Inex May 2016

May 2016 ISSUE 33 inex-online.com Download the Inex app for iPhone, iPad and Android. Search ‘Inex-online’

in[sight]

ex[rated]

in[spire]

ex[pose]

In keeping with the exterior events taking place this month, Inex interviews Landscape Designer Christian Preaud

With the Chelsea Flower Show in all our calendars this month, Inex previews the show, highlighting what to expect this year

Vintage Matters has given a new lease of life to vintage pieces selected for PR agency Citizen based in London

A look at the Baker Street Boys’ design for THE LINE coffee table, inspired by the industrial revolution and 19th century London

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

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urrent trends play a key role in influencing an interior scheme, however if you’re renovating an existing building, inspiration can also be taken from the structure itself.

Despite the beauty and unique charm of historic buildings, you must be prepared to encounter challenges if you’re commissioned to bring these spaces back to life.

It is likely you will experience a minefield of restrictions and constraints. Yet for Howard Spa Consulting, a renowned expert in spa design, this did not pose a problem when the company was tasked with creating a spa concept for Monastero Santa Rosa.

Up against a number of planning restrictions, the team took these in their stride to deliver a unique concept that blended seamlessly with the building’s distinctive character. Turn to page 12 to find out more.

Elsewhere in this issue, Interior Designer Jane Lockhart discusses how to see a client’s project through to the end with the ultimate finishing touches, The Chelsea Flower Show unveils the highlights of this year’s prestigious event and the Baker Street Boys showcase its take on the iconic coffee table. You can also read up on the key features of the upcoming Clerkenwell Design Week, taking place from 24 to 26th May – turn to page 26 to find out more.

I hope you enjoy this issue. Don’t forget, you can also access all of Inex’s features and product inspiration at your fingertips via the magazine’s state-of-the-art app.

To download your version free of charge, simply search ‘Inex-online’ on the App Store or Google play.

08 Top left: The Baker Street Boys has showcased its love of architecture with THE LINE coffee table Cover: Patricia Fox, Founder of Aralia, explains how to maximise external spaces Top: Christian Preaud injected intimacy, calmness and serenity into his project at Dar Assoura, Marrakech Above: Vintage Matters brought unique vintage pieces back to life for Citizen’s office in Old Street, London

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

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

INEX-ONLINE.COM

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5 CONTENTS

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MAY DIARY

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INSPIRE Vintage Matters has sourced quirky and intricate vintage furnishings and accessories for PR and experimental agency, Citizen.

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SPA A luxurious spa design should essentially provide ultimate relaxation and indulgence to its users. Accurately, Howard Spa Consulting has achieved this setting within a 17th century convent.

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INSIGHT With the Chelsea Flower Show in all of our calendars this month, Inex has interviewed Christian Preaud of Atelier Jardins, who explains how his inspiration to become a landscape designer began within his grandmother’s back garden.

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EXRATED Setting the stage for one of the most prominent garden shows of the year, Inex showcases this year’s Chelsea Flower Show, highlighting events and new installations to expect from this year’s show.

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EXPOSE Furniture Designers, Tomasz Danielec and Arek Glanowski, have updated the basic coffee table into a structural, state-of-theart piece that, as well as serving its main purpose, has various functionalities to meet the modern needs of today’s society.

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KBB Interior Designer Jane Lockhart offers her top tips on adding those final touches to a kitchen’s design to successfully cross the finish line.

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LIGHTING Phillip Pini, Head of Residential Development at Crestron, explains how to ‘set the scene’ for your clients’ homes, saving energy and creating the perfect ambience.

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WALLCOVERINGS Innovation is at the heart of Aaron Stewart’s designs. With the help of Surface View, Aaron Stewart has successfully installed inspirational and distinctive murals and pieces of art for a luxury apartment in Puerto Rico.

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LANDSCAPING Patricia Fox, Founder of Aralia Landscaping, inspires Inex readers with her luxury rooftop terrace designs and offers her advice on trends to expect this summer, including interior gardens.

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Top left: Howard Spa Consulting has created a luxury spa

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concept within a 17th century convent at Monastero Santa

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Rosa, Italy Middle: Aaron Stewart and Surface View worked together to select and provide pieces of art and murals to adorn the walls of luxury apartments in Puerto Rico Left: Lighting control and scene setting can transform the look and feel of any room, enhancing interior design and saving energy

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7 DIARY

ICFF Javits Center, NYC 14 -17 May ICFF will map the newest frontier of what’s best and what’s next. The ICFF lures those in determined pursuit of design’s timely truths and latest trends to an encyclopaedic exhibition of up-to-the-moment offerings, as well as a series of fascinating, fun, edifying programs and a packed schedule of exhibits and features. icff.com Pulse Olympia, London 15-17 May Pulse offers buyers and retailers an unmissable opportunity to source thousands of cutting-edge, designled products from over 500 exciting brands at this summer’s largest design-led retail event. All beautifully curated by a market-leading panel of design and trend experts, as well as a whole line up of new and unseen brands from the UK and overseas. pulse-london.com

Ideal Home Show Scotland SECC, Glasgow 27-30 May Scotland’s top destination for all things home and interiors is set to be bigger and better than ever. The show will feature foodie favourite Gregg Wallace, Selling Houses Presenter Amanda Lamb, Architect and Presenter George Clarke award-winning garden expert Diarmuid Gavin, and TV interiors guru John Amabile, who will all be on hand to share their top tips and advice. The show will have seven dedicated show areas plus inspirational room sets, stunning show gardens and a host of celebrities and expert seminars. idealhomeshowscotland.co.uk Art16 Olympia, London 20-22 May Art16 has become a highlight of London’s cultural calendar, kicking off the summer season with a compelling edit of international artists and galleries. Art16 unites art lovers, collectors and artists from around the globe together with an engaging programme of free talks, expert-led tours and performances. artfairslondon.com

Office* ExCel, London 11-12 May With the full seminar line up now announced, Office*, the awardwinning business event for executive office support professionals, is tracking ahead on seminar bookings for 2016. The show reveals over 150 carefully selected exhibitors ranging from office equipment and stationery, to health and safety, technology and office furniture. officeshow.co.uk

House RDS, Dublin 20-22 May House 2016 is the definitive guide to Irish interiors, gathering premium designers, architects, craftsmen, home improvement specialists and furniture and fitout suppliers together for a three-day festival of style.

House 2016 will showcase the very best of interior design, highlighting the hottest trends, most stylish products and chicest designs for discerning Irish homes. Top architects and interior designers will take part in a series of talks on the House Inspiration Stage offering smart design advice and savvy makeover tips. house-event.ie

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8 INSPIRE

A new lease of life Today’s consumer has a wide range of choice when it comes to interior accessories and furnishings, which often limits people’s creativity. Camberwell-based Vintage Matters overcame this limitation when sourcing vintage pieces for PR and experimental agency Citizen based on Old Street, London.

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intage Matters, the brainchild of Sourcing and Merchandise Specialist, Paul Cody, and Designer and Architect, Tom Edington, was approached by design agency, YourStudio, based in Shoreditch, to source and supply furnishings and accessories for innovative PR agency, Citizen.

Vintage Matters’ brief, received from YourStudio, portrayed pieces with a sense of character for the welcome, social and meeting spaces throughout the establishment. The company was approached with a budget from the designers at YourStudio and was requested to add a ‘unique personality’ around the INEX-ONLINE.COM

multitude of spaces. YourStudio’s brief was extremely clear; the designers did not want the office to feel ‘too vintage’. It was vital for Vintage Matters to provide a balance throughout this environment and for its vintage pieces to complement YourStudio’s existing furniture and accessories impeccably.

Upon receiving the brief, Vintage Matters was able to identify the existing office design and the materials already in use. The visuals provided by YourStudio allowed the company to identify the use of colour that the establishment already held throughout. From here, the company was able to put its

creative mind into sourcing and curating innovative pieces to make a statement in each of the areas, complementing and adding an element of fun to the new decor.

The company sourced products and accessories that would flawlessly both fit into the existing design, and complement the existing decor. Flashes of Citizen’s signature brand colour, red, was inserted into various aspects of the decor.

Considering the existing creative industrial-feel that YourStudio had created, the consideration of the vintage pieces were essential to equalise the spaces, yet certify that the scheme showcased an ‘edgy-feel’, with an added layer of warmth.

Top: An innovative addition to Citizen’s social space is the use of the decorative antlers and vintage cameras Above: To bring these vintage pieces back to life the letters were cleaned, removing any dents and scuffs, and neon tubes and wiring within the lettering were removed

9 INSPIRE

The company was provided with maximum dimensions that it had to adhere to when selecting pieces for Citizen. Vintage Matters had to ensure that all pieces selected for the scheme could be successfully delivered and installed within the establishment and that the pieces would adequately fit up stairwells, through corridors and via goods lifts.

Stocking a collection of industrial letters from all over the globe, from the USA to Europe, Vintage Matters selected Citizen’s large, bold statement lettering that adorns the walls of the reception area. The original letters were worn and in a rundown state. The first step to bringing these vintage pieces back to life was to clean the letters, maintain any dents and scuffs and remove the old neon tubes and wiring within the lettering.

These letters were then resprayed, to add an aspect of Citizen’s brand colour. The acrylic fonts were then replaced to give them a new lease of life. All letters were then fitted with new LED lighting and wiring to guarantee that they were all safe to use within the establishment.

Citizen’s social spaces have been given a new personality with a number of decorative accessories to help the spaces feel ‘lived in’. These additions also helped to provide some

conversation starters for Citizen’s clients. An innovative addition to Citizen’s social space is the use of the decorative antlers which complement the industrial mesh walling that they sit upon and define the waiting area.

Reflecting the brand As photography and media is a large part of the Citizen brand, Vintage Matters wanted to enhance this interest by adorning the walls with vintage cameras, which provide

moments of nostalgia. A number of vintage cameras and cine cameras, a retro radio and antlers are quirky additions that help to reflect the brand’s personality. The vintage pieces selected, for example the cameras, relate to what Citizen undertakes as a brand and the large vintage classroom school map, located within the company’s boardroom, acknowledges the fact that it is a global company, with its head office in North America.

Above: Vintage school chairs bring a feeling of nostalgia to any environment which everyone can connect to in some way or another Below: The vintage pieces sourced and curated were full of character and added warmth, colour and fun into the space

INEX-ONLINE.COM

10 INSPIRE

Above: The picturesque framed botanical prints reference the location Above left: The dining Right: YourStudio’s

room has been opened

brief was extremely

up with a large mirror

clear; the designers

that hangs behind the

did not want the

head of the table

office to feel too

Below: A trip to the

vintage

glamorous dining

Below: A mid-century

room continues the

Danish brown leather

ivory, metallic and

sofa was picked up in

blue colour palette

a small town west of Copenhagen by one of Vintage Matters’ suppliers

A number of vintage pieces were also selected for the bar area within the establishment which included soda syphons, a silverplated cocktail shaker, an ice bucket and vintage corkscrews, which injected a touch of colour and character to the area.

Pull up a chair Vintage school chairs bring a feeling of nostalgia to any environment, which everyone can connect to in some way or another. Authentic vintage school chairs truly tell a story of provenance. They also have the added bonus of being hardwearing and practical – and are also generally stackable which was useful for a busy PR agency. Vintage Matters used a mix of English and European vintage school chairs within this scheme which flatters the industrial-feel exceptionally.

Numerous vintage items of furniture were sourced for Citizen that each hold their own individual appeal. A mid-century Danish brown leather sofa was picked up in a small town west of Copenhagen by one of Vintage Matters’ suppliers. This preloved sofa now sits comfortably within the meeting INEX-ONLINE.COM

area enhancing its industrial-style surroundings.

Within this meeting area sits a vibrant, reupholstered mid-century armchair – a statement piece for this area. Vintage Matters reupholstered this chair with fabric from Sunbury Design’s Carnival Velvets range, which complies with all the fire safety requirements for a commercial space. This particular fabric added a subtle retro touch within the environment whilst enhancing the existing contemporary pieces.

Overall, the vintage pieces sourced and curated for Citizen were full of character and added genuine warmth, colour and fun into the already impressive space.

The pieces helped define the mood in each space. Vintage Matters met the brief extremely well, on time and on budget, which was a vital aspect of the project. The company wanted Citizen’s staff and visitors to be mesmerised by the decor and remember the space they were in: filled with authentic vintage, sometimes quirky, but always characterful pieces that bring the space to life. vintagematters.co.uk «

11 EXPOSE

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12 SPA

History within the walls The major constraints of a historical building can be challenging. However, Howard Spa Consulting accepted that the constraints at Monastero Santa Rosa should work in its favour, rather than against it. Taking inspiration from the monastic history, the space itself and a little reference to Roman bathing, the building guided the company to ultimate luxury.

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ocated between Positano and Amalfi overlooking the most beautiful coastline in the world, the Spa designed by Jane Goff (Goff Associates Ltd) is managed by Howard Spa Consulting. Jane believed that the building should be the guide as to the best design and so the labyrinth of original 17th Century monastic spaces and rustic walls still form part of the new structure. The result is a thoroughly modern spa befitting a world-class luxury hotel, which has retained its historic character.

Neil Howard of Howard Spa Consulting specialises in serving high-end properties of distinction that require their spas to enhance their brand. The renowned specialist was recently approached to produce a spa design within a historic convent at Monastero Santa Rosa.

From the outset the owner required the spa to draw upon the unique integrity of the convent’s character and not to follow a predetermined formulae that a brand would impose. Howard Spa Consulting’s independent approach and adeptness

in creating spa concepts suited the owner’s philosophy and the design commenced. The essence of Howard Spa Consulting’s approach was to allow the building to tell the company what best suited it and to join spaces together to form a flowing experience.

The existing space showcased a series of raw, monastic, empty, medium-sized, rustic, stone barrelvaulted cells across four levels. The total floor area was approximately 1087m2, with the outdoor area offering a 180° panoramic view of the Amalfi Coast. Every effort was made to maintain the rustic shell as if it was a protected museum piece.

Creating the suites The super suite provides a complete spa experience within the privacy of a large indoor/outdoor suite. The super suite is a double height space with a barrel-vaulted ceiling. The guest enters via the higher-level and looks down upon their private space. There are five distinctive zones within the double dry treatment area; a double wet treatment area with a rasul, a grooming/showering/changing area, a lounge sofa area and a private outdoor sun deck overlooking the Amalfi Coast.

Thermal suites are designed for sequential bathing where a guest uses heat, cold water and relaxation cabins. Alternating hot/cold treatments are proven to be good for the immune system and for creating

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13 SPA

Top left: The owner required the spa to draw upon the unique integrity of the convent’s character Far left: The guest enters via the higherlevel and looks down upon their private space Above: A monastery and luxury aren’t normally comfortable partners, however Howard Spa Consulting was able to ‘up’ the feeling of luxury Above right: A private outdoor sun deck allows guests to look out on to the Amalfi

a sense of wellbeing. Howard Spa Consulting used an existing double height space for the Tepidarium – a warm room for relaxation before, between or after hot or water bathing, a nod towards the Roman use of Tepidarium which is an example that exists in Pompeii.

Foot baths are designed to maintain body temperature to the extremities before and after hot thermal bathing. In the Far East bathing the feet is a ritual. Whereas in Europe, foot baths are an element of Kneipp therapy. In Monastero Santa Rosa, Howard Spa Consulting used foot baths to provide three benefits; to maintain body temperature to the feet, to adhere to the welcome ritual using Santa Maria Novella grapefruit crystals that provide the signature essence in the Tepidarium and for water massage jets, that were also added to the foot baths to provide an extra luxurious benefit.

As the hotel is the most exclusive on the Amalfi Coast, it was important to facilitate the type of guest that would stay within the hotel. They would be, and previously have been, ‘VVIPs’ that require private and luxuriously-sized spaces, where all their spa services can be performed in one private suite.

Coast Left: The lighting plays a highly important role within a spa to create the right atmosphere

Incorporating luxury Of course, a monastery and luxury aren’t normally comfortable partners, however Howard Spa Consulting was able to ‘up’ the feeling of luxury and maintain sympathy with monastic and local materials.

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14 SPA

Right: Light washes across the face of the rough walls to enhance the unusual quality of the space Below: Howard Spa Consulting had to pay specific attention to particular areas within the spa such as slip resistance in wet areas Bottom: Every effort was made to maintain the rustic shell as if it was a protected museum piece

The main issues that Howard Spa Consulting was faced with was planning permission. From a layout point of view, connecting the many separate cells that existed on each of the four floors then creating a journey that flowed and made sense making the best use of the spaces was also a challenge that Howard Spa Consulting overcame.

There were also restrictions on dividing double height spaces into two levels, to respect the original volumes. Consequently, the biggest and most private double height space became the private treatment suite.

Of course, Howard Spa Consulting had to pay specific attention to particular areas within the spa such as slip resistance in wet areas and humidity causing dampness in wet areas that required ventilation and coating.

Lighting and materials The lighting always plays a highly important role within a spa to create the right atmosphere, but in Monastero Santa Rosa it was important that light could wash across the face of the rough walls to enhance the unusual quality of the space. The lighting enhances the peacefulness within the space and gently shows off the original structure, stone work, texture and warm glows.

Warmth to the Jerusalem stone has been successfully introduced, with INEX-ONLINE.COM

accents of blue lighting added subtly to represent the external coast.

Aspects of the external culture have been incorporated within this design with the use of locally sourced, madeto-order ironwork. Even the product brand names found within the spa were initially created by monks using local indigenous herbs, flora and plants. The existing herb garden used by the 17th century nuns still sits comfortably within the grounds.

Glass was used throughout this project to provide as much vision and connectivity as possible. Glass attributed when dealing with a great deal of otherwise unconnected spaces with thick walls. Within the Tepidarium, glass was used around the outside of the room to provide a sense of a ‘museum’.

Rather like the hotel, the spa is about intimacy and discovery. The entrance to the spa is not too loud – alternatively a small, understated doorway. Once inside the space, it opens up vertically to a double height space, above a small waterfall connecting the space to the ground floor.

The hotel can be described as a small boutique hotel, in size and style, but it’s enormous on personality, character and location. The spa adds a significant selling point to the total identity and offer. howardspaconsulting.com «

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16 INSIGHT

A curator of serenity In keeping with the exterior garden events taking place this month, Christian Preaud of Atelier Jardins talks to Inex about how his landscaping career launched at the ‘grand’ age of 42 and how his background in architecture attributes to his prestigious landscape designs.

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hristian Preaud studied architecture in Paris and then went on to work in the film industry, working on set decoration and undertaking jobs from Production Assistant to Assistant Director and Producer. Christian found this very interesting until there was little left to learn.

During this time, Christian kept very close to his passion for gardens and nature. So when the question arose to continue in a job that he did not want to progress with anymore or to follow a new path, the opportunity came for Christian to study at the famous Ecole Nationale Supérieure du INEX-ONLINE.COM

Top: Christian

Paysage de Versailles. Christian did not hesitate at this opportunity and went back to school at the ‘grand’ age of 42 years old to study landscape design.

discovered his love for plants and gardens in his grandmother’s garden Right: Christian studied at the famous Ecole

What inspired you to become a landscape designer?

My inspiration came from my childhood memories; the rays of sunlight through the bamboo grove, the broken up shadows on the sand, the majestic giant cypress sitting in the middle of the lawn – its branches offering me shelter for long birdwatching – and the smell of the wet moss under my feet, mixed with the smell of the cut leaves when trimming the box tree.

Nationale Supérieure du Paysage de Versailles Top right: Christian had to discover practical, playful and symbolic places for plants and water Below right: Water flows from the wall into the basin along an irrigation channel called a Tadlakt

Who has been your greatest influence?

My grandmother. It was in her garden in Dinard where I developed my love of gardens and plants. There was a tiny little wood greenhouse going back to my great-grandmother – I spent hours in there. A vine grew within it, giving shade to the seedlings and grapes. I experimented with all kinds of seeds, cuttings and grafting. I sheltered little bonsais picked up from the cliffs by the sea, growing in cracks filled with barely a handful of dirt.

17 INSIGHT

Which commercial project are you most proud of and why?

A very recent highlight; I have just started a project in Italy for which Atelier Jardins is in charge of designing the whole house as well as the garden. It is a major accomplishment for me that my beliefs have been heard; a house and garden are both the same living space that need to be worked on as one entity.

What type of plants do you commonly use in your designs?

For each design, I am very cautious about soil, climate and natural local flora. One must learn from what nature tells you, it makes it possible to grow a garden successfully without wasting water and using a lot of fertilizer and chemicals. If you go against nature your garden will run into all kinds of problems and unavoidable diseases. The plants I use vary with the locations of the projects, but my preferred palette is Mediterranean.

How do you ensure that your designs benefit all year round?

Firstly, you have to plan the evergreen plants within the space. Free or shaped into topiaries and hedges, these plants structure the space giving it a constant design throughout the seasons. They are similar to walls and partitions in a house, they structure views, can open and close spaces and give meaning to areas. On the other hand, you have deciduous plants, flowering shrubs, perennials and annuals that decorate the space that has been created by those evergreen plants. Due to the four seasons, this is a constant shifting palette.

Can you please talk us through your Marrakech project?

Dar Assoura, found in the Derb Lalla Azzouna quarter of the Medina in Marrakech, is a beautiful riad with a simple and pure style of architecture.

It is a wonderful restoration by Architect, Christophe Simeon, who has been based in Marrakech for many years now. To enhance this restoration, the owner asked if we could create the garden. We had to discover practical, playful

and symbolic places for plants and water, while simultaneously respecting ancestral tradition with contemporary interpretations.

Water flows from the wall into the basin along an irrigation channel called a Tadlakt, literally translated as a ‘refreshing passage’. The pool is decorated with two submerged banks. As the Tadlakt is stone beige it gives the water an almond green colour, this then reflects the leaves of lemon trees, roses and palm trees.

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18 INSIGHT

Above: If you go against nature your garden will run into all kinds of problems and unavoidable diseases Left: Christian is very cautious about soil, climate and natural local flora Below: The entire Vesenaz plot had to be reorganised to integrate it into the overall living space of the property

The intimacy, calmness and serenity of this atmosphere is enlivened by birds singing, giving the feeling like you are a world away from the colourful bustle of the nearby Essebtiyine Street.

Can you please talk us through your Vesenaz project?

This land expanse was dotted with a few ornamental trees and apple trees and wasn’t very inviting. The garden was confined to the surroundings of the house.

The entire plot had to be reorganised to integrate it into the overall living space of the property.

Between the house and the pool, I designed four patches, each with a different role but part of the same symbolic structure; a vegetable garden, a bed of flowers, a rose garden and a bed of ivy – from which the structure of a beautiful hundred-year-old apple tree emerges. atelierjardins.com « INEX-ONLINE.COM

19 INSIGHT

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20 EXRATED

T

April showers bring May flowers

he Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has announced some of its plant trends for this year’s show. The exotic peony is to be the star of the show with ferns, box hedges, oak trees and roses to feature prominently alongside weeds such as wild garlic. This year’s awaited themes include health and happiness, theatrical performances, futuristic vs traditional and paying homage to nature. Charismatic, peach-coloured Roald Dahl roses and Princess Charlotte chrysanthemums are among new plant launches at the show.

In the Great Pavilion, more than 100 specialist plant breeders, nurseries and societies will be creating breathtaking floral exhibits with plants at the peak of perfection. Among the highlights here, you can also find the interactive Discovery Zone with thought-provoking displays, many created by plant scientists and colleges, highlighting the significance of plant science.

Close by, the winners in the regional heats of the RHS Chelsea Florist of the Year, RHS Young Chelsea Florist of the Year and RHS Chelsea Floristry College of the Year will be crafting glorious floral displays.

While outside in the Floral Design Studio, members of NAFAS will be competing for medals.

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Image © Cleve West

For four days in May, the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea will be transformed into the world’s greatest flower show, The Chelsea Flower Show. Held from 24 to 28th May, this year’s show will be packed with amazing plant displays and the very best cutting-edge garden designs.

Celebrating HM The Queen’s 90th birthday The Royal Horticultural Society will celebrate the 90th birthday of HM The Queen with floral arches at both the Bull Ring and London Gate entrances to the show. The primary arch, by leading Designer Shane

21 EXRATED

Opposite: The Royal Horticultural Society has announced some of the plant trends for this year’s show Below left: Oak trees are a predominant feature used by designers such as Cleve West Left: RHS Chelsea provides an international stage Image © Chihori Shibiyama & Yano Tea

for horticulturists and there’s even more of a theatrical feel to the show this year Below: This year’s awaited themes include health and happiness, theatrical performances, futuristic vs traditional and paying homage to nature

Connolly, will span the iconic Bull Ring gate entrance, situated on the bank of the River Thames, while its sister arch will welcome visitors to the London Gate. The Bull Ring arch will be made using all British blooms, donated

by UK growers, and will be installed with the help of design students from several UK colleges.

Plant trends Peonies are a design favourite this year and roses will feature prominently throughout. Other popular flowers include alliums, achillea, foxgloves, irises, lavender and geum. Box hedging will feature in the plans of eight gardens, including Charlie Albone’s ‘The Husqvarna Garden’, many clipped alternatives to box, such as yew and bay, will also be used. Ferns are proving popular with some designers, while others have turned to plants such as bracken and horsetail to add beauty to a garden. Oak trees are a predominant feature being used by designers such as Cleve West.

New plants David Austin Roses will launch the new English shrub rose, Roald Dahl, which is named in honour of the world’s number one storyteller and marks 100 years since his birth as part of the official Roald Dahl 100 celebrations. Appropriately, the blooms are peachcoloured, acknowledging Roald’s literary success James and the Giant Peach. The Roald Dahl rose is a remarkably free-flowering rose with blooms produced almost continuously.

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22 EXRATED

The ‘Princess Charlotte’ chrysanthemum, by Deliflor, is launching in honour of the royal baby. Other new plants include Acer Moonrise by Hillier Nurseries, hosta Smiling Mouse by Hogarth Hostas and vibrant and deep red Cherry Kiss by Millais Nurseries.

Health, happiness and horticulture Last year, the RHS Greening Grey Britain campaign was launched in response to the worrying trend of paving over front gardens. The growth of grey space and decline of green aggravates a range of environmental challenges. While the domination of grey hard surfaces have been shown to have a negative impact on our health and wellbeing.

The RHS has teamed up with award-winning Designer Ann-Marie Powell to champion the health and wellbeing benefits of horticulture.

The charity believes everybody INEX-ONLINE.COM

should have access to a garden and the joy and happiness it brings.

Ann-Marie’s garden celebrates the wide range of plants and tactics gardeners can use to promote health and happiness.

Theatrical performances RHS Chelsea provides an international stage for horticulturists and there’s even more of a theatrical feel to the show this year. At first glance, the Harrods Eccentric British Garden,

designed by horticultural showman Diarmuid Gavin, appears to be a beautifully, gentle garden of terraces and topiary, but all of a sudden, the garden puts on a performance with mechanical buzzings and whirrings, a tower that erects, box balls that bob up and down and conical bay trees that begin to twirl.

Leading Designer Peter Eustance has created an artisan garden for disability charity, Papworth Trust.

Inspired by world-renowned Percussionist, Dame Evelyn Glennie, and the ‘sea music’ produced by the women of the Vanuatu islands, Peter’s garden becomes a musical instrument. A water marimba – a giant set of musical bars – generate an acoustic pulse, while soft planting on either side of green oak monoliths will create a diaphanous, dancing screen that will sway to the music, with floral soloists adding to the horticultural concerto.

23

Image © Hay Hwang

EXRATED

Above left: Hay Hwang has designed the Smart Garden for LG Electronics Above: The grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea will be transformed into the world’s greatest flower show Left: Although RHS Chelsea represents the very forefront of horticultural design, it is also a showcase for the traditional horticultural landscape

Futuristic vs traditional Although RHS Chelsea represents the very forefront of horticultural design, it is also a showcase for the traditional horticultural landscape.

Hay Hwang has designed the Smart Garden for LG Electronics. With an alternative approach to reclaiming our outdoor spaces, Hay’s futuristic garden aims to bring technology to the forefront of design with lighting, water features and audiovisual aspects of the garden, controlled simply by the touch of a button.

Modern gardens include Paul Martin’s The Garden of Mindful Living, which represents a contemporary modern garden designed to be a calm space to reboot after a hectic day.

Jo Thompson’s garden for Qatari Diar represents a more traditional garden. Inspired by the first site of the Chelsea Barracks, and the architecture of the new development close to Royal Hospital, The Chelsea Barracks Garden features roses interspersed with perennial planting throughout.

More traditional horticultural landscapes can be seen in gardens such as Matthew Wilson’s Welcome to Yorkshire, which celebrates the diversity of plants in the region’s gardens with a series of beds. rhs.org.uk/flowershows « INEX-ONLINE.COM

24 EXPOSE

Keep in line The coffee table has been present in households from the early days of the Victorian era and has drastically changed its image and purpose progressively over time. Artisan Furniture Designers, Tomasz Danielec and Arek Glanowski of Baker Street Boys, have created an ultra-modern, industrial-style coffee table design to accompany their collection, THE LINE.

T

omasz Danielec and Arek Glanowski are the creative minds behind the brand, Baker Street Boys. The brand initially started as a lifestyle blog, which slowly transformed into a furniture business. Tomasz has a background in architecture and designing interiors and bespoke items of furniture.

With the pair both living on Baker Street, and the idea emerging from this area, the brand was born.

Designing for the future The design of the coffee table initiated in 1750 from the tea table – when tea drinking was at the height of fashion in Britain and there was an increase in demand for tea tables. Shortly after, during the 1870s to the 1880s, the coffee table prevailed in Britain during the late Victorian era, when influences from Japanese furniture design were reflected in the Anglo-Japanese style which comprised eating and drinking at low-levels.

Contrasting the idea of low-level eating and drinking, Tomasz and Arek have modernised this original idea, INEX-ONLINE.COM

creating a multipurpose piece that fits into today’s lifestyle requirements. Having a love for industrial design, Tomasz, who conceived and lead the creation of this debut collection, created this coffee table design inspired by the industrial revolution and 19th century London.

Tomasz commented: “We live in much smaller spaces than we previously did. Even premium spaces, particularly in London, are getting smaller and smaller.” The pair created THE LINE Coffee table with the belief that there is a growing need for small pieces that are functional, yet strong in design. Tomasz added: “You just need one strong piece to have a unique interior.”

Complementary materials A simple combination of two materials in their most unspoiled form; raw bent steel and oak blocks, are used to create this ultra-modern design. Each oak block originates from France and is air dried in the UK for 15 years.

Each oak block is 125mm thick, showcasing the perfect proportions to show the beauty of the timber without looking too heavy. With each oak wood block showcasing its original state, each piece is truly unique.

Both materials used for this design – oak and steel – are very robust by their nature. The warm, tactile feel of the oak against the rough, cold steel work exceptionally well together, as Tomasz describes as: “In a way, very poetic”.

Tomasz and Arek’s first idea when they designed the line, was to not protect the steel; so it would achieve a beautiful, rusted pattern over time. However, after long discussions the duo decided to protect the steel with a thin layer of an anti-rust solution, so it would

25 EXPOSE Left: With the pair both living on Baker Street and the idea emerging from this area the brand was born Far left: Each oak block originates from France and is air dried in the UK for 15 years and is 125mm thick, showcasing the perfect proportions to show the beauty of the timber without looking too heavy Below: The fixing of the oak block to the steel frame is modular and has been designed to easily replace the countertop, for example, with marble or cork

not lose its industrial look. As the layer has to be thin, bee’s wax is recommended to clean the piece and help to keep the beautiful satin look.

The base of the design is produced from a thick, bent steel, resulting in the structure holding a heavy, stable and robust frame. Every piece of steel is bent individually using a hand-operated pneumatic bender.

The fixing of the oak block to the steel frame is modular and has been designed to easily replace the countertop, for example, with marble or cork. There are four holes in the oak base, where the block is screwed into place, spacers have also been used to create a shadow gap between the table and the top.

Innovative functionalities As a great coffee lover, Tomasz has always been looking for an innovative coffee table that he could bring over to the sofa and have his cup and magazines right next to him. An important factor for Tomasz was to eliminate the need to bend down to a lower coffee table. Tomasz couldn’t find the right piece that combined all of his requirements for the perfect coffee table and decided to design one. Tomasz describes the coffee table design as: “A very clever and functional piece, yet very simple.

The design is very strong – I think we can say it is a statement piece.”

The pair are currently working on a dining table to add to THE LINE collection, and would also like to add a lamp to the collection. bakerstreetboys.com « INEX-ONLINE.COM

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28 KBB

Crossing the finish line

Buying a sofa or selecting flooring is a big task, one that we know has a finite amount of choices. These items become the staple element to make it the room we envision. But why is it, when all the pieces finally arrive, the room still doesn’t feel finished? Here, Interior Designer Jane Lockhart offers her advice on adding the final touches to a kitchen design.

INEX-ONLINE.COM

T

he biggest conundrum of decor, even with all the right main pieces coordinated and considered, is somehow the flare is still missing. As small as pillows, candles or a vase may seem in the big picture, it’s these finishing touches that add the personality, colour and individual style that every room needs to make those staple items look like they belong together.

Most clients I work with assume one short shopping trip to the local shopping centre is all that is required to pick up these decorative items to complete a room. They imagine they simply will grab a few pieces here and a few pieces there and cart it all home, unwrap each accessory and there you have it; instant style.

It’s this query that makes me emphasise to my clients to purchase more at the outset and return what you don’t need.

Basically, get more rather than less, as you don’t always know if something will work until it is

Above: Layering items of similar hues together will create visual repetition Below left: Art adds instant focal points to any space Above right: A long line of accessories in a row can look messy so placing them into a group and leaving space before the next creates visual harmony Far right: Anything can be considered art; whether it’s shadow boxes of clients’ kids’ crafts or photos from their holidays Right: Layering adds warmth, interest and texture

29 KBB

placed. Advising your clients to allot a full 20% of the room’s budget entirely to these final touches allows them to commit to accessorising, much like flooring or electrical budgets.

To finish the room completely, it requires money to be spent on it. Like many clients who are close to the end of a home project and have reached financial and emotional fatigue, the room gets close but is not quite done after all the work to this point. This is frustrating as it’s still missing the personality that accessories add.

Layering Once you have committed to the time and cost with your client, think about layering as a way to create individuality and fullness.

Layering in design means that there may be a variety of vases grouped together for instance, but behind them is a framed photo leaning up against the wall as their backdrop.

The goal is not to have just a single item or even a grouping of similar pieces, but rather to incorporate different shapes and sizes of mixed elements and a few that are not of the same ilk at all. Layering adds

warmth, interest, texture and most importantly personality.

Artwork in the kitchen Art adds instant focal points to any space and can pull in colours and textures missing from the larger staple items. For art, think big and strategic as you begin choosing. What do your clients want to see on the large wall over their kitchen worktop? One large piece in a key location like this draws immediate attention and quickly fills a room. Look for other large walls that can handle oversized pieces or groups of art together.

INEX-ONLINE.COM

30 KBB

Right: Layering items of similar hues will create visual repetition Below: The easiest way to add a final flurry of colour and texture is with soft textiles

Next, select smaller sized art as ‘infill’ intended for walls that aren’t necessarily large or focal but which will benefit from a dash of colour or provide a place to add pieces interesting to your client. And a note here, anything can be considered art; whether it’s shadow boxes of clients’ kids’ crafts or photos from their holidays, always select items that have meaning to the client.

Once artwork has been determined, adding other threedimensional pieces like boxes, baskets, books, candles or clocks can be grouped and placed together throughout a room. The key here is to group. A long line of accessories in a row can look messy, so placing them into a group and leaving space before the next grouping creates visual harmony. And of course, the key to making this work is to ensure your clients have enough surfaces for display so add small tables, ottomans, bookcases and shelves to allow accessorising to happen.

Perhaps the easiest way to add a final flurry of colour and texture is with soft textiles like pillows and throws, within seating areas of the kitchen. Although much is overlooked as important elements of interior decor, a grouping of three pillows in differing sizes at one end of a seating area provides layers of colour, texture and shape that then connects to other elements within the kitchen.

Accessorising is the last 20% of a room’s design that ultimately makes the other 80% sing. Layering items of similar hues together using varying shapes and sizes, and repeating this concept throughout the kitchen using a range of decorating elements, will create visual repetition and ultimately tell your client’s personal style story in an authentic and individual way. janelockhart.com « INEX-ONLINE.COM

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32 LIGHTING

Top left: Different lighting scenes can change the feel of a room from hour-tohour Left: When LED controls are integrated with sensory controls, you can

Setting the scene

create a daylight harvesting solution that automatically optimises light levels

Phillip Pini, Head of Residential Development at Crestron, looks at how lighting control and scene setting can transform the look and feel of any room, enhancing the interior design as well as saving energy.

L

ighting can be used to completely reinvent a house, transforming it into a cosy family home or a lively entertainment area, whatever the current need may be. Controls allow for lights to be dimmed or turned off altogether at the touch of a button – your clients don’t even need to be in the same country, let alone the same room. Combining this with an astronomical clock or a light sensor can ensure that lighting is always at the right level for that INEX-ONLINE.COM

throughout the day Above: All rooms need a source of light so this needs to be

time of day, ensuring that energy will not be wasted.

All rooms need a source of light so this needs to be considered before decorating as considerations will have to be paid to where the lights will go; if cables need to be installed, and how each light will complement each other and interact with the different surfaces and fabrics within the room.

The visible parts of a home technology solution, such as switch and socket faceplates, can

be incorporated into the interior design of a home, matching the decor. Integration companies can even set the stand by screen on control touch panels to match the wallpaper behind it, allowing for a completely seamless installation.

considered before decorating Right: One of the most important things that link good lighting control with interior design is colour temperature

Creating ambience Lighting is one of the best tools for creating a mood and ambience.

Ambient lighting refers to the general illumination of a room and is a broad category that encompasses a wide

33 LIGHTING

range of luminaire types, such as up or downlights. Ambient lighting appears from all directions with no obvious source, as opposed to directional or focal lighting that has a fixed target. In a bedroom for example, it is important to set the right ambience and create a series of different moods, for example reading, sleeping or watching TV. In the mornings, curtains or blinds open and the bedroom is flooded with natural light but at the end of a busy day, there is nothing that helps your clients relax more than the calming influence of a subtly lit bedroom. To achieve this, dimming and pre-set lighting scenes for mornings and evenings are both elements worth considering.

Scene setting and colour temperature Home decors can’t be changed every day, but different lighting scenes can change the feel of a room from hour-

to-hour. In the living room, a range of different lighting pre-sets for different areas and scenarios may be required: low lighting for watching television, spotlights for reading and enough light to fill the space when having friends over. Decorative lighting in these spaces may be chosen – such as chandeliers or wall sconces, designed to appear as if they illuminate the whole room, when in reality, general and task lighting is providing most of the light.

One of the most important things that link good lighting control with interior design is colour temperature.

Sources that produce a cool (white/ blue) light are said to have high colour temperature, compared to sources which have a warm (white/ yellow) light, these are said to have a low colour temperature. Knowing how these differing temperatures affect colour will help to decide when and where to use them.

INEX-ONLINE.COM

34 LIGHTING

Using warm coloured temperatures will make reds and peaches look better, whereas blues and greens will look better under a cool temperature.

Safe houses Another way of utilising lighting is through integrating it with a security system. This way, you can give the impression that your client’s home is occupied whilst they are away.

Before going on holiday, clients can set their automation system to record which lights they turn on and when over the course of a week.

Then, when they leave, they can set their lighting to ‘holiday mode’. The lights will switch on and off as they would when they are home, giving the illusion that their property is occupied.

Preserving energy Being smart with controlling your client’s home is a big factor in designing their home. LED continues to be a popular choice when choosing residential lighting. They are easy to control, as they can be dimmed when natural light is available, or switched off in unoccupied spaces.

More of us are becoming more mindful of the investment in energyINEX-ONLINE.COM

efficient controlled solutions and the technology that is now there to realise both energy and financial savings across the life of a property.

A much better quality of light can now be achieved with varying colour temperatures with LED over traditional light sources. Using lighting control can also reduce the amount of energy that is wasted by lighting unoccupied spaces as well as being able to create decorative and interesting lighting scenes that change throughout the day.

When LED controls are integrated with sensory controls, your clients can create a daylight harvesting solution that automatically optimises light levels throughout the day with no adverse impact on the comfort of users within the room. This means that the lights will be automatically switched off or reduced to around 10% brightness when there is plenty of daylight, or when there is nobody present in that particular room. crestron.eu/showroom «

Top: Lighting can be used to completely reinvent a house, transforming it into a cosy family home or a lively entertainment area Above: Lighting is one of the best tools for creating a mood and ambience

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36 WALLCOVERINGS

Off-the-wall wallcoverings Aaron Stewart and Fernando Rodriguez, of interior design firm Aaron Stewart, were approached to create a fun scheme within a luxury apartment in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Working with wallcovering specialist Surface View, the duo selected multiple images from Surface View’s resource of rare archives to adorn the walls of this apartment.

A

fter looking into various print options, Aaron and Fernando selected multiple prints from Surface View’s resources for this prestigious apartment. These included: the Lady Hamilton print in the lounge, the Goos Atlas Planisphere canvas in the communal lounge, the Great Egret and Casmerodius Albus canvas in the lounge, the Sir Philip Sidney mural in the bathroom and the Elizabeth Stuart, Queen of Bohemia mural in the living area.

All these images and pieces of art became the perfect storm.

Aaron and Fernando were lucky that their client allowed them the freedom to decide the direction

INEX-ONLINE.COM

Right: The bronze wall within the dining area was the focal point of the room and it was difficult to select a print that would

they wanted within the interior. However, there were certain aspects that Aaron and Fernando had to adhere to. For example, the library had to have a certain criteria of function; a room for private functions, a space for residents to congregate for social functions and a space that could be used for studying and conducting interviews.

The pair were requested to create a scheme that had never been completed on the island of San Juan. Every space had to have a different look and feel.

Surface View supplied Aaron and Fernando with multiple murals and prints to enhance the already impressive space. The Sophia Loren wall mural was Aaron and Fernando’s favourite. Commenting on the mural, Aaron explains: “Unexpected, she welcomes you when you come in after a long day and she says good night when you turn the lights off at the end of the day.

“The retro feel and the universal look of an icon such as Sophia Loren was an organic choice,” continues Aaron.

“We felt she was just right for the entrance.”

complement its colour Below left: The retro feel and the universal look of an icon such as Sophia Loren was an organic choice Below: Usually fitness centres are heavy, dark and overpowered with loud music, this room contrasts the traditional feel usually associated with fitness centres Below right: The intention here was to give the bedroom the opportunity to be full of energy and nature

37 WALLCOVERINGS

Tranquillity and peace Aaron and Fernando already selected the colour schemes for the living area, with fabrics and most of the furniture already chosen. But again, the duo wanted something different; something unexpected.

Selecting a print of a regal stork showcased the elegance and beautiful colours of the living room seamlessly.

Elsewhere within the apartment, the gym houses no windows and was initially very dark. Aaron and Fernando found the best way to give this room scale and brightness was to use a sky mural that transports your mood to an upbeat space. The mural contributes to the peaceful ‘zen’ feel of the room. As the room is used for yoga classes as well as for working out, it needed to have a double use INEX-ONLINE.COM

39 WALLCOVERINGS

Left: The Goos Atlas map was selected for this room, contributing to the scholastic feeling that the room showcases Below left: The Sir Phillip Sidney mural is framed in gold leaf, ‘old school’ frames that make the doors look like art

that could relate to both of these purposes. Usually fitness centres are heavy, dark and overpowered with loud music, this room contrasts the traditional feel usually associated with fitness centres.

Meanwhile in the small children’s bedroom, a solution was required that screamed fun, excitement and movement. The waves mural was chosen to adorn the walls at a largescale. The intention here, was to give the room the opportunity to be full of energy and nature.

This room had to work for a three-year-old boy that would last all the way into his teenage years.

For a young boy, the waves make

the room fun and the colours and patterns make it a room full of energy and movement. For an older boy, this room is still great fun, all these elements have aspects that a teenager can relate to – surfing is a big sport in Puerto Rico.

Complementing the decor The bronze wall within the dining area was the focal point of the room and it was difficult to select a print that would complement its colour.

This wall was critical to the success of the unit – this was to be a statement.

Everything else had to be simplified to ensure the eye gravitated to the complexity of the wallpaper.

The communal lounge had to feel ‘old school’. The Goos Atlas map was selected for this room, contributing to the scholastic feeling that the room showcases, bringing a feel of a ‘university study’ to it. This map contributes to the ‘new world’ style organically, fitting into the space perfectly.

Elizabeth Stuart and Sir Phillip Sidney were used as an inspiration with the theme of the new world a resemblance to the discovery of Puerto Rico – King Fernando and Queen Isabel of Spain giving Columbus the approval to travel and discover the new world.

Proportions and scale The key feature of the bathroom are the bathroom doors, which are used as pieces of art. The Sir Phillip Sidney mural is framed in gold leaf, ‘old school’ frames that make the doors look like art. Opening the doors and seeing the two faces in different proportions and scales gives it a modern twist that is unexpected and effective.

The bathroom now has an old feel – a feeling of the new world. The design had to be relevant and unexpected. Aaron and Fernando like to think they create a wow factor within each area they work in. “Sometimes it is subtle, and sometimes it is right in front of you,” explains Aaron. “For the bathrooms we wanted to shock people, we wanted the residents and guests to leave that room with something to talk about. We knew it was critical that the room felt modern, but in a subtle way, I think we created it.”

Surface View’s prints have injected a different feel into each room within this apartment. Aaron explains: “Because of Surface View’s diverse categories that you can choose from, it allowed us to choose imagery based on the needs of the project that grabbed our attention.

Surface View allowed us the freedom to use these pieces in many different ways.” aaronstewarthome.com « surfaceview.co.uk « INEX-ONLINE.COM

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Image © St George PLC 2012

LANDSCAPING

External spaces can add significant value to lifestyle The world is changing more rapidly than ever before. Technology is at the forefront driving these changes, but interestingly, what’s changing the most is people’s reactions to the lifestyle. Here, Patricia Fox, Founder of award-winning landscape architects Aralia, explains some of the key trends within the industry, and how to maximise external spaces.

I

n landscape terms, this means that in the commercial world clients are now looking to provide an ever improving experience for their clients. With private clients, expectations are not just for gardens or terraces that look great; the space has to really deliver on an experiential level.

Roof terraces As a specialist landscape design practice, we have been involved in the design of many roof terrace gardens and we have definitely seen a major uplift in the activity on roof terraces over the last three years,

both here in London and abroad.

Outdoor space is of a real premium in city centres and urban settings and the addition of a beautifully designed roof terrace will have significant impact on the return on investment.

St George (Berkley Homes Group) commissioned us in the summer of 2012 to design a series of penthouse roof terraces for their prestigious mixed-use development at Chelsea Creek, London. At the time, London was in the depths of a recession and property was generally pretty hard to shift. Aralia were given an open brief to design and deliver some truly amazing, original roof terrace

Top: St George commissioned Aralia to design a series of penthouse roof terraces for its prestigious development Chelsea Creek Above right: Patricia Fox is the Founder of Aralia Landscape Architects

designs which included features such as outdoor kitchens, outdoor fireplaces, automated pergola structures, water features, bespoke art (original paintings on glass and bespoke sculptures), green walls and lush abundant planting.

Roof terraces generally up until this time comprised mainly paving or decking and some planters. The twist in the trend was to offer a much fuller experience to the end user, not just a swanky looking roof terrace, but a usable space which was cleverly arranged to also work well on multiple levels; as an external space for entertaining INEX-ONLINE.COM

42 LANDSCAPING Right: Aralia has seen a major uplift in the activity on roof terraces over the last three years, both in London and abroad Below: Outdoor space is of a real premium in city centres and urban settings and the addition of a beautifully designed roof terrace will have significant impact on the return on investment Far right: Interior gardens are the next major worldwide trend Below right: Westlands is a new private residence incorporating an ultramodern home; cuttingedge glass and stone, with floating linear blocks hovering above

Image Š Aralia 2016

the spaces below

larger groups, somewhere to relax with a few friends, intimate spaces for solo reflection, somewhere to cook and finally, a private space to enjoy the hot tub. Clients were then purchasing a lifestyle, not just a penthouse apartment. This is the essence of what great landscape design is currently about.

Large landscape schemes This translates equally well into larger landscape schemes, whether it be within the hospitality sector or for a private estate. The end user is now expecting a broader, more indepth experience.

As an example, a recent project we have been working on, Westlands, was for a new private residence incorporating an ultra-modern home; cutting-edge glass and stone with floating linear blocks hovering above the spaces below.

Aralia designed a rustic contemporary woodland of silver birch and angular oversized granite boulders for the owners to drive through as a journey for them to take every day on entering their property.

We could have just designed a more direct drive leading directly to their entrance (which was the brief we were originally given), but we chose to maximise the experience for the clients. On the south side of the property, glass extends full width across the home, the clients asked us to omit the obligatory terrace, so as to retain the open aspect with no interruption.

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Image © Aralia 2012

Image © Aralia 2014

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We understood our client’s concerns, but felt that they needed the option of a usable terrace close to the house, in reality they weren’t going to walk extensively to the far terrace for a quick morning tea. We didn’t want them to lose out on that opportunity for an experience in the garden. Our response was to design a sunken terrace, immediately adjacent the glass expanse. This was hugely practical due to its proximity to the house, whilst still retaining the open views – and, more importantly, providing a beautiful secluded space, with an incredibly intimate feeling, that will provide the client with somewhere very unique to sit. Unexpected, but now hugely anticipated by the client (landscape is still in the build stage) this terrace we believe will become a real favourite external space for the clients.

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and responds to all these issues, and provides multiple experiences, will be a space that clients enjoy and want to spend time in, and return to, time after time.

And for the future? Interior gardens are the next major worldwide trend. Why? Well without doubt they will provide the opportunity to deliver amazing new experiences for interior space. There is endless scope to what and how these interiors can be developed and we are very much looking forward to making this trend happen. aralia.org.uk « INEX-ONLINE.COM

44 CLERKENWELL DESIGN WEEK PREVIEW

Left: The seventh edition of Clerkenwell Design Week will take place from 24 to 26th May across Clerkenwell Below: This year’s event promises to be the best and most ambitious yet

Clerkenwell Design Week preview The seventh edition of Clerkenwell Design Week (CDW) will take place from 24 to 26th May across Clerkenwell. This year’s event promises to be the best and most ambitious yet, as new locations, brands and installations join this vibrant festival in one of London’s most idiosyncratic and creative quarters.

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n a first for the festival, organisers have appointed architecture practice OMMX to create a strategic masterplan for the event. The plan marks a significant point in CDW’s development, with the format expanding to eight exhibition venues, a gateway destination to Clerkenwell’s showrooms, an installation trail and a brand new destination at Spa Fields.

Strategic masterplan The new integrated approach to planning the festival, across both the temporary exhibitions and installations, the permanent showrooms and fringe, will improve the flow and navigation around the many and varied elements, creating a compelling experience for visitors as they explore all that Clerkenwell has to offer.

OMMX, an emerging practice based in Clerkenwell, has developed a plan based on an understanding of context and experiential quality. OMMX’s work on the Clerkenwell Design INEX-ONLINE.COM

Week masterplan will help build a cohesive story as the festival expands and develops. Hikaru Nissanke and Jon Lopez, Directors of OMMX, said: “We have worked collaboratively to realise an ambitious and exciting new chapter in CDW’s history. We are grateful for the organiser’s enlightened approach in continuing to commission young practitioners, their desire to make a lasting contribution and to make design more accessible in this critical part of creative London.”

New venues and exhibitions The following new sites and structures will provide enhanced possibilities for exhibitions and programming at this year’s show: Design Fields – a large-scale, curated exhibition of contemporary design will be set in a specially constructed two-floor pavilion at Spa Fields, near the exceptional Clerkenwell destination of Exmouth Market. Design Fields is set to become a festival favourite with live

content and temporary spaces designed to connect, relax and recharge.

The Park Space at St James’s Church Garden – this will become a key destination as part of Clerkenwell Design Week’s new look, with the new exhibition project hosting leading international brands presenting furniture, lighting and product design, alongside the hugely successful interior products show, Additions. A new show, British Collection, will showcase some of the UK’s most exciting homegrown talent within the barrel-roofed crypt of St James’s Church.

Underpinning Clerkenwell Design Week, the area’s multitude of design-led showrooms is a vital part of this unique event. For the first time Brewhouse Yard, off St John Street, will act as a gateway to the showrooms, many of which are clustered close by. In addition, the Goldsmith’s Centre, on Britton Street, will also join the festival as a key destination for live content with fresh programming and activity throughout CDW. Fresh visual identity For 2016, London designers Studio Parallel has created a new visual identity for this year’s festival. The campaign, ‘Covered’, plays to the strength and variety within Clerkenwell Design Week through five thematic images; from furniture and lighting, to design talent, materials and architecture, all unified with the festival’s signature colour, magenta. clerkenwelldesignweek.com «

45 PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

LUCTRA shines light on human centric lighting LUCTRA, by DURABLE, is delighted to announce it is exhibiting at Clerkenwell Design Week. On stand PR9 in the Project Exhibition, LUCTRA will be launching FLEX, a uniquely designed luminaire that takes human centric lighting to the next level of personalisation and mobility.

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he full LUCTRA range will be on display for visitors to view and will give them the opportunity to understand how harnessing the biological effect of light can enhance wellbeing and productivity within the workplace.

The biologically effective light of LUCTRA is able to closely replicate daylight, with its cold white and warm white LEDs that produce an illuminance of up to 1000 lux, and an impressive Kelvin level between 2700K and 6500K. On the stand visitors will see: FLEX – FLEX is a rechargeable, cordless lamp that provides complete freedom to work anywhere without compromising the quality of light. Available in orange, black, white and aluminium finishes, FLEX can operate as a table lamp or a wall lamp, with its unique angled design able to support itself against a wall or the side of a table. FLEX’s integrated lithium-ion battery is capable of powering the lamp for up to four hours, delivering unrivalled portable human centric lighting.

Table and Table Pro – The flagships models are available in three contemporary finishes of aluminium or black or white, ensuring coordination with a multitude of interiors – which is complemented by the geometric (LINEAR) or rounded (RADIAL) lamp head design. Stylish and practical open cooling fins are featured in the

lamp heads to effectively dissipate the heat from the LEDs, maintaining an operating temperature which never rises above 40°C. Self-locking joints, specially developed for LUCTRA, allow adjustment of the lamp to any desired position.

Floor and Floor Twin – The LUCTRA floor lamp models are available in individual or twin versions and in a sleek floor standing form, distributing perfectly even lighting from a maximum height of 1.80 metres.

The individually adjustable lamp heads of the floor lamp provide maximum flexibility; in particular the twin lamp heads can be adjusted independently to provide multiple users with their own personal lighting sequence.

Above: The full LUCTRA range will be on display for visitors to view and will give them the opportunity to understand how harnessing the biological effect of light can enhance wellbeing Below: The biologically effective light of LUCTRA is able to closely replicate daylight

Every lamp in the range benefits from the innovative VITACORE electronic system. This technology offers users intuitive access to LUCTRA functions and the ability to control the brightness and colour of the light by simply placing a finger on the touch panel. A VITACORE App (not available on the Table or FLEX model) is also available on Apple and Android systems, allowing a fully adjustable 24-hour lighting sequence to be programmed to automatically vary the colour and intensity of light to simulate natural illumination throughout the course of the day. luctra.co.uk « enquiries@luctra-uk.com « 01202 851130 « INEX-ONLINE.COM

46 PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT Left: The Sash Window Workshop has worked on a wide range of period properties; from small individual properties, to large projects Below: The company works hard to replicate, as closely as possible, the proportions and designs of historic sash windows, whilst incorporating the latest manufacturing techniques

Traditional timber window refurbishment and replacement When looking to refurbish or replace traditional windows, it is important to understand that unlike modern windows, windows in period properties were not made to a standard set size and specification. The Sash Window Workshop has carried out many window refurbishment and reglazing projects and has manufactured and installed the finest, bespoke timber windows and doors.

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he Sash Window Workshop is FENSA registered, and is a member of The Guild of Master Craftsmen and UK Trades Confederation. The company is also Safe Contractor accredited and is a member of the ‘Which’ Trusted Trader scheme.

The Sash Window Workshop has worked on a wide range of period properties from small individual properties, to large projects. Some of its previous prestigious clients include: Buckingham Palace, The Admiralty Buildings, The Grove Hotel and the Oxford Wildlife Trust.

The Sash Window Workshop offers a wide range of services including: new timber windows and doors with a supply and fit or supply only service, installation of new sliding sashes into existing window frames, draught sealing and refurbishment, secondary glazing, Bi-Glass – a reglazing and double glazing service – and a minor repairs service for Central London.

All of The Sash Window Workshop’s new joinery is manufactured from its workshops in Bracknell, Berkshire, where the company works hard to replicate as closely as possible the proportions and designs of historic sash windows, whilst incorporating the latest manufacturing techniques. Readers are welcome to visit the company’s workshops by prior appointment.

The quality of timber and joinery construction methods are of paramount importance to the lifespan of the product. The Sash Window Workshop uses Accoya or durable hardwood INEX-ONLINE.COM

for its external facing timber. These timbers are reasonably forgiving of any subsequent lack of maintenance or neglect, giving the best possible performance and combining minimum maintenance with a maximum lifespan. As such, all the company’s new joinery comes with a 20 year guarantee.

Unusually for most window manufacturers, The Sash Window Workshop also manufactures double glazed units and cuts its glass inhouse. This allows the company to manufacture high quality, bespoke windows and doors to suit customer’s individual requirements.

The company’s refurbishment products provide a one-stop shop for the repair and refurbishment of traditional timber windows.

Its reglazing and double glazing service involves removing and replacing the existing glass with either a single or double glazed unit and includes the company’s comprehensive draught sealing to

further improve window performance.

The Sash Window Workshop’s draught sealing and overhaul service involves a comprehensive overhaul of the window, combined with the installation of discreet draught sealing materials. If required, the company can also provide a specialist redecoration service for timber windows.

The company’s minor repair service, for properties located within Central London, provides a solution to fixing minor faults, such as replacing broken cords, replacing cracked glass or installing new window furniture. sashwindow.com/commercial « info@sashwindow.com « 01344 868668 «

47 PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

5-6 Connaught Place restored to former grandeur 5-6 Connaught Place has been transformed into exclusive luxurious apartments by Redrow London. Built as townhouses in the early 19th century, the properties were altered into office spaces after the Second World War and have now been restored to their former purpose – luxury homes fit for modern living. John Sisk & Sons sought advice from Selectaglaze to assist in reducing the external noise levels.

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econdary glazing is fitted to the room side of the existing primary windows and is the most effective way of reducing unwanted noise. When there is a gap between the primary and secondary glazing of at least 100mm, 45dB is achievable.

Along with noise reduction, secondary glazing also helps in reducing heat loss. A U-value of about 1.9 can be reached, helping to create a more comfortable living space.

Working closely with Redrow London and John Sisk & Sons, Selectaglaze first installed a sample unit. Content with the performance and aesthetics, Redrow London engaged Selectaglaze to complete the rest of the building. A total of 69 units were installed, including curved units. Each secondary glazed unit is tailor-made to ensure the closest fit.

Secondary glazing is a subtle and reversible adaptation, so is ideal for listed properties and is widely accepted by most heritage bodies.

Established in 1966 and Royal Warrant Holders since 2004, Selectaglaze has a wealth of experience with working on all building types. Selectaglaze will be exhibiting at the BIID Annual conference on 16th of June at the Royal Geographical Society. selectaglaze.co.uk « 01727 837271 « enquiries@selectaglaze.co.uk «

The Boss Design Group celebrates Clerkenwell Design Week Visitors to the Boss Design showroom during Clerkenwell Design Week will not be disappointed, as the group unveils a series of new and pioneering seating designs. Boss Design will be raising the curtain on another ground-breaking range that is expected to further revolutionise this sector. The showroom will host a series of talks throughout the week to highlight the innovative design and technology behind this range. The stage is also set for the unveiling of Lexe – a new soft seating collection from Lyndon Design. Lexe is a classic piece that is designed to add grace and panache to both hospitality and corporate settings. boss-design.com 01384 455570

Astro showcases original thinking for the bedside with the launch of Edge Reader Launched this month, Edge Reader from Astro is innovative thinking for bedside lighting. While reader lights are practical, they lack atmosphere.

Existing solutions are either to use the bedside light and reader separately or to add the reader to the bedside light as an attachment. Edge Reader is a new approach where the minimal white plane on which the LED reader is mounted creates an atmosphere at night, appearing to float on the light it emits from its edges.

Both functions can be individually switched and LED lamps ensure minimal running costs. astrolighting.co.uk 01279 427001 INEX-ONLINE.COM

48 PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

Cafe Football scores with Armourcoat PPX Cafe Football, a 140-seat restaurant in Westfield Stratford City, has specified a new external render system from Armourcoat. PPX is a polymer-modified limestone render system suitable for new build and renovation projects, producing stunning honed and textured decorative surface finishes.

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GG Hospitality business venture led by former Manchester United teammates, Ryan Giggs and Gary Neville, Cafe Football aims to bring an authentic football culture to the dinner table. Designed

by Checkland Kindleysides, the atmosphere of the restaurant is warm and welcoming, with hints to football culture running throughout the menu and decor.

Armourcoat PPX (Polished Plaster eXternal) has been used to striking effect on the full width external facade, incorporating the distinctive Cafe Football branding used throughout. An urban concrete effect has been achieved with additional layering techniques to achieve the desired look. In addition, large branded planters in the same finish mark out the al fresco dining space.

PPX offers a low-maintenance, durable, weatherproof coating for building exteriors or areas prone to INEX-ONLINE.COM

moisture. A complete PPX External Wall Insulation system is also available to provide outstanding thermal insulation, which has been tested to stringent ETAG (European Technical Approval Guidelines) standards.

Armourcoat has announced the introduction of a refreshed company website and logo to coincide with the launch of this major new product for exterior wall applications. The introduction of PPX represents entry into a significant new market for the company, as Armourcoat finishes are usually specified for interior decorative surfaces, having built an impressive reputation over thirty years in both the UK and internationally.

To accompany the launch, a new image-driven website presents specifiers with the full portfolio of products, with impressive colour palettes and a video, together with inspiration from numerous global case studies.

Top: Armourcoat PPX has been used to striking effect on the full width external facade Above: PPX offers a low-maintenance, durable, weatherproof coating for building exteriors or areas prone to moisture

Commenting on the launch, Armourcoat’s Marketing Director, Daniel Nevitt, said: “PPX reflects our continued focus on new product development based on international customer and client feedback.

“With PPX we can now offer a lowmaintenance, durable, weatherproof coating for building exteriors or areas prone to moisture uniquely with our creative use of surface texture and finish effects. The stunning new website and logo celebrates the launch of PPX alongside our full range of acclaimed decorative products.” armourcoat.com « specsales@armourcoat.co.uk « 01732 460668 «

49 PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

RIDI explores ARKTIK with latest luminaire RIDI Lighting has launched a new addition to its ARKTIK-LED modular recessed range, which is perfect for education and commercial applications. ARKTIK-ME PSQ creates a broad distribution of light from its flush recessed design and its wraparound central prismatic diffuser adds performance while ensuring sufficient glare control. ARKTIK-ME PSQ uses a square microprismatic diffuser to add intensity and optical control, which gives high luminaire lumens per watt ratio of over 113lm/w. High efficiency ensures that required lux levels for work spaces and other zones are reached with fewer luminaires than is traditionally needed for a standard office layout. ridi.co.uk 01279 450882

New Kährs Chevron – chic, classic looks with a modern twist Kährs has introduced Chevron, a new collection of patterned wood floors. Offered in four on-trend colour tones, Chevron creates a classical parquetlook with speed and ease.

Matching frame boards can be used around the edge to create a border. Unlike traditional parquet staves which are glued down piece-by-piece, Kährs’ Chevron has a modern plank format, measuring 1848 x 300 x 15mm. The angled chevron pattern and ingenious ‘parallelogram’ short ends create the continuous v-shaped design. All boards are brushed to create a tactile lived-in look, which complements the warm white, weathered grey, classic brown and dark brown colour tones and lively oak graining. kahrs.com 02392 453045

Introducing KI’s Meet4 table collection Meet4 is KI Europe’s extensive table collection, bringing together a number of previous table designs and incorporating a new four-legged range. This collection provides numerous configuration options to suit any environment and integrates with KI’s portfolio of workplace furniture. Meet4 offers design cohesion across the office landscape. Together, they will help create happy, high-performing workspaces.

Designs include: column base tables, available in three heights; four-leg tables with numerous dimensions available; teaming and collaborative tables, ideal for touchdown spaces and fliptop nesting tables, for added flexibility in multipurpose rooms. kieurope.com 0207 404 7441

Polyflor flooring is picture perfect at Redhouse arts and cultural centre Luxury vinyl tile flooring from Polyflor was recently used to give a new look to JOL’s cafe at the Redhouse arts and cultural centre in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales. Wood effect Affinity255 PUR luxury vinyl tile flooring was installed as part of Merthyr Tydfil Housing Association’s project for Redhouse, which is situated in a Grade II listed old town hall. The popular Huckleberry Oak design was chosen for JOL’s cafe area and throughout refurbished gallery spaces. Polyflor’s Affinity255 range has impressive environmental credentials, achieving a BRE A+ rating in major use areas and is Indoor Air Comfort Gold certified, assuring that VOC emissions are below any globally determined levels. polyflor.com 0161 767 1111 INEX-ONLINE.COM

50 PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

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

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andpicked by the client, Graefe’s various veneer species, and finishes, reflected the style of each room within Kings Oak House. Julian Smith, of Kingshall Estates, managed the project. Julian chose Graefe for the project because “they looked like they could achieve the design and finish we were after that fit within our budgets”.

Producing premium real wood veneer products since 1837, Graefe’s skilled craftsmanship, INEX-ONLINE.COM

and use of the highest quality raw materials, has earned itself a reputation for unrivalled quality.

American White Oak, in three different finishes, was chosen for the property in a mixture of single, double and sliding doors. The basement doors leading into a lounge/bar area, cinema room and gym were in Graefe’s Pembroke design, which features a recessed central panel and raised beading, painted in grey with the beautiful woodgrain visible through the paint.

Bedroom doors were also in Graefe’s Pembroke design. Crown cut veneer was book matched with recessed panels and styles and rails to put a modern twist on a traditional panelled door. The doors were whitewashed to a luxurious finish, which was mirrored throughout the entire top floor. Various connecting doors, including those for the bathroom and laundry room were flush, painted in either white or grey.

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

Above left: American White Oak, in three different finishes, was chosen for the property in a mixture of single, double and sliding doors Above: Various connecting doors, including those for the bathroom and laundry room were flush, painted in either white or grey

51 PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

Shower solutions for professionals Aqata, the UK design and engineering-led producer of premium shower enclosures and screens, has been successfully delivering comprehensive shower solutions since 1986. With three unique shower enclosure collections reflecting both contemporary and traditional styles, practical and innovative design solutions are available to suit every build. As projects often have different design, space and budgetary constraints that require a unique solution, Aqata’s comprehensive Made 2 Measure service is available across all three extensive ranges. This allows the freedom to create bespoke and personalised designs to suit the most exacting requirements. aqata.co.uk 01455 896 500

Bringing bathrooms to life at Clerkenwell Design Week Hansgrohe will participate in Clerkenwell Design Week for the first time with its new Water Studio, which recently opened at 12-16 Clerkenwell Road. Acting as a London hub for global bathroom specification, visitors can discover more than 200 products from the Hansgrohe and Axor ranges of mixers and showerheads. A unique Test Rig allows you to measure and compare flow rates of different products and there will also be a programme of interactive events throughout Clerkenwell Design Week. The Water Studio is a collaborative space for architects, the design community and anyone creating show-stopping bathrooms. hansgrohe.co.uk 0137 247 2056

Expona Flow flooring adds vibrant touch to University of Nottingham Heavy commercial Expona Flow PUR sheet vinyl flooring from Polyflor was recently installed in the School of Life Sciences building at the University of Nottingham to help create a striking break out area.

Around 300m² of Expona Flow high design vinyl flooring was installed in the Life Sciences building’s vending machine lounge. The bold and graphic Firelight design was chosen from the Infinity collection within the Expona Flow product range. This abstract design gives the effect of endless wood, featuring contrasting warm orange and cool blue tones in a linear design, which perfectly complements the newlyrefurbished lounge’s dark blue walls and orange furniture. polyflor.com 0161 767 1111

GROHE – committed to innovation in design GROHE delivers beautiful, high-performing products with a focus on sustainability. With many products featuring innovative EcoJoy technology, water consumption of the mixer is reduced without compromising on performance. GROHE provides its customers with products that inspire an appreciation of water – both for drinking and bathing – while conserving precious resources. Throughout 2016, GROHE will be presenting a variety of new products, including a unique Rainshower system featuring SmartControl push button technology.

This shower is the first of its kind to offer on/off and volume control at the push of a button. In addition, the new Sensia Arena shower toilet is packed with smart technology. grohe.com/uk 0208 2832865 INEX-ONLINE.COM

52 PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

‘Wander-ful’ new additions to Latham’s HIMACS® range As the exclusive distributor of HI-MACS solid surface in the UK and Ireland, James Latham has unveiled two exciting new lines, the LUCIA collection created by famous Dutch Designer Marcel Wanders, as well as an extended range of top mounted basins.

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he LUCIA collection includes five new colours, Ice Queen, Shadow Queen and Star Queen created by Marcel Wanders, plus Lentil and Red Quinoa. The subtle combination of the depth of the material, with playful tone-ontone colours, is already generating plenty of interest from designers and architects, giving them the freedom to create increasingly voluptuous, sensuous projects that INEX-ONLINE.COM

people will never tire of touching and admiring.

With LUCIA, HI-MACS retains all of its unparalleled qualities: versatility, thermoformability, durability, invisible joints, and of course is waterproof and hygienic.

In addition to the LUCIA collection, the rectangular and circular-shaped HI-MACS basins, which have been specially designed to sit on top of vanity units or bespoke designed top surfaces,

Above left: With these new basins, mix-and-match is now a reality with HI-MACS Above: With LUCIA, HI-MACS retains all of its unparalleled qualities

mean that mix-and-match options are now a reality with HI-MACS, especially for renovation projects where there is a desire to combine styles and materials for an eclectic space design. For further information on HI-MACS solid surface, please visit the website. himacsuk.co.uk « himacs@lathams.co.uk « 0113 387 0857 «

53 PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

Wellness in the workplace from Morgan In addition to inspirational product launches, the theme for Morgan at this year’s Clerkenwell Design Week is wellness in the workplace. Relaxing music, an indoor garden and alternatives to spending hours at a desk will be ideas that are explored as ways of improving the working environment. A programme of events will include a talk by Remi Rough that considers the effect of art in our environment and colouring in ‘therapy’. Three key product launches will include additions to the Manhattan collection and a new Lucca meeting bench, with stools that are ideal for informal meetings and breakout areas. morganfurniture.co.uk 01243 388000

Duravit offers attractive alternative to acrylic Duravit has increased its line up of showering solutions with the introduction of the Stonetto shower tray. Fashioned from a new material, DuraSolid Q, it combines performance with aesthetics and offers an attractive alternative to acrylic. The Stonetto shower tray creates an entirely new and natural shower sensation.

Designed by the EOOS design group, it is manufactured in high quality DuraSolid Q, an innovative material that has the look and feel of natural stone. Class B slip-resistance, without any additional coating, ensures safe showering. Available in three authentic colours, white, beige and anthracite, it can be installed on the tile, semi-recessed or flush-mounted. duravit.co.uk 0845 500 7787

New Jewel outdoor fabric collection from Extex Following the success of its existing luxury outdoor fabric collection, Extex is delighted to be welcoming a new season of textiles into its exclusive range. Inspired by the alluring ambience of Moroccan medinas and spice-filled souks, the new Jewel range offers a captivating collection of opulent chenille furnishing fabrics available in 12 vibrant and glittering options. From cool blue hues of the purest turquoise to majestic purple and pinks, the beautiful textured plain range features a glamorous selection of four ‘sparkle-infused’ designs guaranteed to add a twinkle of exotic charm to any indoor or outdoor space. extex.co.uk 01634 718871

Polyflor’s Expona flooring looks a treat at Barbakan Deli High design and high-performance flooring from Polyflor was recently used to give Barbakan Delicatessen in Chorlton, Manchester, a makeover. Expona Commercial PUR luxury vinyl tiles were installed to the shop floor area in the unique Blue Varnished Wood design, which has the look of pseudo-industrial timber which has been stripped and varnished many times over to give a worn effect. With a 2.5mm gauge and 0.55 wear layer, the range features a total of 55 stunning wood, stone and abstract effect designs which are ideal for use in the retail sector and other heavy commercial environments. polyflor.com 0161 767 1111 INEX-ONLINE.COM

54 PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

This image: CDUK has worked with Dyson to design a new range of Corian Avante basins and washtroughs that are compatible with the Dyson Airblade Tap hand dryer Below: The qualities of Corian reflect those of the Dyson Airblade Tap hand dryer; saving money and cutting the washroom’s carbon footprint

Dyson and CDUK to launch Corian collaboration CDUK, the UK distributor of Corian, will use its presence at Clerkenwell Design Week to announce the launch of a successful new collaboration with Dyson. CDUK will be distributing the Dyson Airblade Tap hand dryer and other products from the Dyson Professional range.

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he Dyson Airblade Tap hand dryer is a sensoroperated combination wash and dry tap that simply washes and dries at the sink, removing the need for people to move from basin to dryer, preventing waste water drips onto the floor and freeing up space in the washroom.

Creating an exciting new option for commercial washrooms, CDUK has worked with Dyson to design a new range of Corian Avante basins and washtroughs that are compatible with the Dyson Airblade Tap hand dryer.

All the products in the Avante range are deep enough to minimise splash back from the Airblade technology and are seamless for great hygiene. Corian is a uniquely durable formulation of minerals and acrylic that is ideal for high traffic areas. Infinitely flexible, easily repairable, nonporous and resistant to damage, Corian is the material of choice for Dyson to partner with.

The qualities of Corian reflect those of the Dyson Airblade INEX-ONLINE.COM

Tap hand dryer; saving money and cutting the washroom’s carbon footprint, making the integration of these innovative products an ideal solution for building owners looking to upgrade or refurbish their amenities.

Architects and designers can specify the solution with confidence as the system offers long-lasting aesthetic integrity as well as advanced costeffective technology.

Gary Baker, Managing Director of CDUK, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to bring to the market; a unique solution for the washroom. The combination of the Dyson Airblade Tap hand dryer’s innovative new approach to washing and drying hands and the

hygienic beauty of the Corian Avante range provides specifiers with an opportunity to design high quality washroom spaces that will stand the test of time.”

This approach is backed up by Simon Jones, Director GB, Ireland and Nordics, Dyson Professional: “We are delighted to be partnering with CDUK. Dyson is all about invention and improvement and through this new relationship we know that where the Dyson Airblade Tap hand dryer is used with a Corian Avante basin or trough the result will be a hygienic and a great looking washroom for customers to enjoy.”

The new creative association with the Dyson Airblade Tap hand dryer is the latest in CDUK’s history of seeking out cutting-edge, high quality products to bring to the market. For more than 35 years, the company has looked worldwide from its Leeds base to find new inventions that will make a change in the industry. Aiming always to add value, CDUK has a team of experts whose deep understanding of its products means that purpose can be evolved and applications developed for the widest range of uses.

CDUK distributes Corian to a network of designers, fabricators and manufacturers for an extensive range of projects in the commercial, retail and residential sectors. The firm will be based throughout Clerkenwell Design Week at the London Showroom of Business Furniture Design. cdukltd.co.uk « info@cdukltd.co.uk « 0113 201 2240 «

55 PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

Morfus launches SMART storage collection at Clerkenwell Design Week Sustainable, modular, adaptable, robust and timeless, Morfus is precision engineered, layered ply furniture that offers a professional flat-pack solution for every type of interior fitout. Simple user-friendly modules can grow to suit all users’ storage needs, and can be customised with shelves, doors, drawers or boxes, in a palette of nine contemporary colours – bespoke colours can also be specified. Morfus furniture is an intelligent solution for ever-evolving modern living and working spaces. morfusuk.com 0203 397 7285

Amtico to unveil new additions at Clerkenwell Design Week In June Amtico will be expanding its Signature collection growing to 163 products, comprising 69 wood, 43 stone and 51 abstract designs. Amtico’s design team have scoured the globe for inspiration, creating exciting palettes that focus on tone and texture and change expectations of LVT. With new innovation products on show such as ‘Umbra’, as well as new statement designs within the wood and stone palettes, Signature is a collection that will inspire and excite. The Umbra collection will redefine projects using shadow, curves and motion. Available to view on stand DP13 in the St. John’s Square Pavilion, Umbra flooring is original, yet dramatic. amtico.com/commercial 01212 229863

Interface brings positive thinking to Clerkenwell As part of Interface’s journey to Mission Zero – to eliminate any negative impact it may have on the environment by 2020 – it will launch its latest campaign, Negative to Positive, at Clerkenwell Design Week.

Building on the momentum of its Beautiful Thinking campaign, which focuses on individuals who have driven innovation in their industries, Negative to Positive goes one step further. The campaign showcases how Interface’s journey has netted results and how beautiful thinking changes the built environment.

Interface will hold a series of events at: Project at Garden of St James, Detail at St John’s Square and at the Interface Showroom on Northburgh Street. interface.com 0207 490 3960

Concord hits the right note with the Beacon Tune LED spotlight Concord has unveiled the latest member of the Beacon family of spotlights, the Beacon Tune. Designed specifically for museums and galleries, the tuneable LED spotlight incorporates the latest in LED technology to offer dimming from 0% to 100% and a tuneable white colour range from warm 2100k to cool 4300k.

It allows both the colour temperature and lumen output to be adjusted, meeting precise atmospheric requirements. It also offers great simplicity in dimming and tuning. With no complex control system; the user simply turns two dials located on the front of the luminaire to achieve the desired brightness and colour temperature. concord-lighting.com 0870 606 2030 INEX-ONLINE.COM

56 PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

Left: Shaw Contract Group’s new Vertical Layers collection will be showcased at Clerkenwell Design Week Below: During the three days there will be the opportunity to explore The Park Collection

Shaw Contract Group at Clerkenwell Design Week Shaw Contract Group’s design hub will open its doors during Clerkenwell Design Week, welcoming designers and architects to rest and recharge in an environment inspired by contemplative spaces and tranquillity.

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uring the three days, the shortlisted entries of the Shaw Contract Group design competition, in collaboration with CASS, will be on public display and there will also be the opportunity to explore The Park Collection – colours, patterns and textures that redefine boundaries to create the transition from large crowds to peaceful pathways.

Other products to be showcased during the event include: the Noble Materials collection, a range which takes its inspiration from geometry and ancient alchemy; Grain + Pigment LVT collection, which presents modern woodgrain textures and a metallic sheen mix with the subtle striations of near-solids and the new Vertical Layers collection, a collection reflecting the passing of time with design effects such as paint peeling off wooden surfaces, oxidisation and weathered and worn looks.

Shaw Contract Group supplies carpet tiles, broadloom and resilient products to all sectors. A dedicated hospitality division and global accounts team ensure that specifiers are supported at every stage, including assistance in the design and development of interior schemes.

Shaw’s carpet collections are now designed in partnership with its LVT products which enables the manufacturer to offer a colour and design consistency INEX-ONLINE.COM

throughout its collections. Specifiers often comment that finding consistency in quality and design is a real challenge, and Shaw has addressed this issue.

The majority of Shaw Contract Group products are Cradle to Cradle Certified at Silver Level – this applies to 300 products which accounts for 90% of its product line. Shaw’s certification means that specifying its flooring products for an office building can contribute 5 LEED points to the project. With LEED being the world’s most widely used and recognised green building rating system, and LEED version 4 becoming the standard in November 2016, sustainability will continue to be key in the specification of not just flooring, but all surfacing material.

Shaw Contract Group is completely vertically integrated.

By manufacturing its own yarn the

manufacturer is able to control its production process and service to the market. This also ensures that Shaw can manage its product TAKE BACK scheme – a scheme whereby the manufacturer will take back any of its products for free and recycle it to ensure there are no costs of disposal for end users or contractors.

Since 2006, Shaw Contract Group has recycled more than 320 million kilograms of carpet globally. shawcontractgroup.com « infouk@shawcontractgroup.com « 0207 961 4120 «

57 PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

Right: The BetteLux Shape baths and washbasins are enamelled on both the inside and the outside, in either white or black, allowing the eye to focus on the shape Below right: The concept combines robust steel/enamel with homely fabric, creating unfamiliar associations and bringing a new sensuousness to the bathroom

Pushing the boundaries of bathroom design Innovative German bathroom manufacturer and steel/enamel specialist, Bette, recently demonstrated how it pushes the boundaries of what is possible in bathroom design on its stand at Salone del Mobile.

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n addition to displaying its award-winning and unique BetteLux Shape range, in which baths and basins are enamelled on all sides and sit within a steel frame, the company also brought the subject of ‘opulence’ back into the bathroom with a concept bath clothed in fabric.

Redefining ‘opulence’ in the bathroom – a bath clothed in fabric Bette has worked with the Tesseraux + Partner design studio in Germany, to redefine opulence in the bathroom and create a new and surprising design concept of a bath clothed in fabric. The concept combines robust steel/enamel with homely fabric, creating unfamiliar associations and bringing a new sensuousness to the bathroom. It was on display for the first time at Salone del Mobile.

Fabrics play a vital role in the cosiness and atmosphere of a room, but are usually restricted to towels, mats and window dressings in the bathroom. Bette, together with Designer Dominik Tesseraux, set out to re-explore the sensuous quality of fabric in the context of the bathroom.

The design concept has been made possible by a new generation of functional fabrics that are as appealing as those used in the living room, but which are also extremely robust, easy-care and water, mould and climate resistant. The main

use for these fabrics so far has been in outdoor furniture; now the Bette design concept is demonstrating the possibilities that these fabrics open up in the bathroom.

In the new Bette concept bath, the bath body is made from fine steel/ enamel, while the bath surround is cushioned and covered with woven fabric by the fabric specialist, JAB Anstoetz.

Bette used Salone del Mobile to introduce the new concept and hopes to launch the products next year.

Award-winning innovation – BetteLux Shape Also on show at Salone del Mobile was the BetteLux Shape, an awardwinning range of baths, washbasins and accessories, which takes its inspiration from ‘inside/outside’ constructions in modern architecture and places the soft and flowing shape

of the BetteLux bath and washbasin in an open steel frame. The baths and washbasins are enamelled on both the inside and the outside, in either white or black, allowing the eye to focus on the shape, which is visible from all sides and is accentuated with a choice of colours in the steel frame.

The range, which has already won six awards, also includes complementary furniture and accessories.

Bette’s energy-efficient manufacturing creates 2/3 of its own electricity requirements from renewable sources, and the company’s efforts have been recognised with ISO 14025 and EN15804 declarations, confirming its environmental credentials. bette.co.uk « info@bette.co.uk « 0844 800 0547 « INEX-ONLINE.COM

58 PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

Left: Although Urban Front doors come as standard with a 5-point locking system, homeowners can still specify what best suits their lifestyle Below: A motorised locking system that locks the minute you enter your home may make homeowners feel more secure

Second-to-none security Most of us don’t realise the amount of choice there is when it comes to choosing the security for front doors. A lock and a deadlock is what most homeowners want, until you tell them how many options there are and what endless opportunities are available. Here, Elizabeth Assaf of Urban Front bespoke contemporary front doors, offers some insight into what questions to ask about the security of front doors and entrances.

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ere are a few questions to ask yourself about homes and entrances, first, before deciding on that most important element – the security.

How much security is required?

If the property has gates for instance, the security of the front door may not be so essential. Does the area have a good track record when it comes to break-ins? Is a front door required that has multiple locking options? A motorised locking system that locks the minute you enter your home may make homeowners feel more secure in an area which may be near a river or by a busy road. On the other hand, a single lock may be sufficient if homeowners live in a secure development or area. Although Urban Front doors come as standard with a 5-point locking system, homeowners can still specify what best suits their lifestyle.

Is the property large?

Is the front door required to be opened remotely from another floor or even when the homeowners are not present?

In this case, an electric latch may be required on the lock, which allows homeowners to buzz people in when they are at home. An electric latch or a motorised lock can be selected, the latter being much more secure.

Does the front door need to be controllable using a phone App? It is now a much easier option to have a lock or entry system attached to homeowners’ phones as they are controllable at INEX-ONLINE.COM

the touch of a button. Not only can homeowners open their blinds and turn on their heating remotely, but they can open doors too.

Would a fingerprint entry system benefit the homeowner?

Fingerprint entry allows homeowners to enter or remove up to 100 fingerprints at any one time. This is a great system when homeowners have teenagers who are constantly forgetting or losing their keys.

Would it be best to have obscured glass in the entrance?

Letting homeowners’ post sit on their internal doormat may seem a good idea until someone can see it from the outside, making it very obvious that homeowners are not home.

Does the homeowner need a letterbox in their door? Have you considered where it will go and how it affects the security of your door?

A letterbox in the middle of homeowners’ doors may make it easier for an intruder to access a lock,

although with difficulty, it is best to give them no way in, if you can.

Have you thought about the security of the glass in the door, or in the side lite?

High security glass is sometimes misunderstood and confused with laminated and toughened standard double glazing. Security glass is much more than laminated and toughened glass and when used correctly, can be tougher to get through than a wall, but can be very costly.

It should be easier to make decisions about security if you ask yourselves these questions. If in doubt, always ask your supplier to give you as much information as possible regarding any testing they have done for their front doors and what certifications have been reached. urbanfront.com « info@urbanfront.co.uk « 01494 778787 «

59 PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

Right: The atrium houses Vicaima Dekordor 3D entrance doors on every floor, attributing to the striking environment Below right: Vicaima grooved Satin White in the Easi-Fit door kit was selected inside the apartments and penthouses

Vicaima turns on design flair at Electricity House Vicaima innovative door designs have been featured prominently in a landmark city centre project for Crest Nicholson, which sees a modern apartment complex created in a former 1930’s iconic utility building.

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lectricity House has stood at the very heart of Bristol City centre since its construction in the late 1930s and was perhaps best-known as the home of the South West Electricity Board. Designed by Architect Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, who also famously created the much-loved red telephone box, this building has commanded attention for generations.

With its Portland stone facade and magnificent curved frontage, the building embodies the grace of the Art Deco era.

Now, this bygone treasure has taken on a new lease of life following its lovingly reimagined and inspired regeneration by quality developer, Crest Nicholson. The company has created a luxury living space by blending period charm with contemporary interior design.

Of course, inspired design requires inspirational products, and so Crest chose Vicaima to enhance the apartment entrance doors with Dekordor 3D Portaro matching door and frame systems. This was further augmented by surrounding and matching wall panelling, which incorporated distinctive backlit apartment numbering.

Performance was to client requirements which included certified FD30 fire doors with a roller lock and eye viewer.

Dekordor 3D provides a horizontal and highly tactile grain effect and Crest selected 3D Grey finish to provide the perfect tonal contrast to the wall and floor covering. 3D Grey was also chosen for the communal areas, including the striking and visually dominating atrium area, where occupants can enjoy a panoramic view of multiple floor levels, displaying Vicaima

doors at every level.

Inside the apartments and penthouses themselves, Vicaima Satin White doors with Easi-Fit frames were selected. These ultra-smooth, white lacquered doors provide a luxurious look and feel at every turn and fit perfectly with the superior build quality synonymous with this project.

The design has been further

embellished with the addition of a refined groove pattern, which was also carried through onto the architraves to add yet another design element. Overall, the project is a fine example of regeneration at its best and Vicaima products are sure to grace this reincarnation for generations to come.

Vicaima offers an extensive range of innovative design options with fire, acoustic and security performance for luxury housing and modern apartment living space. For further details about these and other products from the many Vicaima collections, visit the company’s website. vicaima.com « info@vicaima.com « 01793 532333 «

INEX-ONLINE.COM

60 PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT Left:The wide variety of finishes and textures, including polished, honed, matt, flamed, brushed and engraved, provide a vast variation in appearance Below: Whilst CED Stone Group would recommend that

Alcantara Stone – created by nature, inspired by you

the limestones are best suited for internal use, the granites, along with the hornfels, are well-suited for both internal and external applications

CED Stone Group has always been at the forefront of new materials and high quality bespoke services, so the company is very excited to announce that it is now the sole UK distributor for ‘Alcantara Stone’ – an exclusive range of amazing stones, bursting with unique natural beauty and possibilities.

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ombining traditional methods of production with the most up-to-date technology, Alcantara Stone produces everything to order.

Whether your design calls for the Alcantara Black Exclusive, or any of the four distinct granites or two limestones, you can rest assured that your project will be of the highest quality and created with meticulous attention to detail.

Focus on: interior design Have you ever fancied a bath made from stone? Or a portrait or picture, laser-etched into stone, creating your very own work of art that will last the test of time?

From art engraved in stone, to coffee tables and kitchen worktops, to shower walling and baths, CED Stone Group offers its customers a design consultation to ensure that the right product and finish is selected to meet their needs.

Select from the Alcantara Gray or Alcantara White limestones for that chic and modern surfacing, or choose from one of the four available granites, Alcantara Atlantic, Alcantara Coral, Alcantara Iridium or Alcantara Red to create stunning, vibrant spaces to live and work in.

INEX-ONLINE.COM

Alternatively, fall in love with a truly individual stone, Alcantara Black.

Customised to your exact detail, you can be sure in the knowledge that you have one of the most exclusive stones available.

The wide variety of finishes and textures, including polished, honed, matt, flamed, brushed and engraved (among others), provide a vast variation in appearance and enable you to find the finish that perfectly reflects the inspiration behind your design.

Focus on: external use Whilst CED Stone Group would recommend that the limestones are best suited for internal use, the granites, along with the hornfels, are well-suited for both internal and external applications.

Alcantara Stone has supplied its exclusive Alcantara Black paving to over 80 Metro de Madrid stations in Spain, so you can be confident in its performance as an external stone, in both commercial paving and streetscape projects.

The Alcantara Black is an exceptionally tough hornfels, so both the Alcantara Black and Alcantara Black Exclusive would make an ideal choice where a very

resilient material is required, but a truly alluring and unique look is desired.

Also widely used as a very high-end cladding material, the Alcantara Stone products are a step away from the more traditional options, offering a very contemporary alternative. Providing the performance expected from a natural stone, combined with its truly extraordinary beauty, the most amazing designs can be catered for.

Contact CED Stone Group now to discuss your bespoke project. ced.ltd.uk « sales@ced.ltd.uk « 01708 867237 «

61 PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

The SBID awards 2016 – now open for submissions The 2016 SBID International Design Awards is now open for submissions. This year brings a new website, updated categories and new additions to the already esteemed panel of judges.

Last year, the awards took in entries from over 41 countries worldwide. This year’s edition will separate the extremely popular Restaurant and Bar category, adding club design to the mix while retaining the old favourites which range from Best Residential, Hotel and Retail Design to Office, Public Space and Visualisation (3D renderings). Architects, interior designers and product manufacturers are invited to submit their projects by Monday 11th July 2016. sbidawards.com 0207 738 9383

Ultion security from KAT Doors KAT considers security to be an important feature of all its doors. The first thing homeowners want from their doors is to keep the burglars out. KAT recently discovered that many anti-snap cylinders can leave doors vulnerable to burglars. The Ultion cylinder lock has been tested against all known methods of break-ins and is snap secure, even when the key has been left in the door. When Ultion detects attack from an intruder it enters lockdown mode to keep homes safe. KAT now fits the Ultion cylinder lock to all doors as standard and offers a 10 year guarantee on all products. To back this up, a £1000 guarantee is offered should a burglar break-in by damaging the cylinder. katuk.co.uk 01625 439666

Constellation range set to inspire designers with possibilities Interior designers are set to be inspired by a new fibre bonded carpet range that has been released by Heckmondwike FB. The Constellation range takes its inspiration from the latest, most vibrant and exciting colour trends in furniture. The range includes eight colour choices: red, orange, green, blue, purple, grey, black and plum. The range has a contemporary appearance, allowing for eye-catching designs to be created in the floor space. It can also be combined with Broadrib planks or carpet tiles from Heckmondwike FB’s range to create a more tonal softer installation, where required. heckmondwike-fb.co.uk 01924 406161

More reach out for Osmo UK’s Moravia flooring Osmo UK continues to provide architects and interior designers with oil-based wood finishes that work without a primer. Since 2014, Osmo UK has been partnered with rustic European oak flooring specialists, ESCO. The partnership provides a selection of ESCO flooring, prefinished with Osmo Polyx-Oil, making ESCO flooring the ideal solution for anyone looking for a stand-out floor. Osmo UK and ESCO have worked together to produce oak wood flooring with Osmo’s renowned wood finishing product, Polyx-Oil. Anyone embarking on an oak wood flooring project can select from a collection of nine styles that come prefinished with Osmo such as Bohemia, Chateau, Kolonial and Harfa. osmouk.com 01296 481220 INEX-ONLINE.COM

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