Inex October 2016

OCTOBER 2016 ISSUE 38 inex-online.com Download the Inex app for iPhone, iPad and Android. Search ‘Inex-online’

in[sight]

ex[rated]

in[spire]

ex[pose]

Paul Simmons, Co-founder of textile and wallpaper design studio Timorous Beasties, talks to Inex about how he and Alistair McAuley started the business

Jonathan Loxley’s ‘Yong’ sculpture has been selected

by Art Consultant, Alison Pickett, to inhabit a residential development in Hong Kong

Situated 363m above sea level, offering breathtaking views of Santorini’s caldera, sits Grace Hotels’ newly-refurbished hotel, Grace Santorini

KOLARZ’S Art Nouveau, Olympic flame-inspired Delphi up-lighter glows like a bowl of fire, while its detailing has been influenced

by Austrian Artist, Gustav Klimt

2 INSPIRE

3 EDITORIAL

08

24 16

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 Sofia Franchi sofia@mixedmediainfo.com Artworker/Sub-editor: David Perry david@mixedmediainfo.com Accounts: Simone Jones simone@mixedmediainfo.com Managing Director: Sam Ball sam@mixedmediainfo.com Publisher: Mixed Media Information Pear Platt, Woodfalls Farm, Gravelly Way, Laddingford, Kent. ME18 6DA Tel: 01622 873229 Fax: 01622 320020 Terms and Conditions No responsibility will be taken for drawings, photography or literary contributions during transmission or in the 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.

W

ith autumn now upon us, many holidaymakers will now be focusing their attention to summer 2017. For hoteliers, now is the perfect time to review and address the feedback received from previous guests – both positive and negative. You only need to look at sites like TripAdvisor to realise that the style and appearance of a hotel plays a huge role in a guest’s overall satisfaction.

From furniture and fittings through to linen and textiles, every aspect of a hotel’s decor must ooze style and exceed all expectations. A hotel should be the ultimate and superior getaway. Anything less than this, then owners should really look into calling on the expertise of a design specialist.

This was the case for the iconic luxury boutique hotel, Grace Santorini, which recently enjoyed a significant upgrade for May 2016. Handled by Fifth Element Interiors, London, and SMK Interiors, Greece, the brief was to reimagine the whitewashed rooms, whilst delivering an authentic scheme true to Santorini’s heritage. To read more about this stunning renovation, turn to page 8.

For further hotel inspiration, why not take a trip to London’s Olympia later this month for the Independent Hotel Show?

Visitors to this year’s event will enjoy two packed days of networking, advice and insight from some of the UK’s leading figures within the luxury, boutique and independent hotel sector. Turn to page 42 to catch some of the highlights.

Elsewhere in this issue, balustrades specialist North Valley Forge showcases its most unique project to date, Kitchens International discusses the kitchen design trends for 2017 and lighting manufacturer KOLARZ demonstrates its contemporary take on the lampshade.

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

26

Top left: Grace Santorini’s champagne lounge features a fully-lit onyx bar with brass shelves Cover: Paul and Alistair of Timorous Beasties started by printing their own fabrics because they couldn’t find anyone that would take a chance and produce them Top: Jonathan Loxley’s ‘Yong’ sculpture is produced from the last quarried block of Turkin Blu Italian marble Above: KOLARZ’s Delphi uplighter is inspired by the Olympic flame and takes hints from Gustav Klimt’s artwork

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

Contemporary, elegant and stylish, Lyndon Design’s tables collection is versatile and adaptable, perfect for any interior.

THE TABLES EDIT Head Office T: +44 (0) 1242 584 897 London Showroom T: +44 (0) 20 7253 0364 E: sales@lyndon.co.uk www.lyndon.co.uk Part of Boss Design

5 CONTENTS

38

30

Top: The beauty of

7

OCTOBER DIARY

8

INSPIRE Grace Santorini has recently benefited from an extensive refurbishment, including a new champagne lounge, an extensive culinary experience and a holistic approach for enriched luxury wellness. Here, Inex takes readers on a tour of the new and improved Grace Santorini.

16

INSIGHT Inex interviews Paul Simmons, a Founder of renowned textile and wallpaper studio, Timorous Beasties. Here, he explains how he and his Co-founder Alistair McAuley met and what spurred them on to discover Timorous Beasties.

22

KBB Kitchens International talks Inex readers through kitchen trends for 2017. Highlights include grey and off-white colourways, LED lighting and enhancing the kitchen’s place at the heart of the home.

24

EXRATED Situated in Hong Kong’s Kowloon Austin Road residential area stands Jonathan Loxley’s ‘Yong’ sculpture. Produced from the last quarried block of Turkin Blu Italian marble, Jonathan’s inspiration for this piece was ‘eternity’.

26

EXPOSE Inex takes a look at KOLARZ’s Olympic flame-inspired Delphi up-lighter. Produced from either 24 carat gold or chrome, KOLARZ’s design team have designed the Delphi with minimalist clear lines.

28

OFFICE Open-plan offices are all the rage. Whilst they are ideal and productive for the extrovert, what about the introvert? Here, Century Office explains what to include within an office design that will appeal to today’s introvert to increase their productivity.

30

STAIRCASES North Valley Forge has designed and installed an organic-themed butterfly balustrade in a large detached house in leafy Surrey. The intricately-designed wrought iron balustrade now complements its natural interior surroundings of limestone.

34

SURFACING Giles Miller has recently enhanced the shopping experience for Yas Island Mall’s customers with the addition of a wallcovering featuring faceted ‘little gems’, inspired by the theme of ‘spring flowers’.

38

ACOUSTICS Soundtect talks Inex readers through the importance of acoustics in interior design, particularly in the most overlooked industry; the restaurant sector.

42

INDEPENDENT HOTEL SHOW PREVIEW Inex previews this year’s Independent Hotel Show taking place at Olympia, London.

The October show promises to host the biggest line-up of exhibitors yet.

today’s acoustic products is that

28

they can very much become a statement of the overall design Middle: North Valley Forge’s brief from its client requested an organic-style balustrade for their detached home in leafy Surrey Bottom: Many openplan offices tend to lack a variety of workspaces and not everyone in an office works the same way or does the same work

INEX-ONLINE.COM

The secret of a memorable night’s sleep

Hypnos ‘secretly’ knows that it is a supremely comfortable bed that is at the heart of a truly memorable night’s sleep.

With over 100 years experience of making made-to-measure beds, using the finest natural materials, and with a Royally Approved reputation for hand crafting the most comfortable beds in the world, it is no surprise that Hypnos beds and their sublime comfort can be found in the finest homes, palaces and hotels.

T: +44 (0) 1844 348200 | E: designer@hypnosbeds.com | www.hypnosbeds.com Hypnos is proud to be Carbon Neutral, complying with PAS 2060.

7 DIARY

TEXFUSION Business Design Centre, London 19-20 October After the success of April’s fair, TEXFUSION – The London World Textile Fair – will move to a bigger venue. The October show will present a carefully selected group of high-quality international fabric and accessory manufacturers. This year, TEXFUSION will have two extra halls – HOME TEXTILE and TECHNICAL TEXTILES. texfusion.co.uk London Build Expo Olympia, London 26-27 October The interiors zone within London Build will showcase all the latest and leading niches and decorative materials. In this zone, specifiers will be able to meet with buyers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers from leading interior and material supplier companies from across the UK and the world. londonbuildexpo.com

Affordable Art Fair Battersea, London 20-23 October With 110 galleries bringing 1000 artists together, with all art priced between £100 and £5000, visitors to October’s Afforable Art Fair will be spoilt for choice. On sale will be a diverse and inspiring collection of original and contemporary paintings, editioned prints, photography and sculptures by household names and established artists, alongside emerging talent from the fair’s specially curated ‘Recent Graduates’ Exhibition’. affordableartfair.com

Home & Living Expo Luxexpo, Luxembourg-Kirchberg 15-23 October The Home & Living Expo is acknowledged as Luxembourg’s event for anyone who has an interest in decoration, design and architecture.

Every autumn, the exhibition unveils new trends for the upcoming year.

Home & Living Expo is a high-quality exhibition, showcasing over 300 exhibitors. homeandlivingexpo.lu Ideal Home Show Simmonscourt, Dublin 28-31 October One of Ireland’s best-loved events for homeowners returns this October.

Specifiers can discover the latest trends, learn about colour, styling, decor and home technology and view the latest in the furnishing, floorcovering and kitchen and bathroom industries. With expert advice centres, informative presentations and panel discussions, this show is one not to be missed. idealhome.ie

Dutch Design Week Eindhoven, The Netherlands 22-30 October Dutch Design Week (DDW) is one of the largest design events in northern Europe that presents works and concepts from over 2500 designers to more than 275,000 visitors from The Netherlands and overseas. Spread over 100 locations throughout the city, the event holds exhibitions, lectures, awards, networking events, discussions and festivities. DDW distinguishes itself from other design events by focusing on designs for the future, with an emphasis on experimentation, innovation and crossovers. ddw.nl

INEX-ONLINE.COM

8 INSPIRE

A new dawn for Grace Santorini Luxury boutique hotel group, Grace Hotels, has reopened its iconic destination Grace Santorini following extensive enhancements. The hotel’s complete renovation provides guests with a significantly upgraded experience, whilst retaining the intimacy it has become synonymous with. Innovative design, a new champagne lounge, an extensively expanded culinary experience and a holistic approach for enriched luxury wellness reinforces Grace Santorini as one of the world’s top luxury boutique hotels.

T

he refurbished rooms and suites, whilst maintaining the Grace hallmark of elegance and simplicity, have a contemporary style, combining cutting-edge, bespoke design alongside traditional hand-crafted pieces. The luxurious bathrooms offer double vanity units with marble carved basins and spacious rain showers with mosaic feature walls. A new and innovative in-room bar offers, amongst other unique amenities, a cocktail-making kit for guests to create their favourite cocktails, either by themselves or with the help of an expert mixologist. This new feature is available as part of ‘Bespoke by Grace’, an initiative which allows guests to personalise their in-room experience and request unique local experiences to enrich their visit.

Spectacular views The new champagne lounge provides breathtaking views of the caldera from its location – 363m above sea level.

Showcasing the finest champagnes, cocktails and premium spirits paired with the chef’s signature dishes, it offers

INEX-ONLINE.COM

9 INSPIRE

Above: Luxury boutique hotel group, Grace Hotels, has reopened its iconic destination Grace Santorini following extensive enhancements Left: 19 of the 21 rooms include plunge pools and the largest rooms have round day beds with retractable canopies Here: The 21-room hotel is carved into the cliff-face 300m above Santorini’s volcanic caldera

the ideal vantage point to witness the dramatic changing hues of the legendary Santorini sunset.

Gastronomy plays an integral role throughout the hotel experience.

The restaurant, ‘Santoro’, is expertly led by Executive Chef Spyros Agious, comprising a unique menu that is influenced by his passion and experience of the Mediterranean.

To meet the demands of the growing number of people seeking enhanced wellness, the hotel has created a new yoga and pilates studio with an adjoining fitness area featuring the latest ‘Technogym’ equipment. Complimentary group yoga sessions are offered twice daily, whilst those wanting a more tailored approach can reserve

private training, which can be taken within the hotel surroundings or across the rugged landscape of Santorini.

A balance of luxury and understated beauty The renovation consultancy and interior design for Grace Santorini was handled by Fifth Element Interiors, London, and SMK Interiors, Greece. The plans for Grace Santorini involved adding to the beauty of the interiors, that had been the subject of consistent critical acclaim since it opened, reimagining the minimalist whitewashed rooms whilst delivering something authentic and true to its Hellenic heritage.

INEX-ONLINE.COM

10 INSPIRE

Above left: The infinity pool’s jagged outline echoes the zigzag paths that cross Santorini’s sheer terrain Above: The understated design allows the extraordinary landscape to take centre stage Left: The newlydesigned restaurant is lighter and more sophisticated than its previous incarnation Below: The plans for Grace Santorini involved adding to the beauty of the interiors whilst delivering something authentic and true to its Hellenic heritage

The 21-room hotel is carved into the cliff-face 300m above Santorini’s volcanic caldera. Award-winning architecture practices Divercity and Mplusm, known for their ability to handle challenging briefs in a variety of locations and contexts, were responsible for the original development of the hotel, completed in 2008. In 2010, they were tasked with the addition of ‘The Villa’, a 400m2 luxury residence complete with its own volcanic spa, completed in 2012.

The understated design allows the extraordinary landscape to take centre stage. The hotel provides a contemporary interpretation of INEX-ONLINE.COM

vernacular architecture, employing economy of space and simplicity.

The infinity pool’s jagged outline echoes the zigzag paths that cross Santorini’s sheer terrain.

Founders of Fifth Element, Christina Logothetis and Staci Perkins-Surla, comment: “Our challenge was to preserve the original use of white and avoid cold minimalism, ensuring a balance that reveals an unmistakable sense of luxury and understated beauty.

By subtly introducing a new colour palette with furnishings, fixtures and fittings, exuding the highest standards of quality, we aimed to set standards on the global stage.”

Lobby What do you see when you go to Sleep?

Sleep 2016 presents and explores the most exciting products, technologies and ideas for the evolving values of hotel guests.

Comprising the exhibition, conference and installations including the Sleep Set competition, Sleep invites you to look again at hotel design.

Register now at www.thesleepevent.com using code SLP19

The Hotel Design Event

Founder Partner:

OďŹƒcial Media Partner:

The Hotel Design Event

22-23 November 2016 The Business Design Centre, London

OďŹƒcial Partner:

Supported by:

22-23 November 2016 The Business Design Centre, London

Organised by:

12 INSPIRE

Above: The objective was to maximise the ability to enjoy the view and the space outside Left: All-white interiors reiterate the trademark whitewashed houses of the Cyclades Below right: The luxurious bathrooms offer double vanity units with basins hand-carved from solid Greek Statuario marble

Rooms and suites The refurbished rooms and suites, whilst maintaining the Grace hallmark of elegance and simplicity, have a contemporary style, combining cutting-edge and bespoke design alongside traditional handcrafted pieces.

The objective was to maximise the ability to enjoy the view and the space outside. Grace Santorini’s hotel rooms all have a frontal orientation to make the most of the panoramic views. Every single room allows you to have breakfast outside, 19 of the 21 rooms include plunge pools and the largest rooms have round day beds with retractable canopies.

Inspired by the island’s ‘yposkafa’ cave-like dwellings, the hotel has rounded walls and domed roofs INEX-ONLINE.COM

excavated from the rock-face.

All-white interiors with brushed concrete floors reiterate the trademark whitewashed houses of the Cyclades.

Elements of local materials and architectural techniques can be found throughout the hotel.

This is exemplified by the feature of volcanic rock fragments that are positioned in the windows of four rooms, interspersed with apertures that provide glimpses to the sea. This echoes a local architectural technique in which minimal amounts of mortar are used, leaving gaps between the stonework creating a lightfiltering screen that allows privacy, ventilation and casts dappled shadows as the sun goes down.

Accents in turquoise, aubergine or navy are featured in some rooms, a colour palette synonymous with Santorini and the Mediterranean. Traditional Aegean walnut was used for the design, as opposed to non-indigenous wood like teak and driftwood found in other island properties. Products from the local region complement the interiors and include handmade walnut desks with Vibeffe 9500 marble and walnut coffee tables. Wardrobes with solid walnut interiors also feature alongside an innovative in-room bar which will offer a cocktailmaking kit for guests. The luxurious bathrooms offer double vanity units with basins hand-carved from solid Greek statuario marble and spacious rain showers with mosaic feature walls.

13 INSPIRE

Left: The refurbished rooms and suites, whilst maintaining the Grace hallmark of elegance and simplicity, have a contemporary style Below left: Grace Santorini’s hotel rooms all have a frontal orientation to make the most of the panoramic views Below: Every single room allows you to have breakfast outside

The sofas are handmade in Greece and upholstered in C & C Milano fabrics along with handmade throws and rugs especially hand-dyed for Grace Santorini. Rooms are complete with a curated collection of accessories, including pieces from the Cycladic Museum and Greek artisanal marble bowls. Further details include marble accessories and brass bookends based on traditional Greek design from Two is Company.

Santoro Santoro offers dining inside or al fresco on the open terrace alongside Grace Santorini’s iconic infinity pool. The restaurant design capitalises on its location that boasts one of the world’s most awe-inspiring views and showcases the legendary Santorini sunset.

The newly-designed restaurant is lighter and more sophisticated than its previous incarnation.

A white feature wall has been created with Greek triangular scalloped design. This is punctuated by iconic black ‘Here Comes the Sun’ pendant lanterns, originally designed by Architect Bertrand Balas in 1970.

Reminiscent of the light at sunrise and sunset, the rounded lamps are made from satin aluminium and anodized copper.

The angular design of the windows echoes the zigzag paths that cross the island. Discrete built-in banquettes allow guests to enjoy the view in privacy. Niches in the wall display porcelain bottles, pods and teardrops by acclaimed Ceramicist Sophie Cook.

INEX-ONLINE.COM

14 INSPIRE

Yoga and pilates studio The new yoga and pilates studio allows guests to take in the breathtaking panoramic views whilst enjoying their classes. The interiors are white and calm with walnut and plenty of mirrors to allow the light to reflect back into the room and accentuate the effect of the scenic surroundings. The space is complete with Reformer Pilates machines and cutting-edge ‘Technogym’ fitness equipment.

Champagne lounge The new champagne lounge provides breathtaking views of the caldera, offering the ideal vantage point to witness the dramatic changing hues of the legendary Santorini sunset, facing the awe-inspiring immensity of the panorama from its vast floating terrace.

Inside, a feature wall is made of lava rock from Santorini using local architectural techniques, with a mirror behind it to reflect the INEX-ONLINE.COM

light. A fully-lit honey onyx bar with brass shelves provides a dramatic statement foil to the dark volcanic stone. The bar is furnished with Emperador marble coffee tables, barstools and armchairs handmade in Greece upholstered in C & C Milano fabrics.

A curated collection of modern art is showcased in the champagne lounge from the renowned RARITY GALLERY, the first Greek gallery to exhibit the works of internationally acknowledged contemporary artists.

Top: A fully-lit honey onyx bar with brass shelves provides a dramatic statement foil to the dark volcanic stone Above: Inside the champagne lounge, a feature wall is made of lava rock from Santorini using local architectural techniques

Photography A commissioned capsule collection of photography by renowned Art Photographer, Yiorgos Kordakis, is showcased throughout the hotel, offering a different view of Santorini with abstract scenes of the island.

The Hephaestus and Calliste photography employs an abstract style of ‘less is more’, without the cliche blue and white, to reveal Santorini’s raw beauty whilst leaving much to the imagination. gracehotels.com « fifthelementinteriors.com « smkinteriors.com «

15 INSIGHT

our concealed handle design steel reinforced natural hardwood doors entrance doors internal feature doors garage doors passive house certiďŹ ed doors oversized doors made and designed in UK

urbanfront.com 01494 778787

16 INSIGHT

Left: Alistair and Paul started Timorous Beasties in 1990 Below: Paul and Alistair started by printing their own fabrics because they couldn’t find anyone that would take a chance and produce them

Bold and beautiful Alistair McAuley and Paul Simmons both met and studied at Glasgow School of Art. Following this, Paul studied at RCA, London, and Alistair undertook a post-grad in Glasgow. The duo realised early on that if you want to do anything in your way, you have to do it yourself and both wanted to produce their own fabrics – also, to be pragmatic about it, physically it takes two people to print fabric, one to push and one to pull the squeegee.

A

listair and Paul started Timorous Beasties in 1990, mainly because “there seemed to be so many ‘crap’ contemporary fabrics, or rather dull traditional fabrics and wallpapers on the market”. The company name, Timorous Beasties, is from the Robert Burns poem ‘To a Mouse’, and from the first line “wee, sleekit, cow’rin, tim’rous beastie”, from this poem comes the line, “the best laid schemes of mice and men gang eft aglay”, which influenced John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men. It also has obvious Scottish connotations, but speaks to everyone in a global way. Here, Inex talks to Paul Simmons about Timorous Beasties and how he and Alistair work together to produce their award-winning designs.

What do you personally believe makes Timorous Beasties so successful?

I think it’s just following your own nose, and also doing it yourself. We started by printing our own fabrics because we couldn’t find anyone that would take a chance and produce them. We started our own retail shop because nobody wanted to sell them, and now we are thoroughly independent and able to do what the hell we want! And that’s a great thing.

INEX-ONLINE.COM

LEVATO MONO porcelain paver system The Levato Mono porcelain paver system is the pinnacle of external raised flooring technology; enabling the specification of lightweight, slip resistant and attractive raised flooring solutions, combining incredible technical properties with uncompromising aesthetics; making them the ideal choice for commercial and domestic use alike.

20mm porcelain pavers 40x80 45x90 60x60 75x75 30x120 40x120 60x120 ‘Floating floor’ – installation over single ply membranes Eternal product - zero maintenance required – offering massive over-life savings

Highly abrasion and stain resistant Highly slip resistant ; R11 and achieved up to +65 wet in the BS pendulum test Lightweight – 45kgs per m2 High load bearing and impact resistance Timber & stone effects; 40+ finishes available

www.thedecktileco.co.uk t: 0845 2700 696

e: info@thedecktileco.co.uk

Ideal for balconies, roof terraces and piazzas, for both commercial and residential use Completely non porous Fire & frost proof Height-adjustable supports from 9mm up to 550mm

18 INSIGHT Far left: The company name, Timorous Beasties, is from the Robert Burns poem ‘To a Mouse’ Left: Alistair and Paul’s initial drive formed Timorous Beasties’ ‘identity’ as they had a passionate ‘hatred’ of many of the ‘twee’, boring fabrics and wallpapers that had flooded the market in the 80s/90s Below: Anything and everything inspires Paul and Alistair

How do you both work together to produce designs?

We don’t both work on the same design, we design separately, but what we share is a common outlook and attitude to design and the market, and yes of course we sometimes disagree. I can’t quite imagine not working together because that’s all we have ever done, although these days it’s not just me and Ali in the studio, there are 10 of us.

Do you each have different design styles? What are these styles and how do you merge them together?

Our style has changed from when we first started. We are very different people, but do have very similar objectives and attitudes to life and business, and I think that is more important to have than similar styles.

How important do you feel print is when it comes to interior design?

I think it simply depends on the function of the room; a pattern can change the ambiance of the room quite dramatically, whether it’s a simple vertical stripe or a large rich pattern; they can definitely be the killer punch in what you are trying to achieve. A small boutique hotel reception in Paris, ‘Bloody Empire’, a hotel lobby in Miami, ‘Merian Palm’, a contemporary minimal space, ‘Kaleido Splatt’, I could go on.

INEX-ONLINE.COM

19 INSIGHT

UNBOTTLED WATER STILL, MEDIUM OR SPARKLING

REFRESH WITH GROHE BLUE HOME A beautiful and intelligent system that transforms simple water into pure thirst-quenching pleasure.

How do you like your water? Still, medium or sparkling, it’s all a matter of taste. GROHE Blue Home has a simple and intuitive mechanism that lets you carbonate your drinking water at the touch of a button. Deliciously cool filtered water. www.grohe.co.uk INEX-ONLINE.COM

20 INSIGHT

What’s the biggest accomplishment Timorous Beasties has achieved?

Maybe being selected for ‘Designer of the Year 2005’, because it was a turning point for our company and somehow it validated all the hard work we had put in.

Where do you both source inspiration from for your designs?

Anything and everything inspires us. I can’t remember who said it but “most things when you look at them long enough are pretty inspirational!”

What colour palette do you both personally believe is the most influential when it comes to print?

It’s very subjective again, I like to strip a room right down to white, then start adding. At the moment I love a bit of green or teal.

INEX-ONLINE.COM

Do you have a favourite aspect of your job?

I do like a wallcovering, it is pattern in its purest form (if there is such a thing), nowhere to hide the repeat (curtains are usually folded up); you see the pattern flat, any flaws are easy to spot – the repeat has to be dead on.

Above: Paul believes that Timorous Beasties’ Golden Oriole panels are the most extravagant design the company has produced so far Right: Paul’s favourite product to work on is a wallcovering as you

What do you believe is the most extravagant design that Timorous Beasties has produced so far?

Probably our Golden Oriole panels; hand-made paper, hand-printed with six different screens to make up the repeat, and the ink costs more than a single malt whiskey! I keep telling the guys when they are washing and cleaning the screen: “You’ve still got a good quarter gill left of whiskey there!”

see the pattern flat – any flaws are easy to spot Above right: Paul likes to work with velvet as it absorbs inks so well Far right: Paul and Alistair are currently working with Nobody and Co towards the Milan Furniture Fair

21 INSIGHT

What’s your favourite fabric to work with and why?

I do love velvet because it absorbs the inks so well, it becomes quite luminous.

How would you describe a Timorous Beasties customer?

Somebody who doesn’t particularly like fabric or pattern – we like to win them over!

What do you personally believe that Timorous Beasties brings to the interiors industry?

Our initial drive formed our ‘identity’, as we had a passionate ‘hatred’ of many of the ‘twee’, boring fabrics and wallpapers that had flooded the market in the 80s/90s.

Our Timorous Beasties identity was an irreverent reaction against what was out there.

What are Timorous Beasties’ plans for the next year?

We are working towards Milan Furniture Fair just now with Nobody and Co on some ‘socks’ which fit onto minimal chairs, with a lot of embellishment. Also, lots of blotches and splatters, as well as working on leather and marble. timorousbeasties.com « INEX-ONLINE.COM

22 KITCHENS

Left: Neutral colours remain very ‘in’, especially greys and off-whites Below: With the development of LED lighting across the kitchen, each area can have its own warm white feature lighting

Where is kitchen design going in 2017?

At the heart of the home lies the kitchen, which today is predominantly an open-plan space with blurred boundaries between the kitchen and cooking areas and the living and dining space, says the UK’s Kitchen Retailer of the Year 2016, Kitchens International.

A

s an expert in kitchen design and installation, Kitchens International is seeing the trend towards the kitchen becoming the space where friends and family gather and where plans are made and life is shared. So, it is important that the kitchen captures the unique characteristics of a home and your clients’ tastes.

Design wise, the kitchen is a work of art with a mixture of clean, linear lines and flowing, organic curves.

Depending on the type and size of the property and taste of the owners, the look for kitchens in 2017 will definitely be unfussy with either straight lines or softer, elegant curves. Whatever the design, the trend is for a large, open space with an island that provides a sense of inclusion, rather than isolation from the rest of the home. After all, who wants to face a wall while cooking!

Kitchens International (KI) Designer, Carol Cameron, says: “An island can be the centre stage whilst entertaining or catching up with family or friends.

It can change the dynamics of family life, or when entertaining. All of a sudden a room that may have seemed essential, becomes the most exciting and inviting room in the house.”

Neutral colours remain very ‘in’, especially greys and off-whites, and increasingly an ultra-matt finish is proving highly desirable. Concrete-effect doors (such as those from LEICHT kitchens) are in vogue as they look stylish and have a stunning durable, fingerprint-free finish.

Textured timbers remain popular and are now in varying shades. Complemented by thin profile laminate worktops or engineered stone, such as Dekton or Silestone, this look has all the qualities of a functional kitchen, but with the clear elegance of an area where it is a joy to be in.

INEX-ONLINE.COM

Kitchens International’s designers are unanimous about the one thing no kitchen should be without in 2017 – a boiling water tap. KI Designer, Heather Oliver, says: “This is often the most sought-after item and we think it is the ultimate convenience product for fast-paced family lives.”

Storage solutions are developing at a rapid pace. Long drawers, tall larder units, complete with internal drawers, power and lighting and Le Mans corner units all provide the most efficient storage and will be some of the most sought-after storage items in the future. KI Designer, Simon Holland, says: “Accessibility is the key, so the new easy-access storage ideas are incredibly popular. Going out are large, pull-out

larders as they can be heavy and take up too much space. Pocket doors that hide appliances such as washing machines and dryers, and then slip back into the side of the cabinet, are being seen by our clients as revolutionary.”

Lighting has progressed with a huge variety of affordable feature lighting for every area. With the development of LED lighting across the kitchen, each area can have its own warm white feature lighting, whether on shelves, above or below seating or above the island.

Stuart Millar, Designer at KI, concludes: “We are seeing that homeowners are more educated and interested in products which are not only of a good design, but are also energy-efficient and kinder to the environment. Most reputable manufacturers (many are members of professional trade bodies, such as KBSA) will combine style with functionality and energy efficiency, so if designing a new kitchen for 2017, it’s worth ensuring your design ticks all the boxes.” kitchensinternational.co.uk «

17/3/14

12:39

Page 2

ssex Life page ad_PRINT:Layout 1

17/3/14

12:39

Page 2

www.firmanglass.com www.firmanglass.com www.firmanglass.com www.firmanglass.com

ssex Life page ad_PRINT:Layout 1

Structural Glazing Specialists Structural Glazing Specialists Structural Glazing Specialists Structural Glazing Specialists To find out more visit www.firmanglass.com Firman Bates Harold Wood, Romford, Essex RM3 OJH To findGlass,19 out more visitRoad, www.firmanglass.com Firman Glass,19 Bates Road, Wood, Romford, Essex RM3 OJH Tel: 01708 Fax:www.firmanglass.com 01708Harold 340511 Email: sales@firmanglass.com To find out374534 more visit Tel: 01708 374534 Fax:Road, 01708Harold 340511 Email: sales@firmanglass.com Firman Glass,19 Bates Wood, Romford, Essex RM3 OJH In association with To find out more visit www.firmanglass.com Tel: 01708 374534 Fax: 01708 340511 Email: sales@firmanglass.com In association with Firman Glass,19 Bates Road, Harold Wood, Romford, Essex RM3 OJH In association with Tel: 01708 374534 Fax: 01708 340511 Email: sales@firmanglass.com In association with

www.firmanglass.com www.firmanglass.com www.firmanglass.com www.firmanglass.com

24 EXRATED

‘Crazy as a polisher’ Alison Pickett, a Curator and Art Consultant based in Hong Kong, specialises in curating site-specific commissioned collections of sculptures for corporate, commercial and retail development clients all over the world. Alison’s recent commission was for The Austin Road residential development, a condominium complex comprising two sites – The Austin and The Grand Austin – which features Sculptor Jonathan Loxley’s ‘Yong’ sculpture.

W

e curated a collection of site-specific commissioned sculptures for both sites,” commented Alison. “The five Austin sculptures all in metal, and the six Grand Austin sculptures in stone, to give a sculptural identity to each site.”

For the stone collection – The Grand Austin – Jonathan Loxley was selected due to the geometric form and beauty of his work. “We wanted every sculpture to reflect the creative and technical talent of each artist, and Jonathan’s work was perfect for this location,” explained Alison.

There is a precise geometry of ‘Yong’ that reflects a very Chinese INEX-ONLINE.COM

ethos, and the translation of the title means ‘eternity’, which Alison felt was a warm and welcoming metaphor for a residential complex. The apparent simplicity of the design is disguised in the very complex skill of carving and polishing the form out of a single piece of stone, and Alison wanted this also to represent the different layers of a diverse community.

“Hong Kong is a densely populated city, and it is rare to have anything other than more buildings in the view. However, placing Jonathan’s sculpture in the garden’s entrance encourages the viewer to look at the sculpture and notice the greenery beyond, rather than the skyline behind,” adds Alison.

25 EXRATED Far left: Jonathan’s ‘Yong’ sculpture was chosen from his archive portfolio Bottom left: The sculpture is produced from Turkin Blu Italian marble – the last block quarried from the mountains before the council shut works down for historical reasons Left: Jonathan’s inspiration for his Yong sculpture is ‘eternity’ Below: The shape is effectively a band of marble that looks as it has been twisted over three planes to return to itself

Jonathan’s career began by painting and building sets for theatre and film. He then became a Sculptor on major motion pictures, such as Labyrinth, Santa Claus the Movie, A Fish Called Wanda and Aliens. After catching cerebral malaria at the age of 28, Jonathan saw life differently and travelled to Carrara, Italy – the home of marble – and stayed there for nine years sculpting, before returning to the UK to set up a studio.

Jonathan’s ‘Yong’ sculpture was chosen from his archive portfolio; a piece he had made many years ago. The brief was to recreate the sculpture at 250cm tall by 340cm wide.

Jonathan’s inspiration for his Yong sculpture is ‘eternity’, evident by the continuous ribbon of marble. Chinese culture is steeped in symbolic shapes and figures, and this sculpture, although geometrically very complex, is contained within a very simple triangle.

The shape is effectively a band of marble that looks as if it has been twisted over three planes to return to itself. “An ant could travel on one path of the ribbon and return to its starting point having travelled over every surface,” explains Jonathan.

Having a similar belief to Alison, Jonathan believes his Yong sculpture pulls the eye down to the human level again. “Hong Kong is dominated by dizzyingly tall structures. This piece is a statement of respect to the viewer. It has no other function other than to please the eye of the viewer and humanise the structures around it,” comments Jonathan.

The sculpture was installed with a large crane, taking around six hours to install. The powder coated steel base has pierced flanges, so as to be bolted to the concert plinth in the ground. Jonathan experienced an obstacle when it came to the installation, as the ground team had wrongly placed the bolts in the concert so the base did not fit. This was overcome

by redrawing new holes and using expanding bolts.

The sculpture is produced from Turkin Blu Italian marble – the last block quarried from the mountains before the council shut works down for historical reasons. The Turkin Blu marble is classy and elegant and Jonathan felt its colour was perfect for a ‘still brooding’ piece. The grey base is slightly darker and, Jonathan felt, really the only colour that would complement the marble. The base is produced from a powder coated aluminium shell over a stainless steel inner structure.

It took Jonathan five months to create Yong. The obstacles he came across when sculpting the piece was emptying the interior space: “I had to design and build a few tools to help me achieve this as they are not available on the market,” explained Jonathan. Polishing the whole sculpture by hand was very challenging, especially when it came to the inner space. “I had to leave it sometimes – there is an Italian expression ‘crazy as a polisher,’” humoured Jonathan. loxleysculpture.com « alisonpickett.com « INEX-ONLINE.COM

26 EXPOSE

Light it up KOLARZ was founded as a small lampshade factory in Vienna in 1918 by Hanns Kolarz, the great-grandfather of today’s KOLARZ generation. The company has since been creating beautifully designed, exquisitely crafted lighting for residential and commercial interiors for nearly 100 years. Today, the company creates lights for some of the world’s most famous brands, including retailers, hotel groups, restaurants, embassies, Government buildings, world-renowned heritage sites and private clients.

K

OLARZ’s products are designed and manufactured in Europe using the finest quality materials, including top quality Austrian crystals, such as Swarovski SPECTRA crystals, handblown Murano glass, 24 carat gold plates and chrome or silver plating.

INEX-ONLINE.COM

The company has a reputation for distinctive designs, skilled craftsmanship and technological expertise and this is evident in the company’s latest lighting design – the Delphi uplighter. The Delphi was created by KOLARZ’s team of designers, who collaborate creatively on most of KOLARZ’s designs. The design team’s style is influenced by the rich Viennese and European cultural heritage that surrounds them. The design team look for inspiration in the shapes and forms found in nature from the surrounding Vienna woods and nearby Alps.

Additionally, the company likes to pay homage to the use of colours and designs of some of the world’s greatest artists. The Delphi’s design is a combination of both, with handpainted versions reflecting the use of bold brush strokes, intricate detailing and dramatic colours of beloved Austrian Artist, Gustav Klimt, and the Art Nouveau shapes and classical buildings of Vienna.

Olympic inspiration The Delphi up-lighter was inspired by the Olympic flame; the golden bowl glows like a bowl of fire and the base is strong and straight like the arm of the torch of the flame. The light flows from above and reflects off the ceiling and walls. When designing the Delphi, the KOLARZ design team wanted to create something simple and sophisticated; a contemporary, timeless piece of furniture that could be a feature in any interior.

With almost minimalist clear lines and a floating bowl of gold plate, or chrome – complemented by the gold plate, or chrome, edging running down the side, completing the base of the lamp – the 24 carat gold plate and chrome were the perfect choice of materials to choose. They add glamour and style to the design and, with the clear version of the Delphi, they add an understated elegance.

From the design team’s initial design, the shape itself has not changed much, but the team have enhanced the range by decorating the glass, either with hand-painted enamel designs, which are a feature of many KOLARZ lights, or with handpainted ornaments or rich detailed plaster relief in gold and silver, inspired by Viennese Art Nouveau.

The glass panel, trimmed in 24 carat gold plate, or chrome, shows reflections of light emitting down from the floating bowl at the top of the uplighter. The clear glass version is stunningly sophisticated and subtle, while the painted versions are a conversation piece and each handpainted Delphi up-lighter is a work of art in its own right.

27 EXPOSE

The Delphi’s halogen bulbs offer a more powerful light than the LED, but, of course, LED is the more cost-effective and environmentallyfriendly choice. As LED bulb technology advances and better bulbs are created, more and more people will choose LED over halogen – which will have to be compulsory in the EU, as halogen bulbs will be phased out across the EU over the next few years. Both the LED and the halogen versions of KOLARZ’s Delphi up-lighter are dimmable, which means that the light can be used to a different effect depending on the ambiance required in the room.

A design piece KOLARZ’s hope was that the Delphi’s timeless and graceful design would work well for all types of interiors, whether commercial or residential, and this has certainly been the case. It is consistently one of the company’s best-selling products.

The company believes that the great success of the Delphi up-lighter is that it works as a design piece in both commercial and private residences. It has been used in private homes, restaurants, shops, hotels and other public buildings and works well with all sorts of interior design styles. kolarz-uk.com «

Far left: The Delphi up-lighter was inspired by the Olympic flame; the golden bowl glows like a bowl of fire Above: The KOLARZ design team wanted to create something simple and sophisticated; a contemporary timeless piece of furniture Left: The glass panel shows reflections of light emitting down from the floating bowl

INEX-ONLINE.COM

28 OFFICE

Introvert vs extrovert – making open-plan offices work The open-plan office apparently seems to cater for all. Extroverts and sociable personalities enjoy a space to collaborate, brainstorm and ‘air’ their ideas. Extroverts are categorised as those who become energised from collaborative experiences, and therefore, somewhere along the way, the fundamental needs of introverts have been forgotten.

R

esearch suggests that introverts are more productive in the quieter environments. While a busy, open-plan environment might not be their ideal place, the use of a quiet corner; a place to think, a small meeting room or even a cubicle could prove invaluable. As a business centre operative, you may already see the opportunity here. It’s all about creating workspaces to suit individuals, so they can be increasingly productive and thus thrive in their working environment.

Glass walls, open meeting spaces and ‘screenless’, bench-style workstations may be aesthetically pleasing and on-trend. This new way of working has been put into place with the hope to increase motivation and productivity, unfortunately it seems only to just cater for certain personality types.

INEX-ONLINE.COM

A simple screen, individual breakout space or enclosed space can encourage individuals such as introverts to work at their full potential, providing an invaluable space to work within.

The problem with the ‘modern day office’ and planning is in the way that it is approached and it’s essential that businesses are not lured into thinking that the openplan workspace will magically create divine levels of collaboration. Whilst creating the ‘future office’ lies within the realms of creating a space that works for everyone, a workspace needs to provide an environment that can motivate individuals and encourage productivity from its workforce. It is easy to get caught up in the aesthetics and gimmicks, yet it is equally important to consider how a new work environment provides for all its employees whilst catering to all individuals in the extrovert-introvert spectrum.

Many open-plan offices tend to lack a variety of workspaces and not everyone in an office works the same way or does the same work.

A ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach is outdated and not realistic. A layered approach may be the key to catering to different personalities – designing a diverse space is essential. Noise interruptions and lack of privacy are definitely a problem in open workspaces and not everyone in an office works the same way or has

29 OFFICE Left: Many open-plan offices tend to lack a variety of work spaces and not everyone in an office works the same way or does the same work Bottom far left: Extroverts are categorised as those who become energised from collaborative experiences, and therefore the fundamental needs of introverts have been forgotten Below centre: A simple screen, individual breakout space or enclosed space can encourage individuals such as introverts to work at their full potential Below: Creating different settings

the same role which is why giving employees a variety options in a space is the key to success.

An open-plan office with rows of benches and desks is monotonous, in short the ‘tinned sardine approach’ is not a desirable factor. Creating different settings and zones for those individuals that need some quiet time to focus can really help and even boost morale within the work environment.

Appropriate labelling of spaces such as ‘the library’ and even establishing some rules can encourage a sense of protocol amongst employees.

Sarah Bays and Steve Bays of Century Office explain: “At Century Office we work with our clients and try to understand every aspect of their organisation, however small or large. This includes understanding their daily work practices, the existing layout and creating a space that meets the needs, personality and requirements of each individual within that organisation.

“Rather than following the latest trends, we advise clients on how to make the best use out of furniture and how different settings, i.e. breakout

areas, can be used to reduce stress whilst increasing productivity and collaboration in the workplace. Whilst a space dedicated to hot-desking or quiet spaces can encourage and provide employees with the option to work on individual tasks in order

to meet that all-important deadline, most of our clients are usually surprised that they can reconfigure their existing layout without breaking the bank or compromising on the quality of the furniture.” century-office.co.uk «

and zones for those individuals that need some quiet time to focus can really help and even boost morale within the work environment

INEX-ONLINE.COM

30 BALUSTRADES

Above left: North Valley Forge received a brief with some ideas of an organic style Top right: The balustrade was to inhabit a large detached house in a leafy suburban area of Surrey Above: North Valley Forge’s design team sketched out a few ideas and, with the client’s input, produced a small sample of what the team envisaged Left: The balustrading design is the most unique design the company has designed and installed yet

INEX-ONLINE.COM

Organic, sleek and modern Established over 25 years ago, Lancashire-based North Valley Forge is proud to be at the forefront as a world-leader of wrought iron design and manufacturing. One of the company’s latest projects, based in Surrey, involved the most unique balustrading design the company has designed and installed yet.

N

orth Valley Forge received a brief from its Surrey-based client with some ideas for the concept of an organic-type, feature staircase that was very sleek, modern and different to anything the company had ever produced before. North Valley Forge’s design team sketched out a few ideas and, with its client’s input, produced a small sample of what the team envisaged. From this, and with the client’s love of butterflies, North Valley Forge arrived at a concept to meet the client’s requirements.

The balustrade was to inhabit a large detached house with extensive gardens in a beautiful leafy suburban area of Surrey. The actual staircase structure itself is made from

www.canal.eu.com www.canal.eu.com We are CANAL Architectural www.canal.eu.com We are CANAL Architectural www.canal.eu.com

FINANCE FINANCE OPTIONS OPTIONS FINANCE AVAILABLE FINANCE AVAILABLE OPTIONS OPTIONS AVAILABLE AVAILABLE +44(0) (0)115 115986 9866321 6321 | | canal@canalengineering.co.uk canal@canalengineering.co.uk +44 +44 (0) 115 986 6321 | canal@canalengineering.co.uk +44 (0)~~115 986 6321 | canal@canalengineering.co.uk Staircases ~~ Balustrades Balustrades Handrails Balconies Canopies ~~ Architectural ArchitecturalMetalwork Metalwork Staircases Handrails ~~ Balconies ~~ Canopies Britishengineered engineered bespoke products for residential commercial properties Installedin inthe theUK UK&&Abroad Abroad Staircases ~ Balustrades ~for Handrails ~ Balconies ~ Canopies ~ Architectural Metalwork British bespoke products residential &&commercial properties ~~ Installed Staircases ~ Balustrades ~ Handrails ~ Balconies ~ Canopies ~ Architectural Metalwork Callus usto toproducts discussyour your lastestproject project andstaircase staircase finance optionsin the UK & Abroad British engineeredCall bespoke for residential & commercial properties ~ Installed discuss lastest and finance options British engineered bespoke products for residential & commercial properties ~ Installed in the UK & Abroad Call us to discuss your lastest project and staircase finance options

Call us to discuss your lastest project and staircase finance options

32 BALUSTRADES

solid limestone and was beautiful in itself. “We feel we got the design of the balustrading exactly as the client wanted, and with the choice of decor to complement this, it is the main feature of the house and the very first thing you see when you walk through the main entrance to the house,” comments Darren Weatherill, Director at North Valley Forge.

Following a site survey, North Valley Forge agreed a price with its client to carry out this commission and then planned production. Once the limestone staircase was in position, North Valley Forge’s site installation team asked the main contractor to cover it fully in plywood.

As Darren Weatherill explains: “We wanted to make all of the balustrade structure in situ, to make sure every curve and sweep matched perfectly.”

North Valley Forge’s site installers took along specialist machinery along with oxygen and acetylene torches to heat and form all of the materials in order to create the ‘carcass’. Once this was done, the team braced the ‘carcass’ with temporary supports, before cutting it into manageable sections in order to bring it back to the workshop in Nelson, Lancashire, without any distortion.

Once back in the workshop, all of the infill work required was handforged, adding various features, such as the butterflies, in order to finish the balustrade off from a manufacturing point of view.

Following hours of sanding, INEX-ONLINE.COM

cleaning welded joints and making sure the balustrade was perfect, the team then painted the balustrade in the company’s very own formulated ‘Smithy Black’ high build vinyl paint, adding gold and bronze patina highlighting to ‘lift’ the design and give it more colouring under the lighting in the hallway.

The curved landing, where the balustrade was installed, was about 6m long with a limestone fascia – the actual staircase itself was approximately 4.5m long with limestone steps and fascias. Wrought iron always complements natural materials, such as stonework, and the contrast between the lightness of

33 BALUSTRADES Far left: The actual staircase structure is made from solid limestone Left: The balustrading was installed using hidden fixings chemically-resined into the limestone Bottom left: The butterfly detailing was laser-cut and individually shaped, before being added to the balustrading Below: Following hours of sanding, cleaning welded joints and making sure it was perfect, the team then painted the balustrade in the company’s very own formulated ‘Smithy Black’ high build paint Right: A further 200 hours were spent finishing and painting the balustrading at the company’s Nelsonbased workshop

the limestone and the darkness of the balustrading for this project seemed to create a fantastic feature with the finished balustrade.

The balustrading was installed using hidden fixings chemicallyresined into the limestone, which the team at North Valley Forge felt was a far more discrete finish than any bolts.

The initial shaping and mock-up of the ‘balustrade carcass’ took around four days for two members from North Valley Forge in situ at the client’s house. A further 200 hours were spent finishing and painting the balustrade at the company’s Nelson-based workshop, whilst the installation

took four days with the help of two members of the site installation team.

Once manufactured, the cleaning process took hours and hours of grinding, sanding and filing the joints.

While the butterfly detailing was lasercut and individually shaped, before being added to the balustrading.

Whilst this was a very testing project, requiring a lot of skill at all stages, North Valley Forge’s experienced craftsmen thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of creating something completely different to anything they had ever made before and everything ran smoothly. northvalleyforge.co.uk « INEX-ONLINE.COM

34 SURFACING

Unique shopping experience Giles Miller was recently approached by HMKM, designer of Yas Island Mall, to produce a wallcovering for Yas Island Mall’s concept centred around the theme ‘The Garden of Imagination’ – where each of the mall’s floors has its own aesthetic based on the seasons.

Giles Miller was selected to create the bespoke surfaces for the bag area of the store, which is represented by ‘spring flowers’.

“

W

ithin this area we were asked to clad the large columns in the centre of the store as well as the store fronts, which ran all down one side of the floor,” explained Kirstie Little, Lead Designer at Giles Miller for the project.

HMKM had proposed that the columns and shop fronts would be clad with a triangular mesh, as this was the overarching theme of the store. Giles Miller’s brief was to design a singular unit which would fit into the grid that represented the theme ‘spring flowers’.

“The singular units we designed could be arranged in a number of ways to create tone and texture, as well as becoming an abstract representation of spring flowers,” comments Kirstie.

“The asymmetric design of these pieces meant that we could use them in a way to draw with tone, which is a common theme across the work of the studio.” Hexagonal-shaped flowers of varying tones and textures creep their way around the store fronts and columns like climbing ivy. These ‘flowers’ are surrounded by a dispersal of pieces to give the facades a softer, more organic feel.

Far left: Giles Miller was selected to create the bespoke surfaces for the bag area which is represented by ‘spring flowers’ Left: The addition of Giles Miller’s pieces gives customers a unique environment to shop in Above: The material used is a great alternative to heavier materials Top right: Pigmented Jesmonite was selected for the installation in four pastel shades Right: There were two types of the faceted ‘little gems’, one being convex and one being concave

INEX-ONLINE.COM

35 SURFACING

Pigmented Jesmonite was selected for the installation in four pastel shades. “There were two types of the faceted ‘little gems’, one being convex and one being concave.

This gave us the ability to add another layer of texture and tone by composing and combining the eight variations together,” explained Kirstie. She continues: “We chose Jesmonite for this project as the casting methods allowed us to create detailed shapes. The shapes can quite easily be transformed from a 3D CAD model, to 3D print, to a mouldable part. The material is also a great alternative to heavier materials, which made them much easier to manufacture and install. The other benefit was the ability to colour match very closely to the desired tones.”

As the overall theme of the store was mainly triangular and faceted, Giles Miller’s shapes, which of course were triangular but also faceted on their faces, help to complement the theme as well as adding an extra level of texture and intrigue to the columns and store fronts.

The installation spans over four large columns and 16 store fronts, which includes the likes of Mulberry, Burberry, Salvatore Ferragamo and Fendi amongst others. Giles Miller worked with HMKM to come up with the pastel palette which was used. “We wanted a selection of four colours which were soft and floral and all complemented each other, as well as having enough contrast to enhance the pattern,” commented Kirstie.

INEX-ONLINE.COM

36 SURFACING

“When we arrived on site, the columns and shop fronts were clad with the triangular meshes,” explains Kirstie. “Back in the studio, we had designed a specific jig system which acted as a template for a predetermined pattern. We used this jig system to mark out the placement, as well as direction, of the pieces before we stuck them down, working our way around the store.” The Giles Miller team were on site for three days to stick down somewhere in the region of 20,000 pieces.

Some sections of the installation are produced from mirrored pieces and others from matt pieces, which was part of the overall scheme by the designers to give some contrast between the columns and the shop fronts. “This, we felt, was a great decision; the mirrored columns created a wonderful illusion and the subtle curves on the faces of the Corian store fronts are a lovely detail,” enthuses Kirstie.

“The overall design and the addition of our pieces gives customers a unique environment to shop in – the pieces reflect the beauty of the products on sale. The ‘vine-like’ composition of the pieces draw the customers around the store and into the various brands,” concluded Kirstie. gilesmiller.com « INEX-ONLINE.COM

Top: The ‘vine-like’ composition of the pieces draw the customers around the store Above: The Giles Miller team were on site for three days to stick somewhere in the region of 20,000 pieces Right: Giles Miller’s shapes help to complement the theme and add an extra level of texture to the columns and store fronts Far right: Some sections of the installation are produced from mirrored pieces and others from matt pieces

www.crestleather.com

sales.uk@crestleather.com

Tel: +44 (0) 1706 643 121

Fax:: +44 1706 643 133

38 ACOUSTICS

Listen up An overwhelming majority of the harsh noise experienced in a room is the result of sound bouncing off ceilings, floors and other hard surfaces. As a result, reverberant sound mixes with direct sound and causes an acoustic muddle that makes listening and communication difficult. In learning spaces, ensuring a high degree of speech intelligibility is critical, but it’s not just educational facilities that are in need of sound quality and reverberation control.

N

oise significantly impacts our experiences in any indoor environment, such as hotels, restaurants, workplaces, recording studios, and, of course, our very own private sanctuaries; our homes. To control noise and give ourself the pleasure of no echo, no reflection sound that colours or muddles amplified speech and music, the use of sound absorbing panels (acoustic panels) is indeed a life-saving option.

So, how do they work?

There are generally two types of treatment for reverberation – absorption and diffusion. Absorption is the trapping of noise by the fabric of the acoustic panel, and diffusion INEX-ONLINE.COM

is the breaking up and scattering of the soundwaves. Most acoustic panels on the market address sound absorption. Sound diffusion, on the other hand, is more challenging to address because it requires acoustic panels to have (instead of a flat, linear surface) surfaces with varying depths, curves or other three-dimensional construction.

An acoustic product that addresses both absorption and diffusion is far more effective in controlling noises and for this reason, many acoustic panels are manufactured from fabric. Wool polyester fibres and foam are all porous so allow the sound that hits them to be absorbed into the panel themselves where it becomes trapped. The surface area

of the panel creates the diffusion element where the pressure of the soundwaves is converted into heat.

The 3D panels now on the market are a perfect example of this; their multi-planed faces breaking up the sound waves on contact and preventing the noise from bouncing back into the room.

Above: Ceiling applications can assist with the control of noise Right: Wool polyester fibres and foam are all porous so allow the sound that hits them to be absorbed into the panel themselves

Impact on the environment Long gone are the days when a business was judged solely by its ability to deliver goods. Today, the way of delivery and how it impacts the environment and society are also considered important, and rightfully so. A strong commitment to environmentally ethical behavior is paramount. Certain brands keep to this by using more than

Above right: Today’s acoustic designs allow the reverberation treatment to be a part of the design

39 ACOUSTICS

50% of recycled polyester, that started its journey as a plastic PET bottle, to create third generation sound absorbing panels for an eco-friendly approach to acoustics, and in doing so, create an acoustic material of unbeatable quality and performance. It goes without saying that for companies seeking green options for their offices or other indoor spaces, as well as solutions for excellent acoustics, having sustainable sound absorbing panels will tick all their boxes.

Catering for all Of course, the design of a room may not cater for the addition of acoustic panels – especially if there is a lack of wall space. Open-plan offices and glass partitioned rooms create a hive of reverberation and lack of privacy, but this doesn’t mean they can’t be treated. Ceiling applications in the form of suspended acoustic panels, hanging partitions, or even the addition of acoustic furniture, all assist with the control of noise created by the layout of modern designed offices and public places, and consequently improve sound clarity and limit distracting noise when added into a scheme.

In fact, with ceilings being the largest expanse of flat reflective areas, this is the prime location for the addition of acoustic panels and in many cases the only available space to do so.

Improving experiences This is most apparent in one of the most overlooked areas for controlling noise – restaurants. Designers and architects alike take great care to provide the owner and customers with a visually appealing space made of glass, marble, brick, wood, metal, granite, tin or drywall easyto-clean surfaces, but overlook the impact the selected materials will have on a restaurant’s noise levels. Besides inventive dishes and an awe-inspiring decor, sound ambience is often the most direct factor impacting a customer’s experience at a restaurant. As guests assemble in a restaurant with no sound-proof design, their voices will begin to carry. Given that only a mere 5% of the echoes produced in the room can be absorbed by hard, reflective surfaces, the remaining 95% will continue to carry through the space, creating an unpleasant background noise that pushes conversations to raise up and causes feelings of discomfort and strain to guests.

This is when customers characterise a restaurant as too noisy, although they can’t put a finger on exactly what makes it like that.

According to a Harvard business school study, a one-star increase in a rating can lead to an increase in revenue of about 5-9% (for non-chain restaurants). Unhappy clients, due to the noise levels of a restaurant, won’t hesitate to deduct a star or provide a negative review that can affect the restaurant’s reputation and business. A problem that can be solved by installing acoustic panels.

Another major area for concern is schools and this led to the updating of the BB93 report, which is now a recognised and highly exercised guidance as it sets out minimum performance standards for the acoustics of school buildings and has resulted with most newlydesigned projects factoring in the acoustics at concept stage.

The acoustic panels available today have the power to increase the ‘wow factor’ of a space or blend beautifully into an existing ceiling or wall space. With sound absorbing panels, you can create that mix of minimal calm with a focal point that a building or business will be remembered for.

Level for absorption The level of absorption for acoustic panels ranges from A-E with Class A absorption (the highest sound absorption, based on the measured absorption performance across a frequency range between 4KHz and 250Hz) and noise reduction coefficient (NRC) of 0.95 offering the highest ability to reduce background sound noise levels while increasing speech intelligibility. It is the Class A that attracts the most interest, as INEX-ONLINE.COM

40 ACOUSTICS Left: The acoustic panels available today have the power to increase the ‘wow factor’ of a space Bottom: Open-plan offices and glass partitioned rooms create a hive of reverberation and lack of privacy, but this doesn’t mean they can’t be treated Below: Having sustainable sound absorbing panels will tick all companies’ boxes

not only is less product needed, but this class also absorbs the most heard mid-frequency (500-2000Hz) noise.

Installation and maintenance Whether you need to install acoustic panels for an office, conference room, classroom, auditorium, retail outlet, restaurant, theatre or any other setting when controlling and managing the level and quality of sound is paramount, you can heave a sigh of relief that you won’t have to sweat over it. Installation is very straightforward. In fact, most manufacturers have created systems that are very easy to install for wall or ceiling applications.

As for care, polyester acoustic panels can be easily cleaned with soapy water. It is recommended to use a carpet cleaner, specifically designed to remove marks or stains if needed, but you only need to blot the panel first to help loosen up surface spills and help remove them more easily. It is recommended to clean gently with a soft, clean cloth, making sure you don’t overdo it with rubbing.

The silence we crave Pretty much every building these days focuses on clean lines, minimal furnishings and, often, open-plan layouts and, whilst this looks fabulous, the truth is that once the building is occupied the noise issue only becomes apparent. From offices to schools, hotels to home INEX-ONLINE.COM

cinemas, the acoustic treatment of a room should be considered at design stage. And whilst it is easy to retrofit acoustic panels into a building, it is difficult to upheave an office and costly to the company in lost working hours while the building is treated.

The beauty of the acoustic solutions on offer in today’s market is that products allow the reverberation treatment to be very much a part of the design and in many cases the feature is an otherwise understated concept. It seems we are finally listening to roar of the people to create the silence we crave. soundtect.com «

www.heckmondwike-fb.co.uk Supacord in Blue available in 50 x 50cm tiles, 0.25 x 1m planks, 2m & 4m wide sheets

Heckmondwike It’s all in the label

42 INDEPENDENT HOTEL SHOW PREVIEW

This year’s Independent Hotel Show returns to Olympia, London, from 18 to 19th October

Independent Hotel Show to return to Olympia This year’s Independent Hotel Show returns to Olympia, London, from 18 to 19th October. Guests will enjoy a packed two days of networking, new business ideas, advice and insight from some of the UK’s leading figures within the luxury, boutique and independent hotel sector, alongside an unrivalled collection of top quality suppliers.

Exceptional exhibitors Discover the finest products and service providers as the Independent Hotel Show presents a carefully selected line-up of over 300 premium exhibitors from across the hotel industry. A one-stop-shop of all the essentials needed to run and grow a successful, profitable hotel, the Independent Hotel Show is the mustattend event for anyone working within the boutique and luxury hotel sector looking for inspiration and reassurance. With a confirmed line-up of stellar exhibitors for 2016, including one of the UK’s best-loved home brands Andrew Martin, lighting design expert Dyke & Dean, awardwinning design and build specialist for the hospitality industry Concorde BGW and creator of innovative indoor and outdoor furniture using natural materials Vincent Sheppard, there is something to cover every need.

INEX-ONLINE.COM

Inspiring independents Hear more from industry thought leaders as they share their knowledge, insight and expertise across a range of hard-hitting seminars and business discussions that tackle some of the industry’s hottest topics. Offering firsthand design, technology, marketing and business support and advice, the free-to-attend seminars and panel discussions provide a valuable insight from some of the leading names in the hotel business to help new and established hoteliers improve their performance.

Seminar themes include a session led by CEO of Douglas Wallace Consultants, Hugh Wallace, examining what the future looks like for hotel design, offering hoteliers top tips on how to achieve the perfect balance between classic design and modern touches and how they can achieve a bespoke visual identity.

Taking place on the Wellness & Lifestyle Stage amongst a line-up of over 20 business, innovation and wellness sessions over the two-day show, is an in-depth discussion on the ‘future guest’, which will unpack and distil the evolving needs and priorities of tomorrow’s consumer and contextualise it against unfolding social, cultural, technological and environmental shifts within the hospitality industry.

Sessions run throughout the two-day show across three theatres – the Innovation Stage, in partnership with eviivo, the Business Theatre, in partnership with Nespresso, and the Wellness & Lifestyle Stage.

Destination Spa Following the fantastic success of last year’s Wellness and Lifestyle feature area, Destination Spa is returning bigger and better for 2016. The feature area will include leading exhibitors to the hotel spa sector and a dedicated Wellness and Lifestyle Seminar Stage, delivering an educational programme to provide inspiration for hoteliers looking to expand their wellness offering.

Designersblock Adding another design dimension to the show will be a feature area curated by Designersblock, the international design exhibition specialist. The exhibit, appearing for the second time at the Independent Hotel Show, will showcase the very latest in style and design innovation for hotel owners and operators looking for something truly out of the ordinary.

Hoteliers’ hall of fame The Independent Hotel Show will again reward and acknowledge the country’s most influential and respected independent hoteliers with the annual ‘Independent Hotelier and Outstanding New Hotel’ awards, in association with Sky. independenthotelshow.co.uk «

Glass Bending Excellence

Toughened Glass Bends Firman Glass new toughening plant includes two bending chambers which work alongside the standard flat bed.

The smaller chamber will bend glass from 5mm to 12mm thick to a maximum size of 2850mm x 1000mm bent and with the following minimum radii.

5mm, 6mm = 450mm 8mm, 10mm = 1000mm 12mm = 1200mm The large chamber will bend glass from 6mm to 19mm thick to a maximum size of 2850mm x 3600mm bent and with the following minimum radii.

6mm = 1500mm 8mm, 10mm = 1800mm 12mm, 15mm = 2000mm 19mm = 2500mm

Working in conjunction with the flat toughening facility to a maximum flat size of 2850mm wide x 5000mm long. Firman Glass can now offer the Architect, Designer and Contractor a complete service for multiple uses such as balustrades, partitions, shower screens, revolving door enclosures, full height barriers, partitions and shopfronts.

Curved Glass can be processed as with flat glass and can be decorated by sandblasting and back painting.

To find out more visit www.firmanglass.com Firman Glass,19 Bates Road, Harold Wood, Romford, Essex RM3 OJH Tel: 01708 374534 Fax: 01708 340511 Email: sales@firmanglass.com www.firmanglass.com

44 PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

Hypnos brings functional luxury to IHS and the Sleep event British bed manufacturer Hypnos, which specialises in the production and installation of hygienic and safe mattresses, beds and sofa beds for the hotel and hospitality industry, is exhibiting at the Independent Hotel Show from 18 to 19th October and at the Sleep event from 22nd to 23rd November. The award-winning company will be showcasing its most comfortable and best-selling contract mattress, the Lansdowne Cashmere.

P

roven through pressure mapping to offer optimum comfort levels for guests, the Lansdowne Cashmere features around 1600 ReActive pocket springs. Each spring has 10 active turns, allowing the mattress to react to each guest’s weight and shape, providing complete spinal and body support.

Upholstered with naturally soft and breathable layers of handtufted wool, cashmere and eOlus – a sustainable fibre made from recycled plastic – the mattress is designed to provide supreme comfort using ethically-sourced materials. Furthermore, it is also covered with Belgian damask INEX-ONLINE.COM

and treated with HealthGuard, providing a fresh and hygienic sleeping surface to protect guests from bed bugs and give hoteliers peace of mind.

Trusted by many hotels, from the Royal Automobile Club, InterContinental London Park Lane and Cotswold Lodge Hotel, to the Hand Picked Hotels and more, this mattress complies with Crib 5 Fire Retardancy regulations and offers a five-year guarantee, making it the ideal durable and safe solution for hoteliers. In addition, it also has practical housekeeper seasonal turning labels.

As well as the Lansdowne Cashmere, Hypnos will also be showcasing its Lichfield Sofabed

and new Luxury Waterproof Mattress Protector.

Using clever ‘cushion catcher’ technology, the Lichfield Sofabed is designed to retain cushioning when converted to a sofa bed. Plus, a comfortable pocket sprung mattress being contained within its two-fold action means the product is able to offer both comfort and elegant proportion. This all makes the Lichfield Sofabed an attractive yet practical option for hoteliers looking for a solution that allows for flexibility of guest numbers in its rooms, without any compromise on comfort.

Incorporating numerous soft quilted layers, the new Luxury Waterproof Mattress Protector is designed to hold liquid more effectively, thus protecting against any soiling or liquid ingress and allowing for improved washability. In addition, risk of contamination from dust mites and bed bugs is significantly reduced when washed at 60°C and combined with HealthGuard, offering optimum health and hygiene.

Hypnos will also be showcasing its new fabric collection, featuring 60 new designs, many of which have been developed with industry-leading decorative fabric supplier, Panaz.

Combining Hypnos’ signature luxury style with technical innovation, this new range presents hoteliers with an extensive choice of beautiful, on-trend interior fabrics that comply with industry safety standards and offer ultimate functionality and durability. Both the Hypnos Lansdowne Cashmere and the Lichfield Sofabed will be featured in the new fabrics.

At the exhibitions, Hypnos will also have expert sleep technicians available for consultations about its exclusive full service project management solution. For more information, visit Hypnos at stand 20 at the Independent Hotel Show and stand M19 at the Sleep event. hypnoscontractbeds.com « info@hypnoscontractbeds.com « 01332 497111 «

Above left: Hypnos is exhibiting at the Independent Hotel Show and at the Sleep event this year Right: Proven through pressure mapping to offer optimum comfort levels for guests, the Lansdowne Cashmere features around 1600 ReActive pocket springs

45 PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

Sleek wetroom styles from Aqata Aqata’s extensive collection of Spectra frameless shower enclosures, screens and walk-ins are designed specifically to create sleek wetroomstyle showering areas. The Spectra SP458 hinged door, with an inline panel, is a contemporary frameless corner option. Created from the finest quality materials – 8mm clear toughened glass and chrome handles and hinges – the Spectra SP458 is suitable for both shower tray and wetroom applications. Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2016, Aqata is a family-run British company synonymous with quality, innovation and superb design. Every shower enclosure and screen comes with a lifetime guarantee for complete peace of mind and is supplied with ClearShield ECO-GLASS protection as standard. aqata.co.uk 01455 896500

Showerwall updates its range with distinctive decors The relaunch of Showerwall sees a major design update with seven new decors added to the standard range, together with the introduction of the Infinity collection. The 100% waterproof Showerwall system caters for a wide range of tastes and demographics. Infinity offers 14 designs, with the option of bespoke digital print designs. Infinity also includes six ‘Whispering Grass’ decors by Surfaces Designer, Lars Contzen, and is the first bathroom wall panelling range to offer a super-matt texture. The seven new decors on the main range – the Design Selection – include Urban Concrete, Silver Travertine, Black Glacial, Copper Quartz, Oxidised Copper, Volterra and Silver Bronx – a 3D snakeskin effect. showerwall.co.uk 0845 604 7334

Polyflor launches new Camaro collection for the home Polyflor is proud to announce the launch of the new Camaro PUR luxury vinyl tile collection designed for the home. The updated Camaro domestic flooring range includes 30 authentically reproduced wood and stone effects which live up to the level of beautiful design and high-performance that flooring contractors and customers have come to expect from the Camaro brand.

Polyflor’s experienced product designers have hand-selected a collection of 18 wood designs and 12 stone effects for the Camaro collection. With a 10-year residential guarantee, the range includes best-selling existing shades alongside exciting new additions which reflect modern interior trends. polyflor.com 0161 767 1111

GEC Anderson launches Series A sinks Series A bowls are designed for seamless integration (welding) into GEC Anderson purpose-made stainless steel worktops, but are also available individually for inset, under-mount and flushmount applications. Series A bowls are manufactured to the highest standards, with a superb brushed satin finish and a clean linear appearance. They are available in an impressive range of sizes: 170, 340, 400, 450, 500, 550 and 700mm, making for a truly comprehensive choice. With flexibility in mind, each bowl can be combined with any other to form combinations, doubles and trebles. All Series A bowls feature the 12mm corner radius to maximise usable bowl volume and have a front-to-back dimension of 400mm. gecanderson.co.uk 01442 826999 INEX-ONLINE.COM

46 PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

Far left: What most clients don’t realise is that as soon as you take a door and change the way it’s made, the process slows down Left: It’s harder to achieve that special aesthetic with a standard door that can be achieved with large, oversized doors

Anything is possible “How bespoke can you go?” asked one of Urban Front’s architect clients recently. The company’s answer: “Well, as bespoke as you like, it all depends whether it fits within our tested manufacturing techniques in order to maintain performance. And, it does depend on budget – like anything, it’s mostly possible, but it could take a lot of work”. Here, Urban Front discusses the bespoke option.

W

e all know that most designers have a vision that they really want to see achieved and in the most cost-effective way possible.

We’ve been asked to make some difficult sections and complicated detailed entrances in the past, but how much flexibility is there in making sure that performance is still maintained? And does it have to cost the earth?

What most clients don’t realise is that as soon as you take a door and change the way it’s made, the process slows down because you’ve taken it off an approved and tested production process, it also becomes labour-intensive INEX-ONLINE.COM

because you have someone designing those changes, drawing up those amendments and then making them happen, which involves controlling the new production process. In addition to any extra materials needed to make those bespoke amendments and sourcing them in small quantities.

However, working closely with us can minimise the changes that need to happen to facilitate your design. You might also be surprised at how much can be achieved with very small changes to achieve the required desired effect, especially when in our workshop we can tailor-make and craft by hand to get there.

Some of the bespoke details we can achieve include: Flush frame and door (to cladding, side panels and overpanels).

Oversized doors up to 3.2m tall and 1.5m wide, but still maximising stability.

Built-in pocket hardwood handles (secret handles).

Bespoke frames to meet detailed fitting requirements.

Structural engineering requirements for the larger doors within glass.

Detailed cills, v­ arious changes to accommodate fitting.

Extra-large garage doors integrated side lites.

Bespoke door advantages: Unique designs tailored to clients’ needs.

It’s harder to achieve that special aesthetic with a standard door that can be achieved with large, oversized doors.

Offering solutions that cannot be offered through standard production.

Disadvantages of bespoke doors: Price.

Manufacturing lead times.

Even though manufacturing techniques are kept within the same, or as close as, our standard production and still carries our same product guarantee, bespoke production is outside the scope of certification.

When in doubt of what is possible and how much it will cost extra to do, do send us drawings of what you have in mind, our team will make sure to give you at least three options and their costs before getting into the nitty gritty. urbanfront.com « info@urbanfront.co.uk « 01494 778787 «

47 PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

Puzzle – the latest designer collaboration with Mutina Puzzle is the result of the latest designer collaboration between Italian ceramic house, Mutina, and British design duo, Edward Barber & Jay Osgerby. With its eight colour families, each named after different European islands, each Puzzle family includes a composition of six graphic patterns in three colours, a set of two symmetrical patterns in two colours, called Edge, and three solid colour variations. The collection provides designers with endless combinations created by using elements through horizontal or vertical positioning, through floors or walls, and geometric or abstract shapes. domusgroup.com 0207 354 7000

Nuance bathroom panels offer design freedom Bushboard’s Nuance range offers an ideal decorative surfacing material for any type of shower area. The 2420 x 1200mm panels can be fitted flush with any design of shower tray. The panels are 100% waterproof, as they are manufactured from a polyurethane core and there are no metal or plastic trims to harbour dirt. Bonding and seaming is done with the matching BB Complete adhesive colour, resulting in a 15-year guarantee. There are 25 finishes available, including weathered timbers, concrete and neutral stones that extend the choice of granites featuring the renowned True Scale printing technique where there is no pattern repeat in the panel. bushboard.co.uk 01933 232242

Presenting Kobe’s Enchanted at Independent Hotel Show Luxury fabric specialist, Kobe UK, will be showcasing Enchanted on stand IH26 at the Independent Hotel Show. This stunning collection of luxurious, 100% flame retardant fabrics, perfect for contract window decor, is a balance between contemporary and traditional.

The range features three woven jacquards with a smooth, supple feel. The palette of rich striking tones and neutrals complements the sophisticated collection of Medallion, Stylish Lattice and Coordinating Geometric designs. Said David Harris, MD of Kobe UK: “The Enchanted collection benefits from the logistical expertise and quality of Kobe, while giving access to a wider customer base through its realistic price points.” en.kobe.eu 01344 771653

Crometta – combining water efficiency and premium design The latest Hansgrohe Crometta range includes overhead showers, hand showers, shower sets and showerpipes.

Specially created for the entry-level segment, Crometta combines water efficiency, sustainable technologies and premium design at an attractive price. The range is WRAS-certified and the energysaving EcoSmart models have a reduced water flow of six or nine litres per minute, depending on the model. In the EcoSmart variant, Crometta showers are equipped with Hansgrohe’s water-saving technology. So, the EcoSmart hand showers consume only 7 l/min and the overhead shower 9 l/min. Both shower types are easy to clean. hansgrohe.co.uk 01372 465655 INEX-ONLINE.COM

48 PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

The New Generation from Wesley Barrell

Top left: New

Established in the Cotswolds in 1895, Wesley Barrell’s skilled craftsmen hand build stunning, traditional and classic-contemporary bespoke furniture for the home using English upholstery manufacturing techniques which have been passed down for generations.

cushions supplied with

C

ontinuing in this tradition, the company is proud to announce the launch of its New Generation collection, taking advantage of the best prevailing upholstery materials and craftsmanship available to create desirable, comfortable and robust furniture for the modern home.

Drawing from the demands of a contemporary clientele, New Generation offers a more streamlined, simplified design in a selection of styles tailored to suit individual lifestyles and budgets for the modern consumer market.

In a wide choice of fabrics including butter-soft leather, this collection includes options such as loose cover, sectional seating, contrast or coordination piping and scatter cushions plus choice of leg colour. Sofas are available in a variety of sizes from snug, 1.5 loveseat sofas for use in smaller homes, or as INEX-ONLINE.COM

Generation offers a more streamlined, simplified design Above: There are matching and coordinating scatter all sofas Right: All New Generation frames come with a lifetime

luxurious oversized armchairs, up to extra-large, grand four-seat loungers to accommodate larger families and spacious living areas.

There are matching and coordinating scatter cushions supplied with all sofas and also armchairs and footstools to complement each range. If your clients are planning a bigger home makeover project, then help is at hand to ensure they get exactly the right choice for their look and lifestyle thanks to the custom Interior Design Advisory Service.

All New Generation frames come with the comfort of a lifetime guarantee, with coil springs guaranteed for 10 years and serpentine springs guaranteed for five years, so that your clients’ new sofa or armchair will serve them well for years to come. wesley-barrell.co.uk « feedback@wesley-barrell.co.uk « 0207 629 2019 «

guarantee Below right: Coil springs are guaranteed for 10 years and serpentine springs are guaranteed for five years Bottom: The New Generation collection takes advantage of the best prevailing upholstery materials and craftsmanship available

49 PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

Clear as crystal What links prestige hotels such as the Park Plaza at Westminster Bridge, the Renaissance Harbour View Hotel in Hong Kong, the Burj al Arab in Dubai, the majestic St Pancras Hotel, the Lanesborough and luxury boutique hotels Blakes and The Kensington in London? They all have incorporated demista heated mirror pads in their bathrooms.

T

his additional luxury of having steam-free mirrors in the stylish new bathrooms, allows guests to shave, do their hair and make-up, with an unspoilt, clear view.

An order for 87 demista heated mirror pads was placed by Clearlight Designs in Australia, a company which specialises in frosted glass and lighted mirrors for bathrooms. The mirrors were custom-made for the Horizon Club rooms in the Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney.

The Hotel Cheval Blanc at Courcheval has also installed demista heated mirror pads in its bathrooms to ensure the guests have a clear view in the bathroom mirror. demista pads are available in choice of sizes and can be used in multiples for very large mirrors. The company also offers bespoke sizes. These pads have been selected for high-class hotels and home developments

around the world, as well as being specified for bathroom and shower pods for hotels and apartments.

The company, established 24 years ago, has established itself as a leading manufacturer of heated

Small kitchen? No problem with the new ELON 45 S sink This model has a compact single bowl with a maximum bowl size for a 45cm cabinet and a bowl depth of 190mm. The innovative 205 x 436mm stainless steel drainer grid, which fits with the unusual curved design of the sink drainer, provides extra space so making the area a truly multi-functional kitchen. The ELON 45 S is available in nine attractive finishes – anthracite, pearl grey, rock grey, champagne, tartufo, jasmin, alumetallic, coffee and white, which will complement all kitchen designs. BLANCO suggests pairing the BLANCO NEA or the BLANCO MODE with this sink model. blanco.co.uk 01923 635200

mirror pads made to meet all international standards for safety and reliability. rd@demista.co.uk « 01932 866600 « demista.co.uk «

Interface makes impact at King’s Cross business hub Impact Hub King’s Cross has appointed Interface to provide a sustainable flooring solution for three of its meeting rooms. The first meeting room was designed in a checkerboard of distinct green shades using Micro Cipollino, Boucle Smeraldo, Boucle Giado and Velour Spinelle Verde colourways from Interface’s Biosfera collection. Urban Retreat 103 Grass and Urban Retreat 101 Straw/Grass were fitted in a design in the second meeting room that transitions gradually from green to grey. Finally, Urban Retreat 201 Stone was installed in the third meeting room, along with parallel stripes of Monochrome Pacific, Surf and Barley colourways. interface.com 01274 690690 INEX-ONLINE.COM

50 PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

Supacord – protecting our future, one school at a time Heckmondwike FB has worked with over 26,000 schools to provide tailor-made carpets suited to their specifications. With the recent RIBA survey confirming innovative products and strong materials – like Heckmondwike’s Supacord – positively impact teacher and pupil morale, soft furnishings are becoming an even more important part of school renovations and should be prioritised at the start of any new project.

F

ollowing the release and review of RIBA’s survey looking into the impact on performance pre and post-redesign, the research shows that both teachers and pupils reap the benefits when it comes to a thoughtfully-designed building. The design of an education building, or rather the poor design of it, has been linked to peer-on-peer bullying, low performance and a decline in teacher morale. And, with secondary school places due to go up by an estimated 105,000 by 2025, good design is needed to suit all demands.

Achieving this in practice with limited budgets and numerous people to cater for can remain a challenging task. Interior fitting INEX-ONLINE.COM

needs to reflect the atmosphere of a school and create an environment to suit everyone. With different levels of traffic and different levels of performance required, carpet specification is a tricky business.

With the ability to choose one of 32 readily available colour options and unique designs, Supacord makes choosing the carpet simple.

Supacord is available and produced in the UK, and can be ordered in either a fibre bonded sheet or as carpet tiles, making it unique for spaces of any shape or size. Heckmondwike is renowned for making sure complete satisfaction with all installations, and offers a guarantee of up to 10 years with Supacord and many

Above: Supacord is available and produced in the UK, and can be ordered in either a fibre bonded sheet or as carpet tiles Above right: The design of an education building, or rather the poor design of it, has been linked to peeron-peer bullying, low performance and a decline in teacher morale

of its other products. With 85% of its annual flooring turnover laid in education buildings, Heckmondwike FB has done what it does best and has put that knowledge and legacy to good use by making a product designed specifically for buildings and projects that are looking for a longterm product at a reasonable cost.

Sharni Verity, Marketing Manager at Heckmondwike, says: “Heckmondwike has been working in education buildings for a long time and has used all of this experience to create a product we’re proud of and we know is fit for purpose. Supacord is durable and designed for long-term benefits, as well as being made in Britain, allowing quick delivery times. When Supacord is fitted, Heckmondwike make sure this is done exactly to customer specification, and guarantee every area for 10 years.”

For more information about Supacord and to view the latest designs, please visit Heckmondwike’s website. heckmondwike-fb.co.uk « sales@heckmondwike-fb.co.uk « 01924 406161 «

51 PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

Expona SimpLay helps create high design office Polyflor’s high performance Expona SimpLay PUR loose lay luxury vinyl tiles were recently used to create a stunning office interior for the London HQ of global biopharmaceutical company, Stallergenes Greer.

Designed by Resonate Interior Architecture, heavy commercial Expona SimpLay flooring, in two contrasting wood effect designs, was chosen for the refurbishment of Stallergenes Greer’s Bernard Street office.

Approximately 800m² of flooring in Grey Country Oak and Rich Walnut was installed by Sanson Contracts in the reception area, meeting rooms, offices, corridors and breakout areas. Launched in early 2016, the Expona SimpLay loose lay tile collection is an adhesive-free, readyto-lay product designed to reduce installation time. polyflor.com 0161 767 1111

Let there be light Merlyn’s innovative new Arysto shower range features a unique ‘Halo’ lighting system which emits a soft glow around the frame and the movement-activated handle, offering a greater level of luxury than any other shower experience. The Arysto collection includes four new ranges including sliding, hinged, wetroom enclosures, bathscreens and a bespoke offering. It also boasts the smoothest sliding door on the market, thanks to Merlyn’s innovative new AirGlyde twin track rolling system. Balancing on four concealed wheels across twin tracks, this ultra-stylish door seemingly floats on air. Arysto by Merlyn offers both style and substance with a clip-out door for easy cleaning, 10mm toughened safety glass and a lifetime guarantee. merlynshowering.com 0808 101 1429

Making fabrics come to life BOEME Design is all about breathtaking printed fabric, encompassing abstract, contemporary floral and landscape themes created by Director of BOEME Design, Jo Bound, from her fine art paintings. The signature of BOEME Design is about colour, texture and scale. Jo Bound paints energetically with a tremendous colour range making BOEME Design’s fabrics come to life. To view BOEME Design’s abstract, contemporary floral and landscape printed fabrics, please visit BOEME Design’s website. boeme.co.uk 01483 217716

Vasco launches new FlatLine designs Four years after launching the FlatLine, Vasco has now introduced the Vasco FlatLine collection. Besides the well-known, cutting-edge technology with superior heat output, FlatLine (horizontal), there is a new vertical Flat-V-Line and a new Flat-Plinth-Line, which is designed to fit horizontally beneath windows or other objects where space is limited.

The FlatLine radiators have impressive heat release and the designs are extremely versatile with numerous connection possibilities, a solid white finish in S600 structural varnish and the option of chrome towel rails for bathrooms. vasco.eu 01254 704420

INEX-ONLINE.COM

52 PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

James Latham supplies walnut to create superb staircase

One of the UK’s biggest independent timber and panel product distributor, James Latham, has supplied 2.2m3 of Super Prime Walnut for the construction of an elegant staircase, which is now the focal point of a luxury new build residential property in Louth at the foot of the Lincolnshire Wolds.

T

he Super Prime Walnut was specifically chosen for its wonderful warm appearance to complement the striking panes of glass on the staircase which were selected to create the sense of open space.

Lincs Design Consultancy (LDC) was commissioned by the owner of the property to design this luxury home and was briefed to create and build a contemporary and luxurious dwelling.

The leading, multi-discipline Louth consultancy specialises in creating synergy between architecture, planning and sustainability, so it was the perfect choice for this project.

INEX-ONLINE.COM

A key part of the design brief – set by LDC and led by Associate, Chris Burkitt – was to construct a contemporary house with outstanding joinery features. GW Clark Joinery of Hull was appointed to focus on the installation of the staircase and after two weeks of meticulous bespoke carpentry, which demonstrated phenomenal craftsmanship, the company produced this stunning centrepiece to the home.

GW Clark’s brief was to ensure that the staircase appeared to have glass seamlessly pouring out of the walnut, with all the joints and aluminium being completely concealed. The

Above: James Latham has supplied 2.2m3 of Super Prime Walnut for the construction of an elegant staircase Above right: This stunning staircase is a great example of how Super Prime Walnut can be incorporated into a project to create a high-quality luxurious finish

result more than achieved this and GW Clark also used a lacquered finish rather than oiled, as the lacquer is harder wearing and easier to maintain and keep clean. In addition, GW Clark clad the staircase with the same walnut planks, but decided against matching nosing as it wanted to create a rustic floating appearance.

Richard Clark, Owner of GW Clark Joinery, chose James Latham to supply the walnut and said: “We needed to find a company that we could rely on to provide highquality products and adhere to our timescales. I’ve worked with James Latham for many years and for us they were the natural choice. As well as providing the material on time, they were also on hand to offer technical support and knowledge as and when we required.”

Mitch Jackson, Timber Sales Representative at James Latham Leeds, said: “This stunning staircase is a great example of how Super Prime Walnut can be incorporated into a project to create a high-quality luxurious finish. We are delighted with the end result which looks amazing and we are looking forward to working with GW Clark on future projects.” lathamtimber.co.uk « marketing@lathams.co.uk « 0116 257 3415 «

53 PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

Sottini’s new collection defined by craft and creativity Sottini, the timeless bathroom brand built on a heritage of quality and innovation in design, has unveiled an exciting addition to its portfolio, Mavone.

T

he collection embodies accessible luxury and is characterised by Sottini’s attention to detail and contemporary design, with a selection of dedicated furniture units, a compact corner basin and WC bowls.

Each piece has been developed individually with high design specifications and precision engineering, ensuring every piece is a work of art and a design statement.

Innovative and versatile, the collection reflects the contemporary taste for clean lines with a timeless elegance and has been designed with space-saving solutions and modern living in mind, offering smart solutions to suit a range of small to large spaces – at an accessible price point.

There are seven basin options to choose from, with sizes starting in a small 45cm handrinse basin to a larger 100cm vanity option.

The WC range includes innovative AquaBlade technology, offering industry-leading aesthetics and unrivalled hygiene.

The ceramics are accompanied by a sleek furniture collection, comprising simple yet stylish furniture units and fixings, in a choice of four elegant colour options: white, light grey, dark taupe and light wood – all available in either a gloss, matt or classic wood finish.

The new Sottini vision invites customers to simply imagine their own unique bathroom space with products designed to work in harmony with each other, enabling customers to design their perfect bathroom and form an emotional connection with their surroundings. sottinisales@sottini.co.uk « 0800 834226 « www.sottini.co.uk «

Bross furnishes restaurant terrace of the Burj Al Arab The Burj Al Arab hotel has benefited from an extension which includes a 612m2 freshwater pool, a saltwater infinity pool of 828m2, a series of covered seating areas and a restaurant.

Burj Al Arab’s restaurant has been furnished with Bross’ Hug chair, designed by Enzo Berti. Hug, whose name evokes a warm embrace, is a comfortable seat that is distinguished by the elegant backrest, finished by refined quilted upholstery.

Selected with a covering in blue leather and a black lacquered wooden frame, it perfectly complements the square tables with wooden tops and black metal structure of the restaurant. bross-italy.com +39 0432 731920

Turn over a new leaf and improve office acoustics with SOUNDleaves With its new SOUNDleaves program, Incatro Room Acoustics provides furnishing specialists, interior designers and project designers with a long-awaited solution to improve speech privacy during telephone conversations and in office environments, coming in a very stylish design. During Orgatec, the international trade fair for innovations from 25 to 29th October in Cologne, SOUNDleaves will be presented for the first time to specialists and interior design professionals.

The range consists of four product lines: DESKseries, WALLseries, AIRseries and FLOORseries. Under the brand name SOUNDleaves, they form a complete solution to acoustic problems in office environments. soundleaves.com +31 475 336969 INEX-ONLINE.COM

54 PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

Sockets with USB – all you need to know Power sockets with integrated USB charging outlets are now the must-have electrical accessory, and some of the best are available from Focus SB. Many are being included as standard on new builds and refurbishments, and can be found in airports and offices.

In addition, they can be retrofitted by replacing existing power sockets anywhere. All great, but there are some things to think about before you make the change.

U

SB seems to have become the standard connection for charging all kinds of devices. The connection at the other end of your cable may change, but for now this is the default option for: All modern phones Kindles and other reading devices Tablets Portable bluetooth speakers Bluetooth headphones Wearable tech, like GPS watches Fitness devices and wristbands Battery power banks Before integrated USB charging sockets arrived, you needed a suitable 3-pin (in the UK) plug adapter to connect to a traditional power socket.

A few years ago most devices were supplied with these, but this is not the case now. Integrated USB sockets are a great way to streamline device charging by getting rid of the adapters.

INEX-ONLINE.COM

But what should you consider before going for the convenience of a wall socket with USB ports?

Above: Look to purchase USB sockets, like the ones from Focus SB, that share a

Focus SB performance The most important factor when comparing USB charging sockets is amperage. Look for how many amps the outlets are rated at. Amps define the strength of the electrical current, or the strength of the flow. This is important as devices, such as iPads, require a higher flow of electricity (amps) to charge effectively, typically 2.1 amps. Most phones, on the other hand, require only 1.0 amps. So, you need to make sure the amperage for the USB sockets are rated at around 2 amps.

Most modern devices use ‘intelligent charging’ circuitry, which means they will take the maximum amperage they can for optimum charging. This means you can safely plug a phone into a higher rated USB

minimum of 3.1 amps Below: USB seems to have become the standard connection for charging all kinds of devices

outlet, but if you plug a tablet, or any device requiring a higher charge rate, into a 1.0 amp socket it will charge extremely slowly and it may not even show that it is charging.

The problem is many integrated USB double sockets advertise the rated amperage for both sockets combined. This is correct because the vast majority of these ‘share’ the amperage between the USB sockets.

This is fine if you only ever plug in one device to charge.

Sockets sold online and in DIY stores normally share 2 or 2.1 amps across both sockets. This means if you plug in a tablet or phone separately they will charge, but plug them in together, and they will both charge extremely slowly. Plug in two devices needing 2 amps, and it will potentially take days and you will not be able to use the devices while they charge.

Solution Look to purchase USB sockets, like the ones from Focus SB, that share a minimum of 3.1 amps, there are only a few on the market, but they are worth seeking out if you want quick charging on multiple devices. Check the specification carefully; some print 2.1 amps next to each socket, but this is the total combined amperage. Better still, purchase sockets with dedicated 1.0 and 2.1 amp sockets to ensure the fastest possible charge rate across all device types. focus-sb.co.uk « sales@focus-sb.co.uk « 01424 858060 «

www.firmanglass.com www.firmanglass.com www.firmanglass.com www.firmanglass.com www.firmanglass.com www.firmanglass.com

Shopspec_glazingexcellence_PRINT:Layout 1

27/2/15

16:38

Page 1

27/2/15

16:38

Page 1

Glass Glass Excellence Glass Excellence Excellence

Shopspec_glazingexcellence_PRINT:Layout 1

Established in 1975 Firman Glass is one of the leading independent glass processors in the UK, manufacturing toughened glass, laminated Established in 1975 sealed Firman units.

Glass is one of the glass and specialist leading independent glass processors in the Based in Harold Wood Essex within minutes Established in 1975 Firman Glass is 5one of the UK, manufacturing toughened glass, laminated of junction 28 of the M25 and half an hour from leading independent glass processors in the glass and specialist sealed units.

Central London we toughened are ideally situated to UK, manufacturing glass, laminated Based inour Harold Wood Essex within 5customer minutes service ever growing and diverse glass and specialist sealed units. of junction 28 of the M25 and half an hour from base.

Based inLondon Haroldwe Wood 5 minutes Central are Essex ideallywithin situated to Manufacturing allthe forms ofand processed of junction 28 of M25 half an from service our ever growing and diverse hour customer toughened glass, with comprehensive stocks of Central London we are ideally situated to base. mirrors, clear float, low iron, satin, body tinted, service our ever growing and diverse customer Manufacturing allacoustic forms oflaminated processedand fire laminated glass, base. toughened rated glass.glass, with comprehensive stocks of Manufacturing forms of body processed clear float, low all iron, satin, tinted, mirrors, With some of the most advanced capabilities in toughened glass,acoustic with comprehensive stocks laminated glass, laminated and fire of place Firman Glass is able to manufacture high clear rated float, glass.low iron, satin, body tinted, mirrors, quality products all markets sectors laminated glass, for acoustic laminated andincluding fire With some of retail, the most advanced capabilities in architectural, leisure and domestic. rated glass. place Firman Glass is able to manufacture high With some of thefor most advanced capabilities in quality products all markets sectors including Products place Firman Glass is able to manufacture high architectural, retail, leisure and domestic.

• Toughened glass • Specialist insulating glass units quality products for all markets sectors including • Processing • Anti–slip glass architectural, retail, leisure and domestic.

• CNC shaping • Fire rated glass Products

• Laminated glass • UV bonding • Toughened glass • Specialist insulating glass units • Toughened and laminated • FIRMALITE electric switchable glass •Products Processing • Anti–slip glass constructions • Heated glass • CNC shaping • rated glass • Toughened glass • Specialist insulating glass units • EVA and Vanceva coloured interlays • Fire Decorative glass • Processing Laminated glass •• UV bonding Anti–slip glass •• Fabric and decorative interlays • Sandblasting • Toughened and laminated •• FIRMALITE electric switchable glass CNC shaping Fire ratedTMglass •• Saflex DG41 structural interlay back painted glass • Colorfirm constructions •• Heated glass • Laminated glass UV bonding Applications • and Vanceva coloured interlays •• Decorative • EVA Toughened and laminated FIRMALITE glass electric switchable glass • Fabric andglazing decorative interlays Structural Staircases • Decoration constructions •• Sandblasting Heated glass TM stringers •• Saflex DG41 structural interlay Glassand floors Treads and • Wall cladding back painted glass coloured interlays •• Colorfirm EVA Vanceva Decorative glass • Partitions • Shower screens • Splashbacks • Fabric and decorative interlays Applications • Sandblasting •• Roof lights • Colorfirm Shelving TM back painted glass • Privacy Saflex DG41 structural interlay • • Structural glazing Staircases • Decoration • Balustrades • Glass doors • Technical Support • Glass floors • Treads and stringers • Wall cladding Applications • Full height barriers • Acoustic reduction • Nationwide Coverage • Partitions • Shower screens • • Structural glazing • Staircases • Splashbacks Decoration • Canopies • Fire rated • Roof lights • Shelving • • Glass floors • Treads and stringers • Privacy Wall cladding ••Further Balustrades •• Glass doors •• Technical Support Partitionsinformation is available Shower screens Splashbacks from our sales and technical offices or •• Full • Shelving Acoustic reduction •• Nationwide Coverage Roofheight lights barriers • Privacy Canopies Fire rated Glass,19 Bates Road, ••Harold Wood, Romford, Essex• RM3 OJH ••Firman Balustrades Glass doors Technical Support •Tel: Full01708 height barriers • 340511 Acoustic reduction • Nationwide Coverage 374534 Fax: sales@firmanglass.com Further information is 01708 available fromEmail: our sales and technical offices or • Canopies • Fire rated

visit www.firmanglass.com visit www.firmanglass.com

Firman Glass,19 Batesis Road, Haroldfrom Wood, Romford, Essex RM3 OJH Further information available our sales and technical offices or visit www.firmanglass.com Tel: 01708 374534 Fax: 01708 340511 Email: sales@firmanglass.com Firman Glass,19 Bates Road, Harold Wood, Romford, Essex RM3 OJH Tel: 01708 374534 Fax: 01708 340511 Email: sales@firmanglass.com

www.firmanglass.com www.firmanglass.com www.firmanglass.com

Made in UK

Cold but beautiful surfaces such as tiles, natural stone, marble, hardwood, laminate & carpets can be transformed simply into inviting warm floors.

Simple to install Internationally Approved 10 Year Warranty

demista

TM

(A division of Aztec (Europe) Ltd

Queensway Industrial Estate Glenrothes, Fife KY7 5QF

Proven with a faultless track record for nearly 21 years. Universally accepted

by Architects, Interior Designers & Specifiers as ‘The No1 Mirror demister’.

Internationally Approved Low Energy Consumption 100% Efficient & Maintenance Free Various Sizes & Voltages • Bespoke To Order

TEL: +44 (0)1932 866600 • FAX: +44 (0)1932 866688 www.demista.co.uk • E. sales@demista.co.uk