designerati magazine - Oct/Nov 2023 Issue

273

October-November 2023

[designerati.co.uk]

KITCHENS B AT H R O O M S INTERIORS

Fabrizio Crisà How creative synergy is helping to reinvent home appliances

Bethan Laura Wood A colourful bathroom collaboration revealed

Eye on the prize

E V R U C AHEAD OF THE All the finalists for the 2023 designerati awards

Out with the straight and in with the shapes

The iconic Sub-Zero look, reimagined The completely redesigned Classic series, with its fresh suite of innovative features, reaches new levels of refinement both inside and out.

SUBZ ERO-WOLF.CO.UK

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October-November 2023

273

[designerati.co.uk]

KITCHENS B AT H R O O M S INTERIORS

Fabrizio Crisà

40

How creative synergy is helping to reinvent home appliances

Bethan Laura Wood A colourful bathroom collaboration revealed

Eye on the prize

VE UR AHEAD OF THE C All the finalists for the 2023 designerati awards

22

Out with the straight and in with the shapes

6

03

Welcome...

to the new look designerati

It has been a rather packed last couple of months for K&B innovation, so much so that we’ve struggled to fit everything into this issue of designerati. This time of year always keeps us on our toes, with a wealth of industry events at which all of the latest products and ideas are showcased. We’ve picked out plenty of highlights for you from a few of them, including a round-up of new kitchen arrivals unveiled by some of the major German furniture brands at Hausmesse.

There is also plenty to talk about from the London Design Festival too of course, and we showcase a few of the creative highlights that really caught our eye during what was another inspiring week in the Capital.

As well as all of this, we’ve also managed to catch up with Fabrizio Crisà, the prolific, livewire Chief Design Officer at cooker hood manufacturer Elica, who shares with us the inside story behind the

“THE AWARDS PROMISES TO BE A WONDERFUL CELEBRATION OF THE CREATIVE TALENT THAT WE HAVE IN THE K&B INDUSTRY” brand’s latest and very innovative launch – the three-in-one LHOV. Plus, distinctive artist Bethan Laura Wood brings a splash of colour to proceedings, with some insight into her collaboration with bathroom brand Kaldewei.

Finally, I’d like to wish the very best of luck to all of our finalists at the designerati awards 2023 which takes place at the magnificent Wembley Stadium on 22 November. As always, it promises to be a wonderful celebration of the true wealth of creative talent that we have in the kitchen and bathroom industry. If you have not already got your tickets, head along to designerawardsuk. com to snap up one of the last few places and be sure to join us for the absolute highlight of the K&B design year. See you there!

Martin Allen-Smith Editor, designerati

Meet the designerati team EDITORIAL Martin Allen-Smith, Editorial Director martin@designerati.co.uk ADVERTISING Chantell Keston, Sales Executive FOR MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS ACROSS PRINT AND DIGITAL CONTACT: Dom Littler, Creative Director dom@digitalsavvymedia.co.uk FOR PRINT AND ONLINE COMMERCIAL OPPORTUNITIES CONTACT: Clara Perry, Managing Director clara@digitalsavvymedia.co.uk 01206 696492 ART DIRECTION AND PRINT DESIGN Jeff Cooper jeff@wemakemedia.co.uk PRINTER Stephens & George Print Group SUBSCRIPTIONS To subscribe to designerati please contact: subscriptions@digitalsavvymedia. co.uk 01206 696410 designerati.co.uk/subscribe Published bi-monthly

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Contents

October - November 2023 - Issue 273

6 SOURCE Our round-up of the people, products, and places that matter from across K&B design, including striking tiles from Ca’ Pietra, creative curves in concrete from Kast, a chic new Silestone range, and a look ahead to November’s HIX hotel design show

16 FINE FINISHING Creative teamwork and carefully curated specification defined this bold kitchen scheme. Rebecca Nokes, Design Director at John Lewis of Hungerford, talks us through the project

22 DESIGNERATI AWARDS 2023 A look ahead to this year’s awards with a list of our superb finalists all hoping for glory at Wembley Stadium on 22 November

58

36 THE CLAY RETREAT

66 EXIT

A newly-built, low-carbon home in the New Forest that ticks all the boxes when it comes to comfortable modern living

At last…. a spa for beer lovers!

40 BATHED IN 26 STAR OF THE SHOW COLOUR CRL Stone’s Ceralsio Statuario has been chosen to add glitz and glamour to a home refurbishment in Formby

30 JOINED-UP THINKING Fabrizio Crisà’s designs have defined the output from Italian brand Elica over almost two decades. The manufacturer’s Chief Design Officer shares some insight into the thinking behind the latest radical new addition, LHOV

Bathroom brand Kaldewei recently unveiled a colourful new collaboration with designer Bethan Laura Wood. We spoke to her about the Avocado Dreams range

44 OPEN HAUS The major German kitchen brands opened their showrooms recently for the annual display of new innovations. We pick out some key highlights

54 INSIDE + OUT A home in the sun that manages to blur indoors with outside, making the most of every ray of daylight in its built-up location to offer secluded peace and serenity

58 DESIGN CAPITAL The annual spotlight on London’s creative credentials once again delivered a wealth of ideas, innovation, and sources of inspiration

36

TAILOR MADE SOLUTIONS

Solid wood will make an honest difference to any interior solution At SPEKVA we are dedicated to creating kitchen worktops and furniture of the very finest quality from hand-selected wood. The finished product couldn't be anymore premium.

We cater for your every wish and have something to offer for every taste and

Photographed by Sam Lock, designed by Adaptations – Surrey

purpose.

Contact Sales Manager Mark Williams on 07894698682 and visit us online.

SPEK VA.COM

designerati.co.uk

Our latest digest of people, places, and ideas

Source

6

Surface Chic Cosentino has launched a new addition to the Silestone product offering with Le Chic, a range featuring six different designs.

The new Silestone veined-patterned series of surfacing comprises styles that take inspiration from Victorian and Parisian spaces, with the aim of combining nostalgia with a modern form. Le Chic can be used in all areas in the house, with patterns featuring veining and metallic accents that have been created to stand out against neutral backdrops like cream or deep blues and blacks.

The interlocking veins seen in the material are made possible by the brand’s new moulding system, using particles and minerals of a wide range of sizes to create a new texture.

Cosentino’s HybriQ+ technology is involved in the process as Silestone Le Chic is manufactured using 99% reused water and 100% renewable energy, incorporating a minimum of 20% recycled raw materials in its composition.

Le Chic is composed of six designs: Parisian Blue, Eclectic Pearl, Versailles Ivory, Victorian Silver, Bohemian Flame and Romantic Ash. Silestone / cosentino.com

SOURCE

7 IXMO fittings

LESS CAN DO MORE.

Catching Waves Kast Concrete Basins has introduced its new Wave collection which breaks away from the confines of conventional straight lines, opting instead for a curved form.

Available in three styles, Tilde features an integrated splashback that reflects the curvature of the bowl and can be mounted on walls or surfaces.

Dune offers the flexibility of either surface mounting or wall hanging, while vessel basin Prim is designed for countertop placement.

Tim Bayes, Founder at Kast, said: “The curved shape not only add a touch of whimsy but also creates a contrast with the angular lines present in our living spaces. Each basin is designed to serve as a vibrant centrepiece, its unconventional form infusing the bathroom with a sense of delight and creative energy.”

Kast Concrete Basins / kastconcretebasins.com

keuco.com

Say hello to self-ventilation!

Introducing the Glance collection by Dunavox.

Featuring Europe’s first built-in ventilation system. Freeing your designs from a plinth grille. Creating a cleaner, more seamless design finish.

Available in an array of sizes to match other integrated appliances: 455mmH, 595mmH, 715mmH, 885mmH, 1234mmH & 1780mmH. Complete with push2open technology.

SOURCE D E S I G N E R M A G A Z I N E / D E S I G N E R AT I . C O. U K

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FEBRUARY / MARCH 2023 / ISSUE 269

EDITORIAL EDITOR MARTIN ALLEN-SMITH martin@designerati.co.uk EDITORIAL ASSISTANT GEORGE DEAN george@designerati.co.uk BRAND AMBASSADOR MELISSA PORTER PUBLISHING PUBLISHING DIRECTOR CLARA PERRY clara@thedsgroup.co.uk MANAGING DIRECTOR ALLISTAIR HUNTER OPERATIONS DIRECTOR TRACY MEAD

MARTIN ALLEN-SMITH

CLARA PERRY

MELISSA PORTER

ADVERTISING SENIOR SALES EXECUTIVE CHANTELL KESTON chantell@designerati.co.uk MARKETING CREATIVE MARKETING MANAGER DOM LITTLER dom@thedsgroup.co.uk SENIOR MARKETING EXECUTIVE TYLER CHASE tyler@thedsgroup.co.uk

Scaling the Heights CHANTELL

PRODUCTION ART DIRECTOR LEE THOMAS GRAPHIC DESIGNER BEN EMMERSON ACCOUNTS FINANCE DIRECTOR CHRIS CORKE accounts@thedsgroup.co.uk SUBSCRIPTIONS SUBSCRIPTION MANAGER DONNA FENNELL To subscribe email subscriptions@thedsgroup.co.uk or phone 020 3538 0268. Only those who meet the terms of our controlled circulation are eligible to receive a free copy of Designer Magazine. If you do not reach the criteria, subscription rates are UK £35, Europe £70, Worldwide £115

DOM

Bagnodesign has launched its LITTLER new Alpine collection which KESTON can be configured in numerous ways to works across a wide range of aesthetics. With a choice of 20 slab options, the basin Designer Magazine is publishedshelves, monthly by The DSand Group, and shelf collection features countertop plinths The Nexus,wall-mounted, Systematic Business furniture with a choice of freestanding, andPark, Old Ipswich Rd, Ardleigh, countertop styles in different slab finishes.

Colchester CO7 7QL Featuring a 6mm porcelain Tel: slab01206 surface covering a 585280 waterproof foam core, Alpine is waterproof, non-porous, and resistant to mould and fungus. Installation is designed to be simple too with tap holes drilled in-house prior to delivery based on client requirements. Each piece in the collection is made to order and, for mixing and matching materials, Alpine can also be combined with Bagnodesign’s Corsair oak furniture.

designer FEBRUARY/MARCH 2023 269

FEMALE FRONTIERS Meet the women who are pushing the creative boundaries

designerati.co.uk

TOUCH POINTS

Innovation in surfaces for kitchens & bathrooms

On the cover: The kitchen space within a full

Bagnodesign / bagnodesign.it Open Your Mind re-work of a terraced house in Edinburgh,

Scotland, by AGORA Architecture + Design

Removing the barriers to create spaces for living

INSPIRING PROJECT CREATIVITY Designer 269 Cover 2022 Final.indd 2

16/02/2023 08:15

Why compromise? +44 (0)1761 241133 sales@bathroom-engineering.co.uk www.bathroom-engineering.co.uk The Boat House, Wirral Park, Glastonbury, Somerset, England BA6 9XE

Choose the design and the finish to match your high standards.

Bathroom Engineering Ltd. is a joint venture and the sole U.K. trading division of TECE GmbH

Designer 269 Flannel 2023.indd 7

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Design-led Exclusive - British - Kitchen Furniture Manufacturer

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11

A Vision of Venice Ca’ Pietra has launched its new Rialto Collection of seven resinbased real terrazzo tiles, each of which pays homage to landmarks and areas of the city of Venice and its terrazzo-filled buildings.

Each of the seven slab colours are studded with chips of natural marble and coloured with pigments for a detailed finish.

Suitable for use indoors, on both walls and floors, the seven colours – Castello, Foscari, Laguna, San Marco, San Polo, Santa Croce and Veneta – are available in a large format tile of 600mm x 600mm.

The range is made from recycled and waste marble materials.

Ca’ Pietra / capietra.com

designerati.co.uk

12 Checking In: HIX 2023 Billed as Europe’s only hotel design event, HIX returns to London’s Business Design Centre on 16-17 November 2023. The event aims to bring the hospitality community together for two days of exhibitions, installations, discussions and parties.

Showcasing some of the latest hotel interior experiences, the event’s theme this year is ‘a room with a point of view’, with which organisers plan to highlight the voices, concepts and values that are set to define the next chapter of hospitality design.

With designers, architects, operators, investors, project managers, procurement specialists and other hospitality professionals set to attend, the event will include social, expo, talk and installation strands, alongside an exhibition featuring many European design brands.

Returning exhibitors include Grohe, Roca, Ligne Roset Contract and Vaughan whilst new members of the HIX community feature Simba, Schneider and Duravit. Also returning for 2023 is Collection – a dedicated space showcasing a curated selection of the best new ranges, with Lyndon, Martella, Muuto, Marset and more all set to present their latest product launches.

This year’s HIX will also present a pair of installations exploring the future of hotel design.

Created by London-based Blacksheep and Wroclaw’s MIXD, these two hospitality spaces will allow guests to inhabit forward-thinking environments that address the biggest issues facing guests, designers and operators alike.

Meanwhile, a programme of panel discussions, keynotes, interviews and presentations will explore a range of topics including: inclusive design; how hotel design can engage local communities; and what hotels of the future can learn from buildings of the past. HIX Talks is a two-day series of sessions, with a line-up that includes David Chipperfield Architects, WilkinsonEyre, Feix&Merlin, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Anarchitect, BeInclusive Hospitality, ReardonSmith, Bergman Interiors, and more.

HIX / hixevent.com

Haute Couture for your bath

Explore our new collection www.acquabella.com

22.11.2023 JOIN US AT WEMBLEY STADIUM Dresscode: Masquerade themed Tickets include: • Champagne Reception • Hosted by comedian Tom Allen!

• Networking • Access to stadium & pitch-side • ‘Murder under the Arch’ After-Party • Unlimited drinks package • Bowl food in the evening • From 1pm to 11pm

LAST CHANCE TO SECURE YOUR SEAT designeratiawards.co.uk Tickets include After-Party

designerati.co.uk \ project

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Creative teamwork and carefully curated specification defined this bold itchen scheme ebecca o es, esi n irector at ohn Lewis of un erford, tal s us throu h the pro ect

FINE FINISHING

JOHN LEWIS OF HUNGERFORD

Photography: Ryan Wicks

designerati.co.uk \ project

18 THE OVERVIEW:

“The project was a collaboration between John Lewis of Hungerford, Gordon Duff & Linton, and Jo Cowen Architects.

Cabinetry is from John Lewis’ Pure range with bespoke black oak veneer and a brass finish on the handle rail and doors.”

JOHN LEWIS OF HUNGERFORD THE DESIGN BRIEF:

“The client wanted a space which was both perfect for entertaining and everyday living and really wanted to make the most of the space. They also wanted something completely bespoke and unique to them.”

THE DESIGN SOLUTION:

“It was a tricky space to work with because of the angles but that made it perfect for bespoke cabinetry. We did lots of sampling to get the wood finishes completely perfect.

“The fish tank was already in the property but the client wanted bespoke cabinetry to surround it so that it really tied into the whole kitchen. All the wood panelling on the walls is by John Lewis of Hungerford in addition to all the kitchen cabinetry, so the whole space works together really well.”

19

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PRODUCT SPEC:

“All appliances are Miele apart from the fridge freezer which is by Fisher & Paykel. Worktops and splashback are Dekton Taga, along with a range cooker from Mercury and boiling water tap from Quooker.”

THE FURNITURE:

“The cabinetry is our contemporary Pure range which, for this project, was given a smoked oak veneer finish with elements of brass to really add drama and warmth to the space.

The Dekton Taga splashback and worktop adds further texture and pattern to the scheme while bespoke open shelving keeps the space light and bright which was essential when working with the darker cabinetry.”

John Lewis of Hungerford / john-lewis.co.uk Gordon Duff & Linton / gordondufflinton.com Jo Cowen Architects / jocowenarchitects.com

JOHN LEWIS OF HUNGERFORD

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D E S I G N I S AT T H E H E A R T OF EVERYTHING WE DO

A b ode a r e k n o wn f o r d e si g n , q u a l i t y a n d o u r se r v i c e b a c k - u p . O u r t ea m o f indus t r y sp e c i a l i st s d e si g n a n d d e v e l o p o u r p r o d u c t ra n ge i n t h e UK . We of f e r ; an e v e r d e v e l o p i n g Pr o n t e a u i n st a n t h o t t a p c o l l ec t i o n , t r en d l ea d i n g kitch e n t a p s, f u n c t i o n a l k i t c h e n si n k s a n d be a u t i f u l ba t h r o o m b r a s s w a r e.

www.abodedesigns. co. uk

Tel: 01226 283434

A b o d e is p a rt of N orc ros Grou p (H ol d i n g s ) L i mi te d , w e s p e c i a l i s e i n l u x u ry ta p an d s i n k de s i g n s .

1668_Abode_Designerati_Full_Page_Ad_AW.indd 1

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designerati.co.uk

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All the runners and riders for the most important design accolades of the year…

The finalists across all categories of the 2023 designerati awards are preparing to find out who will be taking home the coveted trophies at Wembley Stadium on 22 November. Once again, we were inundated with top quality entries from the very best K&B designers, interior designers, and architects across the UK and beyond, making the judging process this year as challenging as ever.

Martin Allen-Smith, Editor of designerati, said: “This year’s competition saw some truly impressive entries both in terms of variety and quality and our judges had a very tough task in selecting this year’s finalists. Thanks to everyone who took the time to submit their entries this year, and huge congratulations to all of our very deserving finalists. The winners will be revealed very soon and we look forward to celebrating the very best in design talent from across the UK kitchen and bathroom industry at Wembley in November.”

As well as the project categories, the longlist for this year’s Product Innovation Awards have also been announced, with the very best new

products from across the K&B sector vying to be selected for a Gold Award. Allen-Smith added: “The commitment to innovation among the industry’s leading manufacturers has never been in doubt but we once again had an exceptional range and variety of products submitted this year.

“As we always say, even the very best interior schemes are only as good as the products specified within them, so the work undertaken by manufacturers in developing new designs, functionality, materials and technology is vital in enabling architects and designers to meet their client’s needs and expectations.”

A number of Gold Winners will be selected from each of the Product Innovation Award categories and announced at the 21st annual designerati awards at Wembley on 22 November. Limited places remain to attend this year’s event, with tickets available to book by visiting the awards website. designerati awards / designeratiawards.co.uk

DESIGNERATI AWARDS 2023

23

BATHROOM DESIGNER OF THE YEAR (UNDER £15K)

BRITISH DESIGN & MANUFACTURING AWARD

BATHROOM DESIGNER OF THE YEAR (OVER £15K)

INTERNATIONAL PROJECT OF THE YEAR

Hannah Bardwell, C.P. Hart Helen Brown, Ripples Chichester Rebecca Lowe, VitrA Lynsey Rowe, Obsidian Interiors

Alison Evans, Obsidian Interiors Daniella Fantini-Griffiths, The Tap End Fredi Maria Rees, C.P. Hart Jemma Morton, Day True

SUPER LUXE BATHROOM DESIGN OF THE YEAR Gavin Farrington, ROCCIA Yousef Mansuri, C.P. Hart Lynsey Rowe, Obsidian Interiors Adam Wollerton, Bathroom + Kitchen Eleven

KITCHEN DESIGNER OF THE YEAR (UNDER £40K) Rita Costa, Kingsey Furniture and Interiors Matthew Gorvin, Hub Interiors Rui Rodrigues, Scott Donald Architecture Dan Stronge, Jones Britain

KITCHEN DESIGNER OF THE YEAR (OVER £40K) Alan Drumm, Uncommon Projects Simon Pirie in collaboration with WN Interiors, Simon Thomas Pirie Tyler Smith, Hubble Kitchens & Interiors Rob Streather, Shape Works

SUPER LUXE KITCHEN DESIGN OF THE YEAR Richard Anderson, Poggenpohl Group UK Kieron Bell, Designer Kitchens & Interiors Dorian & Babette Bowen, Project One David Conlon, En Masse Bespoke Interiors Charlie Smallbone, Ledbury Studio

NEW DESIGNER OF THE YEAR

Sam Coventry, Kitchen Connections of Ascot Alex Gibbs, Bathroom + Kitchen Eleven Laura Gorvin, Hub Interiors Andreya Ciampa, Lima Kitchens

Phil Durkin, Design Studio Ayr Charles Elwell, Kitchens by Holloways Hayley & Tony Robson, Day True Joe Turner, Inglis Hall

Lori Carroll, Lori Carroll & Associates Giuseppe Albanese & Elga Ancona, chromastudio

RETAIL SHOWROOM OF THE YEAR Amy Jane Bathrooms & Interiors Et Lorem Poggenpohl Hampstead Roundhouse Cheltenham

TRADE SHOWROOM OF THE YEAR Bagnodesign Blanco Buster + Punch Caple

BRAND ACHIEVEMENT OF THE YEAR Grohe Westin Simon Taylor Furniture

Also awarded on the day: • Specifier of the Year • Contract Kitchen Award • Editor’s Choice Award • Services to the Industry Award • The Mark Wilkinson Award for Lifetime Achievement

designerati.co.uk

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PRODUCT INNOVATION AWARDS – LONGLIST BATHROOM PRODUCT OF THE YEAR Delia Zero Basin by ACQUABELLA Chiasso by BAGNODESIGN Beran Wall Light by BERT FRANK 3ONE6 Lever by CROSSWATER Vitrium by DURAVIT Private Collection by GROHE AXESS by KEUCO Vision by REXADESIGN

KITCHEN PRODUCT OF THE YEAR

Althia Colours by ABODE Professional Series Air-Tec Range Cooker by BERTAZZONI Freestanding Kitchen by BUSTER + PUNCH RS60 Triple Zone Refrigerator by FISHER & PAYKEL Futurismo Collection by GRAFF DESIGN CookingRAK by RAK CERAMICS SpeedwaveXL by SMEG Turin Kitchen Range by SYMPHONY V6000 CombiSteamer by V-ZUG

MATERIAL PRODUCT OF THE YEAR

Alusplash Grigio Marble Panel by ALUSPLASH Amtico Bio by AMTICO 513 Striata by CAESARSTONE SASO Sink by CAPLE Quartz Cristallo by CRL STONE DiamondFinish Induction Hob by MIELE The Earth Collection by OPTIDEK / RED DOG GLASS DESIGN Urban Crush by SILESTONE

DESIGN TECHNOLOGY PRODUCT OF THE YEAR KPS.MAX Web by ARTICAD Mythos Air Hub Range by FRANKE LightTower by HETTICH Onfigr by PIKCELLS Smart Bezel Voice by ZUMA ARRAY

This year’s host… TOM ALLEN With his signature acerbic wit and riotous storytelling, the brilliant Tom Allen has made himself a household name and star on both stage and screen. His list of TV appearances is extensive – he is the host of The Apprentice: You’re Fired, he co-hosts Cooking with the Stars and is also a regular on Bake Off: An Extra Slice, as well as Alan Carr’s There’s Something About Movies. In 2021, he became the co-host of Channel 4’s Complaints Welcome, and last year hosted brand-new Dave series The Island.

Other television appearances for Tom include Live at the Apollo, A League of Their Own, Hypothetical, 8 Out of 10 Cats, 8 Out of 10 Cats Cats Does Countdown, Would I Lie to You, The Last Leg, QI, The Jonathan Ross Show, The Royal Variety Performance, Never Mind the Buzzcocks, Celebrity Gogglebox and much more.

Tom’s sold-out Absolutely tour of 2018 and 2019 was extended multiple times, selling over 50,000 tickets, including an unforgettable show at the London Palladium which was filmed and broadcast on Channel 4. Tom is back out on the road in 2023 with his brand-new stand-up show, Completely, touring nationwide, and will be bringing his unique wit and style to the designerati awards on 22 November.

DESIGNERATI AWARDS 2023

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designerati.co.uk \ project

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Star

of the

Show

CRL Stone’s Ceralsio Statuario has been chosen to add glitz and glamour to a home refurbishment in Formby

S

pecified by award-winnin installer Birkdale Kitchen Co for the single storey LA-style art deco property inspired by the Treesdale Estate in California, Ceralsio Statuario is a ceramic surface created to add a touch of luxury to its surroundings.

The desi ners pro ect brief for what would eventually be nown as illa Amiri was strai htforward enou h to create somethin with the wow factor eil o cen, irector at ir dale

itchens, said e wanted to achieve a space which would complement the theme runnin throu hout the property The house has its own hair salon, which ives you a steer as to the tar et mar et, so we felt the itchen at the heart of the home had to have the star, blin , wow factor to compliment the rest of the interior.” y pic in throu h the requirements, we considered the target audience and decided to include floatin wine cabinets, set in the stonecladded wall, complete with a wine cooler and

BIRKDALE KITCHEN CO

27

designerati.co.uk \ project

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“THE VISUAL IMPACT SPEAKS FOR ITSELF. IT’S DELIVERED ITS WOW FACTOR, WHICH WAS KEY FROM THE START” trough ready and waiting to host the perfect party at home.”

He added: “Initially too, the brief included an island, but we suggested the double-island approach for both practicality as well as impact.

The two islands and the full cladded wall wrapping the full run – including the floating wine cabinets – was one of the most successful design elements of the project overall.”

The kitchen has a luxurious, glamourous feel throughout, due in no small part to the choice of worksurfaces. Highly visible, practical and visually striking, marble-effect Ceralsio ceramic taps into the trend for the use of natural stone in interior design. Statuario has all the beauty of the real marble, but with the practical benefits of hard-wearing ceramic, featuring a distinctive and highly individual grey veining set against a white background.

“We showcase the CRL Stone in our

showroom and it’s stunning,” added Gokcen, “especially when used as cladding on the whole rear wall to match the islands. We’re delighted with this especially. Despite the fabricators of the ceramic for the wall facing the biggest risk in this project, installation went well with no hiccups.”

The finished space is unique on every level and fit for a film-star from its LA-inspired style, from the pool on one side of the front door, to the kitchen and living space complete with a media wall to the other. Gokcen said: “The visual impact speaks for itself. It’s delivered its wow factor, which was key from the start.”

Birkdale Kitchen Co / birkdalekitchenco.com CRL Stone / crlstone.co.uk

1203

R A K- M E TA M O R F O S I Introducing RAK-Metamorfosi, a brand new vibrant collection inspired by colours and shapes found in nature. Available in large-format brushed resin porcelain slabs to create striking feature walls in 9 colours and 11 decors.

12034S - KBB Review - Metamorfosi - 240x340mm .indd 1

14/02/2023 16:51

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30

JOINED-UP THINKING

Fabrizio Crisà’s designs have defined the output from Italian brand Elica over almost two decades. The manufacturer’s Chief Design Officer shares some insight into the thinking behind the latest radical new addition, LHOV

FABRIZIO CRISÀ

31

designerati.co.uk \ interview

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Together in LHOV Elica’s LHOV design, available in early 2024, unites a hob, hood and oven in one appliance, utilising a single user interface. Conceived and designed by Elica’s Chief Design Officer Fabrizio Crisà, the brand believes that its latest addition establishes a new category in household appliances. Elica says the name LHOV evokes the three essential kitchen elements (hob, oven, ventilation), but also the ‘love’ that has led to the combination of them into a single product for the first time.

The extraction system automatically removes vapours and odours, not only from the hob, but also from the oven, both in terms of air released from the top edge during cooking and the burst of vapor let out when the oven door is opened. The LHOV oven is also wider than a standard oven, offering a larger cooking area on one level, without having to use multiple racks, resulting in more even cooking. LHOV’s cooking hob incorporates five cooking zones, thanks to the side positioning of air intake vents.

Elica / elica.com

FABRIZIO CRISÀ

33 WHAT’S THE PROCESS FOR TAKING A PRODUCT FROM CONCEPT – WHEN IT WAS FIRST SHOWN AT EUROCUCINA IN 2022 – TO PRODUCTION? WHAT ARE THE BIG CHALLENGES AND WHAT HAS TO CHANGE IN THE PRODUCT’S DESIGN? PLEASE TELL US THE STARTING POINT FOR THE LHOV PROJECT – HOW DID THE INITIAL IDEA BEGIN AND HOW DID IT DEVELOP OVER TIME TO BECOME WHAT WE SEE TODAY?

FC: LHOV was born almost by coincidence. We didn’t at that time produce an oven and when I designed the idea, Elica had no plans in place to start to do so. But in the last five or six years, we looked more and more closely at how consumers approach the cooking function.

We watched how people used our NikolaTesla hob and how they move within the kitchen, and during this exercise we saw more clearly how people work with the oven too.

Too often, users have the oven a long way from the hob because of limited layout options and this means they have to move quite a lot between these vital kitchen functions. We also noticed that in essence, the oven has not changed its form for many decades, even though pretty much everything else in our lives and in our homes has evolved. Manufacturers often talk about new features, new technologies, and four levels for cooking. But who uses four levels of an oven? I use one level, and I need to cook more dishes in that one level.

So I started to design an oven because of this observation.

Sometimes when I see the way in which objects are being used by people, it makes me look at how these objects could be improved.

When I started this process for the oven, it was initially just for fun.

I thought what if the oven was slim, what if it was in the same place as the hob, and then I thought about what could be done to recirculate the air within this same structure using our cooker hood technology.

Going through this process was the pivotal moment in realising that these functions could indeed be joined up to create an entirely new kind of appliance.

FC: Before we showed it as a concept, we presented the idea to some of the biggest kitchen manufacturers in Europe to collect their feedback. We took LHOV to seven or eight of the major players across Italy, Germany and France, and their feedback was very positive.

The manufacturers were very enthusiastic but we felt that such an innovative product needed more time to appreciate and develop.

The oven has perhaps been the only product to sit outside of the general aesthetic trend for kitchens, which is for a slim, linear, interruption-free look.

So, we arrived at Eurocucina with this concept and during the time since have been developing it further to put it into production in time for early 2024. It has been a very complex process. The product itself is pretty much the same as what was shown in Milan, because we arrived there with a very solid concept – I had in fact designed it three years earlier back in 2019, so we had refined the idea considerably during the intervening period, adding further functionality step-by-step including, for example, how the air flow in the oven cavity can be used to cook things on the same level differently on the left to how it will cook on the right.

HOW HAS THE APPROACH TO DESIGN AND PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT CHANGED AT ELICA OVER THE YEARS – BOTH FOR YOUR OWN DESIGN DEPARTMENT AND IN THE COMPANY AS A WHOLE?

FC: I arrived at Elica when I was very young – I have been here 18 years.

When I arrived, design was only a ‘dress’. We had the technology, we had a platform for the extraction process, but in the design department our role was mainly just to find a way to make this look good.

Over time, this has evolved and today, rather than simply being the dress of a product, design is the essence of the product. Design drives new ideas and pushes the technological side of the business within the development process.

The example of LHOV shows how the role of the design function has changed – the aesthetics of the product came relatively late in the process. The technology and functionality represented the majority of the work for us from a design point of view; how it looked was just a part of that.

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WHAT CHANGES DO YOU EXPECT TO SEE IN THE WAY THAT PEOPLE USE TECHNOLOGY IN THEIR KITCHEN? IS INTEGRATION – SUCH AS WE SEE WITH LHOV – SOMETHING WE WILL SEE DEVELOP MORE AND MORE?

YOU HAVE DESIGNED A HUGE NUMBER OF PRODUCTS FOR ELICA OVER THE YEARS. WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE?

FC: The next one! I am someone who is never satisfied and always looking to improve. I am a forward-looking person, although I absolutely do look back at past designs and consider how I might design something in a different way if I did it today, and how I could make it even better. I look to the future but never forget the past.

WE ALL NEED FRESH CHALLENGES AND INSPIRATIONS IN ORDER TO DO OUR JOBS WELL, SO WHAT DRIVES YOU PERSONALLY AS A DESIGNER? WHAT MAKES YOU WANT TO GO IN TO WORK EVERY DAY?

FC: It’s a hard question to answer, but I really believe that inspiration just comes from life. Ideas come from looking all around – at other sectors such as automotive, furniture, and fashion. But if you have a lot of curiosity, you can observe people around you and try to understand how their lives change. This is a huge source of ideas because it enables you to see new solutions – just think how our lives have changed in the past 3, 4, or 5 years. We may no longer be living under Covid times, but even so we have since discovered that the place that we live, eat and sleep is not just a house but a home. This kind of change in mindset means there are always opportunities to find new and improved ways of doing things and simplifying people’s lives with better solutions, better functionality, better products.

FC: Yes, I believe this is going to become a big topic. The future will be about integration but not integration just for the sake of it. If you force these ideas of integration then you end up creating some kind of Frankenstein’s monster; you could create products in which not all of the technology is not at the same stage.

For example, you could consider a product like LHOV and say ‘let’s make it so that you can access social media on the display’ – no, right here, today, that’s not the way forward. We have to integrate with common sense. That includes taking care not to integrate functionality in which one of the components or systems becomes obsolete before the others. We all tend to change our smartphones around every three years because they get out of date, but our appliances have to ensure users are still proud and pleased with their product after that time.

Functionality yes, but without a doubt it must also have longevity.

“THE FUTURE WILL BE ABOUT INTEGRATION BUT NOT INTEGRATION JUST FOR THE SAKE OF IT. IF YOU FORCE THESE IDEAS THEN YOU END UP CREATING SOME KIND OF FRANKENSTEIN’S MONSTER”

FABRIZIO CRISÀ

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The Clay Retreat A newly-built, low-carbon home in the New Forest that ticks all the boxes when it comes to comfortable modern living Photographer: Malcolm Menzies

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THE BRIEF

The Clay Retreat is a newly-built, low-carbon home in the New Forest, replacing an existing holiday cottage. The clients, a young family, wanted a family home with a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere. The space had to be modern, practical, bright and clean. It was important that the property had a strong connection to the outdoors, complementing its rural setting whilst maintaining a contemporary look. The homeowners knew they wanted a large island and plenty of space for coffee making, a skill they take seriously!

RISING TO THE CHALLENGE

Architects PAD Studio and kitchen designer Pluck Kitchens set about creating the right solution. One of the first challenges was incorporating enough storage for the family while keeping the number of cupboards to a minimum. Pluck designed tall cabinetry on one side that incorporates the family’s coffee kit, including a handy shelf for easily accessible cups. A larder houses consumables and the range cooker is the centrepiece of the back run of low cabinets. The sink is here too, located with views through a square,

triple glazed window out to the garden.

With all appliances on the back run, Pluck were able to leave the island clear of kit, creating a generous worktop area for food prep.

PAD had a vision for this custom piece that included a waterfalledged Caesarstone worktop and the design has a sculptural feel due to the negative spaces created by the open areas underneath.

COLOUR SCHEME

Palette-wise, this space is all about soft, tactile and natural feeling finishes. PAD Studio’s interior scheme includes clay render walls, with exposed timber battening, a balustrade hand-wrapped in sisal rope and a poured concrete floor.

Pluck and PAD Studio worked closely with the homeowners to select the cabinetry colour, and although on paper Ritzy (a coral pink) seems bold,

“PALETTE-WISE, THIS SPACE IS ALL ABOUT SOFT, TACTILE AND NATURAL FEELING FINISHES”

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it echoes the warm, soft hue of the walls and complements the green views of the garden. The London Plane adds a texture thanks to the speckled grain of the wood. The cooker’s extraction is concealed in London Plane cabinetry which, visually, brings a pleasing balance to the wood used in the rest of the design.

SOUND SURFACING

The star of the show, the central island, provides additional storage and prep area, with its waterfall edged Caesarstone 6141 Ocean Foam worktop offering a fresh contrast against Pluck’s London Plane cabinetry. Tying in with both the warm cabinetry colour and organic elements in the room, the surface choice aims to bring a refreshing ambience to the space, with its subtle patterns and crystalline particles mimicking the appearance of natural stone.

Enhancing the modern aesthetic of

the kitchen, it also reflects natural and artificial light, making the space appear brighter and more spacious.

Ricky Evans, Associate Architect at PAD Studio, said: “Caesarstone provided a high-quality, durable material in a neutral finish that complemented the overall kitchen design and open-plan interior. The material could also achieve the unsupported spans of the island unit we were looking for in a relatively thin profile.

“The quality of the worktop was also a deciding factor for us – its composition ensures resistance to scratches, stains and heat, making it suitable for everyday use in a busy kitchen. Additionally, its non-porous nature makes it hygienic and easy to clean, requiring only simple care to maintain its pristine appearance.”

PAD Studio / padstudio.co.uk Pluck Kitchens / pluck.co.uk Caesarstone / caesarstone.co.uk

“ALTHOUGH ON PAPER THE CORAL PINK COLOUR SEEMS BOLD, IT ECHOES THE WARM, SOFT HUE OF THE WALLS AND COMPLEMENTS THE GREEN VIEWS OF THE GARDEN”

PAD STUDIO

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THE

COOKER

HOOD

SPECIALI S T S

The Westin Harmony G4 bridgeable vented hob with Flexizones

014 84

4215 8 5

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Bathed IN COLOUR

Bathroom brand Kaldewei recently unveiled a colourful new collaboration with designer Bethan Laura Wood. We spoke to her about the Avocado Dreams range…

PLEASE TELL US HOW THE AVOCADO DREAMS COLLABORATION WITH KALDEWEI CAME ABOUT.

BLW: For me it was about taking on the fear of non-plain or neutral colour bathroom suites head on – in full swirl! I also wanted to give a nod to the avocado bathroom; the one of my personal dreams, not the preconceived version. So, I deliberately used this colour tone as one of the accents for the three colourways I have produced.

Within the design I used a range of colour tones so when put into different environments it would have movement both in the patterns

BETHAN LAURA WOOD

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I decided to design a pattern that flowed and swirled around the curves of the bath. I liked the idea of taking reference from the delicate fabric of a silk dressing gown that you may drape on the body you after a relaxing bath. I wanted to lean into the idea of a luxury bath that you spend time in to relax and dream.

WHAT’S THE THINKING BEHIND THE CONCEPT OF THE ‘LUXSTAINABLE’ BATHROOM, AND IS IT REALLY POSSIBLE TO ACHIEVE THE RIGHT BALANCE BETWEEN LUXURY, FUNCTIONALITY, AND SUSTAINABILITY (AND TO DO SO AT SCALE)?

BLW: There will always be contrast between mass production and sustainability but I was impressed

by Kaldewei’s passion for striving towards making their material and processes as sustainable as they can. It was a beautiful ballet dance of huge metal forms gracefully transforming, all dangling and spinning around the factory.

Alongside all the details of the construction process, it’s important to take into consideration utilising as much as the material as possible within the process to keep waste to an absolute minimum.

YOUR WORK HAS ALWAYS EMBRACED MATERIALITY AND EXPERIMENTATION. WHAT WERE THE PARTICULAR CHALLENGES IN WORKING ON DESIGNS FOR THE BATHROOM WITH KALDEWEI?

BLW: I think pushing the size and scale of the area of pattern we could work with on the piece to match the size of the bath. This is the largest piece they have worked with so far, so to get to a product this size and depth without major distortion is a really amazing achievement.

YOUR DESIGNS ARE KNOWN FOR THEIR UNIQUE AND PLAYFUL STYLE. HOW DID YOU INCORPORATE THESE ELEMENTS INTO THE PRODUCTS FOR KALDEWEI WHILE ENSURING FUNCTIONALITY AND UTILITY?

BLW: I wanted to stay true to my style, with a lot of movement and play in my design, but it shouldn’t be too loud, overwhelming, or intimidating.

The utility for all bathroom users should be preserved. Additionally, I find it beautiful that the intensity of my selected colours can vary in each bathroom in harmony with the other colours in the bathroom.

WHAT OPPORTUNITIES DO YOU SEE FOR FURTHER EVOLUTION OF THE BATHROOM, KITCHEN, OR OTHER ASPECTS OF THE HOME WHEN IT COMES TO MATERIALS, COLOURS, AND SUSTAINABLE THINKING?

BLW: I love that Kaldewei are excited to keep pushing and experimenting to get the pattern all over the bathroom pieces inside and out.

EMBRACING COLOUR & PATTERN With her vision for Avocado Dreams, Bethan Laura Wood has given four key Kaldewei products a bold new look. The unique and always-colourful signature of the British designer is immediately noticeable. Wood was inspired by the contours of the Meisterstück Oyo Duo bathtub, and the purist form of the Meisterstück Centro Duo Oval, the straight-lined Superplan Zero shower surface and the Miena washbasin bowl, all of which now make up the Bethan Laura Wood Avocado Dreams collection.

There are three almost psychedeliclooking pattern and colour variations: Avocado Swirl (green tones); Avocado Sea (blue/purple); and the colour mix of Avocado Disco. Each of the products are plastic-free and made of 100% recyclable steel enamel.

Kaldewei / kaldewei.co.uk Bethan Laura Wood / bethanlaurawood.com

DUK

V I T R IUM C O L O UR S DE S IGN B Y C HRI S T I A N W E RNE R

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C O L O U R U P Y O U R E V E R Y D AY The series which offers statement pieces for the bathroom. w w w.dur av it.c o.uk

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Poggenpohl launched Heart of Gold, a kitchen that incorporates a hidden Gaggenau cooktop in a Consentino ‘Cheppo’ worksurface. The door fronts on the front of the island feature integrated cooktop controls and are made from the same material as the worktop.

The red door front, seen on the units at the back on the tall wall units and oven housing is Burgundy Soft Matt, which are made from Fenix anti-fingerprint nanotechnology. The glass showcase cabinets also feature Burgundy Soft Matt internally. poggenpohl.com

HAUSMESSE

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Open Haus The major German kitchen brands opened their showrooms recently for the annual display of new innovations.

We pick out some key highlights...

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HAUSMESSE

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Kitchen manufacturer Sachsenküchen has introduced its new Raja range. Scandi inspired, Raja is shown in a Juniper matt lacquer with a 2mm frame, paired with Edda, Lara and complemented by a new cement light HPL 16mm worksurface.

The layout also features a glass storage centrepiece styled in a new aluminium dark bronze and available in a choice of 20, 32 and 50mm frames. The scheme also features integrated lighting, with a choice of task and mood lighting, including a new LED storage wall rail. sachsenkeuchen.de

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Ballerina Kitchens introduced its new Flex range at Hausmesse. Four years in development, the flexible configuration enables a wide choice of designs, with highly customisable fronts and multiple handle options. ballerina-kitchens.eu

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Poggenpohl has 17 points of sale throughout the UK & Ireland · uk@poggenpohl.com For your nearest Poggenpohl Studio please go to www.poggenpohl.com

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Newport is a new range from Schuller, shown combined with basalt graphite effect worktops and recess decor, and modern shaker-style fronts with a forest green satin finish. Behind its grey glass doors, the illuminated tall glass display unit can accentuate design accessories and kitchen utensils. The multi-functional top storage unit has been designed to look inconspicuous when closed but can be opened up for use as a large breakfast cabinet with a large storage capacity. schueller.de

HAUSMESSE

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Rotpunkt introduced a number of new products and updates for existing ranges. Show is the Zerox KQ laminate front in Textured Carbon Stone, combined with Zerox FM Ripasso Walnut with vertical wood grain and narrow slatted look. The manufacturer also announced a collaboration with British handle brand Buster + Punch, offering five handle styles in four colour options. rotpunkt.co.uk

Villeroy & Boch Kitchens unveiled several new design innovations and kitchen styles at its September hausmesse, including the launch of the Cera range, presented in a mix of Zahia Stone Silk ceramic with Largo in Capri Blue velvet lacquer. The kitchen set also showcased a new pocket door system for tall units, suitable for concealing appliances as well as open storage elements.

The kitchen features new Verona handle profiles, available in a dark walnut veneer and the option to inlay a matching ceramic or glass finish. Cera is available in a palette of nine ceramic finishes with complementary worksurface options. euromobel.co.uk

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Modern CRAFT

A pale oak and porcelain kitchen harnessed traditional techniques to create a thoroughly contemporary end result...

Photography: Peter Corcoran

Designer David Lisle said: “As experts in bespoke furniture, we have decades of experience in refining traditional joinery techniques, translating these to work harmoniously with modern technology and contemporary design.

This kitchen in Nantwich is a perfect example. Though decidedly modern in design, the fine art of traditional craftsmanship is used throughout.”

Lisle added: “Through careful selection of subtly grained timber and dark, honed porcelain tops, the furniture absorbs the light in the space, creating a minimal and industrial aesthetic. This gives emphasis to the state-of-theart appliances, such as the bespoke brushed steel extractor at nearly 3m long.”

Westin was commissioned to manufacture a bespoke cooker hood for the scheme. The hood specified not only provides a perfect design feature by spanning the cooking area and providing a perfect symmetry to the space but ensures that extraction is concentrated in the centre of the unit to maximise fume capture. This is aided by an inclined base that allows fumes to collect before extraction through the industrial style baffle filters.

[SEE THE FULL STORY AT DESIGNERATI.CO.UK]

David Lisle / davidlislekitchendesign.com Westin / westin.co.uk

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A home in the sun that manages to blur indoors with outside, making the most of every ray of daylight in its built-up location to offer secluded peace and serenity

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Granada-based architects DTR Studio created Wiik House, a stunning residential project in Estepona, Spain, as a second home in the sun. The firm was first contacted by the clients in 2017, who had seen the company’s portfolio online. They asked them to find a plot in Estepona’s downtown district, where the family, based in Oslo, Norway, could build a second residence where they could spend long seasons on the Costa del Sol. The firm found a U-shaped plot, leaving an existing house in the middle, and forming two independent facades facing the same street. That configuration allowed the architects to divide the housing into two distinct units: the main house on one side, and a guest apartment on the other.

The 530sqm project by lead architects Jose Maria Olmedo and Jose Miguel Vázquez is organised around the interior patios and the roof. The use of light, water, and vegetation are used as tools to give meaning to the project, with a purposeful blurring of the limits between the inside and the outside, taking advantage of the mild Costa del Sol climate and reaffirming the commitment to Mediterranean vernacular architecture.

A variety of different strategies were be implemented to incorporate natural light, including patios, stairway skylights, and double height spaces. The architects said: “Any excuse is a good one to tame light and turn it into the true protagonist of the project. Depending on the orientation, the house will break down to enable the passage of sunlight.”

The material ethos of the project is to use “sincere finishes” – polished concrete floors provide continuity to all areas, wood paneling takes advantage of large storage lines, terracotta injects a differentiating element, and the ceiling adds a fifth façade.

DTR Studio Architects / dtr-studio. es/eng

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Photography: Juanan Barros

“ANY EXCUSE IS A GOOD ONE TO TAME LIGHT AND TURN IT INTO THE TRUE PROTAGONIST OF THE PROJECT”

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Design Capital The annual spotlight on London’s creative credentials once again delivered a wealth of ideas, innovation, and sources of inspiration…

Appliance brand Sub-Zero & Wolf has refurbished its ‘subterranean showroom’ in London’s Knightsbridge. Unveiling the new look during the London Design Festival, the brand worked with design practice James Brookman to create the look, which extends across three multi-functional zones.

A centrepiece ‘theatre kitchen’ is set amongst a bank of 10 SZW stainless

steel appliances and will be used for demonstrations by Sub-Zero & Wolf’s private chef, as well as its new ‘cook school’ sessions hosted by resident home economist Olivia Burt.

The space also features a curved bar, and a circular meeting room for hosting clients and private events.

Ricky Davies, Managing Director for Sub-Zero & Wolf UK & Europe, said: “2023 has been a milestone

year for Sub-Zero & Wolf and we are delighted to unveil the subterranean showroom to our clients and industry network. As a brand, we are constantly innovating and this new experiential layout is a step away from the traditional showroom set-up, and one we hope presents our products and customer service in a fresh and exciting way.” subzero-wolf.co.uk

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“THIS NEW EXPERIENTIAL LAYOUT IS A STEP AWAY FROM THE TRADITIONAL SHOWROOM SET-UP, AND ONE WE HOPE PRESENTS OUR PRODUCTS AND CUSTOMER SERVICE IN A FRESH AND EXCITING WAY”

This year’s graphic identity for the festival was once again by creative agency Pentagram, who have created the festival graphics since 2007.

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Showcased within the striking surroundings of St Paul’s Cathedral was Aura by Spanish artist Pablo Valbuena. The live installation transformed the sounds present in the cathedral into a pulsating line of light projected at an architectural scale.

Simone Brewster and Amorim presented Spirit of Place on The Strand, an installation of five large scale sculptural vessels.

This family of objects, ranging up to 2.5m, represents Amorim’s cork forest at Herdade de Rio Frio, Portugal and the future of the forest is represented in the sculptures as four key traits: drought resistance; fungal resistance; upright expression; and fast voluminous growth.

SHELF. DESIGN YOUR WORLD.

elements.falmec.com

image Nudesign - Eye

Shelf is an innovative extraction solution from the new Elements collection designed especially for walled kitchens.

With its ultra-compact hood function, this element can be enriched with additional modules, creating a versatile hanging furniture system that expands the limits of the interior design.

Experience it for yourself.

LONDON DESIGN FESTIVAL

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Speak with one of the Falmec UK team to discuss our special Display Deals.

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22.11.2023

LAST CHANCE TO SECURE YOUR SEAT

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LONDON DESIGN FESTIVAL

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Together with the Gifu Prefecture in Japan and London-based Hayatsu Architects, the V&A presented a Hana Mikoshi or ‘flower shrine’. Inspired by the ‘Mino Matsuri festival’, this sculptural seating installation was decorated with 50,000 sakura-inspired washi paper flowers handcrafted by craftspeople in Japan.

Takeshi Hayatsu of Hayatsu Architects

Novy Executive Chef, Dan Britten, performs a cooking demonstration in the Halcyon Interiors theatre kitchen

Material Matters returned after its debut last year. The fair brought together brands, designers, makers, and innovators to investigate and celebrate the importance of materials and their ability to shape our lives. Pictured is the Beran table lamp by Bert Frank.

Photography: Graham Martin

Appliance brand Novy launched its Novy London Experience Centre at Halcyon Interiors on Wigmore Street. The well-known showroom will be a training centre for Novy Premium Innovation Partners, residential architects and interior designers. In addition, appointments can be prebooked by Novy retailers for their consumer clients to visit the central London showroom to receive appliance and lighting demonstrations before they purchase.

The launch event was held during LDF and included a first look at the newly-launched ERA glass range cooker from AGA, a sister brand of Novy’s within the Middleby Residential UK portfolio. novy.com

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Artist Morag Myerscough partnered with car brand MINI for an immersive installation at Shoreditch Electric Light Station, offering a journey into the future in which tradition and technology collide to create greener and more abundant urban environments.

VitrA London invited creative design studio 2LG Studio to deliver a playful installation in its Clerkenwell showroom.

Inspired by sci-fi films and the works of French interior designer Andrée Putman, the Playscape installation by Jordan Cluroe and Russell Whitehead combines the organic shapes of VitrA’s Istanbul bathroom collection with a checkboard design made up of curated tiles from the brand. With a monochromatic structure reminiscent of a playground slide, the centrepiece aimed to highlight the limitless potential for creativity in the bathroom space while offering a glimpse into a futuristic world.

“Playscape has been designed to re-imagine the way we experience our bathrooms,” says Cluroe, “as if a spacecraft has landed in the VitrA showroom from the not-too-distant future.”

Whitehead added: “Bold, boundarypushing and aspirational, our design speaks of futures past and takes us into new territory, showcasing the elegant organic shapes of the Istanbul collection – contrasted with the graphic impact of monochromatic tiling.” vitra.co.uk / 2lgstudio.com

LONDON DESIGN FESTIVAL

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Beer Bath Here’s a brilliant combination that we never quite knew we needed. Bath & Barley is the very first beer spa in Belgium, offering a modern take on the traditional day spa fused with traditional Belgian beer. The concept features beer-infused spa treatments, most notably beer baths where guests soak in water mixed with hops, malt and medicinal herbs.

Following the success of its first spa in Brussels, the second location in Bruges was created by studio WeWantMore, using a design approach that offers relaxation and intimacy, but with a link to what distinguishes Bath & Barley – bathing and Belgium’s beer.

The studio has drawn on a palette of raw natural materials such as lime stucco, wood and straw, alongside copper and stained glass to evoke Belgium’s medieval beer brewing culture. The spa is split across two floors, with the oak bathtubs nestled into the vaulted basement and framed by draft beer machines, where guests can pour themselves a pint.

For wellness, guests can indulge in a bathing ritual, use the sauna or rest in a straw-upholstered lounge that allows them to connect with nature. The design aims to support social wellbeing and creates a unique escape from the daily rush.

The concept of beer baths, and the benefits that brewer’s yeast and hops have for the skin, have been known in some countries for a long time. Although Belgian folk wisdom has used dark beer for hair care for centuries – and hops are increasingly used in cosmetics and anti-aging products – beer baths in Belgium are not really known. With Bath & Barley – they hope to change that, by letting the traditional beer country of Belgium discover and embrace this custom.

WeWantMore / wewantmore.studio

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