Design

Fenis was expressly designed to reflect a highly theatrical approach to interior design, with the simple, anatomical lines and sculptural shaping of the seat drawing from vernacular furniture

Reale is an example of mechanical perfection, designed with a manufacturing intelligence which draws from the concepts of mass production, with all joining elements (some of them designed on a bespoke basis) fitting together with precision

Unique Zanotta is paying tribute to Carlo Mollino

Designer and architect Carlo Mollino (1905-1973) is today a well-known figure, but this was not the case in 1981, when Aurelio Zanotta decided to manufacture the solid-wood Fenis Alpine chair. Fenis was designed by Mollino in 1959 for the campus of the Turin Polytechnic, where he had been a professor since 1953 and of which he later became rector.

In the early 1980s, Zanotta became interested in the experiments carried out by Mollino in interior design. Since then, Zanotta has tir elessly studied the con tents of the Mollino archive, in an attempt to perfect the collection of objects in its range.

Zanotta is framing the collection as a tribute and not as a reissue, because Mollino is truly unique in his genre. He did not design for industrial production but instead collaborated with artisans and other figures who worked on the original designs, modifying them as part of a concerted effort. Mollino’s designs and sketches were not blueprints for mass production but documents designed to be discussed in the workshop.

Zanotta’s Mollino Collection 2020 features eight tribute pieces covering a period of 21 years, all featuring the initials CM: Fenis CM (1959), a re-design of the typical Valle D’Aosta-style chair; the Carlino CM storage container – the first piece designed by Mollino, in 1938, which rests on a single pointed leg and also features a drawer; the Milo CM mirror designed for Casa Miller in 1938, evoking the curved, seductive lines of the Venus de Milo statue; the Ardea CM armchair (1946), designed for socialising,

with a high backrest that curves over itself at the top, creating a more private, intimate space; the Reale CM table (1948) featuring a complex, architectural trestle structure that supports a glass table top; the Arabesco CM side table (1949), characterised by the balance between the curved, carved lines of the structure and the transparent surfaces; the Cavour CM desk (1949) with its contrast between the natural, slanting lines of the structure and the bold, geometric presence of the storage compartment, chest of drawers and glass top; and the reclining Gilda CM armchair (1953), which embodies the designer’s eclectic style thanks to a sophisticated structure which uses the armrest to link the front and rear legs. Visit: www.zanotta.it

Arabesco’s perforated curves create a fluid visual effect, breaking up the wooden structure in the areas under the least amount of stress

The slanted organic shaping of the sleek, asymmetrical Cavour is offset by the full geometric forms of the storage compartment, chest of drawers and desk top

Gilda’s armrest/rear leg is made in a single piece that links with the front leg, adding a sense of dynamism to the profile of the armchair

The seat of Ardea rests on two sleek, elongated legs with animal-inspired shaping

The Carlino storage container is supported by a single pointed leg that emphasises the main structure and enhances its structural presence The Milo mirror evokes the feminine, curved lines of the famous statue

Fillings must meet the Furniture and Furnishing (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988

Getting it right

Supplying contract furniture has its own set of rules

‘In England and Wales, the responsibility for fire safety in non-domestic buildings lies with the operator of the building. (The legal situation in Scotland and Northern Ireland is different.) Risk assessments are the responsibility of the employer if the building is a place of work, and of the person who has control of the building, such as the occupier or the owner of the building, if the building is not a place of work,’ says Andrew Munns, SATRA technologist.

The risk assessment will cover fire doors, fire escapes, fire-fighting equipment and signage as well as furniture: furniture fire safety is likely to be only a minor part of the assessment.

‘When deciding on the requirements for furniture, the responsible person will use several factors in determining the potential fire hazard and the required furniture specification. These factors include: the use of the room; whether or not smoking is permitted; the number of seating units; the level of occupancy – for example, the number of beds; the size of the room and its location; whether occupants sleep at the premises; type of fire escape; mobility of occupants; use of automatic fire detection system; use of automatic fire extinguishing system; and any special hazards, such as cooking, strobe lighting and locked internal doors, and staff training in evacuation procedures,’ says Munns.

Having assessed the hazard area level involved, the selected furniture can be tested according to BS 7176. There are four different hazard levels for contract furniture: low, for example an office; medium, for example a restaurant or hotel room; high, for example certain hospital wards, and very high, such as prison cells.

‘Because suppliers of furniture cannot control the use of the furniture after they have supplied it, and because the furniture might be moved from a lower to a higher hazard location, it is advisable to label it according to the hazard category to which it complies. Failure to do this could put the furniture supplier at risk of legal action if the furniture were to be moved to a more severe hazard category and a fire were to occur. If there is no declaration on the product as to the suitability of the item for a particular end use or hazard category, the supplier might be in a weak position to demonstrate that the product is fit for purpose. Also the correct design of label must be used,’ says Munns.

Each hazard level has different test requirements. For low hazard this includes two applications of a smouldering cigarette (as per EN 1021-1:2006) and three applications of a match flame ignition source (as per EN 1021-2:2006), which are applied to the cover and filling

Source 5 and 7 tests use a wooden crib

composite. For medium hazard, the low hazard requirements apply plus a flame ignition source 5 test: a small wooden crib 65mm tall is ignited with the help of a small amount of alcohol. This test must be done on the combination of cover and filling(s) together.

For high hazard, the test requirements include those of low hazard plus a flame ignition source 7 test, which involves a larger wooden crib, similar to ignition source 5. For very high hazard, the test requirements include those of low hazard plus any flame ignition source from BS 5852:2006 Section 11 or 12. In practice, this might consist of several ignition source 7 cribs used together. All fillings must meet the ignition resistance requirements of the Furniture and Furnishing (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988.

Each cover and filling should be re-tested every 2,500 units produced (or every 20,000m of fabric for predictive tests) or once per month, whichever is the more practical, or where there is a change to the specification or supplier. For lower production quantities there is no requirement for re-testing.

There is a mandatory water-soak and line-drying procedure for all cover fabrics and all fillings must be compliant with the UK domestic regulations – for example, a PU foam should pass the Schedule 1 Part I test of these regulations. Visit: www.satra.com/furniture

Core Products

Best FlatPacked Furniture Supplier

Top: Manhattan Below left: Augusta Below right: Ayr

Core Products has won the Interiors Monthly Best Flat-Packed Furniture Supplier award for the second year in a row. ‘Everyone at Core is delighted to receive this honour, especially in such a challenging year for all of us,’ says Mike Rowley, Core Products ceo.

‘It really does represent the hard work and dedication of everyone in the company and is testament that products and service are equally important. Through hard work and determination our administrative and distribution teams managed to operate throughout most of the lockdown, ensuring that our retailers could still supply goods direct to the doors of their customers, so maintaining trade.

‘Many of our new products for 2020 have had to rely purely on ecommerce sales as so many retail outlets were closed, so it is fair to say the increase in sales is really driven by what consumers are actually buying. As more shops now replenish displays this is giving us a much more concise overview of what is selling. Usually we have to rely on retailer response first, so this year does give us all a rather unique perspective when selecting new lines.

‘Amongst the star performers is the new Augusta range, the launch of which

coincides with the resurgence of pine as the wood of choice after the dominance of oak for so many years. As well as being a stylish design it is also exceptionally well-priced.

‘For 2020 we introduced an entire new collection of contemporary and modern living ranges that really reflect the changing way we live. Particularly popular during the time we have all spent at home have been drinks cabinets and stylised individual pieces such as bookcases. New hardwearing and easyto-clean wood effect and stone finishes have also been favourites.

‘Innovation is paramount to our continued expansion of products and never more so than the Ayr mirrored bedroom collection, which being flatpacked is so easy to deliver safely and quickly. We have really striven to meet the ever-changing demands of customers and have seen many changes since we started out over 30 years ago. By developing our own ranges with the UK customer specifically in mind, alongside being one of the very first suppliers to invest in automated ordering and contact-minimal dispatch systems, we look forward to the coming year with confidence.’ Visit: www.coreproducts.co.uk

SMG

Best Business Support (Flooring)

Own branding and POS are available

SMG is all about supporting the independent retailer, and being awarded Best Business Support (Flooring) by Interiors Monthly readers is a fabulous validation of that ethos.

SMG has something for every retailer, large or small, long-established or just starting out. Members run their business as they see fit but gain advantage from a comprehensive package of benefits. Now more than ever, independent retailers need to be part of a group for the support and advantages they offer. SMG has supported its members throughout this difficult time with a membership fee holiday as well as many preferential offers on PPE, signage, and health and safety and business advice.

With the group now representing more than 430 retail outlets in the UK, not only is SMG adding to its flooring proposition regularly, it also offers members the opportunity to link sell furniture and beds, as well as providing a comprehensive business support package which is second to none.

Independent retailers are attracted to joining SMG as the group guarantees they can retain complete independence but at the same time benefit from preferential discounts, rebate schemes and promotions from a comprehensive range of approved suppliers. Not only that, they can access products from any approved supplier via SMG’s Central Purchasing Scheme, even without a direct account. SMG also offers any level of own branding the retailer requires, from one unit to a full store fit-out, with full support all the way.

In line with SMG’s core principles, member retailers decide how they want to run their own business with as much or as little retail support as they require, and more benefits are being added all the time.

The key driver for SMG has always been to create profitable partnerships between members and approved suppliers. They have the same goals and SMG is able to deliver more sales and greater profitability for both. It is so much more than business support; with all of these benefits, it really does have something for every retailer. Visit: www.smg-group.co.uk

The show Exhibitions are returning

goes on

NAEC Stoneleigh is part of the Stoneleigh Park complex

The past several months have seen many exhibitions cancelled as coronavirus made mass gatherings impossible. Events can now take place from 1 October, and one of the first will be the Autumn Furniture Show.

But as with many things this year, the event will differ from 2019. The show will be COVID secure and Government guidelines will be strictly adhered to. All visitors must pre-register on the website, as this will not be possible at the venue on the day.

NAEC Stoneleigh is a purpose-built venue, easily accessed by motorway and rail links and conveniently positioned within a short drive of Birmingham Airport. Hotel accommodation, if required, can be found locally.

Parking and admission are free and all furniture trade buyers are very welcome to attend. A complementary light lunch is available to all visitors over the two days.

Stand take-up has been brisk, with many exhibitors taking this opportunity to present their autumn offers.

The exhibitors themselves are from a good cross-section of the industry: cabinet furniture, beds, bedroom furniture and upholstery, and include many well-known brands. A full exhibitor list can be found on the website.

A link to the online show guide can also be found on the website, together with general show information.

This long-standing event, taking place across two exhibition halls, presents a great opportunity to see the latest designs and benefit from show offers. A chance to catch up with trade and retail friends and colleagues is an added advantage in this important pre-Christmas period. Visit: www.theautumnfurnitureshow.co.uk

GETTING THERE

By car:

• From London / M40: leave the M40 at junction 15 and head onto the A46 towards

Coventry. Follow the signs to Stoneleigh Park main entrance or NAEC on the B4113. • From the M6/M69: leave the M6 at junction 2 and head onto the A46 towards

Warwick. Or at the end of the M69, head onto the A46 towards Warwick and the

M40. Follow the signs to Stoneleigh Park main entrance or NAEC on the B4113. • From the M1 (Northbound): leave the M1 at junction 17 and join the M45 heading towards Coventry. Pick up the signs for the A45 Coventry (not Daventry). Stay on the

A45 heading towards the A46, and follow the signs to Stoneleigh Park main entrance or NAEC on B4113.

For satnav use the postcode CV8 2LG

By rail:

• Royal Leamington Spa, Warwick and Warwick Parkway rail stations are situated on the main London Marylebone line. The West Coast Main Line runs through

Birmingham. • London Eust on–Coventry services run every 30 minutes on weekdays. London

Marylebone–Warwick Parkway services run every 30 minutes. • There is a frequent service between Birmingham New Street, Birmingham

International and Coventry. • From these mainline stations you will need to take a short taxi ride. Taxi ranks are based at both Warwick Parkway and Coventry stations, both approximately 5 miles from Stoneleigh Park.

By air: Birmingham International Airport is a 30-minute drive away.