Inex March 2016

March 2016 ISSUE 31 inex-online.com Download the Inex app for iPhone, iPad and Android. Search ‘Inex-online’

in[sight]

ex[rated]

in[spire]

ex[pose]

Design duo, Jenny Weiss and Helen Bygraves talk to Inex about where their collaboration began

Head Gardener at Hever Castle, Neil Miller explains how he maintains the historic Yew Maze

A look at Suna Interior Design’s recent concept for the Grade II listed Star & Garter

Inex explores how the method of knotted pile carpets has evolved with Tania Johnson’s rugs

2 INSPIRE

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 Terms and Conditions No responsibility will be taken for drawings, photography or literary contributions during transmission or in the editors hands. In the absence of an agreement the copyright of all contributions, literacy, photographics or artistic belongs to Mixed Media Information Ltd. The publisher accepts no responsibility in respect of advertisements appearing in the magazine and the opinions expressed in editorial material or otherwise do not necessarily represent the view of the publisher. The publisher does not accept any liability of any loss arising from the late appearence or non publication of any advertisement.

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hile some designers strive independently to offer their clients the ultimate in luxury and style, others prefer to work in harmony alongside another designer. Drawing from each other’s experiences and influences, some of the best interior design projects have been conceived through the merging of creative minds.

In this month’s issue, we hear from design duo Jenny Weiss and Helen Bygraves, who have built a successful design consultancy Hill House Interiors. The company is renowned for its meticulous attention to detail and has scooped numerous awards in its 20-year history. Turn to page 16 to find out what drives their passion for design.

Elsewhere in this edition, we uncover some of the most striking projects and solutions in the staircases, decorative features, domestic furniture and heating sectors. Also in our office focus, we showcase the stunning new workplace for fashion brand Farfetch realised by Ian and Fiona Livingston, co-founders of Studiofibre. For more information on how the couple reflected the brand’s ethos throughout the building, turn to page 30.

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Top left: Fromental’s panoramic art installation for The China Tang.

Cover: Suna Interior Design’s concept for The Star & Garter Top: Tania Johnson’s rugs are inspired by photographs that she

I hope you enjoy this issue. Don’t forget, you can also access all of Inex’s features and product inspiration on 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.

takes.

Above: Jenny Weiss and Helen Bygrave’s, Zagaleta project.

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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5 CONTENTS

7

MARCH DIARY

8

INSPIRE Suna Interior Design guides Inex readers through its recent concept for a high-end showhome at The Star & Garter.

16

INSIGHT Jenny Weiss and Helen Bygraves, of Hill House Interiors, explain how their inspiration materialises and how their collaboration began.

20

EXRATED An insight to how Neil Miller, Head Gardener at Hever Castle, and his team maintain the historic Yew Maze.

23

HEATING Barbara Payne, Head of Design and Marketing at Bisque, tackles the common queries questioned by Bisque clients.

24

EXPOSE Inex takes a look at how the method of knotted pile carpets is used today in Tania Johnson’s realistic rug designs.

26

SALONE DEL MOBILE PREVIEW Inex previews the 55th show, highlighting key exhibitions and seminars to look out for this year.

28

STAIRCASES & BALUSTRADES Bisca’s Mackintosh-inspired staircase takes pride of place in an entrance lobby of a new build in West Yorkshire.

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OFFICE Inex explores Farfetch’s brand new innovative London headquarters, at The Bower, in East London.

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DECORATIVE Fromental has adorned the walls of The China Tang eatery, situated within London’s Dorchester, with a panoramic piece of art.

40

DOMESTIC FURNITURE Decorus received a challenging brief for a family of three to provide glamorous and childproof furniture for their new family home.

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28 30 Top left: Bisque offers advice on what to consider when selecting a radiator scheme.

Middle: The Star & Garter is a Grade II listed building that sits regally atop Richmond Hill.

Left: Farfetch’s new headquaters had to deliver a series of optimal working environments that felt far removed from a ‘traditional office’.

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7 DIARY

Retail Design Expo Olympia, London 9-10 March Retail Design Expo is an event for retailers, designers, marketers, visual merchandisers, architects and shopfitters who want to find new ideas or suppliers to benchmark their existing practices.Specifiers can learn from the headline-grabbing speakers and learn what lies ahead from leading trendsetters. retaildesignexpo.com Design Show Shanghai Shanghai Exhibition Centre 9-12 March Top Chinese and international brands will unveil new designs at Design Shanghai – Asia’s leading international design event. The show will welcome an estimated 300 exhibitors and more than 42,000 visitors are expected to attend the event. The show will feature international design brands and galleries, as well as installations. designshowshanghai.com

London Design Week Chelsea Harbour, London 13-18 March Dedicated to inspire and inform, Design Centre Chelsea Harbour welcomes professional interior designers, architects and specifiers from both home and overseas. Located in spectacular glass domes, it is the perfect place to discover world-class talent, connect with influential designers and get the inside track at high profile events. If London is the powerhouse of interior design, Design Centre is its ‘design compass’ leading the way in terms of inspiration, style and ideas. dcch.co.uk Ecobuild ExCeL, London 8-10 March The UK’s largest show dedicated to construction and energy will provide visitors with access to industry insights relating to all aspects of the construction sector. Expect a mix of high-level conferences, CPDaccredited learning hubs and more than 800 exhibitors showcasing a wide range of new products and materials. ecobuild.co.uk

Affordable Art Fair Battersea Evolution, London 10-13 March The Affordable Art Fair springs back to Battersea this March. 110 local and international galleries will descend on Battersea Park, showcasing an array of original artwork – all available for between £100 and £5000. Owning art has never been so easy. Whether you’re seeking something bright and bold, small and subtle, or cool and captivating, with work by over 1100 artists under one roof, you’re sure to be spoilt for choice. affordableartfair.com

The Ideal Home Show Olympia, London 17-18 March Britain’s largest home inspiration event, The Ideal Home Show, is set to return to Olympia, London in March 2016.

The UK’s biggest consumer home show is set to be bigger and better than ever before with bigger brands, inspiring discussions and three stunning full-scale show homes all under one roof. Plus, with over 650 top brands and exhibitors offering innovative products that you can’t find on the high street, it’s the ultimate shopping destination in the UK. The exhibition will feature: Ideal Show Homes’ Ideal Home Improvements, Ideal Interiors, Ideal Gardens, Ideal Technology and Ideal Food & Housewares. idealhomeshow.co.uk INEX-ONLINE.COM

8 INSPIRE

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9 INSPIRE

Luxury is in the eye of the beholder, but it’s also in the detail Sitting regally atop Richmond Hill is The Star & Garter, a London Square development and Grade II listed building. Suna Interior Design was briefed by London Square to create the interior design for this show home – a luxurious three bedroom apartment overlooking the meadows of Richmond and the meandering river Thames.

S

una Interior Design was approached by London Square with a brief to create a design that reflects the ultimate in luxury.

The scheme was designed

by Interior Designer, Ellen Leedham, who was inspired by opulence the location evokes.

Ellen’s concept was to create an elegant showroom that would envelop guests in comfort and luxury. Suna Interior Design has

enhanced the original features within this Grade II listed building with a considerate amount of thought put into sourcing unique accessories and impressive works of art, alongside designing bespoke items of furniture.

With the location being such an inspiration to Ellen, she wanted to bring elements of the locale into the design. Beautiful Richmond Park was an obvious inspiration – being on The Star & Garter’s doorstep.

Above: The living room is home to an ivory and grey neutral colour palette with nuances of blue Left: Suna Interior Design designed bespoke items of furniture in every room Right: The hallway is inhabited with two various-sized striking frames

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10 INSPIRE

This inspiration is evident in the collections of botanical prints that adorn the walls in the living and dining rooms. The artwork in the hallway, and classical design in the second bedroom, draws on the history of the building and the surrounding area.

Ellen aspired for each and every room to parade its own wow factor that would make a palpable impact. Ellen holds a principle when it comes to design: “In order

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to maintain an interest in design, a room as a whole should make an impact, and then each corner and space within it should further capture your attention,” which is evident throughout the design of this high-status show home.

Inspiration The apartment provides a luxurious concept that is the ultimate in entertaining. Ellen has designed this scheme with a particular

homeowner in mind: “Someone who enjoys the finer things in life, potentially a couple who enjoy entertaining as well as relaxing after a long day in the office.” Ellen has considered each and every item that was selected for this project.

The living room is home to a ivory and grey neutral colour palette with nuances of blue, which gives the scheme a sophisticated splash of colour. This colour scheme was motivated by the location of

Above: The picturesque framed botanical prints reference the location Above left: The dining room has been opened up with a large mirror that hangs behind the head of the table Below: A trip to the glamorous dining room continues the ivory, metallic and blue colour palette

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INSPIRE

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12 INSPIRE

Richmond Park; the scenic views of the sky stretching across the valley and the course of the River Thames.

Metallic finishes, impactful dark wood joinery and panelling and metallic stud finishing details accompany the neutral colour palette, which has created a welcoming and luxurious atmosphere. Luxury metallic touches that manifest this scheme add a touch of sparkle and glamour to the design, drawing guest’s eyes towards a particular area or detail.

The hallway is inhabited with two various-sized striking frames that hang stylishly above a bespoke console table. These frames exhibit INEX-ONLINE.COM

artwork, from the renowned Trowbridge Gallery, and reveal the patterned wallpaper underneath.

Bespoke furniture Suna Interior Design has designed bespoke items of furniture within every room in this design. The deluxe furniture found in the living area from the sofas, to the armchairs, television unit, console table and bench stool are all bespoke items that have been considerately designed by Suna Interior Design – as are the dining chairs and table in the dining room.

Each bedroom within the establishment boasts an exclusive

design, with Suna interior Design upholstering each bedroom to create a truly unique look within each scheme.

The master bedroom oozes glamour, and is home to a bespoke panelled wall onto which sits an oversized ivory and metallic headboard. Alongside bedside tables, an ottoman and a stool have been elaborately custommade for this scheme. Ellen wanted the master bedroom to be the most opulent bedroom within the scheme. With the bed as the focal point in the room Ellen wanted to frame it, firstly with upholstered panels that line the wall behind the

Above: Ellen wanted the master bedroom to be the most opulent bedroom within the scheme Above right: The master bedroom oozes glamour, and is home to a bespoke panelled wall Right: The luxurious, eye-catching design in the master bedroom suite includes a beautiful chest of drawers with intricate stud detail

13 INSPIRE

bed, then with the ivory headboard embellished with a gold stud detail.

To maximise the warmth of the design, texture was added through with various fabrics within the room, from the upholstered wall to the cushions, that all work together to create a luxurious and inviting space.

Blissful bedrooms The second bedroom is delicately adorned with a soft blue and natural colour palette. The overall scheme within this particular room reflects the beauty of the historical design. Again bespoke pieces of furniture garnish this dainty bedroom scheme. Suna Interior Design introduced a deepbuttoned sofa and an ottoman to the second bedroom and injected a classical influence into the scheme with a French wooden framed bed accompanied with whitewashed oak furniture.

Alternatively the third bedroom captures guest’s attention with its impactful dark and light colour palette – a contrast in colour between the neighbouring rooms within the establishment. Again a neutral coloured upholstered headboard within the third bedroom scheme was a custommade production of Suna Interior

Design, which is adjacent to two beautifully carved feathered artworks that sit flank to the dramatic upholstered panel – which forms the backdrop to the bespoke, elegant headboard and inviting bed. Suna Interior Design has added a touch of subtle understated elegance to this room by personalising the bedside tables; beautiful bone handles have been applied to the bedside table that attributes to the impact found within the third bedroom scheme.

Segregating the scheme A trip to the glamorous dining room continues the ivory, metallic and blue colour palette, that is found within the living area, and sets the scene for many appetising dinner parties. Hanging on one wall is a collection of six beautiful and delicate blue floral prints – again sourced from the Trowbridge Gallery. Behind these picturesque prints sits a delicate and subtle wallpaper providing a

paisley pattern to the feature wall.

The enchanting chandelier-style light hangs overhead the dining table and adds an elegant glamour to the space. The room has been opened up with a large mirror that hangs behind the head of the table, which reflects the sophisticated space.

Part of the magnificence of this apartment is the size of the rooms – large, with exquisite, high ceilings. The dining room has been separated from the kitchen by the breakfast bar and island. There is a flow and a symbiotic relationship between the two spaces that complement each other.

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14 INSPIRE

Above: The overall scheme within the second bedroom reflects the beauty of the historical design Left: The third bedroom’s bespoke headboard is adjacent to two

The chic kitchen, situated contiguous to the dining room, is ideally situated for preparation to take place, with the ivory cabinetry and lacquered stone clad island enhancing this generous space. The pendant lighting, found overhead to the kitchen’s stone clad island, adds a touch of sparkle from above.

beautifully carved feathered artworks

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Accuracy is key The design retained a unique scheme by steering away from off-the-shelf items. Suna Interior Design combined select fabrics, accessories, wallpapers and pieces of furniture to both fulfil the clients brief and enhance the already impressive space.

In the living room the sofas were required to be an accurate size for the space and the television cabinet needed to fit the wall flawlessly.

The use of gold and chrome finishes, found within the furniture and accessories, added glamour in keeping with the location.

Every piece of furniture within this scheme, from every cushion, piece of art and ottoman right down to every textile selection, has been carefully considered

by Suna Interior Design for this project. The high quality objects in this design have collaborated to create a truly beautiful and luxurious scheme. sunainteriordesign.com «

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16 INSIGHT

Left: The focal point of the main living area within the

Working together in harmony

Zagaleta project is a

Jenny Weiss and Helen Bygraves have built an award-winning design consultancy, Hill House Interiors. Soon to be celebrating its 20th anniversary, Hill House Interiors is renowned for its meticulous attention to detail. With both Jenny and Helen taking inspiration from Coco Chanel their designs showcase exceptional sophistication.

years ago after being

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stunning fibre optic chandelier Above: Jenny Weiss and Helen Bygraves opened their design and architectural studio almost 20 introduced by mutual friends. Their first project was for a five bedroom show home

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orking as a duo, when it comes to design, could be tricky with design heavily based on personal opinions. However, with Jenny and Helen their personal inspirations and interests effortlessly merge together to create seamless sophisticated interior schemes that inject a mixture of fashion influences with nature and texture. Here, Jenny and Helen talk to Inex about their inspirations and how they merge their creative minds together.

17 INSIGHT

Left: The breathtaking views were a great source of inspiration for the Zagaleta project, along with the compatibility of inside and outside living spaces Below: Colour influences for the Zagaleta project included burnt orange and the lush green of the surrounding palm, olive and Cypress trees

What have been your greatest influences throughout your careers?

HB: Inspiration can come from anywhere, the possibilities are almost endless, from vintage films to travel and fashion. We have been heavily influenced by Coco Chanel, which is evident in the quilting within our furniture designs. Personally, I also love the iconic work of Hermes, Ralph Lauren and Bottega Veneta.

JW: As a spiritual person, I find so much inspiration in nature from the texture on a piece of bark, to the colour of a stormy sky. I am intuitive and love to work with crystals for their positive energy , I always try to include some in my designs.

What do you value most about the design industry?

JW: The power of a beautiful interior space should never be underestimated – it can make a significant difference to how people feel about themselves, and in turn how they react to others. I feel very grateful to work in such a creative industry.

Which piece of advice have you benefited most from?

JW: The only way to do great work is to love what you do – find your passion. If you haven’t found it yet keep looking.

How did your collaboration begin?

HB: Having travelled extensively, I have experienced many diverse

What are you both most proud of when it comes to your careers?

HB: I am immensely proud of the business we have built-up. The awards and accolades we have received throughout our careers really demonstrate that we must be doing something right.

JW: Helen and I lead by example. We are involved in every project and we work together inspiring each other to create exceptional interiors that surpass the expectations of our clients. We have built-up a great team who can still smile and laugh under pressure, and enjoy coming to work every day – that I am very proud of.

As a design house do you have a signature style?

HB: Our signature look blends impeccable attention to detail with luxurious textures and innovative materials. ‘You only get one chance to make a first impression’ is the Hill House mantra.

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18 INSIGHT

cultures and seen many architectural styles, this has been invaluable in developing my own style, coupled with my experience renovating several properties prior to meeting Jenny, through mutual friends. Our mutual passion for detail, interiors and aesthetics sparked the beginning of Hill House Interiors.

JW: Like Helen, interiors have always been my passion. I found this at the age of 22 when my husband and I bought our first house. The joy and satisfaction of taking a rundown cottage and transforming it into a beautiful space was life changing – I was hooked! Helen was a close friend, and we established Hill House Interiors in 1996. Our first project was a five bedroom show home for a luxury property developer – and it’s been non-stop ever since.

Can explain the concept behind your project for Zagaleta?

JW: The breathtaking views were a great source of inspiration, along with the compatibility of INEX-ONLINE.COM

19 INSIGHT

inside and outside living spaces, which from the early stages of construction, appeared effortlessly harmonious. Colour influences included burnt orange – inspired

by Spanish dramatic sunsets – and the lush green of the surrounding palm, olive and cypress trees. When night closes in, the focal point of the main living area is a stunning 7.5m fibre optic chandelier, which cascades down from the apex of the triple height ceiling.

Did you both work on the concept for Helen’s house together?

HB: I threw myself into creating the design for my own new home. The 4000ft2 Georgian-inspired detached house comes with an interior space which has been tailored to my demanding and highly hospitable lifestyle with light filled throughout, and lofty ceiling heights. I used mouth-watering materials for the couture cabinetry, wall and floor treatments, and of course, the house includes key pieces from the Hill House furniture collection.

What colours are you integrating into your schemes today?

JW: Although Hill House is known for its use of luxurious contrasting of neural textures and geometric prints, we are inspired by nature which offers a myriad of colours – the sky holds some of our favourites such as storm blue, teal, burnt orange and soft pinks. The subtle introduction of new metal inlays in cabinetry, such as almond gold, adds radiance and softness to a space, whilst creating a luxe boutique feel.

Do you both have a preferred room to design?

HB: We have always championed the ‘super-room’, a fabulous openplan zone which is perfect for relaxing or entertaining. There’s so much scope to have fun here, we like to create the ultimate living space filled with luscious fabrics and finishes, and a myriad of innovative features which combine the latest technologies with stunning design details.

What was your concept for the Ellerby Street project?

HB: We were appointed to create a sleek contemporary scheme for a client – an ultra-cool bachelor – incorporating several fabulous entertaining spaces; the ultimate super-luxe kitchen, a state-of-the-art cinema room, impeccably designed bedrooms and bathrooms – including a super-sized master suite – and the most stunning outdoor living space enhanced with Andalucian-style contemporary fountains. The home is finished throughout with sophisticated and innovative finishes, incorporating a couture palette of taupes and greys, ranging from muted dove and Armaniinspired ‘greige’, to dark and more intense shades of anthracite.

Top Left: The home is finished throughout with sophisticated finishes incorporating a couture palette of taupes and greys Far Left: Helen’s house includes key pieces from the Hill House furniture collection Above: Helen threw herself into creating the design for her own new home

Jenny and Helen are grateful to have some wonderful projects on the horizon including two penthouse apartments in the Bahamas, a 30,000ft2 mansion on the Wentworth Estate and a duplex apartment in Kensington. hillhouseinteriors.com « INEX-ONLINE.COM

20 EX-RATED

Maintaining history Hever Castle’s 100 year old Yew maze was originally created by William Waldorf Astor who believed that this feature would assist him to become a part of English aristocracy. Head Gardener at Hever Castle, Neil Miller, enlightens Inex on the upkeep that he undertakes on a daily basis to keep this historical feature immaculate in its settings.

Above: The Yew maze itself is produced from English yew taxus baccata Left: Today, Neil maintains this remarkable feature, which is an integral part of Hever Castle’s Tudor Garden

N

eil Miller instigated his career in the City of London as a Lloyd’s broker. Unfortunately he was made redundant in the early 1990s. This unfortunate event persuaded Neil to take a career change and follow a passion he held onto for many years. Neil moved his career into the horticultural industry; he went to college to study for his RHS qualifications, started his own gardening business for a few INEX-ONLINE.COM

years, and shortly after took up a placement with Hever Castle in 2002.

Neil managed to move through the ranks at Hever Castle and has now successfully been maintaining the picturesque castle gardens as Head Gardener for almost 10 years.

The Yew maze is one of Hever Castle’s main attractions and, alongside Hever Castle itself, holds significant historic value. The maze dates back 100 years to when it was first created by Americanborn Politician, Businessman and Newspaper Publisher, William Waldorf Astor who purchased Hever Castle in 1903. William designed this maze back in 1904, only one year after purchasing the prestigious castle and its surrounding gardens.

Today, Neil maintains this remarkable feature which is an integral part of Hever Castle’s Tudor Garden. The Yew maze itself is produced from English yew, taxus baccata, which according to Neil is “one of the best hedges to use when it comes to maze design.

Due to the plant belonging to the evergreen family, the hedges are well-formed when trimmed, and sufficiently solid which prevents shortcuts or views through the hedges”. English yew is a slower growing hedge, the dark clipped foliage gives the impression of a solid wall and is also tolerant of abuse – perfect for its purpose.

The maze itself comprises over 1000 yew trees and covers an area

Above right: Neil and his team cut back The Yew Maze once a year in late August/ September Below right: The maze itself comprises over 1000 yew trees and covers an area of 80ft2

21 EX-RATED

of 80ft2. Neil and his dedicated team cut back The Yew Maze once a year in late August/September to maintain the perfect symmetry that this maze contains.

Neil advises: “The primary task for the upkeep of a maze is a good annual cut – depending on which plant is used. Keeping the pathways regularly decompacted after heavy use can be achieved by spiking the ground with a garden fork, enabling air to move in and around the roots. Keeping the maze weed-free and giving the maze an early Spring feed with a good fertilizer, will keep a maze in tip-top condition.”

Having a garden maze as part of your personal garden scheme will certainly make a statement, making your garden stand out above the rest. When it comes to the design of a garden maze, it is essential that all mazes are initially created on paper with precise details and measurements. They must be checked and doublechecked before you even attempt to plant out – mistakes can prove to be very costly. “A maze hedge can be trimmed using your nakedeye, but for shear perfection, and guaranteed sharpness, here at Hever Castle we use ranging poles and a line,” advises Neil.

In the Winter months, The Yew Maze holds up well, with the only exception being in the days of heavy snowfall; any snow laying on the hedge must be brushed off. Heavy snowfall can damage the maze due to the weight of the snow’s pressure on the hedge. Neil expressed: “The Yew Maze looks its best during the months of May, June and July.

This is the time when we feed the yew with a high-nitrogen feed with chicken pellets, which creates wonderful lush green new growth.”

The flooring found within The Yew Maze comprises of beech shingle, which is spread evenly over the pathways, this serves several purposes it keeps the ground well-drained, weed-free and prevents compaction.

Luckily The Yew Maze does not suffer from any pest issues; the only problems that the maze does suffer from is damage caused by the general public trying to take shortcuts through the hedges. To try and elevate this Neil and his team have innovatively installed a four foot wire fence either side of the hedges and are allowing the hedge to slowly grow into it.

The Yew Maze is a haven for wildlife. The blackbirds and thrushes thrive on the berries and the tight, neat growth is an ideal habitat for nesting birds. hevercastle.co.uk «

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23 HEATING

Left: Think about where you wish to locate your radiator – as a focal point in the centre, multiple models dotted around the room or a slim-line model to fill a wasted corner space Below: Start by choosing a radiator design that will complement your overall interior style

Turn up the heat For some, selecting a radiator that complements your interior scheme can be a challenge. Many homeowners seek radiators that are both practical and aesthetically pleasing to the eye, but with so many choices available on the market it can be tricky to know what you are looking for.

T

here are many factors to consider when choosing a radiator scheme for either a single room or for multiple rooms within the house.

Homeowners are actively seeking radiators that are visually appealing, practical and space saving.

Barbara Payne, Head of Design and Marketing at designer radiator company Bisque, has tackled a number of common questions that she is often asked by clients when considering a radiator scheme.

How important is it to consider your choice of radiators when designing and styling your home?

Heating is not simply a practicality. The current market for radiators offers a wealth of unique and interesting options, which fully assert themselves as an integral part of your room’s design and aesthetic.

For example, owners of a super-modern contemporary home would not install a traditional school-style radiator as it may conflict the look and feel of their existing decor.

Bear in mind the style and size and your chosen colour palette and make an informed decision from this point.

What are the common problems designers and homeowners face?

Space is always a tricky issue. Older properties often feature awkward or restricted spaces while on the other end of the spectrum, modern homes can have vast amounts of empty wall space which can often seem

difficult to fill. Think about where you wish to locate your radiator – as a focal point in the centre, multiple models dotted around the room or perhaps a slim-line model to fill an otherwise wasted corner space.

How can homeowners integrate their heating into their decor scheme?

Start by choosing a radiator design that will complement your overall interior style and room features.

The colour and finish can play an important part in this and really help to tie your heating into the decor. For example, a bare metal finish can look fantastic in industrial spaces, whilst radiators in textured finishes can add a lovely tactile note to more traditional styles.

What are the latest design trends?

Geometric shapes are increasingly becoming popular with clean straight lines, offset by soft curves and edges. Energy efficiency

continues to be an important topic thanks to the increasing popularity of Apps such as Hive and Nest. There are a number of radiators and decorative panel radiators available on the market that homeowners can look to for inspiration that incorporate energy efficient technology.

What do you predict for designer heating in the future?

Bisque has already expanded into bespoke colour options, interesting shapes and innovative technologies – we predict the next step will be materials, such as products produced from recycled aluminium and textured quartz finish designs. We can expect to see the development of new materials and exciting textured finishes continue to grow. bisque.co.uk « INEX-ONLINE.COM

24 EXPOSE

Left: Every rug starts with a moment that inspires Tania, commonly light, shadows and reflections Above: As the contemporary rug market has grown hugely, clients see rugs as they would a

Picture perfect

piece of art

The knotted pile carpet originated in West Asia in 3000 BC. Rugs produced from this era contained rich colours of fibre and consisted of 1250 knots per rug. Tania Johnson has modernised this form of production with her photo-realistic designs.

side-by-side

T

ania Johnson has reinterpreted the knotted method of carpet production with her photo-realistic rug designs.

These exceptional rugs capture fleeting moments in time through photography and translate into timeless designs. Every rug starts with a moment that inspires Tania, commonly light, shadows and reflections, which is shown exceptionally through her ‘Ripple’ rug. Tania takes photos wherever she goes, whether it be an icy pavement on the morning school INEX-ONLINE.COM

Right: Tania’s rugs often involve 11 weavers working on one single rug, sat Below right: One single knot is produced from three

run, or a work trip to Nepal.

Inspiration is found in the everyday environment that surrounds us.

As the contemporary rug market has grown hugely, clients see rugs as they would a piece of art. Tania designs every rug in her collection herself and each one is based on a photo that Tania has personally taken.

Tania’s inspiration is shown through her love of photography.

Every photograph that Tania captures contains millions of shades of colour, which translates into her designs.

Colours from every photograph are

reduced to as few colours as possible when producing a design. These rugs are a challenge to produce, the design has to be intricately woven, while retaining the feel of the original inspiration.

Tania graduated from London’s Royal College of Art, with an MA in Woven Textiles, before designing for a number of high-end home furnishing companies in the US. As a designer for Calvin Klein Home for several years, Tania designed the brand’s first rug collection in 2002 which further developed her passion for innovative rug design. In May 2010 Tania

fibres and contains up to three shades of one colour

25 EXPOSE

launched her debut collection of hand knotted rugs in New York under her own label.

Designs are produced with a specific textile software. This software reduces the colours from Tania’s photos before creating rug graphs. With a background in weaving, Tania is technical in her approach. It is the challenge of creating a useable design while retaining the details of the original photo that she really enjoys.

All of Tania’s rugs are hand knotted in Nepal in a painstaking process. Tania’s rugs often involve 11 weavers working on one single rug, sat side-by-side. These rugs are delicately woven in Himalayan wool, which has a beautifully soft consistency and is also renowned for its strength and natural high-lanolin content. Using these fibres, alongside the use of Chinese silk, increases the lustre of these rugs.

Once the yarn is spun the fibres are then dyed in Nepal and left out in the sun to dry. Preparing the looms to produce one of these rugs can take an intense several days to set up alone.

A graph that contains Tania’s design is then attached to the loom and woven.

Colour palettes are used in a variety dependant on the design. Tania prefers to keep the designs tonal, using many subtle shades of the same colour which attributes to the photo realism of the rugs.

All Tania’s designs use different numbers of colours and even the same design can vary depending on the colourway.

The Tree Mist design, in the teal beige colour way, uses 18 shades of colour. There are 13 colour positions but as Tania is able to blend up to three shades of colour in each knot, some positions mix more than one colour, in differing proportions of wool and silk. This helps create the subtle gradation from one tone to the next. One single knot is produced from three fibres and contains up to three shades of one colour, alongside different mixtures of wool and silk, which allows for detailed gradation of both colour and texture. taniajohnsondesign.com «

INEX-ONLINE.COM

26 SALONE DEL MOBILE PREVIEW

Left: The Salone is now into its 55th year Below: This year’s Salone del Mobile will feature three exhibitions, a short film and an award

Innovation in progress The eyes of the world will be on the 55th edition of the Salone del Mobile.Milano: a fascinating and evolving platform showcasing products and services of the highest quality at the Milan Fairgrounds, Rho, from 12 to 17th April.

T

his year’s Salone del Mobile will feature three exhibitions, a short film and an award. A global platform for all the latest in home furnishings, the Salone is now into its 55th year, championing innovation and internationality – in fact the number of foreign exhibitors has risen again, now making up almost 30% of all the manufacturers at the fair.

“We are ready to embark on this 55th edition landmark. It shows clear signs of being interesting and robust, in terms of both the wide ranging, commercial offering from a phalanx of the foremost companies on the national and international market, and in terms of the balance achieved between tradition and innovation in the name of quality and refinement.

“The ever-increasing interest shown by operators, journalists and members of the public is testament INEX-ONLINE.COM

to the variety and quality of the event. Salone del Mobile, along with the city of Milan, manages to capture the attention of more than 300,000 visitors, from 165 different countries,” said President, Roberto Snaidero.

This edition, at the Rho Milan Fairgrounds from 12 to 17th April, will feature the Salone Internazionale del Mobile along with the International Furnishing Accessories Exhibition. More than 1300 exhibitors ranged over 145,000ft2 split into classic and design sections, make a visitorfriendly floor plan and a 360° insight into the world of furniture and furnishing accessories.

The biennial EuroCucina and its collateral exhibition FTK (Technology For the Kitchen) are back, in Pavilions 9-11 and 13-15, along with the International Bathroom Exhibition in Pavilions 22-24.

EuroCucina will showcase all the latest in the realm of high

quality kitchens, responding to the escalating demand for functionality from increasingly savvy consumers.

Its collateral event, FTK (technology for the kitchen), specialises in built-in appliances and cooker hoods, presenting the latest technology for cooking and living the kitchen space to the full.

The focus at the International Bathroom Exhibition, on the other hand, will be on cutting-edge bathroom furniture and accessories, shower cubicles and saunas, sanitaryware, radiators and coverings, bathroom and kitchen taps and bath and hydromassage tubs for putting a personal stamp on the domestic space devoted to wellness and pampering.

The 19th edition of SaloneSatellite will be in Pavilions 13 and 15, along with EuroCucina – with free entry from Cargo 4. The SaloneSatellite Award, now into its 7th edition, is devoted to young designers under 35, with prizes for the three best prototypes on show conforming to the product categories at the exhibition.

The Salone del Mobile.Milano philosophy is to combine business with culture, and this year is no exception.

Within the framework of the XXI Triennale exhibition, Architect, Beppe Finessi, has curated the “Rooms. New Domestic Landscapes” exhibition, at the Triennale di Milano from 2nd April to 12th September 2016. salonemilano.it «

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28 STAIRCASES & BALUSTRADES

Let there be light This staircase, constructed from English oak and low-iron glass, takes pride of place in the entrance lobby of a new build in West Yorkshire. The property, which shares elements of Mackintosh design, has been enhanced with this staircase sharing the elements found throughout the new build whilst maintaining the establishment’s Yorkshire integrity.

F

ounder and Design Director of Bisca, Richard McLane, has long been inspired by the works of Charles Rennie Mackintosh. This is evident from Bisca’s recent design and installation of a staircase in West Yorkshire.

This staircase has been designed to share the elements of Mackintosh’s design style and is rooted in the integrity of the arts and crafts movement.

The new build’s property owner held an interesting staircase concept, which had been drawn up by the client’s architect. The client went onto several staircase manufacturers to search for an installer for his staircase and soon realised that the architect’s drawings alone were not sufficient and what he actually needed was a complete design.

The client approached Bisca to design a stunning, sculptural piece that was visually lightweight

with elements of oak and glass. The client wanted the staircase to serve as the main feature to his entrance lobby, allowing light to flood down from above. With this is mind he did not wish the view across the lobby, from the living areas at either side and to the rear, to be affected by this design.

The main statement The staircase currently sits as the sole occupant of the lobby area. Bisca installed a glass floor panel directly above the staircase which has enhanced the perfect symmetry that accompanies the staircase. The glass panel itself has been extensively detailed, using the same angular theme found on the interior wall panels, and draws in feature panels on the interior walls.

The main desired focus for the area that surrounds the staircase was the flow of light, resulting in pale oak and lowiron glass being the obvious choices when it came to design.

English oak was used throughout the staircase’s design due to its superior grain, compared to European oak, which is due to the vagaries of the English climate. English oak also reflected the overall ethos of the whole property.

Low-iron glass, although more expensive, was used throughout the design of the staircase. The difference between low-iron glass and standard glass is the result; which is visually extremely clear. This contributed to the desired light that floods in via the above glass floor panel.

The lobby itself has two slim windows which do not offer much light. The majority of the light comes from above and from the windows via the bright open kitchen INEX-ONLINE.COM

29 STAIRCASES & BALUSTRADES

to the rear of the lobby area. By keeping the design visually lightweight, and using structural balustrading, instead of timber or steel stringers to support the treads, allowed maximum light to circulate the room.

Laminated low-iron structural glass was a prerequisite for both visual clarity and strength. The glass has hidden structural fixings in order to support the treads, which appear to be floating, and also to act as a beam support.

Flared treads were selected for the foot of the staircase for a number of reasons, the staircase needed to be accessed from 360° – from the living areas each side of the staircase, from the rear kitchen and from the front door. The flared treads also balanced out the two directional flights at the top of the staircase and prevented the whole design from looking top-heavy.

The fluidity of the handrail brings a slight softness as it flows from the feature, through to the organic shaped newels at the foot of the staircase, up the stairs and around the landing gallery. The journey up the staircase organically becomes more angular and Mackintosh-like as you reach the first floor, with clean lines, panelled walls, a central mirror and rectangular glass balustrades.

The property itself is wonderfully crafted from Yorkshire stone and cantilevered pillars over the doorways. Although the staircase is not viewable from the exterior, it shares the same engineered elegance, with a slightly organic feel. On approaching the property, visitor’s expectations, raised by the exterior of the house, are more than met when the staircase comes into view from the open doorway. bisca.co.uk «

Centre: Bisca installed a glass floor panel directly above the staircase which has enhanced the perfect symmetry of the accompanying staircase Left: The main theme for the area that surrounds the staircase was the flow of light, resulting in pale oak and lowiron glass being the obvious choices Above: The glass has hidden structural fixings in order to support the treads, which appear to be floating Right: The staircase currently sits as the sole occupant of the lobby area

INEX-ONLINE.COM

30 OFFICE

Facilitating high-end fashion Ian and Fiona Livingston, the Co-Founders of design practice Studiofibre, were approached by pioneering fashion brand, Farfetch, to create a global design language for its London offices. The result, a luxury office that unites all spaces and reflects the brand’s ethos.

I

an and Fiona approached Farfetch’s project by initially gaining a solid understanding of the Farfetch brand personality. Having identified what makes Farfetch unique, they devised a design language that could exist in each of the diverse Farfetch spaces worldwide. The couple’s design narrative had to both inject the brand into the shell of the existing buildings and deliver a series of optimal working environments that felt far removed from a ‘traditional office’.

INEX-ONLINE.COM

Above: Ian and Fiona identified what makes Farfetch unique Right: The couple’s design narrative had to both inject the brand into the shell of the existing buildings

Farfetch’s combination of luxury fashion and technology led Studiofibre to an approach that was more of an ‘installation’ than a fit out, with the end result being a stylishly deconstructed and highly flexible gallery-style space.

Curation is a key part of the service offered by Farfetch.

With this in mind, Fiona and Ian set about researching an eclectic group of global suppliers. The mix of curated pieces, presented alongside the bespoke furniture designed and crafted by Studiofibre for Farfetch, ensures that the interiors scheme is as unique, eclectic, stylish and international as each of the boutiques represented by Farfetch.

From the slice In order to bring every element of Farfetch’s identity to life, Studiofibre drew on the unique ‘sliced’ effect features in the letters of the brand’s distinctive logo.

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32 OFFICE

Bespoke furniture and other details around the office feature custom-crafted ‘sliced’ chamfered details which echo the unique and graphic Farfetch typeface.

From the reception desk, to the door handles and the boardroom table to the staircase and even the customised desks, every detail elegantly animates the brand throughout the international spaces.

Bespoke furniture Custom-made Studiofibre furniture pieces were handcrafted in the UK which provides the workspace a ‘New York art gallery’ feel. Installations of groups of oversized furniture break up the working areas. Scale is explored with vast ‘Lautner’ style sleek sofas, positioned with smaller ‘sliced’ triangle benches and Japanese shoji screens.

Premium grade plywood booths, designed for break-out meetings, feature slats that appear to float. Seating pads bring a pop of colour, with vibrant custom printed fabrics created especially for Farfetch and inspired by vintage oriental kimono fabric sourced from Japan. A solid stoneeffect corian boardroom table features the ‘sliced’ detail and bamboo tables and staircases provide a warm contrast to the cool concrete industrial shell of the building.

INEX-ONLINE.COM

33 OFFICE

Above: Ian and Fiona approached Farfetch’s project by initially gaining a solid understanding of the Farfetch brand personality Left: Studiofibre has offset the concrete look of the floor with rugs which have a vintage and eclectic feel Right: Farfetch’s combination of luxury fashion and technology, led Studiofibre to an approach that was more of an ‘installation’ than a fit out

Bespoke desks Bespoke desks, created by Studiofibre (together with their furniture partners), bring a unique aesthetic to the open-plan working areas with soft forbo tops, chamfered plywood edge detailing and industrial-style raw steel framework.

To facilitate the working culture of the various Farfetch teams, banks of desks are made up from more communal table modules, with monitor arms replacing the need for desktop screens. Customised cable management and desk top plug-ins

ensure both clean lines, and the easy recharging of mobile technology.

Private client showroom An intimate retail space for Farfetch’s private clients has been imagined with a ‘deconstructed’ elegance and luxury. Classic moulded ceiling detailing has been seemingly ‘peeled back’ to reveal the concrete backdrop, and sumptuous curtains cover the smooth concrete wall behind. A stunning oversized contemporary circular chandelier, of sparkling glass blocks set into

a steel frame, provides an elegant ring of light whilst bespoke shelving, contemporary furniture and impressive artwork adorn the space.

Studiofibre ‘curates’ Upon entering any of the Farfetch spaces, the visitor begins a journey into the Farfetch brand. The first experience is the conceptual ‘omnichannel’ high-tech live AV Wall, a vast wall of both physical and virtual elements, featuring curated video content and still-life images alongside physical displays.

INEX-ONLINE.COM

34 OFFICE

Whilst the ‘Live Wall’ installation could be construed as ‘virtual art,’ the space is also rich with ‘physical art’ in the form of a carefully curated collection of furniture pieces and paintings and prints and sculptures from local emerging artists. Beyond the live wall, the experience is akin to that of an art gallery. Flexible open spaces display the carefully curated work of international artists, and sculptural theatre-style stairs provide dramatic focal points and bring the gallery spaces together.

Farfetch’s establishment contains several informal meeting areas which punctuate the openplan working spaces, providing the Farfetch teams with comfortable areas for creative working and impromptu get-togethers Deliberately moving away from the concept of a ‘theme’ Studiofibre set out to ensure that all informal meeting rooms within the establishment were all individually stylish, eclectic and different. The concept was to animate the brand values of Farfetch, and to echo the individual style that the pioneering fashion company curates and delivers to its customers.

Above left: The concept was to animate the brand values of Farfetch Left: Farfetch’s retail space has been imagined with a deconstructed elegance Above: The combination of hard leather and Mongolian wool is inspired by the way we put our outfits together Right: Bespoke Studiofibre pieces were used throughout this project

INEX-ONLINE.COM

35 OFFICE

All spaces within this project feature a mix of pieces curated from global suppliers and bespoke pieces designed and created by Studiofibre. The combination of textures, hard leather and soft Mongolian lambs wool, and finish – shiny and matt – is inspired by the way many of us put our outfits together – carefully combining shapes, materials and details to create our very own style.

Animating the brand identity of Farfetch, its logo – which features a font with a distinctive ‘sliced’ effect – was etched into the luxury marble reception desk. This provided a strong contrast with the highly-contemporary concrete shell of the Farfetch buildings. The statement desk is intentionally positioned directly opposite the high-tech AV ‘omnichannel’ wall in the entrance gallery, emphasising the meeting of technology and high-end craftsmanship.

Various rugs have been used throughout this project to delineate the break-out and studio lounge spaces and to soften the flooring – which has a concrete feel, however is a soft vinyl which allows access to power/data beneath the floor, whilst maintaining a very modern industrial aesthetic.

INEX-ONLINE.COM

37 OFFICE

Studiofibre has offset the ‘concrete’ look of the floor with rugs which have a vintage and eclectic feel. Muted colours transcend fashion trends, and work well with the concrete, industrial shell of the building.

Studiofibre is known to inject humour into its design schemes and the wooden panelling featured behind the reception area and in studio lounge areas draw inspiration from the idea of the square pixels that make up a digital image.

Farfetch is where digital technology meets luxury. The oversized ‘pixels’ of this screen presents the technology, whereas the high quality walnut wood that the ‘pixels’ are carved from represents the luxury. The screens also have a practical use.

They screen-off a tea point in the studio lounge and a post sorting area behind reception.

This ‘pixel’ walnut design is also used on cabinets in the four board rooms which neatly contain all the technology required in each room. studiofibre.com «

Above: The Farfetch logo was etched into the luxury marble reception desk Right: The wooden panelling featured draws inspiration from the idea of the square pixels that make up a digital image

INEX-ONLINE.COM

38 DECORATIVE FEATURES

Indulge yourself in mystery and excitement China Tang, located within London’s prestigious Dorchester Hotel, has benefited from a luxurious panoramic piece of artwork that adorns the walls of Sir David Tang’s eatery and reception area. The intricate, hand-painted artwork involved the skills of 18 artists and required a total of 2000 hours of hand-painting.

F

romental has worked with Sir David Tang for many years, together they have created a variety of intricate and luxurious projects. Both having an interest in colour, drama and traditional Chinese imagery, the two are well aligned. Sir David approached Fromental imagining how his China Tang eatery would look, he requested sunspots and dark interiors reminiscent of old Shanhai, with art deco detailing accompanied with rich colours.

Fromental and Sir David together selected Fromental’s lotus and carp wallpaper for his China Tang eatery.

The lotus and carp wallpaper has

been reapproriated into a panoramic piece of artwork that currently adorns the walls of the China Tang eatery.

To achieve an impression of an illuminated aquarium, Fromental hand-painted its lotus and carp design onto a sheer silk organza which was then hung over a mirror and accompanied with LED lighting. Silk organza was used to create this desired look due to its translucency, which was further enhanced with Fromental’s process of painting with textile dyes. These dyes colour the silk itself; as light passes through the silk it colours the light found within the fabric, which creates a ‘magic lantern’ illumination.

Fromental produces its wallpaper from a slightly different silk – a very fine habit silk. This silk is as fine as the silk found in the production of parachutes. The wallpaper is then treated with a gum, so that it will take to standard paint, and is then backed onto paper. The silk imparts a wonderful sheen and lustre and diffuses light whilst softening sound unlike any other paper.

The intensity of this project involved a team of six artists, with the junior artists hand-painting in the blank colour, the detail is then built-up from there with a greater and greater skill.

The team leaders then add in the final intricate details to the birds featured on the walls within the restaurant.

The reception area of any hotel is where the scene is set. A total of 18 artists utilised their skills within the China Tang’s reception area, creating the wall art within the 80m2 reception area – which involved a total of 2000 hours of hand-painting in just three weeks for this area alone. Sir David requested for the reception area to hold a dark and moody scene incorporating a flash of colour to the scheme. Sir David’s concept behind this was for visitors to emerge from a INEX-ONLINE.COM

39 DECORATIVE FEATURES Centre: The lotus and carp wallpaper has been reapproriated into a panoramic piece of artwork Bottom left: Sir David requested for the reception area to hold a dark and moody scene incorporating a flash of colour to the scheme Left: Silk organza was used due to its translucency Below: Sir David requested sunspots and dark interiors reminiscent of old Shanhai, with art deco detailing

darker space into the vivid colours that adorn the walls of the rest of the interior. The Kingfisher colourway of black and vibrant colours, reminiscent of imperial Chinese jewellery, was used within the reception area to achieve Sir David’s request. This colourway is based on a traditional Chinese technique of creating bold lacquer work, in turquoise, onto a black canvas using real kingfisher feathers. Fromental recreated this look by painting a gloss lacquer background and then painting on the vivid design.

The paints used for this luxurious project are traditional Chinese paints which attribute to the overall mystery and excitement of this project. The Kingfisher scheme, featured within the reception area, was produced from heavilypigmented acrylic paints, this assisted in creating the strong and bright colours that are evident from the final design.

Elsewhere, a lacquer ground acrylic was used to produce the design for the staircase. The pigments found within the lacquer ground acrylic are particularly strong. The paper found on the stairway was sealed with glaze, which created the gloss lacquer effect and prevented the artwork from wear-and-tear. fromental.co.uk ÂŤ INEX-ONLINE.COM

40 DOMESTIC FURNITURE

Glamorous, homely and childproof Stuart Sharpless, Founder of high-end furniture company Decorus, was approached with a brief to create a glamorous, yet homely, look for a family of three. The team overcame the challenge of incorporating glamorous, lavish furniture that fit in with the client’s brief of being childproof by eliminating sharp edges and anchoring pieces against the wall.

T

he clients felt that the house was particularly large for a small family of three, and wanted to make their new home feel more like a cosy family home whilst maintaining a touch of glamour. The brief focused on beautiful fabrics and elegant finishes. An important factor to this brief was that the interior had to be child friendly which, as you can imagine, can be a challenge in a highend property where materials can be delicate, furniture shapes more elaborate and the colour palette more natural and light.

Stuart and his team worked with M&Y Interiors flawlessly to create a glamorous feel in the living room.

INEX-ONLINE.COM

M&Y Interiors wanted a relaxing, warm and inviting ambience, and Decorus’ armoire had to work seamlessly with the chosen colour scheme – which was neutral with dark accents. The tactility of the dark wood inset, with aged bronze resin panels, and the exquisite craftsmanship of the armoire fitted perfectly into the scheme, softening the space and creating harmony.

As the clients wanted a homely feel, that was family friendly, resin was the perfect material choice for this particular project. Resin was used in the construction of the armoires and console tables due to its durable finish that can be wiped down. The colour of resin can also be varied

Above: Decorus’ armoire had to work seamlessly with the chosen colour scheme Right: Decorus chose pieces that had no sharp edges to fulfil the brief

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42 DOMESTIC FURNITURE

Left: The popular Sofia Centre Table was the perfect piece for the entrance hall Below: As the clients wanted a homely feel that was family friendly, resin was the perfect material choice

and the texture and level of sheen complements most interior schemes.

The popular Sofia Centre Table was the perfect piece for the entrance hall. Its circular shape works within the free-flowing space and its organic curves create a sense of balance.

Its steadiness and lack of corners make it child friendly – as per the brief. The added bonus was that the homeowners fell in love with it straightaway and enjoyed the fact that it has pride of place in the hallway, making it the first thing you see when you enter the property.

Decorus took into account the childproof brief and chose pieces that can be anchored against a wall, away from thoroughfares that are stable on their feet and – as in the case of the Sophia table – have no sharp edges for little heads to bump into. These were decisions that could be made without compromising on style.

Keeping to the brief, Decorus created custom-made Monaco consoles in aged bronze resin, with polished stainless steel details and INEX-ONLINE.COM

inset bronze elegant eglomise tops.

The two bespoke armoires that were produced for this project had a base frame and handles produced from a hand forged, textured dark satin finish.

The use of luxurious dark woods and bespoke metallic finishes found on these items added to the sense of luxury and glamour requested from the client. They also attributed to create a feel of continuity throughout the project.

Decorus worked closely with the designer and always had the client’s needs in mind when it came to this project. With furniture present in a number of rooms, Decorus incorporated all of its designs seamlessly so that they became a natural extension of the scheme.

Having different spaces exhibiting the same quality of craftsmanship helped to create a story throughout the property as a whole, and the glamorous bespoke pieces helped to connect these rooms. decorusfurniture.co.uk «

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44 PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

BITA Studio the UK’s first studio show for 10 years The British Interiors and Textiles Association (BITA) is proud to host BITA’s Studio Show, where you can enjoy the latest collections from the world’s top textile and interior surface pattern design studios, on the 13 to 14th March at The Chelsea Harbour Hotel.

W

ith the show opening at the same time as London Design Week, on Sunday 13th March just a stone’s throw away from the Design Centre, visitors can see Spring collections from top brands. As if that wasn’t enough, BITA’s Spring Showcase will also be celebrating 100 days of showcasing with popular brands such as Clarke & Clarke, Ena Shaw, iLiv, Prestigious, Simpson and Warwick and Yorke all under the same roof as the Studio Show.

Show times: Sunday 13th March 10am - 5pm Monday 14th March 9.30am - 4pm INEX-ONLINE.COM

Above: With the show opening at the same time as London Design Week, just a stone’s throw from the Design Centre, visitors can see Spring collections from top brands Above right: Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of an intimate show whilst browsing the latest collections from many studios

The BITA Studio Show offers free entry, complementary tea and coffee all day, canapes and afternoon tea.

Plus if you pre-register via the below website and arrive before 3pm you will be entered into a grand prize draw.

Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of an intimate show whilst browsing the latest collections from many studios including: AM Creative Designs, Claire Louise Designs, Creativo Surface Design, Diane Harrison, Fiona Howard, First Eleven Studio, Giacomo Barzaghi, Haley Studios, Jane Mosse Designs, K Jenny Tyas, L’Atelier Studio, Lemon Ribbon, Mary Jones Design, Pure Studio Designs, Rachel Child Designs, Sandra Jacobs, Simon Ashby Studios, Sooshichacha, Studio Van Den Broek, The Design

Show, Trendart, Verbeek Designs and Yellow Label Designs.

The Studios are excited to have the opportunity to show you their latest collections in London’s Design Hub, at the stunning 5-star Chelsea Harbour Hotel: “It’s been such a long time since we had a UK-based design show. The central location and timing with London Design Week and BITA’s established show is ideal, I’m very much looking forward to presenting our Studios’ design collections”, commented Mary Jones, of Mary Jones Design.

“As more customers in the wallpaper and textile industry develop collections through the year, there have to be more opportunities to meet our customers to showcase our designs. BITA is one such opportunity with excellent timing and an exquisite location,” commented Chris Verbeek, of Verbeek Designs.

Tristan Goodfellow, Director at Diane Harrison, also commented: “Diane Harrison is excited to be showing its collection in London for the first time since Home Interiors.

London has become a trend and design hub for our customers, and what better time to be here than during such a special week of design. The show can only grow from strength to strength and become a must-visit event.” interiortextiles.co.uk « laura.jones@interiortextiles.co.uk « 01908 410598 «

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46 PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

Armourcoat offers creative retail design solutions Armourcoat polished plaster has added ‘modern luxury’ to the latest J&M Davidson boutique in London’s fashionable Mayfair. The store, for British leather goods and ready-to-wear labels, was created by Universal Design Studio, in association with Nicholas Chandor.

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art of a Grade II listed property on Mount Street, known for its deep red terracotta period buildings, colour is brought inside with a blush tonality of soft pastels. These colours feature across two floors to convey the brand’s signature colour palette.

The focal point of the store is the impressive, cantilevered staircase made from terrazzo marble with a leather-wrapped handrail, set into a series of vertical panels finished in Armuralia polished plaster.

Describing the project, Jason Holley of Universal Design Studio, said: “We were keen for this space to have a strong dialogue with its place, whilst reflecting the brand’s commitment to craftsmanship, quality and attention to detail. We wanted to express the timeless and understated nature of the brand.”

INEX-ONLINE.COM

Currently Japan represents over half of J&M Davidson’s business, with the brand planning further stores in Paris and New York.

Armuralia is an exquisite, silky smooth plaster finish with subtle tonal variations. It is an entirely natural product, made from aged lime putty and crushed Bianco Carrara marble, and contains almost no VOCs. As a ready-mixed marble stucco paste, the material is trowel applied to create smooth or finely textured finishes which resemble polished stone in their appearance, and a hardness and touch.

Armuralia is available in a range of 24 colours, shades and special effects can also be developed for custom applications. armourcoat.com « specsales@armourcoat.co.uk « 01732 467994 «

Above: Mount Street is known for its red terracotta period buildings Below: The focal point of the store is the impressive cantilevered staircase

47 PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

Panasonic generates significant savings in restored water tower An abandoned water tower on the outskirts of Harrogate, Yorkshire, has been converted into a family home. Energy efficiency was one of the core principles of its restoration resulting in two Panasonic Aquarea T-CAP heat pumps being specified. The T-CAP was the ideal solution as it is not just efficient and powerful, but also reliable and provides advanced control options to make the system more efficient. The two Panasonic Aquarea T-CAP heat pumps provided the necessary capacity for the house. The T-CAP includes weather compensation controls, so that when the outside temperature falls, the water temperature rises, meaning the system is running at peak efficiency. panasonic.eu 01344 853182

Concord’s work of art at Compton Verney Compton Verney, an art gallery in Warwickshire, has had a lighting upgrade with the Beacon Muse from Concord. The lighting scheme was part of a upgrade of refurbishment works designed to modernise facilities, improve energy efficiency and upgrade illumination of displays. Over 300 Beacon Muses have been installed in the gallery spaces. The improved lighting has ensured the exhibits are displayed so their beauty and intricacy can be fully appreciated. Concord’s Beacon Muse features an adjustable optic system which delivers a wide flood 65˚beam angle, and can be adjusted down to a 10˚spot without the need for lenses or reflectors. concord-lighting.com 0870 606 2030

Expona flooring adds contemporary design edge to art centre Expona luxury vinyl tiles, from Polyflor, were installed at 2021 Visual Arts Centre, in Scunthorpe, to give its cafe a modern new look. The leading visitor attraction is situated in a Grade II listed former church. Expona Design PUR luxury vinyl tiles, in the abstract Light Contour design, were installed in the centre’s cafe. The metallic and monochrome Light Contour design from the Effects collection, within the Expona Design PUR range, is an eye-catching alternative to traditional wood and stone designs, featuring a striking linear surface texture.

The Expona Design range is developed to withstand the demands of heavy commercial environments. polyflor.com 0161 767 1111

Mayfair residence features Focus SB Horizon range finished in Jordan Bronze Focus SB Horizon switch plates and electrical sockets were selected to complement a redesigned residence in Central London. The design and specification of all electrical accessories were planned with Product Consultant, Gennifer Ling, working closely with John Coughlan of Electrotech – the electrical contractors for the development. Focus SB also manufactured a range of matching bespoke switch plates for the Lutron lighting control system.

John Coughlan said: “Due to the nature of our ongoing projects and our continually developing specifications, we find Focus SB are able to meet all the challenging design requirements with their varied range of high quality products.” focus-sb.co.uk 01424 858060 INEX-ONLINE.COM

48 PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

EGGER alternative to painted timber provides perfect solution for designers With the trend for painted timber remaining as popular as ever, EGGER is encouraging more designers to try its revolutionary range of boards which are virtually indistinguishable from the real thing and available at a significantly lower price point.

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GGER’s ST27 MFC decor range comprises 10 carefully selected designs in neutral solid colours, as well as a painting grade option – effectively a board that can be painted in any choice of colour.

The use of painted timber in domestic kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms – as well as occasional furniture – remains an enduring trend, albeit with a hefty price premium.

Painted wood is a style which is still very much in demand for interior and commercial design applications, where muted paint tones with a heritage feel can be used to create an INEX-ONLINE.COM

elegant, high value look. But cost and durability are often key factors.

EGGER ST27 has an underlying oak grain design and comes with matching 0.8mm edging for each decor, and a 2mm painting grade option.

It is ideal for use in retail space, bars, restaurants and hotel rooms. ST27 offers a realistic and low-maintenance alternative to timber without the timeconsuming processes that cutting and working with veneers involves, or the amount of waste.

Amy Muir, EGGER Category Manager for Distribution, explains: “At the topend of the market, manufacturers are

Top: Painted wood is a style which is still very much in demand for interior and commercial design applications Above: ST27 offers a realistic and low-maintenance alternative to timber

producing bespoke painted timber products in a range of neutral colours.

This approach can be very expensive, whereas the versatility of our ST27 range means it can be used to replicate the highly popular painted finish effect much more cost-effectively.

“We believe that ST27 provides a perfect solution for shopfitters, architects and specifiers as there isn’t really anything like this in the market.

It offers a realistic grain pattern and depth which is produced using a double layer of paper on the board.” egger.co.uk « amy.muir@egger.com « 0845 606 8888 «

49 PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

Introducing the Polystac Pro Deluxe Stacking Chair Century Office has launched the REM-ST40 Polystac Pro Deluxe Stacking Chair, perfect for use in schools, public meeting halls and auditoriums. The chair has been ergonomically designed to provide user comfort and is durable; performing as new even with everyday use. Polystac Pro can be easily manoeuvred and stacked to 60 chairs high on its own storage trolley. The chair features integrated handles and a smooth underseat to prevent snagging whilst stacking. The Polystac Pro seat is constructed from polypropylene. A light yet durable material, it boasts a flexible body to enhance the users comfort and concentration. century-office.co.uk 01206 844541

The magic of BLANCO’s new hob collection – 50% more efficient than gas BLANCO’s induction hobs have been developed to offer a cost-effective and energy-saving way of cooking. Built to the same high standards as BLANCO’s sinks, hoods and taps, the induction hobs provide a highly energy efficient and safe method of cooking. A magnetic field transforms the pan into a heat source; so the pan heats only the food or water, not the hob – reducing electricity bills. The efficiency of energy transfer for a hob like this is 84% versus approximately 40% when cooking with gas. Half the energy needed for gas is used, yet food and water will heat up twice as fast. blanco.co.uk 01923 635200

Lyndon Design steps up hospitality offering As Lyndon Design’s luxurious seating and furniture continues to bring panache to leading hotels and bars, the company is stepping up its offering with the introduction of a considered collection of products that feature in a new product guide – The Hospitality Edit. Comprising 13 collections of handcrafted seating and furniture – many of which already grace leading five-star hotels and Michelin-starred restaurants – the 54-page guide provides a visual and inspiring guide for designers and specifiers looking to bring classic elegance to both traditional and contemporary venues. The Hospitality Edit also features luxurious sofa options as well as private high-backed booths. lyndondesign.co.uk 01242 584897

Polyflor presents Expona SimpLay loose lay LVT Polyflor has launched the Expona SimpLay PUR range of loose lay luxury vinyl tiles as the latest addition to the Expona family of premium vinyl floorcoverings. The Expona SimpLay collection for heavy commercial interiors, offers authentic reproductions of natural materials presented in an adhesive-free, ready-tolay product. Living up to the Expona brand’s reputation for offering high design flooring, the range includes 38 designs featuring a variety of traditional and contemporary wood, stone and textile effects. Expona SimpLay’s non-skid honeycomb backing layer, and thicker 5mm gauge, ensures that the tiles stay in position to create a robust floorcovering for high traffic environments. polyflor.com 0161 767 1111 INEX-ONLINE.COM

50 PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

QUARTZFORMS engineered solid surface is the evolution of stone into a perfect form Going one step further than natural stone, QUARTZFORMS’ product is the result of the most advanced technological development, manufactured with precision engineering, innovation and quality.

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ts versatility, resistance, aesthetic appearance, hygienic characteristics and easy maintenance have won the trust of architects and designers worldwide. Owned by an Italian family, with the factory located in Germany, QUARTZFORMS offers Italian design flair combined with German precision engineering.

Exclusively available in the UK, through QF Distribution Ltd (QFD), stocks of over 50 designs and colours in the thicknesses of INEX-ONLINE.COM

12, 20 and 30mm are available.

With three finishes: Polished, Matt Opaco and Textured Spacco readily available for dispatch from its warehouse in Watford.

The QUARTZFORMS slabs benefit from many worldwide industry certifications which result in a 10 year warranty being offered relating to the performance of the surface. QUARTZFORMS enables its customers to take advantage of the scratch, heat and stain resistance that comes with every QUARTZFORMS product.

Top: The QUARTZFORMS slabs benefit from many worldwide industry certifications which result in a 10 year warranty Above Right: QUARTZFORMS’ product is the result of the most advanced technological development

QUARTZFORMS will be available through selected national and regional fabricators and stonemasons, ensuring the highest standard of workmanship and surface for both domestic and commercial projects.

QFD has now opened its London showroom at the Business Design Centre in Islington, where a large range of QUARTZFORMS can be viewed. qfdistribution.co.uk « showroom@qfdistribution.co.uk « 0203 457 4949 «

51 PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

The Underfloor Heating Store launches smart and stylish thermostat Smart controls and thermostats are more popular than ever before and, thanks to The Underfloor Heating Store and its exclusive Prowarm brand, are not only affordable but stylish enough to suit the requirements of any project. The Prowarm Protouch IQ thermostat, alongside its App which works with both Android and Apple devices, makes it simple to have complete control over underfloor heating systems when needed, improving comfort and reducing energy consumption. The thermostat and App creates a fully controllable network system and features five/ two day, seven day, and 24 hour programming modes, four preset comfort levels, frost protection, and a holiday facility. theunderfloorheatingstore.com 0800 077 8374

Polyflor’s Expona luxury vinyl tiles look sweet at Cadbury World Stunning wood effect luxury vinyl tiles from Polyflor were recently chosen for the refurbishment of The World’s Biggest Cadbury Shop at one of Birmingham’s largest leisure attractions, Cadbury World. Expona Design luxury vinyl tiles in the American oak wood effect design were installed in the gift shop at this family tourist attraction. This classic and subtle wood design perfectly complements Cadbury’s signature purple shade and the store’s big and bright display units. Polyflor’s collection of Expona Design luxury vinyl tiles are developed to provide years of performance in high traffic heavy commercial environments such as the retail and leisure sectors. polyflor.com 0161 767 1111

BIID announces CPD showcase to return for 2016 Taking place on Thursday 17th March, the showcase is a free event available to full members and associates of the BIID, taking place at the Goldsmiths Centre, in London, following the success of BIID’s showcase in March 2015. Speakers for this year include Crestron, who will help design professionals enter the world of smart home technology. Kitchen designer, Artichoke, will provide a CPD on how to design a truly bespoke kitchen.

Thirdly, bathroom specialist, ROCA, will look at the issues of global water scarcity and demonstrate steps designers and architects can take at the design and construction stages. biid.org.uk/events/cpd-providers-showcase-2016 0207 628 0255

Bespoke rocking chair gets the Osmo treatment Steve Slack, the Owner of Wood Charm, has finished one of his projects, a handcrafted rocking chair, with Osmo’s Wood Protector oil and Polyx-Oil Rapid, due to the importance of prolonging the chair’s fine detail. “I have been using Osmo wood finishes for the last few years,” explains Steve. Steve applied two coats of Osmo Wood Protector – a preservative wood primer – and then applied Polyx-Oil Rapid.

Osmo’s Polyx-Oil Rapid is a premium wood finish, guaranteed to keep wooden surfaces in top condition.

This product offers rapid drying times, ideal as a finish for furniture. It is a high quality, water-repellent wood finish. osmouk.com 01296 481220 INEX-ONLINE.COM

52 PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

NEOLITH extraordinary surface Every so often a new material comes along that lights up the industry and brings with it new and exciting possibilities. NEOLITH, from TheSize, is one of these products. Distributed by QF Distribution (QFD), over 35 designs in 12mm for work surfaces, a range in 6mm for splash backs and shower walls and tiles in a size of 3200 x 1500mm are readily available.

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EOLITH is one of the largest sintered compact surfaces, and belongs to a new and revolutionary product category born in the last decade with the aim of providing an innovative response to the most demanding architectural and design requirements.

With its exceptional durability and aesthetic appeal, NEOLITH is the perfect solution for kitchen and bathroom surfaces and can also be used in a variety of ways including wall cladding, floor tiles and facades. The modern UV INEX-ONLINE.COM

resistant colour palette ensures that you can achieve the look you want indoors and outdoors.

NEOLITH is an extreme evolution that has resulted in a new kind of surface, previously non-existent, and is 100% eco-friendly using natural materials and technologies that respect the environment. This is backed up by a 10 year certified guarantee for kitchen worktops.

The sintering technology that TheSize has developed to create NEOLITH uses a combination of extreme high-pressure and temperature giving birth to a surface with unique technical

Above: The sintering technology that TheSize has developed to create NEOLITH uses a combination of extreme high-pressure and temperature giving birth to a surface with unique technical features Right: NEOLITH is an extreme evolution that has resulted in a new kind of surface previously non-existent

features. These include high resistance to scratches, abrasions and high temperatures, as well as colours that do not change with exposure to UV rays.

QFD has now opened its London showroom at the Business Design centre in Islington, where a large sample range will be on display. qfdistribution.co.uk « showroom@qfdistribution.co.uk « 0203 457 4949 «

53 PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

Kallisto Stairs launch new website As part of its commitment to the Kallisto brand, Milbank Concrete Products has launched a website to mark the success of its dedicated division of precast concrete spiral and helical staircases. Featuring a clean and sophisticated design, the website complements the design of Kallisto, which offers a full service tailored to suit the individual needs of domestic and commercial developments. For what is often a tricky element in building design, the website explains the benefits of utilising a Kallisto staircase and explains how each precast concrete staircase is uniquely designed, manufactured and installed to meet the specific requirements of each individual project. kallistostairs.co.uk 01787 220564

Amtico Assura provides specifiers with worry-free flooring solution Finding the right flooring for your building project can be an arduous task, but when you have to balance health and safety considerations with a high quality aesthetic, the task becomes more of a challenge. That is why many specifiers are opting for Amtico’s Assura range, which offers enhanced slip resistance and durability. Amtico Assura, with its R10 anti-slip rating, meets internationally recognised safety standards, set in both the US and Europe, making it ideal for areas where non-slip is a priority.

Its modified wear layer ensures that your flooring performs to the highest standards of durability and maintenance. amtico.com 01212 229863

Corian cuts the corners in unique kitchen design Astounding Interiors and GNS Solid Surfaces have fabricated and installed Corian from CD UK for a residential project in Kent. The client’s vision was for a kitchen without corners in a design that would be original and distinctive. All the time-saving gadgets of a modern kitchen were incorporated, including two Corian Avante sinks in Designer White Corian with stainless steel bases, an insinkerator and an instant boiling water tap. The Corian Designer White worktop, in a figure of eight design with a kidney-shaped cut out for the hob, was teamed with Hanak Elite seven coat white high-gloss kitchen units. sarah@cdukltd.co.uk 01132 012240

New Polyrey website offers customers innovative design hub Polyrey has relaunched its website this month offering a hub for all things design, as the company develops new ways to save its customers time and money. The redesign comes at an exciting time for the company and will support new product releases and educational initiatives this year. Designed with Polyrey’s key customers in mind, the website now incorporates enriched features that are easy to navigate. The new and improved website has a modern design that is content-rich. The Design Studio allows visitors to realise their concepts by accessing the latest Polyrey decors in various applications. polyrey.com 0208 544 6917 INEX-ONLINE.COM

54 PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

James Latham opens its doors to an East London church James Latham has supplied 40 door blanks from its Moralt Laminesse FireSmoke range to a listed Grade I building in the East End of London. The doors are now for all to see in the iconic Christ Church at Spitalfields, which is nestled between bustling Brick Lane and the infamous Spitalfields Market.

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he door blanks, which had a European Oak veneer applied, were specified by awardwinning London architects, Dow Jones, due to their superior acoustic values, which was of the utmost importance for keeping the outside noise out and not disturbing any events or services that will take place simultaneously.

Moralt FireSmoke doors (54mm) have been acoustically tested to a dB35 performance as flush doors (singles and pairs) with Norsound seals making the door product compliant to the School BB93 document. Moralt FireSmoke, which is MDF-faced, is a highly specified and certified product that can be supplied in FD30 44mm and FD60 54mm and offers maximum stability, as well as a high quality surface finish, it has also attained FSC certification.

A welcome statement The crypt of Nicholas Hawksmoor’s Grade I listed church was once used as a storage facility, but the brief was to convert this into a multipurpose space for events, board meetings and a fully operating cafe. The crypt was once a series of rooms but Dow Jones architects decided to open them up and make use of the natural light. A new ramped entrance on Commercial Street was also introduced to INEX-ONLINE.COM

connect the building more closely with the city – the grand oak doors have certainly become a warm welcome statement.

The perfect partners From start to finish the ambitious renovation project was completed in just under six months, with just three months of that being onsite.

Marc Horsman, from Icklesham Joinery, said: “As soon as we were commissioned with this job we knew James Latham would be the perfect partners to supply the door blanks for this high-end fit out. We have a great long-standing relationship with James Latham, and in particular, I have always been impressed with its extensive range of performance door blanks solutions.”

Darren Gentle, Door Champion at James Latham’s Thurrock depot that supplied the door blanks, said: “To be able to complement a historic Grade I listed building such as this with a modern, highly technical solution is a challenge in itself, but we are very proud of the end result and are confident that these Moralt Laminesse FireSmoke door blanks not only look great, but more importantly, will consistently perform to an extremely highlevel.” lathamtimber.co.uk « marketing@lathams.co.uk « 0116 257 3415 «

Above: The door blanks were specified due to their superior acoustic values which was of the utmost importance for keeping the outside noise out Right: Moralt FireSmoke doors have been acoustically tested to a dB35 performance as flush doors with Norsound seals making the door product compliant to the School BB93 document

55 PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

Smart Fire UK brings 18th century fireplaces back to life Trinity House has restored its fireplaces with the help of Smart Fire UK. Dating from 1796, the historic house on Tower Hill had two original fireplace grates that had been rendered unusable by the lack of chimneys. Bringing the fireplaces back to life, it was decided to investigate the use of clean-burning fires and Smart Fire UK was selected for this restoration. Smart Fire UK fitted the fireplaces with bespoke drop in plates. An EcoSmart Fire XL500 Burner was incorporated into the fireplace in the court room and a VB2 burner into the smaller luncheon room of the house. Smart Fire UK also manufactured bespoke glass fireguards to complete the appearance and has also given the venue an extra heating source that can be easily regulated. sales@smartfireuk.com 0207 384 1677

The Boss Design Group creates a total success at TotalMobile A corporate rebrand and refurbishment of the headquarters of TotalMobile, in Belfast, helped set the stage for The Boss Design Group to demonstrate its prowess at providing office furniture solutions to suit multi-functional spatial requirements. A diverse mix of task, breakout, meeting, visitor and conference chairs, together with tables, credenzas and upholstered seating helped furnish a mix of breakout spaces, informal meeting areas, work stations and executive meeting rooms, as well as a staff refectory. This mix of furniture enables staff, clients and visitors to work and relax in functional yet comfortable spaces. All products combine modern design, comfort, ergonomics and superior aesthetics. bossdesigngroup.com 01242 584897

TradePoint and Safecontractor secures supplies at trade price Safecontractor, one of the UK’s fastest growing health and safety schemes, has joined forces with building supplies giant TradePoint to instantly qualify its 25,000 health and safety proficient contractors for TradePoint membership. Safecontractor members can now purchase from 12,000 kitchens, bathrooms and building materials at trade pricing. Safecontractor’s service takes the hassle out of the ever increasing burden that health and safety legislation places on managing contractors. Safecontractor enables constructors to reduce risk by establishing and maintaining a compliant, approved contractor list and can also identify and flag contractors who pose a risk to the business. trade-point.co.uk 03330 143097

Deva launches new sensor tap range Deva has launched a new range of chrome sensor taps. Consisting of four different models, two deck mounted and two wall mounted, the contemporary taps are suitable for both cold and premixed water. Each model has a 70 second flow cut-off, meaning that water usage is limited should the tap not be automatically switched off via the sensor. The taps require a minimum water pressure of 0.5 bar and are recommended for use with a thermostatic blending valve to set a maximum water temperature. Able to run off battery or mains power, the taps all feature moisture and water resistant control units.

Established for more than 20 years, and now part of the Methven UK group, Deva is one of the largest suppliers of showers and taps to the UK market. deva.org.uk 0800 195 1602 INEX-ONLINE.COM

56 PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

Vufold introduces windows to Ultra and Supreme range

Above: Vufold’s Ultra range of matching windows and doors in grey Right: A Vufold single window with vent from the Supreme range

Vufold, a leading British manufacturing retailer of bifold doors, is radically transforming its offer to customers and the building trade with the addition of matching windows to its hugely popular Ultra and Supreme range of external bi-folding doors.

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he windows will be manufactured in the UK to the same high standard as Vufold’s doors and the company is sourcing its timber from the same suppliers to maintain consistency of quality.

Windows matching the Ultra range of aluminium clad doors will come in a choice of a grey or white aluminium external finish with an oak veneer finish to the interior that has three coats of clear polyurethane surface, allowing the beauty of the wood grain to show, adding a warm feel to the room. The Ultra windows also come complete with a powder coated, aluminium clip-on window cill and a choice of internal handles.

The Supreme range of windows is constructed from thermally broken aluminium frames, set in a double INEX-ONLINE.COM

glazed unit, and comes in a choice of contemporary grey or stunning white aluminium powder coating.

The Supreme windows also come complete with a powder coated, thermally broken aluminium cill and are completed by a brushed graphite handle as standard. The external aluminium surfaces on both ranges are guaranteed against defects for 15 years.

Customers will be able to choose from a range of 13 different windows including single, double and triple paned sets. There will also be a choice of fixed and various opening options from left, right, bottom and one third top of the frame. Widths will vary from 620 to 1720cm, and heights from 1040 to 2090cm. The windows will only be available in double glazed units.

Marketing Manager for Vufold, Kerry Murphy-Kaytan, says the introduction of the windows is the next step towards Vufold providing the full package of doors and windows when it comes to house renovation, upgrading or building new extensions.

“For quite a while now we have been aware of the discerning nature of our customers and how they value aesthetics and quality when it comes to installing new doors and windows. With Vufold now manufacturing its own windows to the same high quality standards as its bi-folding doors, customers will be able to have total confidence that their homes will look great, have a consistent style and will be insulated to the best possible specifications.”

As with all Vufold products, the windows come complete with everything needed for installation, including a fixing kit and easy to follow instructions. Prices start from £449 for a Supreme range 620 x 1040mm single window, to £1469 for a 1760 x 1190mm Ultra range triple set. vufold.co.uk « info@vufold.co.uk « 01625 442899 «

57 PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

Hamilton to showcase collections at British Institute of Interior Design Conference Hamilton Litestat is confirmed as one of just eight exhibitors to showcase its product range at the annual conference for the British Institute of Interior Design (BIID). Set to explore the theme of ‘interior identities’, the BIID Conference will take place on 16th June at the Royal Geographical Society in London.

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ritish designer and manufacturer, Hamilton, will display its high quality decorative electrical wiring accessories, lighting control and multiroom audio systems at the event. With its design-led collection of products created to meet the exacting project demands of architects, interior designers and interior specifiers, Hamilton is a trusted partner and solutions provider to the sector.

Gavin Williams, Marketing Manager of Hamilton Litestat, said: “The interior design industry is extremely important to Hamilton and we’re delighted that our commitment and strong working relationship with interior designers and specifiers will be reinforced by attending such a central show as the British Institute of Interior Design Conference.”

Hamilton will showcase its portfolio of 18 designer switch plate and socket collections that span current trends and classic designs on stand E. Manufactured in metal, plastic,

wood and glass, the collections are available in a variety of finishes, including four new shades of bronze.

Its in-house design and manufacturing service allows Hamilton to also produce bespoke non-standard size plates in a special finish or colour to meet the requirements of any design project.

One of a kind electrical accessory solutions are created, with highly finished prototypes provided as standard to ensure the bespoke solution is exactly right for the interior environment. hamilton-litestat.com « info@hamilton-litestat.com « 01747 860088 «

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58 PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

Above: The tour will visit 250 venues across the UK and Ireland from 1st March until the end

VELUX hits the road with national tour

of July

The VELUX Group is on the road to unveil its new white-painted roof window range to customers.

The tour will visit 250 venues across the UK and Ireland from 1st March until the end of July to give installers and suppliers a first look at the new white-painted roof window range, developed to meet the demand for a contemporary alternative to traditional pine.

show its customers

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ll installers who attend the event will have the chance to win over £75,000 of rewards and exclusive prizes on the day including a brand new Vauxhall Vivaro van worth over £20,000, Makita Drill Sets and white iPad minis.

Everyone who pre-registers at www. velux.co.uk/2016tour or www.velux. ie/2016tour and attends an event will receive an instant win scratch card with a guaranteed VELUX reward worth between £5 and £50. Attendees will also be able to take a virtual tour of the VELUX factory.

For every VELUX white-painted roof window bought in April and May, customers will receive £25 worth of reward vouchers, redeemable at M&S, Argos, Pizza Express, Thomas Cook and Ticketmaster.

Ashley Nelson, Brand Manager at VELUX, said: “We’re launching our new white-painted roof window range over the coming months and want to give our suppliers and installers a first look at the new products.

“Our team will be touring the length and breadth of the UK and Ireland INEX-ONLINE.COM

over the next few months to show our customers how the new whitepainted range will work for them.

Customers should register on our website to let us know they’re coming and be there on the day for a chance to win a range of fantastic prizes.”

The new white-painted roof window range from VELUX will be available nationwide from April, and

Below: The VELUX team will be touring the length and breadth of the UK and Ireland over the next few months to how the new whitepainted range will work for them

will become the standard roof window product in the market.

Each component of every white-painted roof window is painted before assembly for a flawless low-maintenance finish and outstanding durability. Offering a contemporary white finish, VELUX white-painted roof windows are treated with a high quality, water-based breathable paint and are UV resistant to preserve their bright, white look. velux.co.uk/2016tour « sales@velux.co.uk « 01592 778225 «

DEFINING THE ART OF OUTDOOR STYLING

FABRICS FOR LUXURY EXTERIORS EXTEX fabrics combine a luxurious look and feel; designed to complement and enhance even the most exclusive exterior space, they are suitable for use on all outdoor furnishing applications. The co-ordinating ranges offer over 100 contemporary colours, bringing a perfect style conclusion to any design project.

Discover our extensive fabric collection at www.extex.co.uk

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60 PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

V-ZUG launches Combi-Steam MSLQ oven The engineers at V-ZUG have announced another world first; an oven which combines the speed of a microwave with conventional heat and steam, helping those with a busy lifestyle. The new model, Combi-Steam MSLQ oven, brings together all of the best features of V-ZUG’s combi-steam ovens, with the added quick convenience of a microwave.

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y simply pressing the oven’s PowerPlus function, the oven is boosted into action and accelerates the cooking programmes. This technology has been developed over the last four years, and promises the user a time saving of up to one third.

This style of cooking also preserves the essential nutrients, with tests confirmed by the Zurich University of Applied Sciences.

To help develop this new oven the company consulted top Swiss chefs such as Andreas Caminada, Tanja Grandist and Nenad Mlinarevic, so customers can be assured of its quality and high standards. In addition, users will benefit from the oven’s 65 preset inspiring recipes from the chefs.

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The oven also features V-ZUG’s latest styling including a touchscreen. It has the same feel as a smartphone and can be operated with a simple and direct tap. It is also very visual with its full-colour graphic display which shows all the functions at a glance. What’s more, in the background it displays delicious looking meals prepared

by Chef Andreas Caminada. The oven itself is also designed to be incredibly stylish.

The oven has a 700W output and volume capacity of 55 litres and is ‘A’ energy rated. The V-ZUG CombiSteam MSLQ oven retails from £4680 including VAT. vzug.com « rhys.evans@vzug.com « 0843 289 5759 «

Above: This style of cooking preserves the essential nutrients Below: This technology has been developed over the last four years, and promises the user a time saving of up to one third

61 PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

Love your workspace The impact our surroundings have on wellbeing and productivity is a vital consideration influencing today’s office planning strategies. By incorporating psychology into workplace strategies, organisations can create happier, healthier and high performing environments for their people.

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rganisations are moving away from pure open-plan offices and increasingly investing in a more ‘humanised’ work environment featuring breakout spaces, informal meeting areas, quiet zones, private meeting rooms and hot desking facilities. But how can organisations make better decisions about the kinds of new spaces provided?

Workplace furniture manufacturers, KI Europe, collaborated with business psychologists , OPP, to find out more about the relationship between personality types and the environments in which we work, and whether this had an impact on people’s sense of wellbeing and productivity.

Are offices a toxic environment for introverts?

In general, extraverts reported significantly higher-levels of job satisfaction and happiness at work opposed to introverts. One practical question is therefore; is there anything about the design of the workplace that disadvantages introverts? Based on this research, many of the trends in the modern office certainly seem to be moving away from the preferences of introverts. By creating a workplace that is arguably less conducive to job

Above: Organisations are moving away from pure open-plan offices, increasingly investing in a more ‘humanised’ work

satisfaction and happiness at work amongst introverts, organisations risk demotivating a significant part of the workforce introverts comprise roughly 50% of the population.

environment Right: Psychology can inspire office planning to help create happy, healthy and high

Large, high-density open-plan layouts The proliferation of open-plan working may have been driven in part by a perception that open-plan offices can facilitate communication and diminish the negative effects of rigid hierarchies in organisations.

However, research suggests that any such benefits are outweighed by the negative effects of the open-plan environment such as noise levels, distraction, and lack of privacy.

In this survey, those working in an open-plan office were among the least satisfied with their work environment. Introverts found it hard to concentrate in these spaces, whereas extraverts enjoyed being around lots of colleagues, feeling isolated if restricted to cellular offices.

Creating ‘neighbourhoods’ within the open-plan can help. Partitioning these spaces using storage resource centres or third space modules can punctuate the space, giving the feel of a smaller environment.

performing work environments

Hot desking Where some types didn’t mind it, or may actually enjoy the variety, the movement and interaction that hot desking facilitates, on the whole it was counterintuitive to most people’s preference for having their own defined space at work. In this survey, hot desking was distinctly unpopular with 79% of the group agreeing, or strongly agreeing, with the statement “It is important that I have my own desk and working area”.

Cool offices Workplace environments are increasingly being used as a tool for employee engagement, wellbeing and employer branding. While well-designed, aesthetically pleasing offices were almost universally appreciated in this survey, the presence of new gadgets, quirky objects and statement decor was more highly valued by some.

While nobody seemed to be particularly against having a ‘cool’ office, it might be worth gathering ideas of what to include from those who do value it highly. kieurope.com/loveyourworkspace « workplace@kieurope.com « 0207 404 7441 « INEX-ONLINE.COM