June 2014 ISSUE 10 inex-online.com
in[sight]
A profile of the influential individuals, companies and partnerships driving the interior design industry forward
ex[rated]
Inex showcases striking exterior installations and products that blend cutting-edge design with practicality
in[spire]
Helping professionals to keep abreast of trends, this focus highlights styles in texture, pattern and tone
ex[pose]
Inex unveils the greatest iconic furniture pieces still prevalent in today’s contemporary design world
a total solution for architectural glazing
• atriums • rooflights • shuffle glazing
• facades • balustrade • framed glazing
• canopies • conservatories • structural glazing
• partitions • walk on floors • frameless glazing
The team at Glazing Innovations specialise in the design, manufacture and installation of bespoke architectural glazing and pride themselves on their ability to develop aesthetically pleasing structures, which are both internally and externally sympathetic with the overall architectural design.
Tel: 01842 816080 sales@glazinginnovations.co.uk www.glazinginnovations.co.uk
03 EDITORIAL
Editor Emily Smith emily@mixedmediainfo.com Managing Director Sam Ball sam@mixedmediainfo.com Account Executive Stephanie Ayling stephanie@mixedmediainfo.com Senior Editor Hannah Frackiewicz hannah@mixedmediainfo.com Studio Manager Chris Lilly chris@mixedmediainfo.com Artworker Ben Bridgeman ben@mixedmediainfo.com Artworker/Sub-editor David Perry david@mixedmediainfo.com Accounts Simone Jones simone@mixedmediainfo.com Publisher Mixed Media Information Pear Platt, Woodfalls Farm, Gravelly Way, Laddingford, Kent. ME18 6DA Tel: 01622 873229 Fax: 01622 320020 inex-online.com Terms and Conditions No responsibility will be taken for drawings, photography or literary contributions during transmission or in the editors hands. In the absence of an agreement the copyright of all contributions, literary, photographics or artistic belongs to Mixed Media Information Ltd. The publisher accepts no responsibility in respect of advertisements appearing in the magazine and the opinions expressed in editorial material or otherwise do not necessarily represent the view of the publisher. The publisher does not accept any liability of any loss arising from the late appearence or non publication of any advertisement.
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ondon’s Business Design Centre will be buzzing with innovation, creativity and fresh talent this month as it plays host to New Designers Part 1. I recently caught up with Show Director Isobel Dennis to find out what this year’s event has in store. The graduate design dedicated event is a hot spot for huge industry names, all attending in the pursuit of snapping up the next generation of influential names in our design industry. Isobel explains: “We work alongside companies that understand how important design is to their business, and I think that understanding is broadening. Even the most corporate companies are now recognising that design is absolutely essential and hugely important to a company’s success. Speaking to passionate graduates and seeing fantastic designs reminds visitors how much they love being in the creative industry and that’s the really special thing about this event.” Read more about the upcoming event on page 12. As the industry welcomes a new wave of talent, it begs the question, what does the future hold for design? 3D printing – alongside other emerging technologies and platforms – is removing the barriers of access to design and manufacturing. To find out more about design in the digital age, Inex speaks to Lead Technologist at the UK’s innovation agency, Robin Wilson, on page 24 about his thoughts on what lies ahead for design amid this new industrial revolution. On the topic of revolutionary innovation, this month’s Exrated focuses on a unique experiment into necessary design interventions in the dawn of UK climate change. Go to page 20 to find out more about
the Exbury Egg – an example of high-quality, low environmental impact structural design. As ever, I hope you enjoy this issue. We love to hear from our readers, so don’t hesitate to contact me about your new favourite, innovative design. Emily Smith emily@mixedmediainfo.com Left: New Designers Event preview on page 12 Middle: Interface recycle fishing nets into carpet tiles - read more on page 36 Right: Tile Mile at Clerkenwell Design Week
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The exhibition for emerging design Part 1 25—28 June Part 2 02—05 July Business Design Centre London N1 0QH Tickets and Information www.newdesigners.com
Luke Diaz Furniture Designer Maker New Designers Award Winner 2011 Furnishing spaces for high end hotels and restaurants
05 CONTENTS
07
JUNE DIARY
08
INSPIRE During Clerkenwell Design Week the influential SCIN Gallery hosted a collection by OKAY Studio.
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INSIGHT Inex speaks to New Designer’s Show Director, Isobel Dennis, to find out what makes this event so unique.
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EXRATED Stephen Turner has spent the last year living in a very unusual garden office design.
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EXPOSE Robin Wilson, Lead Technologist at the UK’s innovation agency, The Technology Strategy Board, discusses the future of design amid 3D printing technology.
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DOMESTIC PROJECT Inex explores Sue McGregor’s latest interior design project – a flat in Kensington and Chelsea.
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HOTEL Chris Ward, Marketing Director for Hypnos, discusses how hotels don’t have to forego comfort in favour of style.
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Image top: Apex Tables by OKAY Studio and exhibited at Clerkenwell Design Week - read more on page 8 Middle: Peter
FLOORING Interface explains how a holistic approach to interior design can be as beneficial to a business as it can be to the environment.
Marigold and Andrew Haythornthwaite collaborated to create Tulou for the same project as above Left: In collaboration
TILING Inex reports on tiling trends seen at last month’s Clerkenwell Design Week.
with long-standing partner Phoenix Design, bathroom specialist Hansgrohe has developed mixers
SURFACING Wallcovering expert Muraspec guide through the different surfacing options available on the market.
where distinctive shapes combine precision with smoothness. View this and more of the latest products on
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT
page 48
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07 DIARY
Hello, my name is Paul Smith Design Museum Until 22 June Last chance to see this inspiring exhibition. Celebrating his career to date and exploring future developments, the exhibition references Paul Smith’s influences and fashion designs, charting the rise of this quintessentially British label which has become one of the world’s leading fashion brands. designmuseum.org Summer Exhibition 2014 Royal Academy of Arts 9 June – 17 August As the world’s largest open submission exhibition, the Royal Academy of Arts’ annual Summer Exhibition provides a unique platform for emerging and established artists to showcase their works to an international audience, comprising a range of media from painting to printmaking, photography, sculpture, architecture and film. Over 1200 artworks will go on display, the majority of which will be for sale offering an opportunity to purchase original artwork by high profile and up-and-coming artists. royalacademy.org.uk
Barcelona Design Week Across Barcelona 2-14 June Barcelona Design Week, organised by BCD Barcelona Design Centre, is an international event focused on design, innovation and business addressed to those companies and professionals in any industry or productive services that use knowledge and creativity as a driver of business activity, as well as to the general public interested in these topics. barcelonadesignweek.com London Festival of Architecture Across London 1-30 June The annual, city-wide festival features over 150 activities taking place throughout June. This year’s theme, Capital, provides the framework for the festival to explore London in its role as a major architectural capital, covering culture, people, the economy and the environment. londonfestivalofarchitecture.org
Design Miami/ Basel, Switzerland 17-22 June Design Miami/ is a global forum for design. Each fair brings together the most influential collectors, gallerists, designers, curators and critics from around the world in celebration of design culture and commerce. Occurring alongside the Art Basel fairs in Miami, USA each December and Basel, Switzerland each June, Design Miami/ has become the premier venue for collecting, exhibiting, discussing and creating collectable design. Design Miami/ seeks to broaden awareness of modern and contemporary design, fuel the market for collectible design, and provide for collectors and enthusiasts alike. basel2014.designmiami.com
New Designers Part 1 Business Design Centre 25-28 June New Designers is the UK’s most important graduate design exhibition, full of innovation and fresh thinking. It takes place over two weeks, with each Part focusing on a different set of design disciplines and featuring its own Awards Programme. The show sees over 3000 of the most talented, newlygraduated designers from the UK’s leading universities come together. newdesigners.com INEX-ONLINE.COM
8 INSPIRE
Out of the woods During Clerkenwell Design Week the influential SCIN Gallery hosted FIVE – a collection by OKAY Studio made from five American hardwoods.
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09 INSPIRE Left: Apex Tables Below: Shift series Far below: Runcible Right: Seven designers were involved
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he American Hardwood Export Council collaborated with five teams from design collective OKAY Studio to produce an eclectic mix of innovative designs for Clerkenwell Design Week 2014. The project celebrated the fifth edition of Clerkenwell Design Week as well as demonstrating the versatility of five American hardwood species. Mathias Hahn, Liliana Ovalle, Ed Swan, Andrew Haythornthwaite and Peter Marigold, and partnership Hunting & Narud, each approached the project with their own unique style. The finished result was a diverse collection of fresh and invigorating pieces. In February this year, the design teams were presented with the five timbers – American ash, cherry, hard maple, red oak and tulipwood and were asked to present a design inspired by these timbers and
the number five. Demonstrating OKAY Studio’s creative flair, the designs are unique and innovative, studying the beauty, texture, colour and performance of American hardwoods through sculptures, furniture and tableware. Kent-based maker, Adam Kershaw, has been integral to the project, offering guidance during the design process, and eventually making three of the five projects - Apex Tables, Shift Series and Claroscuro. Adam, who is renowned for his craftsmanship and skill with wood comments: “Working with OKAY Studio has been an extremely refreshing experience; their perception of materials is intuitive and untainted by tradition and practicality, resulting in challenging and innovative designs. It was interesting to work with timber species that are not commonly specified by clients, yet are the most abundant and versatile INEX-ONLINE.COM
10 INSPIRE
Left: Peter Marigold and Andrew Haythornthwaite collaborated to create Tulou Below: Claroscuro
timbers in the U.S. hardwood forest and have the potential to make a much greater contribution to 21st century product design. It’s important that we share this knowledge with designers.” The material was provided by Morgan Timber based in Rochester, one of the biggest suppliers of quality timber in South East England. David Venables, European Director of the American Hardwood Export Council comments: “The vast temperate hardwood forests of the Eastern United States provide an abundance and diversity of timber species. Given current furniture fashion you may be forgiven for thinking our forests are all about white oak and walnut. This is not the case; white oak is not the most abundant oak species and walnut is less than 1% of the standing hardwood trees in the forests. The five species we selected for this project, account for over 50% of the resource. Establishing a balance between market demand and the dynamic of the forest is essential to achieve true sustainability. I love the enthusiasm that OKAY Studio brought to this project and hope we have inspired them to use these sustainable hardwoods in future product design.” americanhardwood.org scin.co.uk okaystudio.org INEX-ONLINE.COM
Mr Mrs
HEAD OFFICE +44 (0)1242 584 897 LONDON SHOWROOM +44 (0) 207 253 0364 SALES@LYNDON.CO.UK WWW.LYNDON.CO.UK
12 INSIGHT
The next generation New Designers, the design show dedicated to graduate innovation, kicks off with Part 1 at the Business Design Centre later this month. Inex caught up with Show Director, Isobel Dennis, to find out what makes this event so unique.
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hat sets New Designers apart from other design shows?
It has longevity. This is the 29th edition which is testament to its success. It’s also down to presentation. Because it’s graduate work, people often expect presentation to be unprofessional, but in fact people are always surprised at how good the stands look. We encourage the Universities to spread the importance of INEX-ONLINE.COM
professional presentation and I think this is so important to the shows success. We have amazing sponsor support. This year we have John Lewis, Procter & Gamble, Mars Chocolate, Sanderson, Harlequin, Hallmark, Tigerprint, and more, all demonstrating how much value they place in the show. The support of influential names really puts value into the importance of emerging design because they recognise how crucial design is for the future of a business. Our
Above: Anna Gravelle’s pouf and fabric designs Opposite: Stacking cylinders by One Year On exhibitor Mel Kew
sponsors like that supporting a graduate show publically demonstrates their investment in the future. The unique thing about New Designers is that it doesn’t need a lot of areas because the graduates are the feature. Other shows will have one company that takes a stand year after year to demonstrate new ranges, but it is always essentially the same name. The thing about New Designers is that this is the one chance to see this exhibitor and that is its
14 INSIGHT
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15 INSIGHT
absolute richness. Everyone in there is new and people want to see them. To complement the graduates we have One Year On, which is also really popular. Exhibitors are literally one year into their business, so they are not necessarily a year on from graduating. You can really see that slight difference of transition from the graduates and there is certainly some beautiful designs in there this year. Why is it so important to support graduate designers? Because they are the future of the UK economy. It’s as simple as that. Our country has an incredible design industry and others look to us for expertise. We have excellent design education here and consequently produce great graduates. There’s a real determination and pride in the quality and employability of those coming out of our universities. These students have strong transferable skills such as teamwork, self-discipline and time management; all skills that are learnt alongside the discipline itself.
Left: Every year, a series of prestigious, industry supports awards are presented to the most innovative graduates at New Designers
What can the design community do to support graduate designers? Employ them! When it comes to the unpaid internship debate, I think that there is a lot of scare mongering. I believe that these opportunities provide valuable business insight and experience, plus graduates are much more savvy towards being exploited. The ability to add fantastic names to a CV place them far higher up the pecking order, especially in the company where they gained that experience. We work alongside companies that understand how important design is to their business, and I think that understanding is broadening. Even the most corporate companies are now recognising that design is absolutely essential and hugely important to a company’s success. Our visitor feedback indicates that they leave New Designers feeling refreshed and uplifted. Speaking to passionate graduates and seeing fantastic designs reminds them how much they love being in the creative industry and that’s the really special thing about this event. The graduates are always passionate because they are constantly on a trail of discovery of how to do things differently, and searching to differentiate themselves, be that working with a new material, technology or collaboration. We have a really high calibre audience attending New Designers because the show is a real hybrid of both trade and consumer. Everyone is there because they are interested in and inspired by design. We have talent scouts from a diverse range of influential names – from Warner Brother to Tiffany – all wanting to find fresh talent before someone else snaps them up. What’s new and exciting about this year’s show? Despite problems graduates now face, such as rising fees and high INEX-ONLINE.COM
16 INSIGHT
unemployment rates, people were booking into New Designers incredibly early and there’s a real energy and pride in what they are creating. The show was over 70% filled six months before the show, which puts incredible confidence in our realisation of what the show can provide. The universities are also recognising that New Designers is a great recruitment drive for them, as it demonstrates the excellence of their teaching to future students. In terms of trend forecasting, what we’ve been seeing – and what I noticed in Milan – is a lot of liveliness and enjoyment in work, through bright colours, especially neon. I think that going back to the basics of technique and really recognising the craft and methods behind creating something unique is important. A
Right: Obtineo Jars by Tom Hutchinson Below: Berty Basics by Amy Buchanan Opposite: Over 3000 newly graduated designers will exhibit at the popular event
real confidence in both colour and texture is a big thing this year as people really respond to it. Mixing colour with unusual materials and new technology creates wonderful pieces. Who sticks in your mind as an inspiring success story from previous shows? There are too many to mention! I can’t isolate one and that is what’s so amazing about the show. Every year there are fantastic designs that demonstrate innovation, but it’s also important that products are made well. Once the quality of making is exemplary it then leads on to aesthetics. If a designer has the right mix of innovation, function, making and aesthetics then they’re on to a win. That’s a really important thing for me when I see designs. My background is in 3D design and ceramics, so I’m always interested in the form and quality of how an item has been made. I think if you are creative then you will never lose the appreciation of
17 INSIGHT
Isobel Dennis is Show Director of New Designers
skilled design. It’s always enjoyable to see well-executed work that leaves you feeling refreshed and inspired. What does the future hold for designers? Emerging technologies will allow designers to be as creative as they have always been. Everything was a new technology at one point, so new technologies will be embraced with the same passion as they always have been. The big challenge is the rising expectation and need for items to be produced quicker than before because new technologies allow for everything to happen much faster, creating new levels of timescale. There’s a lot of talk about a fear of loss of skilled craftsmanship and I honestly believe that this isn’t something to worry about. I see new technologies as complementing traditional methods rather than replacing them. They will work together to make the design industry better.
What do you value most about the design community? I really love its breadth, spirit and the huge amount of passion. Design is a word with a generous breadth of discipline. It’s collaborative and has genuine integrity. The people are interested and interesting and they value the skills of others as well as wanting to ensure their own work standard is exemplary. What are you most looking forward to from this year’s show? Walking in the door! It’s such an exciting show to be a part of because it’s full of vibrancy and energy. We have great relationships with the show partners who come back year after year where we are able to understand how the show dovetails into their business. I also just really enjoy looking at the work! I think it’s a really exciting show to be a part of. Read Inex’s New Designers event preview on page 44. newdesigners.com « INEX-ONLINE.COM
18 ELECTRICAL ACCESSORIES
Flat plate electrical accessories with individuality and style The Uxbridge Range is a new collection of electrical accessories that keeps Focus SB at the forefront of stylish specification.
F
ocus SB has an enviable reputation amongst interior designers and architects for manufacturing electrical accessories of distinction. Bespoke plates are its speciality and – as the company manufacture here in the UK – meeting customer requirements is what it does best. The latest addition, the Uxbridge flat plate range, uses MK Electric interiors from the UK’s foremost manufacturer of electrical and data connectivity products and solutions. MK Electric has established a reputation for the highest standards in quality and reliability. It is a name that many specifiers turn to and now, with the Focus SB Uxbridge range, the company can be sure of delivering a stylish and unique solution suitable for any interior style. For the first time metal switches can also be produced to match the range of metal plate INEX-ONLINE.COM
finishes produced exclusively by Focus SB. These include Antique Brass, Chocolate Bronze, Black Nickel, Jordon Bronze and Satin Nickel. Focus SB’s in-house facilities include a paint shop where all metal plates can be sprayed to match any RAL, Pantone or BS colour, or the company can match to any swatch, providing a wide diversity of design options. Focus SB can also make the switches the same colour as the plates. Paints are available in gloss, matt, semi-matt and eggshell finishes to blend perfectly into a painted interior, offering a subtle and stylish solution. Visit the Focus SB website to view the full range of stunning ranges and finishes. The Focus SB Product Consultants team are available to discuss project needs and assist with the specification of bespoke requirements. focus-sb.co.uk « 01424 858060 «
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20 EXRATED
Un-ovoidable serenity Stephen Turner’s yearlong visual and philosophical journey in which he has developed and made new art works in, on and around the unique Exbury Egg comes to an end next month.
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rtist Stephen Turner’s work often involves spending long periods in odd abandoned places, noting changes in the complex relationship between human-made and natural environments. The bespoke wooden Exbury Egg was designed as an example of innovative studio and home design. Stephen has spent the last year on an artistic residency in the unique structure moored on the Beaulieu River in
the New Forest. In 2009 Phil Smith of SPUD – Space Placemaking and Urban Design – had the idea to bring together artists, architects and engineers to explore the possibility of collaboration to design a high quality, low environmental impact structure to house an artist for a year in the New Forest. Three teams emerged and the project was entitled ‘Artchitecture’. In September 2010 the project was launched with an exhibition and
19 EXRATED
seminar at ArtSway. The artist was very keen to make a close study of an area of the New Forest coastline. A key aim of the project is to demonstrate how the arts can engage with environmental issues to generate new perspectives and how collaborative working between a range of professionals can facilitate this. The artist identified the coast at Exbury as an interesting and unique location and so approached Nick de Rothschild who
immediately responded to the idea with great warmth and generosity, and has remained a committed and enthusiastic supporter of the project throughout. Created and designed by Stephen and architects PAD studio, the Egg was inspired by the nesting seabirds on the shore. Stephen explains: “The egg idea formed whilst walking with PAD studio architects along the riverside at Exbury when we saw an egg in a herring gull’s nest and I knew what
Above left: Exbury Egg moored on the Beaulieu River Above: Artist Stephen Turner has spent a year living and working inside the unique bespoke wooden structure
structure I needed. We met up that evening at a nearby pub and the doodles we made on the restaurant receipt pad have consequently been evolved into this fabulous unique and innovative sustainable structure.” It was built locally, by boatbuilder Paul Baker, as a cold moulded cedar sheathed structure approximately 6 metres long and 3.6 metres in diameter, whose aging has been tracked by the artist. Local Douglas Fir was INEX-ONLINE.COM
22 EXRATED A retractable hammock stretches across the living space as somewhere comfortable to rest
The floating structure has its own bathroom facilities
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used for the supporting ribs and internal framing; continuing the age-old tradition of timber marine construction, which can be traced back many centuries on the Beaulieu River. Wendy Perring, the project architect, explains: “It was our intent to explore the creation of a minimal impact live/work structure, using materials with a low embodied energy sourced within a twenty mile radius, and put together by a team of local craftsmen using centuries old techniques. We want to test the minimum someone needs to live quite comfortably, and how we can minimise the impact on the environment.” The construction of the egg utilised traditional boat building techniques which have been employed for centuries on the Beaulieu River. The underlying structure is made from plywood
ribs which are held together by locally grown Douglas Fir stringers. Thin strips of recycled cedar have been bent across the structure and nailed into the stringers. These give the form rigidity and a solid base onto which a layer of fibreglass and epoxy have been laid to ensure the structure remains watertight. The artist wanted a marker of the Egg’s time spent in the river and a reminder of nature’s elemental power. The interior acts as a blank canvas into which Stephen moulds and adapts the space. The layout has been kept to essential elements only; the stern houses a toilet with holding tank for waste, portable shower and wet/dry lockers; the bow provides an adaptable space for work, eating, living and sleeping. The artist has cooked on a small paraffin stove and during the winter his heating was generated by a locally made marine charcoal
23 EXRATED
burner. Photovaltaic panels provide electricity to run some small LED lights and charge a laptop so that communications with the outisde world can be maintained. Stephen continues: “This is a necessary intervention in the landscape at a key moment when climate change is already creating new shorelines and habitats. Established salt marsh is being eroded by a combination of rising sea levels and falling landmass and the entire littoral environment is in a state of flux. The implications for wildlife and flora as well as people are challenging and raise awareness of a particularly 21st century sort of tension and anxiety in our society where place is much talked about – yet where people are increasingly out of place and out of step with nature.” The Exbury Egg is located in a mediaeval harbour on the Beaulieu Estuary, owned by Nicholas De Rothschild and is a floating studio and laboratory for the artist as well as itself forming part of the developing art works. Stephen is
The egg has been constructed using traditional boat building techniques
integrating the Egg as a sculptural element in his yearlong sojourn, which explores his deepening understanding of natural processes and the essence of place. The project also tests the concept of creating a high quality, low environmental impact studio/ laboratory to enable the artist to engage with a highly sensitive environmental area in the Beaulieu Estuary, but which would leave no trace after it has gone. “A great scientist of the Seventeenth Century, William Harvey, wrote ‘ex ovo omnia’ – everything comes from an egg,” says Stephen. “From primate to plankton it embodies the idea of new birth and renewal, protection and fragility. In an urban 21st century world where we are increasingly disconnected from nature this ancient archetypal symbol will nurture reenchantment and understanding as a step toward a truly sustainable future.” exburyegg.org «
This is an important experiment in response to changing shorelines and habitats
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24 EXPOSE
Brave new world
3D printing has arguably been the most revolutionary technological development influencing the design community in recent years. In the midst of industry transformation, Inex speaks to Robin Wilson, Lead Technologist at the UK’s innovation agency, The Technology Strategy Board, about the future of design amid this new industrial revolution. INEX-ONLINE.COM
3
D printing is the creation of objects by deposition of material, often in layers, directly from the digital geometry definition of the object and without use of tooling such as moulds. More generically it’s called additive manufacturing. Designers across the globe are discovering and developing innovative ways to use the advancing technology as a testament to the seismic impact of digitalisation on the design world. “It is expected to enable new
design solutions to be introduced, creating parts with features and functionality that are not possible to make by conventional manufacturing methods,” explains Robin. “For the last 25 years 3D printing has provided a rapid prototyping capability to prove and validate designs prior to making physical parts. In the near future it should also enable designers to create new geometries, with graded material properties and functionality, all built in one
Above: Eric Klarenbeek’s Mycelium Chair is 3D printed using living fungus
26 EXPOSE
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27 EXPOSE
manufacturing process into the same part. “The most powerful aspect of new 3D technology is the ability to make economically attractive parts to new designs, in relatively low quantites and with zero bespoke tooling investment costs. In terms of sustainability, the process can certainly create parts that are more material-efficient, both in terms of less waste during manufacture and less weight in the finished part.” With an overwhelming number of breathtaking and inspirational uses of the new technology over the last few years, it’s hard to pick out one product as the most innovative result of 3D printing. Robin elaborates: “It’s so difficult to select individual products as there’s so much hype around at the moment. A lot of parts are actually only suitable to perform as novelties or paperweights. But there have been some significant breakthroughs in creating faster/better/cheaper tooling, such as dental aligners, and we are expecting some real breakthroughs in production process efficiency and part quality in the next five years which would enable economic 3D made parts to be used in aerospace and other high performance applications.” With universities now offering degrees exclusively in 3D product design, the next generation of designers are preparing to be properly equipped to face this brave new world. However, not everyone is rejoicing in a future where emerging technologies are changing the way we design, as fear grows for the loss of traditional skill-based craftsmanship. Will advancements in design technology hold negative consequences for the craftsmanship of design, especially for furniture making? “Maybe to a very limited extent,” answers Robin. “But the much bigger impact will be that 3D printing is inspiring a whole new generation of young people to get into design and to learn how to make things for themselves. This could have a very significantly
positive impact on how 21st century manufacturing is viewed by young people. The possibilities afforded by smart materials is bound to open up a whole new range of possibilities for designers and manufacturers alike.” 3D printing – alongside other emerging technologies and platforms such as crowd funding, social networking, online marketplaces, nanotechnology, biotech, networked manufacturing, CNC (computer numerical controlled) routing and open-source micro computing – is removing the barriers of access to manufacturing. Last year the Technology Strategy Board collaborated with the Design Museum to deliver a major exhibition that addressed just this; the sweeping changes in manufacturing certainly are transforming our world. It is the role of designers and the design process to participate in exciting new technologies, so that more people than ever before can take part in the production of our physical world. innovateuk.org «
Opposite above: Stockholm designer Hanieh Heidarabadi has created brass pendant lamps specifically with the expectation that people will 3D-print their own shades Opposite below: Joris Laarman’s current New York exhibition displays his 3D furniture designs Top: Designs using the LIX 3D printing pen Above: The LIX 3D printing pen in action Left: Joris Laarman’s 3D printed Hexagon chair in wallnut
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29 PROJECT
Property metamorphosis
Interior Designer, Sue McGregor of Interior Statements, has an eye for texture, colour and detail. Her latest creation, a flat in Kensington and Chelsea, is an example of her range and versatility. Inspiration for the overall tone and palette came from the garden views and from a visit she took with her great nephews to the Butterfly Museum.
“
Each butterfly is unique and so exquisitely designed for the short life they live. They represent freedom and change to me,” says Sue. “When I came across the flat, apart from the back garden views, the space felt soulless, very tired and unloved. All period details had been removed and the space wasn’t functioning at its best.” Sue chose to invest in its attributes – fabulous proportions, garden views, a terrace, light and historical importance of the first floor in a Victorian house. “I wanted to bring back the period detail without making it feel old fashioned,” she continues. “This made the flat feel more expansive, light and luxurious creating an uplifting atmosphere.” Generally throughout the reception, kitchen, bathroom and hallway, oiled oak engineered flooring has been fitted and insulation added for acoustic purposes. For safety, all existing doors have been replaced with fire doors and the unregulated scaffolding poles used as a balustrade on the terrace have been replaced with a Victorian style iron balustrade, in-keeping with the period of the building. The reception and dining areas have been treated as one palette with the focus on the window wall where Sue has placed Christian Lacroix butterfly wallpaper to complement the seasonal view of the garden. Add to this the sparkle of a chandelier; dramatic placement of lamps and the folly of INEX-ONLINE.COM
30 PROJECT Neutral tones add to
Bold patterns are
a serene bedroom
used throughout
ambience
the project
Neutral tones add to a serene bedroom ambience
Wooden garden
Pegasus, the statuesque wooden horse, and the space becomes an eclectic mix of interesting pieces. In the bedroom, the ambience is light and fresh. The lines are soft, and there are a number of interesting focal points to add interest. “One of my pet hates is looking at a bank of wardrobes, so I designed a walk in wardrobe leaving the sleeping area clean and serene,” explains Sue. “I also don’t have any technology in view, especially not a television. If this needs to be designed into a client’s scheme I always make sure technology remains hidden.” With interesting and sumptuous INEX-ONLINE.COM
details the space could also be said to emulate the ‘Boutique’ environment, as Sue has written about in her book, ‘Boutique Home – 10 steps to creating your boutique space’. Sue studied interior design in Sydney, Australia, focusing on office design then moved to Queensland where she designed homes and showrooms. “One of the interesting observations I experienced living in different locations is how the climate effects lifestyle and in turn interior design; the layout, the choice of materials, the space, capturing light and, of course, the colour and reflectance,” Sue continues. “One needs respite
furniture has been used in the private terrace
31 PROJECT Traditional features are complemented throughout
The London property benefits from an outdoor terrace
On-trend grey tones have been used in the kitchen
in tropical climates; protection from the heat and harsh sunlight and restful spaces. The materials and spatial layout need to reflect this. In colder climes, the cosiness and warmth needs to be addressed – I loved moving to London where I could apply a more varietal palette to interiors.” Sue’s unique skill is identifying how good design adapts to the specific needs of the people’s lives. She explains: “In London where space is at a premium, how you utilise each square foot is imperative. I’ve seen many underutilised kitchens take up floor space for an owner when the owner rarely entertains at home. “Bathrooms and dressing rooms need to be planned carefully – it’s important to consider at which time of the day the space is normally used and by whom. For example, an average working couple may need to occupy the bathroom at the same time so including two basins will make life easier. The next step is decoration and the application of finishes. The balance of this and design will achieve your vision. Knowing how INEX-ONLINE.COM
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to design with this in mind can enhance lifestyle in a practical and aesthetic way. “I am constantly inspired by other designers and artists pushing boundaries and like to keep up to date with the likes of Phillippe Starck and Jamie Hayons – they both have a refined and dramatic eye for detail and proportion in interiors and furniture. “When clients want me to create a home that suits them and their space, it is firstly about understanding them, their lifestyle and good design. This will be their space which they will take ownership of and therefore it needs to speak of them not me.” interiorstatements.co.uk « INEX-ONLINE.COM
Above: Sue likes to juxtapose contemporary details whilst paying homage to a property’s heritage - shown here in a previous project that had a soft industrial edge. Right: The high ceilings and large windows shed light into this Earls Court project
pluto because life isn’t one sided Incorporating
34 HOTEL Left: The right mattress is fundamental to a hotel’s reputation and revenue
The perfect night’s sleep
With many hoteliers looking for ways to maximise the functionality of each and every room in their hotel, the onus is on manufacturers to offer innovative, yet stylish ways to help hoteliers make the most of what they have. Here, Chris Ward, Marketing Director for Hypnos, explores how hotels don’t have to forego comfort in favour of style.
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reating the right atmosphere and ambience are important factors in producing the best possible experience for hotel guests, but regardless of whether the visitor is away on business or leisure, a comfortable and relaxing bed is what they look forward to most at the end of their day. Add sumptuous crisp bed linen, and the relaxation and comfort experience is increased further still. Get the choice of bed wrong and it could result in some very unhappy customers, leaving negative reviews, so it’s crucial that hoteliers select beds that will meet customer expectations. It is well documented that a good night’s sleep can leave you feeling refreshed, looking younger and increase productivity at work, so a good bed should always be a key consideration for any hotelier. At Hypnos, we believe that pocket sprung mattresses make the most comfortable beds as they are designed to actively minimise pressure points on the body, helping to increase blood circulation and alleviate tension, which in turn allows muscles to relax. The independent movement of each individual pocket spring means that the mattress will mould itself to the body, leading to a natural alignment of the spine. In terms of the fillings used, Hypnos’s mattresses use different mixtures of natural materials such as wool, cashmere, silk and latex, ensuring that each mattress is breathable – promoting healthy air flow, regulating body temperature and reducing body moisture, while repelling allergens. With so many styles and comfort levels to choose from, it’s important that hotel owners establish what’s right for their customer. Being able to tailor a room to each guest is a personal touch that will mean guests continue to come back time and time again. One way of doing so is to introduce mattress toppers – these can be INEX-ONLINE.COM
35 HOTEL
Hypnos has manufactured luxury handmade beds for more than 100 years
easily fitted on to existing mattresses and add an extra layer of comfort and make a bed a little less firm, ideal for guests who prefer a softer sleeping surface. Further to this, designers should analyse how the room is going to be used – will it be a single, twin, double or family room? Are you trying to make a bold, contemporary statement or create a more romantic look? Each room has its own considerations and you need to devise varying solutions to match. Take a family bedroom. Three beds in one room can make the space look cluttered and not always conducive to a relaxing environment, especially if you find that half of the week the room tends to be occupied by single business people, so why not consider a double or kingsize bed accompanied with a sofa bed?
For hotel owners looking to increase room occupancy and really maximise revenues, a sofa bed offers fantastic flexibility. Since their inception, sofa beds have developed significantly since their original, somewhat dated designs and the negative connotations that often came with them – such as uncomfortable mattresses and garish designs. Sofa beds have now evolved to include deluxe finishes and sumptuous fabrics. Sofa beds are also a useful way to convert a double room into a
Below left: Comfort remains key for hospitality interior design
family room, increasing occupancy and also revenue. They transform in an instant and provide attractive, practical seating – and if you make the right choice and they can also act as a stylish, focal point for the room. Zip and link beds are also popular for double rooms as they provide the versatility to turn a standard double room into a twin room. Add to this a beautifully upholstered headboard and you will create a true bedroom centrepiece and design statement. Of course a bed must be more than just aesthetically pleasing – the right mattress is essential. By analysing what a hotel room is going to be used for, interior designers can get the most out of their space and create a stylish, comfortable sleeping space which can be adapted to each individual customer’s needs. hypnoscontractbeds.com « INEX-ONLINE.COM
36 FLOORING Interface’s Net Effect in Black Sea
Making good business out of interior design When it comes to creating the ultimate interior environment, designers strive to deliver the most dynamic, cutting edge interior designs for their customers through the use of colours, textures and materials. But a truly dynamic product goes beyond its beauty to embrace sustainability in every aspect of its construction. Ramon Arratia, Sustainability Director at Interface explains how a holistic approach to interior design can be as beneficial to a business as it can be to the environment.
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desire for a zero negative impact on the environment should inspire all dimensions of an organisation: people, process, product, place and profit, and this is the basis of every aspect of a product’s construction and business process.
Countdown to Zero Being totally sustainable is not just about product, it’s about a network of low carbon processes that help reduce the impact of the entire manufacture process. The
The net worth of design Research into the environmental impact of the manufacture of carpet tiles has found that virgin oil, in the virgin nylon used to construct carpet tiles, accounts for 50% of a product’s environmental impact. As such, one of the biggest challenges in the flooring industry today is to reduce the impact of the yarn used in carpet tiles. To combat this, Interface has devised innovative ways of eliminating its dependence on raw materials. There are three practical ways that the company could reduce the impact of virgin nylon yarn without compromising the quality of the product: using alternatives to virgin
mbracing sustainability at every stage of the design process can help designers offer an inclusive service that combines cutting-edge style with innovative product development. To achieve the intricate balance between striking design, practicality, and sustainability, designers must delve into the stories behind the products they recommend.
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nylon, such as bio-based yarn and other low carbon materials can help, as well as using more recycled content and less yarn per square metre. Post-consumer waste, which is recycled to make new carpet tiles, is most environmentally beneficial as it prevents this type of waste going into landfill. Making an impact across the world Looking beyond a company’s manufacture processes can also have a restorative impact on the environment and help improve the social and economic landscape of communities around the world. In 2012, Interface embarked on Net-Works, a social sourcing programme that tackles the growing environmental problem of discarded fishing nets that threaten marine life in some of the world’s poorest coastal communities. NetWorks is managed by Zoological Society of London (ZSL) in collaboration with Interface, and
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Aquafil, a global yarn manufacturer. The program was designed to establish a communitybased supply chain for collecting discarded fishing nets in rural coastal areas within the Danajon Bank, one of only six double-barrier reefs in the world. The nets are sent to Aquafil in Europe for regenerating into nylon used to make carpet tiles – among other products – through its ECONYL Regeneration System. It is estimated that the amount of fishing nets discarded in one year in the region could cover the length of the bank 400 times over. In some places the nets litter the beaches, often intermingled with other rubbish and waste, where they represent a health hazard as well as an eyesore.
Interface’s NetWorks tackles the environmental problem of discarded fishing nets
The beauty of sustainability Sustainability and striking, beautiful design need not be mutually exclusive. The lessons learned from sustainable practices, and the close relationships with nature that are born from sustainable enterprise, offer a canvas to create beautiful designs, inspired totally by nature and the journey the product has taken from conception to installation. Reflecting Interface’s Mission Zero promise to eliminate any negative impact it has on the environment by 2020, the Net Effect range contains 100% recycled content yarn. The yarn is made from various sources including used carpet fluff harvested from Interface’s ReEntry programme and commercial fishing nets.
The abandoned fishing nets are regenerated into nylon and made into Interface carpet tiles
Building better businesses ‘The New Industrial Model’, conducted by strategy advisor, Lavery/Pennell, explored a new, more profitable and sustainable business model which has sustainability at its core, and is designed to increase profits, create more jobs and reduce environmental impact. It is this model that has helped Interface reduce energy and yarn usage per unit of production by 40% and 12% respectively since 1996, switch to 100% renewable energy for its Scherpenzeel site, and replaced 43% of its raw materials with bio-based or recycled alternatives. Designing the future The interior design industry thrives on the latest products and innovations that can offer something completely new and refreshing to the customer. We hope that one day, true sustainability will come as standard, but while manufacturers are constantly developing ways to push sustainability even further, designers have the power to embrace the impending changes, to become pioneers in the industry, in order to encourage others to adopt sustainable products and practices, to create a more economically and environmentally viable business model for themselves. interfaceflor.co.uk «
INEX-ONLINE.COM
38 TILING Left: Tile Effect installation at last month’s Clerkenwell Design Week Below: Inex’s Editor Emily took a picture of the optical illusion
By reflecting the double vaulted ceiling of the arch infinitely, an illusion was created of an endless crypt-like space, reminiscent of the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul. To further echo the theme of reflection, the tiled floor was designed to represent a mirror image of the vaulted ceiling above. The lines of the ribbed ceiling structure divided the floor into 16 triangular segments that framed patterns inspired by the striking colour combinations and bold
Out on the tiles London-based architects russ + henshaw recently partnered with Turkishceramics to create Tile Mile, an installation within Clerkenwell’s historic 16thcentury St John’s gate arch. Here, Inex reports on tiling trends seen at last month’s Clerkenwell Design Week.
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uss + henshaw, the architects behind Tile Mile, describe the inspiration behind the installation: “Our vision was to create an intervention that would place a focus on this spectacular example of medieval design and engineering, and to remind people of the beauty within the city fabric that they navigate daily. Inspiration for the installation came from the use of ceramics in Turkish and Islamic architecture. In particular, we were fascinated with decoration that featured infinitely repeating mathematical patterns. These mesmerising designs contain both reflective and rotational symmetry; a form of patternation that inspired us to pursue the themes of infinity and reflection through the optical effects of mirrors.”
Traditional and contemporary Handtufted, Passmachine and Woven custom designed carpets and rugs from design to installation
www.customcarpetcompany.co.uk
Custom Carpet Company PO Box 167, Tadworth, Surrey KT20 6WH Tel.: + 44 (0)1737 830301 Fax.: + 44 (0)1737 833785
Email: info@customcarpetcompany.co.uk
Web: www.customcarpetcompany.co.uk
40 TILING
decoration of Iznik ceramics. Each of the four different patterns were created using a single geometric tile format in order to demonstrate that, by using a contemporary product creatively, a diverse range of visual outcomes can be achieved. Clerkenwell Design Week was full of new tile and ceramic designs that sought inspiration from the city and its history, to complement current geometric trends. Mews, a new range of tiles designed by Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby for Domas and Italian ceramic house Mutina, previewed in the UK for the first time at the influential design festival. Barber and Osgerby both live and work in London and are strongly influenced by their surroundings. The design experts have spent two years developing Mews, which is inspired by the landscape and history of their city, London, and by the variety of textures characterising
Right: Mews by Barber and Osgerby for ceramic expert Mutina, shown here in Lead. Below: Well-known designers Barber and Osgerby have just undertaken their first ceramic project
its infrastructures, such as bricks, wooden floors and irregular geometrical patterns. Having never before undertaken a ceramic project, these renowed designers chose to work with Mutina because of their technical expertise and willingness to pursue innovation. The collection has been designed with both contemporary and traditional use in mind and is as at home in modern city apartments as it is in traditional rural farmhouses. On St John’s Square, with Tile Mile in view, architecture practice Studio Weave installed a pavilion entitled Smith, which paid homage to Clerkenwell’s heritage as the home to a range of smiths throughout history. Working alongside structural engineer Webb Yates and fabricator Nicholas Alexander, Studio Weave sought to explore the creative use of tools and equipment, and how they can be applied to materials for product making. The factory-shaped pavilion, sponsored by Equitone, was made from fibre-cement panels to provide a stress-skin, its zig-zagging presence was clad with grey panels, with the interior surface depicting the skills of various local trades through bold graphic patterns. russandhenshaw.com turkishceramics.com domustiles.co.uk barberosgerby.com studioweave.com INEX-ONLINE.COM
New Uxbridge range
from Focus SB The new Uxbridge flat plate range from Focus SB uses MK Electric速 interiors for power and switching and is available in a range of stunning metal finishes. Plus plates and switches can be painted in any RAL, Pantone or BS colour of your choice. Call us today for further details.
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Tel: 01424 858060 www.focus-sb.co.uk
ELECTRICAL ACCESSORIES
42 SURFACING The use of embosses and textile effects create a stunning wall statement
There are numerous wall covering options available to complete the look of an interior design
Bringing an interior to life The right wallcovering can make or break a design scheme, and with so many options available, choosing the right one might seem an overwhelming task. Wallcovering expert Muraspec guide through the different surfacing options available on the market.
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lever use of texture and colour can really bring an interior scheme to life, adding depth and creating atmosphere. Textile and textile effect wall finishes are a great way of achieving this – think silks, faux suedes and use of embosses such as linen and woven or pleated fabrics. These will work well over large areas, ‘softening’ the wall and creating a tactile finish that invites you to just reach out and touch it. Used in warm neutrals, or rich, opulent shades, they will help to create a timeless scheme. Embosses are key to understanding how to create different effects using textured wallcoverings. Shallow embosses are suitable for more subtle effects, often INEX-ONLINE.COM
where there’s more of an obvious pattern on the design or the overall look needed is more delicate. Even if a plain colour is required, a finely stippled wallcovering will give more of a relief finish than a coat of paint. Deeper embosses have a more obvious effect. The current trend for organic textures lends itself to this, with reeds, grasscloths and leathers/skins all making for interesting finishes. For example, Muraspec’s Maya Romanoff Studio Collection translates the late
designer’s iconic looks – such as oyster shell tiles and glass beads – into contract strength vinyl wallcoverings, to create an attractive mix of beautiful design and commercial reliability. The use of natural materials in surfacing to ‘bring the outside in’ has been a growing trend for some time now, and shows no sign of slowing. Wood, stone, plaster, concrete and brick are popular for creating both organic and industrial looks. Particularly popular in
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commercial environments such as retail and hospitality, they’re beautiful materials to use, but they can be costly and unsuitable for certain specifications. Muraspec has seen a marked increase in the number of enquiries about natural looks, which its Digital team then print onto wallcoverings, carefully selecting a suitable emboss to provide both the look and feel. The beauty of opting for a digitally printed version of the real thing is the flexibility and choice. Companies can now replicate thousands of different finishes, changing scale, age and colour, and have it ready in a fraction of the time. Plus in certain cases, surprisingly, this can be the more environmentally friendly option. For example, Muraspec’s digital wallcovering was recently installed instead of a marble, because of an international shortage due to overquarrying. Take texture a step further, and you’re into relief finishes and 3D effects; a popular look at the moment. Panelling is an easy way to inject some serious texture into your scheme. Get creative with
3D effect wallcoverings have been popular this year
The right wall finish is integral to the overall ambience of an interior design
different designs as an alternative to traditional looks – flowing waves are popular, as are interlocking repeat designs such as tiles. Choose brightly coloured glosses or metallics for a real wow-factor look; or wood, leather and stone effects for a more subtle scheme. How you use panelling will depend on the space available. Use individual panels or small groups as a focal point as you would artwork, or be bold and cover whole or part walls for maximum impact. If panels aren’t appropriate, 3D effect wallcoverings are flat to the touch but give the illusion otherwise. Particularly effective in geometric designs such as waves and tiles, clever use of shading and pattern give a deceptive depth without sacrificing space. However you choose to use texture on your walls, the performance can be as important as the look where commercial environments are concerned. Sustainability is a growing trend, so Muraspec has invested heavily in making sure its wallcoverings are as environmentally friendly as they can be. muraspec.com «
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44 PREVIEW
New Designers showcases fresh talent Split into two Parts, between 25-28 June and 2-5 July, the UK’s most important exhibition for emerging design sees 3000 of the year’s brightest graduate designers gather under the spectacular iron and glass roof of the Business Design Centre, London. Many of today’s leading luminaries launched their careers here, from Thomas Heatherwick and Jay Osgerby to Bethan Gray and Deadgood.
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ow in its 29th edition, the exhibition is a rite of passage for aspiring young creatives and an essential date in the diary for the design industry. Full of innovation and fresh thinking, each Part of New Designers focuses on a different set of design disciplines and features its own awards programme supported by leading brands and design organisations. All the leading courses from universities and colleges across the UK are represented, including Loughborough, Nottingham Trent, University of the Arts London and Northumbria University. Wednesday night in each Part sees a VIP preview at which the INEX-ONLINE.COM
show is opened by a leading industry figure, followed by a prestigious awards ceremony. Sponsors such as John Lewis, The British Contract Furnishing Association (BCFA), Harlequin, Mars, Pentland, Sanderson, Tigerprint and Wilko each select the designer they feel stands out from the crowd to receive a New Designers Award. The accolades are often accompanied by industry placements and mentoring opportunities. The BCFA has supported New Designers for many years with awards and student employment clinics. Many of its 240 members attend the show to look for talented designers in the fields of furniture, surfaces, textiles and commercial interiors. New Designers is where brands, designers and agencies go shopping for talent, but it’s also a good place to snap up original and affordable work by soon-to-be household names. The first port of call is One Year On, a curated showcase of designers in their first year of business – some having graduated in 2013, others having branched out on their own after building experience and skills within the industry. This year’s show is curated by
Gemma Fabbri, founder of London design studio Scene and co-founder of FAO-shop.com. Thursday Late see the Business Design Centre open until 8pm with a programme of talks and discussions. During Part 1, on Thursday 26 June, Absolut hosts a guest industry panel discussing Transformation and Design, then during Part 2, The Design Council will be announcing their Future Pioneers Discovered at New Designers on Thursday 3 July. The evening will see the announcement of the Design Council’s Future Pioneers Discovered at New Designers – an initiative to celebrate and support promising young designers whose work is principled, passionate and purposeful. The 2014 panel represents a diverse range of leading industry names that have all been solving problems, pushing boundaries and celebrating great design. newdesigners.com «
CAN YOU AFFORD TO MISS OUT ON THE NEW GENERATION OF LAMINATE AND WOOD BASED PANELS?
J ust one o f ou 23 n e r w d e co r s
Clients expect you to create fantastic interiors for them. And with deep textures and reproductions that are hard to distinguish from ceramic or solid wood you can. For a sneak preview (ahead of the May launch of 6 new textures and 23 new decors): www.egger.co.uk/experiencethedifference
View the video www.egger.com/zoom-video
46 GLASS & GLAZING Left: ‘Sound Sails’ and Selectaglaze’s Series 45 side hung casements with fixed curved heads
Halle Orchestra Silenced by Selectaglaze After years of decay a refurbishment of the former St. Peter’s Church has brought this historic Victorian Grade II Listed building back to life.
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ocated in Ancoats, a part of Manchester widely regarded as the world’s first industrial suburb and an historic feature of the city’s heritage, St. Peter’s is now fully operational as the home for the world renowned Hallé Orchestra and its associated choirs. It also marks the first time the Orchestra has had a permanent rehearsal venue in its 156 year history. Over the years the appearance of the building has remained substantially unaltered, both inside and out. However, sound tests revealed a problem internally with the clarity in the rehearsal space and potential noise outbreak. Acousticians Sound Space Design proposed treatments to remedy these problems that were noninvasive and with no material effect on the building fabric. The lack of clarity within the church was affecting the members of the Orchestra’s ability to hear each other and play in ensemble. The solution was to provide sound reflecting surfaces close to the Orchestra, below the high nave ceiling of the church and to reduce the reverberation of the space to an appropriate level. INEX-ONLINE.COM
Sound reflecting ‘Sound Sails’ were installed within the space using a series of pulleys, with no fixings to the structure, hence leaving the building as it was found. Control of noise is not only an internal issue. While acoustics and keeping the sound of the outside world at bay are essential to a performance venue, the effect of a concert on the local residents must also be taken into account. Excessive noise can be a contentious issue especially to those living or working in the vicinity of a music venue, adversely affecting health, wellbeing and concentration. Operators of such venues are obliged as part of a license to address issues of noise breakout but this can be
particularly problematic with older buildings where ill-fitting windows tend to be the norm. Most single glazed windows reduce noise ingress and egress by just 25-30dB or less. Even modern double glazed windows only achieve 30-35dB. However, a very practical solution is found with Selectaglaze’s secondary glazing systems, which can provide noise reduction up to 50dB. This is a reversible adaptation and therefore in most cases acceptable to heritage planning officers. Selectaglaze treated a total of 44 large round head windows and one three metre diameter circular feature window using a total of 109 secondary window frames. Hinged casements were specified to all locations apart from the half round window heads and circular window which were treated with shaped fixed panels. The casements were fitted with high performance compression seals, flush hinges, multipoint locking and installed with a 150mm cavity to the primary window to ensure the tightest fit and the optimum noise insulation. All frames aligned with the existing sight lines and had an attractive matt grey finish. In addition to noise insulation secondary glazing also cuts heat loss. This together with effective frame seals serves to reduce convection currents and so provide a more comfortable performance space. The installation was a challenge due to the size and height of the windows and Selectaglaze worked closely with the contractor, City Build, delivering fully fabricated frames that could be rapidly installed from the access scaffolds. selectaglaze.co.uk « enquiries@selectaglaze.co.uk « 01727 837271 «
48 KBB
Product spotlight This month’s selection of innovative new products not to be missed.
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1. In collaboration with long-standing partner Phoenix Design, bathroom specialist Hansgrohe has developed mixers where distinctive shapes combine precision with smoothness. “With taut surfaces, clear lines and rounded contours, the new Logis mixers are easy on the eye and to the touch. The open shape of the handle really makes you want to touch it,” says Hansgrohe Product Manager Axel Meißner. The Logis mixers come in different heights and handle variants, ensuring that ceramics and mixer match both visually and functionally in day-today, customised usage. All the Hansgrohe Logis mixer models for wash basins come equipped with EcoSmart technology as standard. www.hansgrohe.co.uk 01372 472001
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2. Exclusive bathroom architecture in international luxury hotels is defined primarily by quality, individuality and ultimate comfort. As a leading premium manufacturer of baths, shower trays and enamelled shower surfaces Kaldewei now adds Conopool as a new dimension to bathing. This pioneering achievement underscores Kaldewei’s innovative capacity in the development of exclusive product solutions for the high-end luxury bathroom. Kaldewei’s Head of Marketing Arndt Papenfuß explains: “The new Conopool bath is yet another case in point of Kaldewei pushing the limits of manufacturing baths and shower trays made of steel enamel.” www.kaldewei.com 01480 498053
3. The latest Bauhaus collection of beautifully formed basins has been created to offer pioneering ceramic design with stunning visual appeal. The Gallery collection features a comprehensive and creative mix of shapes, from organic and elegantly refined forms to slender architectural designs and geometric styles with softened angles. For luxury residential and hotel style coupled with statement design, the on-trend and elaborate metallic finish exudes a touch of opulence and sophistication. Made in Italy by master craftsman and designed for the UK market, the Gallery basin range is also a leap forward in state of the art ceramic technology. www.crosswater.co.uk 0845 873 8840
50 MATERIALS & SURFACING
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4. Papillon from Moore & Giles is designed on full hides by a boutique tannery in Spain. This brilliantly textured scotch-grain leather features a beautiful tipping effect that highlights the peaks of the grain. Available in four colour palettes totalling 48 colours. For further information and sampling please contact Altfield Ltd. Altfield is a leading resource for beautiful textiles, wallcoverings and leather, distributing a number of high-end lines from around the world. www.altfield.com 020 7351 5893
5. Mapei has introduced a new flexible, waterrepellent grout to its cementitious range. New Keracolor Flex is a low VOC product available in five natural contemporary shades and suitable for grout joint widths from 1-6mm. It can be used with a wide range of surface finishes, including ceramic, porcelain, natural stone, glass and mosaics – both internally and externally. Following extensive research, Keracolor Flex colour options have been created to complement current tile trends. www.mapei.co.uk 0121 508 6970
6. INVISTA’s Antron carpet fibre has launched an interactive colour palette tool that allows designers to create custom palettes using colours taken from its Colour Trend 2014/2015 forecasting. Fully compatible with desktop and tablet devices, the interactive drag and drop functionality makes it easy to create coordinated palettes from a range of 32 referenced colours. A user-generated PDF displays the custom palette along with popular colour reference conversions. www.antroncolortrend.eu 0845 450 6434
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7. Dapple black granite is an exceptionally hard-wearing and yet stunning commercial natural stone flooring option with a depth of character provided by its mottled crystal background. Used extensively at a recent redevelopment project at Oxford Brookes University, this stone offers a modern yet unobtrusive look which enhances modern environments without stealing the show from its surroundings. This product offers excellent anti-slip properties and its colour and tone make dirt and marks less visible, making it the perfect choice for high-footfall areas. Offering great value for a black product, this granite can be supplied in a leathered, honed, flamed or polished finish. www.marshalls.co.uk/commercial/internalflooring 0845 021 3227
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8. Chocolate is just one of six contemporary colours introduced by Vicaima as part of its new stained oak doors range, which answers the growing trend for attractively stained real wood veneers in modern homes, apartments and hotel suites. Recent interior design has seen resurgence in the appeal created by natural wood tones within homes and leisure facilities and is typified by the use of stained wood for flooring, stairs, kitchen cabinets and even furniture. One example of this fashion is the popularity of grey wood hues with white walls to create a striking contrast of light and dark. This decor movement can now be further complemented by the use of Vicaima interior stained doors. www.vicaima.com 01793 532333
9. Custom Carpet Company offers a comprehensive range of carpets, producing custom made and standard carpets from plain broadloom to complex designs and textures. Custom colours are available in most qualities. These qualities include Handtufted, Handknotted, Customtufted, Passmachine, Woven and Machine tufted. The majority of carpets are made in wool, but also use cotton, chenille, silk, linen and synthetic yarns.
The company work from original artwork and assist in developing new ideas to realise individual requirements. There is also an extensive design database of previous work, which can be reproduced or adapted for your project. www.customcarpetcompany.co.uk 01737 830301
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10. Global carpet tile manufacturer, Interface recently exhibited at Construction21EXPO. Last month’s event, which was the first virtual tradeshow for sustainable construction in Europe, gave architects, designers, consultants and project managers the chance to network and browse industry-leading green building solutions, without the environmental impact created by traditional exhibitions. Attendees navigated the virtual exhibition using an online platform that allowed them to visit exhibitor booths, speaking events and conferences, as well as engage with other attendees from all over Europe through a chat function, without having to travel the usual hundreds of miles. www.interfaceflor.co.uk 08705 304030
54 FURNITURE
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11. The prestigious head offices of Volkswagen Group UK – based in Milton Keynes – paytestimony to Lyndon Design’s bespoke design, handcrafted seating capabilities and ability to deliver tailored solutions for corporate office spaces. A total of eight twoseater ‘high back booth’ Arthur sofas provide informal meeting areas and breakout spaces within the recently refurbished building, whilst delivering the ultimate in design prowess and comfortable ergonomics. Lyndon Design has provided a contemporary alternative to the formal business meeting environment. www.lyndon.co.uk 01242 584897
12. Why not attack this new financial year with a stunning product range? Swan Systems’ British Patented and manufactured range of Swan Sliding Wardrobe Doors are available in a choice of 14 coloured frames. The door insert options are extensive and with soft close too, this furniture is a welcome addition to any bedroom. Swan Systems sells to independent retailers nationwide: some buy ready-made doors, most buy the parts and put the door together in their workshops. Full product support is offered, from manufacturing and marketing to selling. www.swansystems.co.uk 01329 843636
13. KI has recently completed the installation of 770 workstations with storage, plus IT accessories and conference and meeting room tables for Cofunds new offices in Witham, Essex. The furniture is all from KI’s UniteSE Workplace Collection which is designed and manufactured in the UK. The newlyrefurbished space in Chelmsford is a spacious 70,000ft2 three storey, modern, open-plan office. KI’s end of desk storage and under desk pedestals are all keyless, fitted with four digit combination locks for document security purposes due to the nature of the business. www.kieurope.com 020 7404 7441
Contemporary Hand Knotted
Rugs
Select from our large inventory or have a rug bespoke to your specification
Showroom: 2 New Kings Road, London, SW6 4SA Tel: 020 7736 9693 | Email: info@bazaarvelvet.co.uk | www.bazaarvelvet.com
BE A U T Y IS ONLY H A L F T HE S T ORY. It’s said people buy with their eyes. But we know you also buy with your head and heart. Our floorcoverings all come with a story. And provide the perfect stage on which to write yours.
Floorcovering shown: Audrey Sunrise, one of many beautiful, tactile designs within our extensive Wool range. crucial-trading.com
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