no problem.

And in fact, tall shutters look impressive, giving a conservatory a sense of stature.

Other than their dashing looks, shutters can be opened fully, leaving

Most common uses for UK conservatories According to a new study of British homeowners and renters with conservatories, the most popular ways to utilise this extra space are as a dining room and an extra living room, with some of respondents also admitting that they used their conservatory as a home gym, a pet room or a cinema room.

A new piece of research has revealed more about how homeowners and renters use their conservatory space and the company behind the study is now calling for UK homeowners to explore the wider potential of their conservatories.

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Web Blinds polled 2583 adults, aged 21 and over, for the study, all of whom either rented or owned a UK property with a conservatory.

Participants were initially asked if the fact the property came with a conservatory played a large part in their decision to purchase or rent the home, with the vast majority (72%) admitting the extra space was a key influencing factor in going ahead with choosing their home. Of the remaining individuals, 17% revealed that they would’ve ideally liked more garden space with the home and 11% stated that they would’ve chosen to live in their house regardless of whether it had a conservatory or not.

39 CONSERVATORIES

Next, all those taking part were asked to reveal what they currently used their conservatory space for, with the most common answers revealed as follows: A dining room – 41% A separate living room – 28% A playroom for children – 11% A home gym – 6% A pet/animal room – 4% Of the more unusual answers given to researchers, 2% of participants revealed they used the space as a home office, with another 2% utilising the space as an additional bedroom. Three people had invested in blackout blinds and projectors in order to turn their conservatory into a home cinema room and one person had even been granted planning permission and had

turned their large conservatory into an indoor swimming pool.

Converting a conservatory into a home cinema Believe it or not blackout blinds in conservatories are increasingly ‘a thing’ and it’s nothing to do with getting a good night’s sleep. A surprising number of people choose white blackout blinds and use them as a projector screen.

The blackout fabric helps stop outside light shining through, darkening the conservatory and creating a real movie-watching atmosphere. Then the white screen comes into its own as the perfect backdrop to an indie flick or a blockbuster hit.

This novel way to use blinds also helps make the most of a conservatory. Now, it’s more than

a dayroom – it’s a home cinema at night too.

For example, one of Web Blinds’ clients required a blackout roller blind for her sunroom-cum-movie room. The sunroom, unsurprisingly, benefits from a lot of sun and the family loved relaxing in the space and used it as an extra living room.

The client wanted to put a projector screen over the 3m wide window. In such a bright room, it was essential that the client chose a product with a blackout coating.

Web Blinds supplied the blackout blinds for the client’s movie room.

When the blinds are pulled down, the sunny room is transformed into an atmospheric cinema room. The room is now used more often than the living room. web-blinds.com «

Above: Conservatories today are highly liveable spaces – stylish, wellconsidered and temperate Right: Enjoying wide, open landscapes is one of the best things about having a conservatory

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40 HVAC

Collaboration is key Choose an integrator you can depend on for professional expertise, you’ll be working closely, so a healthy working relationship is essential. You should also check references and credentials with trade associations and interior design bodies. Another tip is to consult with a few contractors to determine the system specifics, then seek bids on what you consider will be the essentials for the project.

Lastly, choose a contractor who listens and answers your questions most satisfactorily.

Advice for a single unit dwelling

Specifying the right HVAC system for your project Whether you’re newly qualified or a highly experienced designer, choosing a new HVAC system on behalf of a client is probably one of the most daunting tasks, be it for a new build or a refurbishment, a single dwelling or a multi-unit development (MDU). Here, Simon Buddle, Senior HVAC Consultant at Cornflake and Education Director at CEDIA, offers his hot tips and cool advice for specifying HVAC systems for your clients.

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typical HVAC system is a sophisticated grouping of technologies that establishes an environment in which your client, and their family, will live for a large portion of each day. And, as they will be living with the equipment for a long time, it’s a good idea to research all the options before making any recommendations.

Before you start Make sure you have access to quality information. Websites for independent trade bodies such as HEVAC, FETA, CEDIA and BIID are good starting points.

Employ a reliable and knowledgeable contractor. Get an energy audit, which is useful if you are replacing an existing system, most utility companies offer audits to help identify ways to save energy.

Know the basics Measure each room and know the volume of all spaces and each floor of the house. Engineers start with volumes to establish the ‘load’, or how much power a system will need. Engineers also factor in door and window spaces, ceiling heights, insulation, climate data and other abstract factors.

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Above: Underfloor heating scores well aesthetically with

The top two priorities are comfort – constant, correct temperature – and great air quality. Your goal is to achieve the optimum combination of three systems: heating, cooling and MVHR.

clients and interior designers Below: Simon Buddle is a Senior Consultant at Cornflake Above right: Underfloor heating is typically most efficient Below right: A good BMS can override the device and allow the occupant to make their own usage choices

Heating Underfloor heating is typically most efficient as it heats the building’s infrastructure. The floor, walls and timbers are all warmed through and then slowly release heat. Initially, the building can take a while to warm up, but once it’s at the desired temperature it can be set to a preferred level, so its highly energyefficient. Plus, of course, nothing is visible so underfloor heating scores well aesthetically with discerning clients and interior designers.

41 HVAC

Historically, radiators were set against an outside wall or under a window, where cold air drops to the floor. With the logic being that older properties are poorly insulated with single glazing and are prone to draughts. So, if a radiator was positioned opposite a window this would cause cold air to be drawn across the floor due to the convection process. Now with properties far better insulated and double glazing the norm, plus radiators available in a wealth of shapes and sizes that can be positioned to best suit the room, radiant heating has a renewed appeal to homeowners. A word of caution: overspecifying radiant heat is easy – sticking in large radiators may seem like a good idea, but is rarely a success as radiators simply can’t throw heat far enough.

Cooling There are literally thousands of air cooling systems on the market. I recommend seeking kits that sit within ceiling voids. This obviously requires extra ductwork and an extractor on the outside of the building, but it looks much smarter. ‘Seamless and hidden’ is very popular at the top-end of the residential market in high-spec homes, where air conditioning kits are hidden in dining rooms, media dens, home cinemas and entertaining rooms.

MVHR MVHR is clever technology which is predominantly installed in bathrooms and kitchens to provide clean air. A fan constantly runs on a ‘trickle’ setting, drawing air through at a low rate and is automatically boosted when the lights are switched on. International clients particularly like MVHR, but must appreciate there are strict UK wiring rules and regulations, for instance the fan has to run for several minutes after the light has been turned off.

A top tip for controlling MVHR is to connect it to a Building Management System (BMS) which can overrule manufacturers’ settings and turn it off when the occupants are away to save energy. It’s also worth bearing in mind some people don’t like MVHR’s constant low throb, especially at

night time. A good BMS can override the device and allow the occupant to make their own usage choices.

Behind the scenes, engineers take great pride carefully integrating HVAC systems into a building’s infrastructure, often with spectacular colour-coordinated wiring and super neat control racks that aid future servicing, but designers and clients, quite rightly, seek to hide all visible elements. Discrete, stylish touch pads, such as Deseo, are growing increasingly popular; combining the system thermostat with other intelligent functions in one single, neat room panel.

Advice for multiple development units

Heating Traditionally, developers have installed a heating system and boiler in each unit, but that’s no longer necessary. Consider instead, a shared hot water system for the development, it’s a highly costefficient option and, importantly, will also free up valuable floor space and reduce metal works.

MVHR Ventilation is still largely specified on a one by one apartment basis, but can be streamlined if engineers and the design team agree on a few simple compromises. Designers naturally want the smallest possible grilles and discreet baffles, whereas the M&E team want maximum airflow based on their calculations, and therein lies the rub. Smaller vents reduce the figures and the effectiveness of the system, so engineers have to pump the air harder which can result in an annoying rattle. It’s a perennial problem which designers tend to ‘win’ as they have the client’s ear, but really it’s a futile battle, and could come back to haunt the team.

Ventilation issues are always solvable, requiring both sides to apply common sense to provide the best outcome for the client. Style over substance is never going to be a practical solution. Designers and HVAC installers must work closely together to balance design with functionality and provide a fitting and practical solution for the property.

Communication and collaboration are definitely key when it comes to great HVAC installations. cornflake.co.uk « cedia.org «

Cooling An air conditioning unit in each property can now be engineered to run off one large, shared condenser, offering huge cost and energysavings. Savvy designers score brownie points with this clever recommendation as it has an immediate cost-saving effect on a client’s procurement budget.

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42 PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT Left: Known for its quality products, service and sensitivity in the renovation of heritage properties, Hamilton Litestat was tasked with creating, supplying and installing a scheme of switch plates and sockets that would be in-keeping with the contemporary

Hamilton supports renovation of Lithuanian waterfront hotel

needs of the hotel

The Port of Klaipėda is one of the few ice-free seaports in northernmost Europe, set in Klaipėda, Lithuania.

In amongst the traditional buildings now sits the newly-established Michaelson Boutique Hotel, housed in a reconstructed warehouse on the Dangė River quay.

outstanding

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he original two-storey building, with a further two storeys in the roof space, is steeped in maritime history. It has received an extremely sympathetic reconstruction that has transformed it into a 16-room hotel.

The utmost efforts have been taken to preserve as much of the original building and its infrastructure as possible as it enters its new phase in history.

Many decisions were taken with this in mind, with the most important concept being that the reproduction or imitation of antiquity must be avoided.

While retaining as much of the building’s heritage as possible, the new hotel needed to deliver key modern elements and meet the latest technological needs of its customers. Known for its quality products, service and sensitivity in the renovation of heritage properties, Hamilton Litestat was tasked with creating, supplying and installing a scheme of switch plates and sockets that would be in-keeping with the contemporary needs of the hotel, while also being sympathetic to the building’s design INEX-ONLINE.COM

and infrastructure.

Hamilton’s project team visited the development to assess the requirements. It was soon realised that several of the sockets would need to be fitted to the structure’s historic masonry and beams, which have been carefully preserved. To avoid cutting into these to seat the sockets, Hamilton suggested using surface mount boxes. The client was looking for something more than standard off-the-shelf boxes, so Hamilton went above and beyond, designing and manufacturing bespoke wooden surface mount boxes, which were sprayed in the appropriate colour using Hamilton’s in-house spray department. This tailor-made solution meant that the sockets could be mounted on top of the beams and masonry. It also provided a flexible solution; if the socket or its fitting needs changing in the future, it can be easily replaced or simply moved with tube cabling to another location.

To give the building a sense of purity, only natural materials were selected for the interior refurbishment: wood, glass, stone and metal. For the switch plates and sockets, Hamilton selected its Sheer CFX range to blend effortlessly

Below: Hamilton’s attention to detail and understanding of a period property’s needs has helped create a visually renovation

and seamlessly with this concept. A popular style in the Hamilton range, the Sheer CFX suite has a modern, minimalist feel of quality with concealed fixings thanks to Hamilton’s patented four-point CFX clipping system. A satin stainless finish was selected, linking with the building’s history of metal trading and other structures in the vicinity.

Toggle switch plates were chosen to complement the industrial heritage of the building, with both European sockets and USB charging ports incorporated for guests’ ease of use. UK sockets were also installed to provide international guests with additional power options.

Hamilton’s attention to detail and understanding of a period property’s needs has helped create a visually outstanding renovation that perfectly merges history, heritage and modern requirements in a chic and stylish way.

The project has already received several favorable reviews from specialists and the Michaelson Boutique Hotel is being named as one of the most successful recent examples of heritage reconstruction. info@hamilton-litestat.com « hamilton-litestat.com « 01747 860088

43 PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

Javelin – an affordable, versatile new bench desking system Javelin from Century Office takes its inspiration from the ancient Greek Olympic Games era. The new bench desking system sits on slim, elegant legs, which are shaped like a javelin. The bench system is the flexible and affordable solution for IT dependent office environments. Javelin comes with the option of two and up to 10 person(s) to each bench, including height adjustable legs. The comprehensive system has sliding work tops with five different finishes: white, walnut, light oak, maple and beech.

Scalloped edged detailing allows access to the large cable tray for quick and easy cable management. The cost-efficient desking solution can be extended and modified as circumstances dictate. century-office.co.uk 01206 844541

Affinity255 flooring creates bold design at Nottingham School Affinity255 PUR luxury vinyl tiles from Polyflor were recently used to create a simple yet stunning floor design for a refurbished common room area at Nottingham Girls’ High School. The contrasting Champagne Oak and Jet Black Ash wood effect designs from the Affinity255 LVT collection were installed at the independent school for girls near Nottingham’s city centre. A large square was created using the Jet Black Ash shade in the centre of the floor to contrast against the common room’s white furniture. The Affinity255 range is ideal for busy areas in education environments where a high level of foot traffic is expected. polyflor.com 0161 767 1111

DuPont Corian from CDUK makes an impact for international lawyers Glacier White Corian from CDUK has been used to create a stunning centrepiece reception desk for the City of London office of international law firm, Loyens and Loeff. The entire front of the counter was clad in 6mm Glacier White Corian with a feature backlit logo. To achieve the backlighting effect, the Corian was bonded to an MDF substrate with routering through the MDF removing half the thickness of the Corian, allowing light to pass through. In addition, the design specification called for privacy and visibility, so a grey slatted glass fin feature was created to act as a barrier to the door whilst maintaining line of sight. cdukltd.co.uk 0113 201 2240

Sky’s the limit for Polyflor flooring at Imperial War Museum High-performance sheet flooring from Polyflor was recently used to create a statement floor in The Armoury Café and Kitchen at the Imperial War Museum, Duxford, Cambridgeshire. This refurbished restaurant area at Britain’s largest aviation museum features a monochrome floor design which was created using 300m² of Polyflor’s Classic Mystique PUR vinyl flooring. Installed by flooring contractors Key Floors, the Smokestone, Nocturne and Quartz shades form concentric circles that echo the Royal Air Force logo. The flooring design was produced with help from Polyflor’s in-house design service team who used waterjet cutting technology to create perfect circles which were pieced together on site. polyflor.com 0161 767 1111 INEX-ONLINE.COM

44 PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

Graefe experts in real wood veneer With over 170 years’ experience, Graefe is a leading manufacturer of real wood veneer internal doors, frames and panels. Traditional skills, advanced technology and an experienced eye, guarantee a perfect result, while inspiring woods, effects and finishes bring individuality to your design. Graefe insists on using only the highest quality materials and is committed to sustainability.

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ings Oak House, located in the London Borough of Hillingdon the prestigious Northwood, was voted one of the top 20 wealthiest suburbs in the UK by The Daily Telegraph. Backing on to Northwood Golf Course, Kings Oak House is immaculately finished, boasting seven bedrooms, eight reception rooms and a gym, sauna and cinema room. Graefe bespoke internal doors were chosen throughout the property, adding to the elegance and grandeur.

Hand-picked by the client, the different veneer species and finishes reflected the style of each room.

Julian Smith, of Kingshall Estates, managed the project. Julian chose Graefe for the project because “they looked like they could achieve the design and finish we were after that fit within our budgets”.

American white oak in three different finishes was chosen for the property in a mixture of single, double and sliding doors. The basement doors leading into a lounge/bar area, cinema room and gym were in Graefe’s Pembroke design which features a recessed

central panel and raised beading, painted in grey with the beautiful wood grain visible through the paint.

Bedroom doors were also in Graefe’s Pembroke design. Crown cut veneer was book matched with recessed panels and styles as well as rails to put a modern twist on a traditional panelled door. The doors were whitewashed to a luxurious finish which was mirrored throughout the entire top floor.

Various connecting doors, including those for the bathroom and laundry room were flush, painted in either white or grey.

The doors were the finishing touch to the lavish, modern build. Julian concluded: “We were very happy with the finish, the overall quality was very good. I would recommend Graefe as a company and will use their products again on further projects.” graefe.co.uk « graefe@graefe.co.uk « 01844 219609 « INEX-ONLINE.COM

Above: Graefe bespoke internal doors were chosen throughout the property, adding to the elegance and grandeur Left: Hand-picked by the client, the different veneer species and finishes reflected the style of each room

45 PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

Polyflor refreshes vinyl flooring CPD offering for 2016 Polyflor has announced the launch of three new CPD seminars approved by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and Society of British and International Design (SBID). The three informative seminars on the subject of specifying vinyl flooring can be delivered

by Polyflor representatives throughout the UK free of charge. Polyflor’s CPD offering includes updated sessions on the Specification of Vinyl Floorcoverings, Specification of Safety Vinyl Floorcoverings and a new seminar – the Specification of Dementia-Friendly Flooring. The hour-long SBID and RIBA-approved CPD seminars cover the different types of vinyl floorcoverings and their applications, relevant industry standards, installation and maintenance. polyflor.com/cpd 0161 767 1111

C-bonded new technology from Duravit C-bonded is a new technical solution developed by Duravit for the bathroom washbasin and vanity unit.

Manufactured with millimetre precision, the ceramic of the washbasin is fitted to the furniture, with both materials appearing to bond seamlessly as a single unit.

This completely new look produces an exceptionally sleek washing area. The c-bonded solution not only looks and feels impressive, DuraCeram, the patented special ceramic that actually makes this precision and moulding possible, is also particularly wear-resistant.

The smooth, seamless surfaces of the washbasins are quick and easy to clean and also incorporate generous storage space. duravit.co.uk 0845 500 7787

Eurocube Joy combines striking shapes with effortless joystick control One of the latest mixer ranges from GROHE is designed to create a statement in the bathroom while delivering effortless and precise functionality.

The Eurocube Joy combines the striking geometric design of GROHE’s Cube range and adds, for the first time, joystick control for ultimate ease of use and precision. GROHE FeatherControl, for effortless operation, has a superior ceramic disc coating which ensures effortless fingertip control and smooth operation. The wide FeatherControl temperature angle means that the user can enjoy precise temperature control. Eurocube Joy also enjoys GROHE’s sustainable EcoJoy technology, designed to reduce water consumption without compromising on performance. grohe.com/uk 0871 200 3414

Sometimes only the exact colour will do If you cannot find an exact match with any of Crest JMT Leather’s standard colours and only that particular colour will do, then you can take advantage of its bespoke colour service.

Specifiers are welcome to send Crest JMT Leather either a Pantone reference, indicating the particular colour required, or a reasonably-sized sample of whatever indicates the colour required. To make a hide in a bespoke colour normally takes around four to five weeks from receipt of the order and a minimum order quantity is one hide (average size 5m2).

Please contact Crest JMT Leather’s sales office to discuss any requirements further. crestleather.com 0208 457 7129 INEX-ONLINE.COM

46 PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

DRU gas fires have pride of place in prestigious Belgravia development DRU Fires, based in the Netherlands, is one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of contemporary gas fires, wood stoves and functional gas heating appliances. The company was awarded a contract to produce and install purpose-designed gas fires into Ebury Square, a prestigious development of luxury apartments by Berkeley Homes in Belgravia – London’s most exclusive residential enclave.

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he Ebury Square apartments are at the premium end of the London property market.

Designed by architects, Squire & Partners, and renowned Interior Designer, Martin Goddard, they consist of one, two, three and four-

bedroom apartments, and five-bedroom penthouses, where no expense has been spared in order to match their owners’ expectations.

The gas fires, known as Prestige models, were selected for their contemporary design, versatile formats and high energy efficiency. They consist of single-sided and doublesided tunnel models depending on the layout of each individual apartment. They are balanced flue appliances. Air

Above: In total, 89 fires were installed at Ebury Square, 67 of which utilised the PowerVent system, including one in the reception area on the ground floor Left: A DRU Prestige gas fire in one of the apartments

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is drawn from outside the building for combustion, with waste gases expelled outside through a concentric flue. This results in effective, comfortable heating, with no depletion of air from inside the room.

Most DRU gas fires in the building have an individual PowerVent terminal on the roof. An important factor that persuaded Berkeley Homes to work with DRU was the company’s unique PowerVent system. Due to the size of the buildings and the configuration of the apartments, the flues had to be extended up to 64m throughout the service ducts in the complex, with most of the fires having external PowerVent terminals on the roof.

As well as the ability to vent the fires over large distances, another advantage of the DRU PowerVent system is that the noise from the motorised fans is confined to the roof, making the operation of the fires entirely noise-free.

During the course of the Ebury Square project, DRU engineers and product designers worked closely with Berkeley Homes’ architects and consultants to produce a solution that was fit for purpose and would stand the test of time. This included several visits by Berkeley staff to the DRU headquarters near Arnhem in the Netherlands.

In total, 89 fires were installed at Ebury Square, 67 of which utilised the PowerVent system, including one in the reception area on the ground floor.

DRU’s product range includes high-end and mid-range gas fires, contemporary wood fires and stoves, cast iron stoves, functional gas wall heaters, garden stoves, fire surrounds and other fireplace accessories.

DRU is ISO 9000 accredited and its products are all CE-approved.

As well as being a leading brand in the UK fireplace industry, it is also a major supplier of heating products to local Governments, schools, churches and military camps. drufire.co.uk « info@drufire.co.uk « 0161 793 8700 «

47 PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

BLANCO’s induction hobs bring water to the boil in seconds Speed is one of the benefits of induction cooking. BLANCO provides absolute precision while cooking with 14 different heat levels on the BH467830 and BH467831 models. The induction hobs allow the heat level to be turned up or down with an immediate effect on the contents of the pan. BLANCO’s top of the range models boast intelligent designs and innovative features such as double booster functions, keep warm levels and automatic pan recognition. The new hob collection is part of the new BLANCO brand strategy which also includes: EXTRACT IT – standard and bespoke cooker hoods, LIGHT IT – BLANCO’s specialist lighting solutions and PREP IT – BLANCO sinks and taps. blanco.co.uk 01923 635200

Revive wooden furniture with Osmo Wood has long been a popular material for furniture due to its durability, versatility and natural appearance. However, whether it’s 10 or 100 years old, every day wear-and-tear can take its toll on wood, deteriorating the furniture’s quality. Unknown to many, one of the most effective methods of restoring wooden furniture is simply reviving the surface. When finishing, it is recommended to use a highquality product that is compatible with your specified finish. Osmo UK products are sustainable, environmentally-friendly and will help restore any wooden furniture. Products available are: Osmo’s liquid wax cleaner, Osmo wood filler, Osmo Polyx-Oil, Osmo Polyx-Oil raw, wood wax finish and wood protector. osmouk.com 01296 481220

Express Bi-folding Doors launches designated trade offering Express Bi-folding Doors has launched a branch of the business that’s designed for those in the trade. Express’ trade partners can benefit from a service and free resources, including perks such as priority fitting times, manufacturing facility tours and personalised brochures. Express will give its ‘stamp of approval’ to companies who regularly take their products on a supply-only basis, providing installers with great lead times and support throughout a project. MD, Steve Bromberg, said: “The new trade partnership agreements will ensure that our trade division continues to grow and we’re confident that those involved will really see the benefits of partnering with us.” expressfortrade.co.uk 0800 121 4809

New Altro showroom created by Ab Rogers Design Altro has worked with Ab Rogers Design to create an inspiring, interactive showroom that showcases a multitude of colourful, creative possibilities. The Altro Showroom London has been created as an interactive space with Altro’s many and varied products available to see, touch and take away alongside a range of digital tools to help bring ideas to life. Resources include Altro’s digital kiosk where you can scan product samples, find out more about ranges and colour options and email the information to your own account. Altro’s Space Visualiser tool allows you to select Altro flooring and wall cladding solutions and place them into different 3D environments. altro.co.uk 0207 490 8237 INEX-ONLINE.COM

48 PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

New, fresh and mobile compatible website launched by Vicaima

Above: The Vicaima website is available for all devices

Vicaima has strengthened its communication strategy and user interface for all market sectors, with a complete renovation of its online presence. With the launch of a new website, Vicaima now combines simplicity, accessibility and innovative design in a platform that meets the aspirations and demands of today’s digital specifier.

W

ith responsive technology and mobile compatibility, Vicaima’s new site provides a valuable resource wherever and whenever needed.

The new Vicaima website presents simple intuitive and pictorial navigation to enable customers and specifiers easy access to a wealth information and inspiration. With product facts, latest innovations, digital catalogues and technical advice sitting alongside corporate data and even recruitment opportunities for those wishing to be part of such a modern and vibrant organisation.

“Keeping pace with international trends and the strengthening of our brand leadership is the key motivation behind this latest innovation by Vicaima.

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The launch of the new website, with its completely refreshed and user-friendly platform, is part of our ongoing strategy to project and position Vicaima through multiple digital channels. We are now closer to our partners, customers and colleagues anywhere in the world with clear and insightful communication,” says Arlindo Costa Leite, President of Vicaima.

The launch of the new Vicaima website is the latest in a series of digital developments by the company and follows an upgrading

of its presence on Facebook’s social network, increased presence and activity on the LinkedIn platform, together with YouTube and Twitter.

Vicaima offers an extensive range of innovative door design options, with fire, acoustic and security performance. For further details about these and other products from the many Vicaima collections, please visit the Vicaima website for additional information. vicaima.com « info@vicaima.com « 01793 532333 «

49 PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

One seating range, infinite possibilities In response to the growing demand for flexible seating solutions, Komac – by Boss Design – has unveiled a diverse range of upholstered modular furniture. Completely flexible and reconfigurable, this versatile collection provides specifiers and designers with infinite layout configurations.

Complete with 11 linkable seating units, three privacy screens and side tables and arms that accommodate power, a series of modules can be created and combined to suit any shape desired for complete flexibility.

Together with an infinite choice of fabric configurations and vibrant leg finishes, Myriad is guaranteed to revive any interior space. Private ‘huddle’ spaces, together with stunning ‘islands’ and ‘chain’ modules form the basis of Myriad’s infinitely flexible design. myriad.space 01384 455570

Ready to revamp?

A floor is an area where simple changes can have a big impact. But, with so many options to choose from it can be very tricky to decipher the benefits of a particular type of flooring finish. Atkinson & Kirby recommends laminate as a cost-effective option for designers wanting to install flooring on a budget.

Whereas, engineered wood flooring benefits from the natural beauty of real wood, combined with the hard-wearing durability of a multilayered construction.

For a premium finish, solid wood flooring provides unbeatable aesthetic appeal while also providing robust performance in high traffic areas, such as hallways and living rooms. akirby.co.uk 01695 573234

Antarctica Corian transforms historic Manchester office Bluesky Design Interiors has transformed a former canalside warehouse into an exciting workspace for Well Pharmacy in Manchester. Combining the listed building’s original features and character with contemporary styling, the team created a bespoke reception centrepiece in Antarctica Corian from CDUK. The 14m² desk was complemented by a matching waiting bench in the landlord’s lobby. The shape of the desks reflect the ripples in the canal water, creating a simple desk that has an organic form.

Angles with softened corners were added to graduate between the desk height and counter height sections of the desk and a similar detail followed in the lobby desk. cdukltd.co.uk 0113 201 2240

Vent-Axia completes the set Vent-Axia has added the Sentinel Kinetic F to its Lo-Carbon Sentinel Kinetic range of mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) units. Vent-Axia now offers a full set of MVHR solutions to meet all applications from one-bedroom apartments to light commercial projects. Manufactured in the UK, the exceptional Sentinel Kinetic range from Vent-Axia now offers MVHR options with airflow from 15l/s to 200l/s. The Sentinel Kinetic F sits in the middle of this range and offers outstanding performance for its size. It features the latest high efficiency, backward-curved impeller design which provides higher flow and pressure and ensures the lowest possible energy consumption. vent-axia.com 0844 856 0590 INEX-ONLINE.COM

50 PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT Left: Christina Petersen’s ‘LYS’ proposes a radical concept – that artificial lighting “will be connected to the human rather than to the architecture” Below: Christian Felsner’s ‘Aktor’ is an exploration of deployable structures

RCA/Imperial College students bring ideas to life with the help of KI Award Two students undertaking the joint Royal College of Art (RCA)/Imperial College Innovation Design Engineering double masters course have been presented with KI Awards.

Receiving £1000 each, the students who won the prizes best demonstrated through their final projects an innovative way to improve future working or learning environments.

C

hristian Felsner’s ‘Aktor’ is an exploration of deployable structures. The material softens when it is activated with electricity and can be moulded to take on organic forms.

An efficient manufacturing process generates minimal waste and the structure can be manipulated to suit numerous functionalities and applications at different scales such as furniture, packaging, disaster relief and healthcare. Christian comments: “The KI Award enabled me to make the material technology a reality.”

Christina Petersen’s ‘LYS’ proposes a radical concept – that artificial lighting “will be connected to the human rather than to the architecture”. It has been suggested that the proliferation of smart devices and other sources of artificial light are having a harmful effect on human health. Much like exercising control over one’s diet, this ‘LYS’ will empower the user to manage their own light regime. This ‘personal sun’ would gather data and emit variable intensities and wavelengths of artificial light based on the wearer’s circadian rhythm.

This is particularly useful for users who do shift work, or operate in poorly-lit conditions.

Christina comments: “The KI Award gave me the resources to design and build a prototype that brings together different technologies to envision how we can improve the working spaces of the future.”

Jonathan Hindle, Group Managing Director at KI EMEA, INEX-ONLINE.COM

comments: “The future of the UK furnishings industry is dependent on nurturing skills and innovation. The KI Award gives us an opportunity to directly support talented individuals undertaking a worldleading course that combines the rigorous discipline of engineering with the creative problem-solving fundamental to good design. We wish both Christian and Christina all the best and look forward to seeing exciting things from them in the years ahead.”

The KI Award was given to students whose projects could help improve the product development or production process to create better working or learning environments in the future. The winners will exhibit their works at KI’s London offices during London Design Festival in September 2016, followed by the Young Furniture Makers’ Exhibition in October 2016 at the Furniture Makers’ Hall in the City of London.

Committed to supporting British design and manufacturing, KI sponsors a number of initiatives under its KICKSTART programme.

KI Europe recognises emerging talent through the annual Mixology Student Furniture Designer of the Year Award. Opportunities to display projects during design events in London are provided within KI’s headquarters and showrooms. KI also works closely with the Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers, the furnishing industry’s charity, to support its fundraising and student support initiatives such as factory tours, apprenticeships and student awards and bursaries. kieurope.com « workplace@kieurope.com « 0207 404 7441 «

51 PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

This is Feelwood The EGGER Feelwood range is an innovative range of laminates and decorative boards which use the latest surface technology.

Using camera technology in the manufacturing process creates the most realistic decors to date in the EGGER collection. The texture on the surface of the laminate and decorative panels is aligned to the decor paper below to create an authentic and tactile finish. With the added benefits of being durable and low maintenance, the cost-saving alternative to solid timber and veneer is an ideal material for high-end, on-trend projects and designs. The Feelwood range is available in 10 decors across four different texture finishes. egger.com 0845 606 8888

RAK Ceramics wins Best Sanitaryware Brand at BKU Awards RAK Ceramics was voted ‘Best Sanitaryware Brand’ at the BKU Awards. Commenting on the win, Abdallah Massaad, Group CEO at RAK Ceramics, said: “It is an honour to receive the award for Best Sanitaryware Brand at the BKU Awards. RAK Ceramics has enjoyed 25 years of ceramics’ expertise and our products feature in some of the most iconic buildings in the world.” RAK Ceramics received the prestigious award at Shakespeare’s iconic Globe Theatre in London, an event attended by leading figures in the industry. In addition, RAK Ceramics was also a finalist in the Best Flooring, Best Sinks and Best Accessories Brand categories. rakceramics.co.uk 01730 237850

Lustrolite at 100% Design – stunning bathroom panelling and kitchen splashbacks Lustrolite acrylic high gloss wall panelling, available from Abacus Manufacturing Group, is proving exceptionally popular with designers and retailers who want to add pizzazz to kitchens and bathrooms.

Available in a choice of nine vibrant colours, arctic, glacier, blue atoll, rouge, mocha, titan, carbon, forest and safari, all design and colour schemes can be enhanced with this innovative panelling. Lustrolite can be used to excite new designs or update old kitchen splashbacks, showers and bathroom walls. It looks the same as back-painted glass, but is an advanced multilayer acrylic that weighs less than a third of a traditional glass sheet and has 20 times the impact strength. abacus-bathrooms.co.uk 0845 850 5040

Vasco launches new FlatLine designs Four years after launching the FlatLine, Vasco is now taking a step further in this success story with the introduction of the Vasco FlatLine collection. Besides the well-known FlatLine (horizontal), this collection now includes the vertical Flat-V-Line and the new Flat-Plinth-Line which is designed to fit horizontally beneath windows or other objects where space is limited. The FlatLine radiators have impressive heat release because the flat front plate is in direct contact with the water channels in the radiator so the heat is released immediately, giving an excellent return. The vertical Flat-V-Line provides enormous levels of heat release up to 3251W. vasco.eu 01254 704420 INEX-ONLINE.COM

52 PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

Left: An oiled iroko will go darker, but an oiled wenge or fumed oak door will go lighter Below: Lacquered doors can look a little less natural and have a slightly satin sheen, but they can, depending on their situation on the house, last anywhere between four to six years without any maintenance

Urban Front looks at a finishing dilemma: oiling or lacquering?

Oiled or lacquered? This must be the million-dollar question when it comes to deciding the finish on a hardwood door. Here is a list of pros and cons to help you make that all-important decision.

1. Although oiled doors look very natural and beautiful, the downside of oiling is that it needs to be done quite often. This all depends on which side of the house a door is on and if there is an overhang or porch over the door. Reapplying the oil would need to be done every six to eight months, or possibly once a year if the door is set back and doesn’t get any sun or rain. Oiling is quite simple and anyone can do it, so that’s something to weigh up when trying to make that decision.

2. It’s also worth noting that hardwoods change in colour depending on their finish. An oiled iroko will go darker, but an oiled wenge or fumed oak door will go lighter. Walnut will initially go darker and then go blonde in the INEX-ONLINE.COM

sun over time. So this is a big impact on how your client would like the door to look in the future.

3. Some clients don’t go for either oiling or lacquering because they want their door to grey. In this case, you would use an anti-fungal oil that would protect the wood, but not allow it to keep its colour. This is definitely a way forward for a more contemporary look and feel.

4. Lacquered doors can look a little less natural and have a slightly satin sheen, but they can, depending on their situation on the house, last anywhere between four to six years without any maintenance. Doors on houses by the sea and houses that face the elements would probably need to be maintained more often.

5. If there is cladding on a house, the finish of the cladding can determine the finish chosen on the door. If you are allowing the cladding to grey and the door won’t be matching, then it’s a good idea to be creative and go for something totally different. But if matching the two, lacquering may be easier as it is less maintenance all-round.

6. Occasionally, the house interior design can determine which finish will be a better match to a floor or staircase. urbanfront.com « info@urbanfront.co.uk « 01494 778787 «

53 PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

Selectaglaze helps turn old, draughty court house into boutique hotel Once a building where judges passed sentences and the police placed criminals under arrest, Grade II Listed Old Street Magistrates Court and Police Station has been converted into a 5-star boutique hotel. To transform this Grade II Listed building from a courthouse to a hotel, careful consideration had to be given to create ways to improve the thermal performance as well as reducing noise from the streets outside.

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he primary windows could not be removed, so Selectaglaze was approached by the principle contractor McAleer and Rushe to provide a solution for the many different window styles. 106 units were installed including curved, raked and a beautiful double floor feature window which was 5.287m high and 2.045m in width. The circular windows required particular care and a bespoke fixing method for installation had to be created to meet the client’s requirements.

Secondary glazing is an independent window installed on the room side of a building which reduces noise ingress, making a reduction of 45dB easily achievable. As well as reducing external noise, secondary glazing can reduce heat loss by up to 50%.

Mumford & Wood supply partner for Trump Turnberry Resort Mumford & Wood was chosen as supply partner to replace over 1000 windows and doors as part of the major £200m restoration project at Trump Turnberry Resort. This refurbishment has included the remodelling and upgrade of all 103 bedrooms and public spaces within the existing hotel alongside the construction of a grand ballroom. Exterior enhancements at the hotel included the replacement of all the windows with high-performance, double glazed, timber Conservation windows. The specification of Conservation products includes top-hung casements, large fixed sashes, decorative curved header sliding sash windows, double and single French doorsets and special bullseye-shaped windows. mumfordwood.com 01621 818155

With great attention to detail paid to the design and build of this magnificent conversion, Old Street Hotel is on target to achieve a BREEAM ‘Very Good’ rating.

Selectaglaze is a specialist in the design, manufacture and installation of secondary glazing.

With 50 years’ experience, it has a wealth of experience from working on all buildings. selectaglaze.co.uk « enquiries@selectaglaze.co.uk « 01727 837271 «

Hansgrohe Talis Select voted ‘Product of the Year’ On Thursday 23rd June at the annual Mixology Awards, held in Old Billingsgate in London, Hansgrohe was delighted to scoop the award for ‘Product of the Year Interior Accessories’, for its Talis Select basin mixers. The awards recognise the very best in the interior design industry and after a record number of entries and an overwhelming standard on the shortlist, Hansgrohe successfully took home the award. Now in its 11th year, a record 1100 guests attended the Mixology award ceremony and summer ball to celebrate the best achievements in projects, products, companies and individuals from across the dynamic interior design sector. hansgrohe.co.uk 01372 465655 INEX-ONLINE.COM

54 PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

Left: Designed by world famous Italian Architect, Antonio Citterio, the Citterio collection for Keramag Design harmonises crisp geometric contours and organic shapes in one Below: Designed by Michael Schmidt, Silk

by Keramag Design combines elegance, precision detail and design flexibility

Keramag Design offers luxury with every range Keramag Design reflects the commitment of a strong brand into creating special products.

Bathroom collections designed to meet the most demanding of requirements are testament to an exceptional appreciation of detail. Keramag Design stands for superb aesthetics, personality and quality, as well as timeless design which outlasts short-lived modern trends.

Xeno² Combining impeccable quality and contemporary elegance, Xeno² is designed for Keramag Design by Robin Platt. Xeno² combines geometrically designed flat surfaces with defined soft shapes, informed by the trend for soft geometry in bathroom ceramics. It embodies contemporary design, expressed in a soft style of minimalism.

The Xeno² collection offers a perfect combination of washbasins, hand rinse basins, wall-hung Rimfree toilets, bidets, mirrors and linear bathroom furniture with ultrasmooth surfaces, push-to-open operation and integrated LED lighting.

Citterio Designed by world famous Italian Architect, Antonio Citterio, the collection for Keramag Design harmonises crisp geometric contours and organic shapes in one. The luxurious modular furniture elegantly combines materials, available in oak natural beige with a taupe glass front or in an oak grey brown woodgrain with black glass fronts.

The furniture complements the gentle curves of the inner washbasins and features compartmentalised storage as standard.

INEX-ONLINE.COM

The frames of the stylish illuminated mirrors match the vanity units to emphasise the crisp geometry of the furniture. Tall cabinets are available with glass fronts or open shelving, in addition to wall-hung and back-to-wall toilets and bidets to complete the sense of luxury.

MyDay Designed by Cornelia Thies, MyDay centres on a natural and relaxed aesthetic characterised by large radii and flowing shapes. Washbasins are available in a variety of single, double and handrinse basin options, with the patented Clou waste and overflow system or with gravity-fed drains.

A large bathtub with a streamlined design is typical of this series, while furniture elements are fitted with softclose mechanisms as standard and is available in four colours. To maximise on storage space in the bathroom,

MyDay includes a bag to store different things on the doors of a tall cabinet and various shelving options.

Silk Designed by Michael Schmidt, Silk by Keramag Design combines elegance, precision detailing and design flexibility.

Six sizes of a lay on basin are precision crafted with gentle, elegant curves and feature a flat, wide rim that provides a useful area for soaps and toothbrushes.

The basins can be combined with washbasin plates, available in five sizes, to offer a wide choice of layout combinations, while also creating extra shelf space for toiletries.

Silk furniture is available in highquality, real wood veneers of oak and wenge pangar, or high gloss white. keramagdesign.com « sales@keramagdesign.com « 01270 871756 «

55 PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

Brightening up outside spaces With the good weather on its way, now is the time for businesses to invest in decorative lighting to spice up baron spaces. BLT Direct specialises in light bulbs, lamps and tubes for both indoor and outdoor use and is advising businesses, such as eateries and pubs, to look at improving their curb appeal in order to entice customers. Featuring an abundance of choice for large and small businesses, including decorative fairy lights perfect for highlighting trellising, and stylish lanterns ideal for brightening up dark corners, clever lighting tricks can really transform lacklustre spaces into inviting, aesthetically pleasing areas. bltdirect.com 01473 559501

Tonalite – an ‘arrow’ in decoration Tonalite’s Arrow is an extremely versatile ceramic tile. By varying colours, finishings and laying schemes during installation, different compositions can be created, with varied perspective effects. Ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, living rooms and bedrooms, Arrow is also perfect for public spaces, such a restaurants and bars. Arrow is available in a 23 x 5” format and comprises seven matt and gloss colours. Warm colours such as silk, parchment, linen, sand and tobacco can be pulled alongside more listless colours such as talcum, gypsum, pumice, dust, concrete and lead, through to the piercing shades of slate and ardesia. tonalite.it/en 0039 051 957 253

Moduleo brings Moods to life with new room visualiser Luxury vinyl flooring manufacturer, Moduleo, has launched a room visualiser to allow its customers to bring their ideas to life before investing in new flooring. The online platform is an extension of the manufacturer’s existing website, and is in line with the recent launch of its innovative new Moduleo Moods collection.

Moduleo Moods offers customers a creative studio in which they can combine 10 brand-new flooring formats.

Up to 110 unique wood and stone-effect designs can be created using the wide range of tile shapes available including: hexagons, chevrons, triangles and diamonds, as well as traditional squares and rectangles. moduleomoods.com 01332 851500

Domus launches Puzzle at London Design Festival Innovative supplier for tiles, mosaics, stone and wood, Domus will host the exclusive UK launch of Puzzle, the latest collection from Mutina, at its Clerkenwell showroom during London Design Festival in September. Created by renowned British design duo, Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby, known for their furniture, lighting and product design, Puzzle comprises solid colours with graphic multicoloured patterns in a palette inspired by European islands. The Domus showroom on Great Sutton Street, EC1, will show all eight colour families in Puzzle, each named after different islands. domusgroup.com 0207 819 2300 INEX-ONLINE.COM

56 PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

Structural glass linkways from Ion Glass Creating links between buildings can raise some interesting challenges – especially if you’re adding a modern extension to an older or heritage building. It’s not just the aesthetics of how the two buildings connect, but also the structural interface between modern building technology and the techniques employed by the original builders.

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eter Hazeldean, Managing Director of bespoke structural glass specialist Ion Glass, points out: “Older buildings behave quite differently.

They’re likely to have more shallow foundations and be more flexible and breathable. If you build a modern extension directly against an older building there’s bound to be a difference in movement. A structural glass linkway overcomes these issues, with plenty of opportunity for individual design to create a fantastic result.”

It’s possible to create a linkway with no visible fixings. Ion Glass regularly designs structural glass fins or structural glass beams to provide a minimal, robust and functional result. Using a fully sealed channel set option for the glass wall panels allows the linkway to be created with minimal footings and discreet fixings, creating a frameless appearance. Any metalwork required INEX-ONLINE.COM

in the construction of the linkway is individually commissioned or manufactured by Ion Glass for a Above: The Church project-specific result. of St Thomas in Depending on your requirements, Basingstoke installed a glass linkway can be built in single an Ion Glass link to or double glazing. Single glazed its newly-constructed construction will provide a fully parish hall weather-resistant link, whereas Right: A structural double glazing allows the linkway glass link provides to also become an integral part a fully secure of the structure of the building, result that retains fully compliant with heat loss maximum light levels requirements.

A choice of glass types offers an additional level of flexibility for every project. Choose clear float, low-iron or tinted glass, or use sandblasted glass for an opaque or semi-opaque result. It’s even possible to select switchable glass for privacy.

Ion Glass offers individual, technical advice on every glass installation it undertakes, from the appropriate fixing systems and glass specification, to ensuring the installation meets all the relevant criteria, from heat loss considerations to the requirements of conservation groups.

A recent project by Ion Glass was typical of the bespoke work it undertakes. The owners of a lovely heritage property wanted to create a link to incorporate a separate,

modern garden room into their family living space. A structural glass link provided a fully secure result that retained maximum light levels in the house and the garden room, whilst at the same time creating a glass porch for the back entrance to the garden and a door onto their terrace. Cleverly designed structural glass fins provide support for the roof panels without the need for additional metalwork – stainless steel channels and fixings allowed the new structure to be securely installed with no requirement for footings.

Ion Glass works closely with architects and builders on a wide variety of heritage, ecclesiastical, residential and commercial projects where the properties of glass as a structural material play a key role in designs to modernise, improve or extend a building. The company’s work also includes structural glass screens, glass doors, balustrades, rooflights and frameless glass shower enclosures. ionglass.co.uk « sales@ionglass.co.uk « 0345 658 9988 «