Home Design and Architect - March 2022

HOME-DESIGNER AND ARCHITECT

MAGAZINE March 2022

RINNAI’S H3 RANGE - HYDROGEN, HYBRID & HEAT PUMPS - LOW CARBON HEATING & HOT WATER SYSTEMS

RINNAI’S H3 RANGE

- HYDROGEN, HYBRID & HEAT PUMPS - LOW CARBON HEATING & HOT WATER SYSTEMS

Rinnai Announces New “H3” Product Roadmap in Drive to Net Zero

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innai is expanding its product range in accordan ce w i t h in c reas e d demand for decarbonizing technology. Rinnai’s new “H3” range of products includes a wide selection of commercial heat pumps as well as hydrogen blendsready and hybrid hot water heating systems. Additionally Rinnai will be developing and introducing electrical formats to all existing product ranges within the next 12 months.

Rinnai’s H3 line of products will be commercially introduced in separate stages throughout 2022.

Within the next 12 months Rinnai will possess a range of residential and commercial decarbonizing technology capable of functioning through natural gas, hydrogen blends, hybrid formation and electrical formats. To complete Rinnai’s H3 range heat pumps will be introduced as an option of carbon neutral heating & hot water delivery for residential and industrial properties.

Says Chris Goggin, Operation Director for Rinnai, “Our company operates on the five continents of the world producing over 2 million water heating units each year. We have a global reach, over 650 design engineers, plus testing facilities in Japan, America and Australasia. We have moved this quickly as we perceive that the market is fast changing.

“We must start reducing the use of high carbon content fuels as soon as it is realistic and pragmatic. We have huge populations that want to fight

the rate of climate change but there is still the need for assessment of the technical, practical and economic feasibility within the UK’s unique housing stock of over 25 million units. We aim to continue in aiming to achieve NetZero without compromising product quality or customer satisfaction.”

Rinnai’s new products and formats all meet or exceed exis ting or proposed UK legislation or certifications.

Adds Mr Goggin, “We have positioned the Rinnai name as a company that offers the highest quality product and best available value with service excellence. It is a position of responsibility and we have maintained a stance of doing the absolute best we can for customers. We believe implicitly in this basic premise - we do the absolute best we can, and we achieve what our customers want and expect. And that includes anticipating the future.”

Rinnai has also commissioned a comprehensive comparative report focusing on gas and electrical appliances utilising a variety of energy vectors in both residential and commercial UK scenarios.

An appliance analysis will concentrate on the separate levels of energy efficiency of individual products. Heading the report is a prominent multi-national consultancy firm within the building sector; a team of empirically motivated non-political and non-partisan academics that will supervise the final draft of Rinnai’s energy efficiency review. “ We simply want to see realism brought into an increasingly polarised debate that, at times reaches levels of unbridled hysteria. Fact, logic and reason must be employed for the

best outcome for all of us. We need decarbonisation, we need NetZero, and we need it as soon as possible but in such a way that is pragmatic in terms of catering to the existing populations and markets,” says Chris Goggin.

“We are committing substantial sums to this report and the contract with the authors stipulates that there is no third-party doctoring or spin. The consumer needs to be given the facts to make an informed decision.

“We are manufacturers of proven excellence and are using our core competencies of design engineering solutions to suit all probable future needs and fuels. We will evolve to ensure that our customers have the absolute best possible product options.

“We believe, implicitly that there will be a need for a variety of solutions to the Energy Trilemma – there is not one single fuel or appliance that is the answer to all the problems.”

For more information on the RINNAI product range visit

www.rinnaiuk.com

STELRAD. FIT FOR THE FUTURE. Stelrad’s range of radiators are aesthetically designed to perform with the future in mind. All radiators, including current and new models are fully compatible with low temperature heating systems and are in stock for immediate delivery.

Stelrad have the radiators to meet your installation, specification and contract needs.

HOME-DESIGNER AND ARCHITECT

CONTENTS March 2022

10 Style & Sustainability 26 Interior Design 20 Lifts

36 Bathrooms

24 Industry News

44 Kitchens

CONtact US Jake Page

Publication Manager

01843 581364

jake@homedesignerandarchitect.co.uk

Jenna Burridge

Editor

01843 581364

jenna@homedesignerandarchitect.co.uk

Low on temperature.

High on performance.

Compact with Style Vertical

Heavy Duty Deco

Stelrad’s range of radiators are aesthetically designed to perform with the future in mind. All radiators, including current and new models are fully compatible with low temperature heating systems and are in stock for immediate delivery.

Stelrad have the radiators to meet your specification and contract needs.

Planar K3

QUALITY PRODUCTS | EXTENSIVE RANGE | FOR EVERY TASTE | EASY INSTALLATION

WORK UNDERWAY ON 88 NEW HOMES IN CHICHESTER Construction work on new homes in Chichester has now begun, after detailed plans for the scheme were approved by the local authority.

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ellway South London is to deliver 88 new homes at a develop ment called Indigo Park, which will occupy the former Portfield Quarry and UMA House site off Shopwhyke Road.

An interior image of a Bellway South London showhome

The developer is to build 77 homes for private sale and 11 affordable proper ties for local people through rent or shared ownership on the brownfield site, which was most recently used as offices for Tarmac Marine Dredging Ltd. Chichester District Council approved Bellway’s amended plans for the land, which already had planning permission for residential development in place, in November.

Dan Bradbury, Regional Director of Bellway South London, said: “Construction work began on the site in the last few weeks, as we take the first steps towards providing much-needed new housing in the area.

As part of the planning agreement for the development, Bellway will contribute £230,120 towards improvement work on the A27, as well as £51,000 towards Chichester Harbour Special Protection Area.

“At Bellway we are proud of our heritage of taking brownfield sites and transforming them into vibrant new neighbourhoods which invigorate and uplift the surrounding location.

At Indigo Park we are taking a vacant site and building a new development which will help regenerate the area.”

The housebuilder is also providing public open space with a children’s play area on site.

Indigo Park is part of a larger area which has been allocated for new housing in the Chichester Local Plan.

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Dan said: “We are going to build a range of three and four-bedroom houses and one and two-bedroom apartments at Indigo Park to meet the needs of a wide range of buyers in the area.

“We will also be delivering a mix of affordable one and two-bedroom

apar tments and three-bedroom houses which will provide new housing for local people through rent or shared ownership.

“With construction work now underway, we hope to be able to release the first homes for sale at the development this autumn.”

Bellway South London is building new homes across West Sussex and Surrey.

For more information about the new homes coming soon at Indigo Park, visit https://www.bellway. co.uk/new-homes/south-london/ indigo-park.

PETRARCH CELEBRATES 50 YEARS WITH AN ALL INCLUSIVE

PHOTO COMPETITION Petrarch, one of the first engineered stone rainscreen facades, celebrates turning 50 this year!

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ince 1972, over 1,000,000m2 of this aesthetically striking panel has been specified for more than 1,000 buildings across commercial, residential, education, healthcare and transport sectors worldwide. Helping to ‘unlock the potential’, it has changed the face of working and living spaces internationally, and been showcased on numerous award-winning buildings.

To mark the anniversary, Architectural Panel Solutions (its manufacturer) is holding an architectural photo and drawing competition with chances to win three special golden tickets throughout the year. The prize consists of a hot air balloon ride for two (see Show some love for Petrarch and architecture, with our 50th year anniversary photo competition. - Petrarch Architectural Panels (petrarchpanels.com).

Blending both form and function perfectly, Petrarch has been manufactured in the UK for 50 years, currently at its factory in St Leonards on Sea, East Sussex.

On the form side, it features more than 1,500 shades and five distinctive textures, and just like natural stone, it matures over time, giving character and depth to any architectural scheme. The reconstituted stone panel can also be custom ribbed or routed.

ditions. They are also impact resistant and boast an A2-s1,d0 reaction to fire rating (EN 13501).

Petrarch is a reconstituted stone panel created predominantly from natural by-product materials such as stone and marble. Highly durable and impact resistant, it is considerably lighter than natural stone systems and is extremely weather resistant - designed to withstand severe environmental conditions.

Used on a myriad of award-winning projects worldwide, UK projects include Pawson Williams’ Natural History Museum in London (riven Graphite), TP Bennett’s The Filmworks in Ealing, London (smooth Alabaster), Engles’ Eagles Meadow shopping centre in Wrexham, North Wales (riven Heather and Graphite), and WCEC Architecture’s Royal Wharf at the Royal Docks in London (smooth matt custom colour).

The competition and the introduction of new features on the Petrarch website triggers the start of a year of celebrations and initiatives to mark 50 years of success and #petrarchpassion.

Petrarch has already launched a “Lookbook” on its website where architects and specifiers can select their own swatch of inspiring projects worldwide, to read at their leisure. Go to Petrarch turns 50! - Petrarch Architectural Panels (petrarchpanels.com).

On the function side, Petrarch is BBA and CWTC approved and carefully designed to be extremely weather resistant yet low maintenance and lightweight.

The panels will not delaminate or decay under any con-

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GILBERTS OUTLINES HOW IT CAN HELP UK BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION IN THE ZERO CARBON EVOLUTION

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ith new Building Regulations on ventilation and energy efficiency coming into force later this year, to help achieve zero carbon by 2050, Gilber ts Blackpool is ahead of the game in advice and support.

As the UK’s leading independent air movement specialist with more than half a centur y delivering natural and mechanical ventilation for commercial and public environments, the company has published “Sustainable Building Design & the Zero Carbon Evolution”.

The guide aims to help architects and consultants deliver significant energy consumption reduction in in new build ventilation designs, through selection of natural ventilation.

The guide gives an overview of the diverse ventilation options available.

The guide clarifies how the systems differ. It covers how each can be digitally engineering at the design stage to validate the design and performance criteria and ensure reduction in the building’s carbon emissions.

“Building services- heating, cooling, lighting- account for 28% of carbon emissions in building and construction,” states Ian Rogers, Gilberts’ sales director. “Our British temperate climate actually works to the advantage of building services designers and specifiers in the drive towards sustainable building design.

The key going forward will be how that is optimised.

“We believe, as an expert in the sector, in taking a supportive and pro-active approach, offering as much help as possible, to enable informed decisions to be made, in a way that yields environmental and fiscally-sound benefits to all involved in delivering the non-domestic built environment.”

The Guide can be downloaded free of charge at the Gilberts website.

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Founded over 60 years ago, Gilberts is unique in its ability to develop ventilation components, be it ‘mainstream’ or bespoke, for natural, mechanical or hybrid systems - entirely in-house, from initial design through tooling, production, testing and supply, at its 85,000 ft 2 manufacturing facility. Its state of the art test centre, designed and built in-house, is one of the most technically advanced in the country.

DOMUS VENTILATION RELEASES THREE RIBA ACCREDITED CPD COURSES ON RESIDENTIAL VENTILATION Domus Ventilation has released three RIBA accredited Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses on residential ventilation. The courses are designed to improve architects’ understanding of ventilation in residential new builds.

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ach RIBA accredited CPD covers the basic principles of ventilation and why it is so important to provide adequate ventilation in modern energy efficient homes, not only for the health of the occupants but also for the fabric of the building. From here, the CPDs take different paths: the first addresses recent changes to Part F - Ventilation of the Building Regulations; the second looks at Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) system design; whilst the third focuses on how to successfully integrate mechanical ventilation into a project.

and best practice based on real world ‘dos and don’ts’ examples. This detailed course covers air flow rates for different types of properties; sizing & selecting of ductwork; how to ensure the correct MVHR unit size is used and where to site it; minimising noise; and the importance of good system design for energy efficiency.

Installation & Commissioning are also addressed. The course includes a range of MVHR system drawings to help illustrate best practice, along with common mistakes to avoid.

The ‘Integrating – MVHR & MEV Systems into Dwellings’ presentation focuses on t ypical ventilation planning conditions placed on developments and strategies available to discharge them. The regulations surrounding ventilation and ventilation systems are an important part of this CPD course, but the main focus is placed on MVHR and MEV systems as they are the systems used in most developments now and in the future. The presentation provides a comparison of the systems and looks at the finer details for integrating them into a build, enabling you to select the most appropriate system for your project.

Domus Ventilation’s ‘Residential Ventilation Principles & Building Regulations’ CPD lays clear the considerable changes to Par t F - Ventilation of the Building Regulations. The course covers the types of ventilation available, along with supporting ductwork and installation practices, in relation to the pertinent regulations / directives. New MVHR guidelines and best practice also feature within the course, along with Part B - Fire Safety and the use of combustible material in cavities.

‘MVHR Ventilation Design & Best Practice’ takes an in-depth look at how to design an MVHR system

The three RIBA accredited CPD courses have been written by the Domus Ventilation Specification team, using their breadth of experience and in-depth knowledge of the residential ventilation sector.

T he Domus Vent ilat ion R IB A accredited CPD courses, each of which runs for a maximum of one hour, can be conducted on a customer’s premises or at one of Domus Ventilation’s two training centres. To book a course, contact megan.bennett@domusventilation.co.uk

or go to https://www.ribacpd.com/ For information on Domus ventilation, go to www.domusventilation.co.uk

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RAISING THE BAR ON LUXURY BATHROOM DESIGN WITH RAK CERAMICS Now more than ever the bathroom is a place of sanctuary, relaxation and comfort. What are they key trends that help create such a space? Ben Bryden, Sales and Marketing Director of RAK Ceramics, looks at the materials, colours and finishes that are coming through to will help architects and installers create bathrooms that meet up to their customers’ high expectations.

While we’ve all been staying at home that little bit more than we may have liked, many homeowners have been undertaking a vast amount of home improvement too, with the bathroom being one of the main areas of investment. In fact, research by insurance company confused.com found that Brits spent £34,000 renovating their homes, on average, during lockdown, with 94% of them choosing to upgrade their bathroom.

The world looks a little different once again as we traverse 2022, but the investment in our homes looks set to continue and there are several stand-out trends that are coming through in terms of bathroom design.

Hygiene first As we continue to live with the pandemic in 2022, the heightened awareness of good hygiene means that ease of cleaning and anti-bacterial surfaces have really come to the fore. Touchless flushing on WCS like RAK-Sensation, for instance, encourages users to flush in a hygienic way, while the absence of awkward levers or buttons to press makes the bathroom that little bit more accessible to all too, something that is important in multi-generational households or when consumers are hoping to future-proof their current space.

In terms of ease of cleaning, rimless WCs are a dream, while anti-bacterial coatings raise the stakes even further in terms of hygiene in the

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RAK-Petit solves the problem of creating luxury results in compact spaces, with deepbased washbasins that can be installed alone or combined with RAK-Joy vanity units.

bathroom, acting as an invisible barrier to harmful germs and bacteria. Special glazes, such as RAKSanit, applied during manufacture see these off, with no need for lots of chemicals and copious amounts of cleaning products. A regular wipe down with a soft damp cloth is all that is required, likely to be music to the ears of busy families.

Bathroom style trends From a style viewpoint too, for a long time, the focus for sanitar y ware in the bathroom has been starkly white, but things are changing, with soft pastels and muted shades increasingly being seen on sanitaryware. Less clinical than an all-white bathroom, these

A countertop washbasin in an ontrend colour, such as the RAK-Feeling bowl in Cappuccino will make a statement regardless of how much floor space there is to play with.

For bathroom surfaces, porcelain and ceramic tiles have never been so popular and their practical advantages alone make them so.

Hardwearing and easy to clean, porcelain and ceramics tiles can be chosen to emulate the natural beauty of materials like marble, raising the stakes in terms of luxury in the modern bathroom too. Large format tiles or mega slabs minimise grout lines and create a seamless finish over large areas such as bathroom walls too.

pops of colour can be scaled up or down to meet individual tastes.

Colour doesn’t need to mean bold and bright and in this instance the trend takes a far subtler approach, with nature-inspired tones, such as those found in the RAK-Feeling collection, adding character while creating a relaxed and tranquil vibe.

Shower power Creating a spa-like feel in the domestic bathroom has become increasingly important to consumers, particularly in the en-suite bathroom which of ten has a grown-up vibe. This is made possible with the inclusion of a contemporary, walk-in, wet-room style shower area.

itaryware and furniture designed specifically for small spaces being key here – reduced projection, slim profiles and plenty of storage are in order. All of these qualities can be found with RAK-Petit, a collection from RAK Ceramics that is designed specifically with small bathrooms in mind.

All of these trends together help create a luxurious and practical bathroom that consumers will feel quite at home in.

Contact: RAK Ceramics UK 01730 237850 www.rakceramics.com/uk/

RAK-Des features minimal lines for a sleek and streamlined finish, with a versatile range of bowls and freestanding washbasins, ensuring a solution for every bathroom.

Shower trays with a very low profile create a feeling of space in the bathroom as the floor area is opened out and access much easier. For baths, think painted exteriors, freestanding tubs offset from other fixtures to make a statement and baths with slim rims.

Compact bathroom solutions Not every bathroom will be blessed with a huge amount of space, but small doesn’t have to mean boring in any sense of the word, with san-

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Style and Sustainability

STYLE AND SUSTAINABILITY:

HOW UK HOMES HAVE Our home designs are an identifying aspect of our nation’s culture. Wood panelling, bay windows, and stone bricks are instantly recognisable as a product of British construction when compared to other homes around the world.

As we progress through the years, it’s inspiring to see how our homes have also changed with the times – both inside and out.

Victorian: 1837 to 1901 The Victorian era moved us nearer to many of the houses we know today. Bay windows were popularised along with red-coloured brickwork. The centred and s ymmetrical fashion of Georgian homes had also been abandoned, favouring off-centred doors to the left or right of the façade.

Geometric tiling also featured heavily in Victorian properties, adding decoration to flooring and walls.

From Tudor panelling to double-glazed windows, home designs throughout history have played a bigger role in our lives and culture than you may think.

So, how have we got here? How have housebuilders and homemakers through the years shaped the development of what we call home?

Here, with some help from national house builder, St. Modwen Homes, we take a look at the history of British homes and how they’ve changed to fit our culture and needs through the ages.

Georgian: 1714 to 1830 Georgian homes were charac teris t ic all y g ran d .

Even on a smaller scale, symmetrical and tall facades matched Greekstyle motifs and spacious interiors.

H o w e v e r, you wouldn’t find natural brightness in every room. The window tax, which was based on the number of windows in a house, lasted the duration of the Georgian era.

Some homes would brick up window facades to avoid paying an additional levy on their property. Even today, you can see some buildings with bricked up gaps where reglazing has not occurred even 170 years later. Compare that to the new homes of today where large windows are popular to maximise natural sunlight and brighten the space.

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For those living in working-class areas, you would expect the toilet to be in an outhouse. Thankfully, this Victorian trend hasn’t lasted. Modern houses are more likely to feature toilets both downstairs and upstairs.

However, bay windows and stylised interiors are still popular today.

Edwardian: 1901 to 1910 Edwardian and early twentieth-century homes build on the architec tural st ylings of the Vic torian period. A return to symmetry, bay windows were boxed, and door ways became ornate and trimmed with white wooden frames.

Style and Sustainability

CHANGED OVER TIME Moving communities into garden estates, families enjoyed a simpler style of house. Corners became squared, and ceilings were lowered for a cosier interior. However, people could enjoy peering out into their own gardens through characterful windows – making homes even lighter during the day.

Post-war: 1945 to 1979 F ollowing the Second World W a r, B r i t a i n faced a housing crisis. To combat the national shortage, thenPrime Minister Winston Churchill envisaged the construction of temporary accommodation for the public. Alongside 1.2 million new homes, over 150,000 prefabricated homes (or ‘prefabs’) were built between 1945 and 1951. Prefabs were intended to be used by occupants for up to ten years.

Bungalows were a suitable choice for simple timber or steel frames, with concrete also being used. While simple in design, this era of accelerated construction demonstrated British innovative approaches to construction. Non-traditional building techniques were developed, including prefabricating structural elements of the homes away from the site. This allowed for faster construction while maintaining the quality that homeowners would expect.

the stone facades of the Georgian period. Meanwhile, streets of semi-detached or townhouses maintained a consistent style that helped create culture and inclusivity within communities.

Driveways and front gardens became more common, while inside the house, ceilings remained low and windows were wide. Double glazing and insulation were also used to help maintain heat and keep utility bills low.

The home of today: 2021

culture.

Now that we’re caught up on the history of homes in the UK, we can see how old architecture has influenced the homes of today.

Taking the best elements from a range of historical styles, new-build homes today are more than just an amalgamation of older properties; they represent future ambitions in our

Sustainability is now a key part of construction and life. Homes today can be upgraded with electric vehicle charging ports, UV panels on the roof, or a waste water heat recovery system. Plus, insulation ensures that homes remain warm in the winter with limited energy needs.

Now, over 75 years later, some prefab homes remain occupied, and their unintended longevity is inspiring architects to consider modular homes as one option for future housing.

In some cases, tall ceilings have made a triumphant return and floor-to-ceiling windows allow natural light to fill rooms. Some windows even cover two floors – but don’t worry – there’s no tax on these panes.

Turn of the century: 1990 to 2010

As well as decadent gardens, communities are based around green space. Parks and woods are never too far from reach for families to enjoy.

B y the 199 0s, the style of the modern newbuild house had been refined. The brick work was neat, featuring classic red or newer beige colours that helped create v ibrant estates, echoing

Interiors are as spacious as the outdoors, with the return of open plan living, making kitchen and living areas the perfect place to host gatherings with family and friends. So, whether you’re looking for houses for sale in Burslem or houses for sale in Copthorne, you know that a lot of history has gone into its style, design, and construction.

Our homes aren’t just parts of our culture and history – they’re also a big part of our lives. From raising families to creating a space to work, our homes have changed to make our lives easier, more enjoyable, and more sustainable.

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SPATEX 2022 HAD AN OVERWHELMING SENSE OF THE FEEL-GOOD FACTOR! Stands and aisles bustled with happy visitors and the sound of chatter filled the air – there was something tremendously comforting about SPATEX returning to its ‘normal,’ familiar formula.

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t was the camaraderie of the 1,545 unique visitors and the hundred plus exhibiting companies, and their combined sense of joy at being able to reunite under one roof once more, that meant the 25th SPATEX 2022 was universally declared, the BEST show to date. That almost tangible, warm feeling that comes from doing good business was in abundance from the moment the show opened, right up to the minute it closed.

You came, you saw and the industry conquered!

Aside from a vibrant exhibition hall brimming with shiny new product, the two seminar arenas also welcomed

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a steady flow of traffic, with delegates keen to pick up valuable information and tips. Over a third of visitors sampled the unrivalled double seminar and Workshop programme, hosted by esteemed industry associations ISPE, STA, PWTAG and more.

Thank you from the SPATEX team You make SPATEX the industry success story it is, so a heartfelt thanks to all our fabulous visitors and exhibitors. You were brilliant!

Inspired by the energy of the 2022 show, we aim to build on its 25-year foundation and move into the next exciting phase. Watch this space!

And, here’s what you said…

Superior Wellness “We absolutely loved our return to SPATEX this year. What a fantastic three days.”

Certikin “The best attended SPATEX for many years. Already looking forward to 2023.”

Build A Spa “What a class time! The future looks bright. Thank you for making our first show a breeze.”

Hydrospares “What a show SPATEX 2022 was!

Overwhelmingly positive and a successful show all round.”

Mapei UK Ltd “Three bustling days. Dozens of Mapei ducks given away and even more amazing people met and spoken to.”

Designworks Tiles “We could genuinely not be happier. The turn-out has been incredible, the best show to date.”

Interpool “Bloody excellent show.”

Aqua Warehouse

SAVE THE DATE

“Happy is an understatement! Super organisation. A real tonic in bad times. SPATEX feels like home.”

The 26th edition, SPATEX 2023, returns Tuesday January 31 to Thursday February 2 at the Coventry Building Society Arena, Coventry CV6 6GE.

Astral

For more info, please contact helen@spatex.co.uk or michele@spatex.co.uk Tel: +44 (0) 1264 358558

Poolstar

“Such a great show and really looking forward to returning next year.”

“This is the first time we exhibited at SPATEX and the hassle of travelling from France in Covid times has been more than worthwhile.

Fairlocks “2022 was the best SPATEX ever!

Well done Michele and team for staging a fantastic event.”

Aquatrac “What a busy show, such a morale booster and good to see so many new faces.”

Paragon “Great show with fantastic leads. Definitely coming back with a bigger stand.”

GMT Spas “Total buzz – fantastic show!

We will definitely be back next year – it’s sooooo good!”

Spanet “We’ve received tremendous feedback to our products and we hope to return with a much bigger stand in 2023.”

Darlly Europe “Fabulous show – one of the very best. We will back next year, same stand, same place please!”

O-Care “Over the moon with the amount of interest we’ve received. We will be back next year with a bigger stand.”

Heatstar “Yet again the support and guidance from the SPATEX team was excellent as they went above and beyond to make sure all were taken care off.”

Golden Coast “The atmosphere felt positive, and we all loved it.”

Paramount Pools “Great show, foot traffic better than expected! Had a great response.”

To read all the testimonials click here

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January 2022

Restoring a fire damaged home to its traditional, historic beauty “It’s an emotional rollercoaster losing your home in a fire,” says Alex Coppock, architect, Communion Architects. “The resurrection project was all about recreating a healthy home that honoured the cottage’s traditional beauty.”

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he thatched cottage in Worcestershire suffered an extremely bad fire.

This left the downstairs of the property severely damaged, the second floor almost lost and the roof completely demolished.

“The historic fabric and traditional structure of the part-Medieval, part-Victorian cottage had been almost destroyed,” says Alex. “It needed a lot of care to restore it to its former glory.

“As different areas of the property were in different conditions, designing the right solution was challenging. It was difficult to know where to start. We worked with Timothy Smith Builders Ltd to bring the project to life.”

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leave them unpainted – something you only usually do if you’re polishing or marbling plaster.

“It’s a learning experience at the start, as you begin to understand how to use the lime plaster, but it’s incredibly easy to pick up. If it does start to dry, you can damp it down and it comes back to life again. It’s very workable.”

An elegant finish “The homeowner is thrilled,” says Alex. “The project has delivered the best of both worlds: a restored home, using traditional materials, which means it will stay dry and warm.”

Matching tradition and heritage “The cottage was a listed building, so we collaborated with the conservation officer and followed Historic England guidance to ensure we preserved the historical elegance of the property and best practice,” says Alex.

“Breathability was also incredibly important. Much of the water damage from the fire had dried out, but the original structure of the building only contained an ‘outer leaf’ wall.

“An ‘outer leaf wall’ means that as soon as the outside wall gets wet, the inside wall becomes vulnerable to damp.

“Protecting the building, called for a way to keep it dry, healthy and comfortable for a long time to come.

We specified a woodfibre board with a lime plaster internally and lime render externally. The cottage was originally built using lime-based products and had stood the property in good stead all these years until fire tore it apart.

“Lime Green was recommended to us by a friend who’d used their mortars, plasters and renders on several occasions and found them to be ideal.

“They gave us a ‘one-stop-shop’ for all the lime-based materials we needed: Internal Warmshell Insulation (IWI) system (woodfibre insulation boards topped with Solo lime plaster) and an external lime render.

“We had some great technical advice from the Lime Green team. They helped us understand our lime-based options, how different products and materials work together, and how to get the best results. Their products make lime very easy to use.

“It is so good to return the cottage back to its former glory, with modern versions of the honest materials that would have been used in the Medieval and Victorian eras.”

Restoring traditional beauty “I’d used traditional lime products before, but the process was always much slower – waiting for up to seven days between coats while the material fully dries out,” says Ian Miller, master plasterer.

“The home looks absolutely beautiful.

Everyone involved couldn’t be happier with the results,” finishes Alex.

“Lime Green’s experience and knowledge in regard to the project specifications, and the team’s practical assistance on site, means we’ll definitely be recommending them for future projects.

“It’s been a privilege working with a team of talented and experienced contractors, hand in hand with Lime Green, to give this historic cottage the opportunity to continue to be a beautiful dwelling for anyone who becomes part of its future story for hundreds of years to come.”

To find out more about the materials used, visit Lime Green Products Ltd or call 01952 728 611.

“Lime Green’s materials were much quicker to use – just put a coat on, notch with a trowel, embed mesh all over, apply another 3mm on top, flatten, leave for 1.5 hours and finish with a trowel. That’s it – you do the wall once, instead of up to three times, as with other lime plasters I’ve used.

“The products – Solo (one coat lime plaster) and Ultra (insulating base coat) – are great and easy to work with. Once you’ve got the consistency right, they’re easy to apply and the finish is absolutely fantastic.

“The homeowner is so delighted with the finish, they and the architect have agreed just to seal the walls and to

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Armourcoat

A TRIUMPHANT RETURN

FOR SURFACE DESIGN SHOW 2022 Surface Design Show 2022 took place at the Business Design Centre last week with the overwhelming response from both visitors and exhibitors being ‘it’s great to be back’. After a year of virtual events the appetite from visitors to engage, network and be updated on the latest surface materials and designs was clearly visible.

“It has been great to be back seeing people and their new and upcoming projects, over the last two years we have really missed the interaction within the industry” Josh Stance – Mundy Veneer

The overriding theme of the show ‘Sense of Place’ which looked at putting humanity and the planet’s wellbeing at the heart of all decision making, was first introduced at The Opening Night Debate.

More than 160 exhibitors showcased the best in surface design, with almost 5000 architects, designers and specifiers visiting over the 2 ½ days.

Held in partnership with RIBA, Climate Change and Future Proofing featured a stellar line up of industry experts. The passionate session hosted by Simon Sturgis, Founder of Targeting Zero brought together a younger generation of architects, designers and clients.

They not only explored the issues around the future durability and adaptability of current projects, but also how we ensure that the commercial value of projects can be future proofed against climate change.

Once again, Surface Design Show attracted a highquality audience. 84% of visitors worked in the architecture and design sector and 73% have direct purchasing authority. Reflecting the cancellation or postponement of exhibitions over the last 24-months; 69% of the audience came to source new products and 50% were looking to discover new design trends.

“Really interesting talks on sus tainabilit y within our industry and the responsibility all designers have to change thinking and behaviours” Matthew Ward Director & Co-founder at Copper & Ash Carrying on with the theme Sense of Place, many of the exhibitors brought new products to the show, which were both innovative and sustainable.

Design Concrete

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Quirk & Rescue

The Good Plastic Company showcased sustainable panels from 100% recycled plastic, Wonderwall Studios had stunning wall panels made from salvaged wood, whilst Armourcoat launched its new natural clay lime plaster, Clime.

One of the standout trends of the show, Bio Magic, looked at how biodegradable ingredients continue to offer sustainable solutions with developments in colour dyeing and recycling processes, bringing new alternatives to the table using food waste.

Wildman & Bugby brought ecology leather to the show, which uses Olivenleder, a biodegradable tanning agent made using the fallen leaves of the Mediterranean olive harvest. Meanwhile Johnson Tan, one of 32 New Talents at the Show, created surfaces using food waste including eggshells and coffee to achieve delicate, subtle and translucent materials.

Indeed, one of the most visited and exciting areas of the Show was the New Talent section. Surface Design Show is committed to supporting and promoting up and coming designers in the materials sector.

Sponsored by Canon UK and curated by Jennifer Castoldi, the 2022 show saw over 30 participants display a range of sophisticated and innovative designs from textile designs to augmented reality to 3D tiles.

A recurring theme among many participants this year was the use of natural materials and dyes.

“I have found New Talent really helpful in terms of making new contacts. The organisation of the show has been great and really easy as a recent graduate to understand” Rebecca Robinson – Surface Designer Amongst the 160 exhibitors the Italian Trade Agency in conjunction with Confindustria Marmomacchine

presented a pavilion of 28 companies representing the Italian stone industry. Showcasing new, innovative and luxury materials including stunning white marble from Elite Stone, Limestone from Fato Stone and porphyry natural stone from Avisio Porfidi Srl representing the best of Made in Italy.

There was also a comprehensive talks programme, which included over 50 speakers from a range of design backgrounds. New for 2022 was the Legends Live sessions which saw industry leaders interviewing someone in or connected to the industry. The pairings included lighting designer Sally Storey being interviewed by Theresa Dowling, editor of FX Magazine, Conran and Partners’ Tina Norden in conversation with Hamish Kilburn, editor of Hotel Designs and AHMM’s Paul Monaghan talking to Phil Coffey of Coffey Architects as the interviewees discussed their illustrious careers to date.

Winners of the 2022 Surface Design Awards were announced at a breakfast ceremony on the last day of the Show, where the BAFTA headquarters in London by Benedetti Architects took not only the award for Public Building Interior category but was also selected as the Supreme Winner.

The judges were impressed by the sensitive reconfiguration and repositioning of the original Victorian plasterwork and reuse of oak flooring whilst also introducing future facing solutions including Eyrise TM s350 Licrivision liquid crystal rooflight ‘smart’ insulated glass, which removes up to 80% of harmful rays.

Other winners included Maggie’s Southampton by AL_A, which won Light + Surface Exterior and Public Building Exterior and the Peacock Cellar restaurant in Shanghai which took the top honours in the Light + Surface Interior category.

‘I left Surface Design Show feeling inspired and encouraged by the variety of innovative new ways companies and designers are looking at materials and their uses.’ Phoebe Train - BCFA Surface Design Show 2023 will take place at The Business Design Centre 7-9 February 2023

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OFF THE WALL

The materials chosen for the walls and floors in the kitchens and bathrooms have a huge role to play, stylistically and practically. These are surfaces that are highly visible and in the open-plan setting, always on show as well as so often in use. So what are the latest surface trends that can help ensure both form and function are met? Simon Boocock, Managing Director of CRL Europe, takes a look.

T

he materials used for kitchen and bathroom surfaces have a tremendous impact on the design of the space overall, both visually and practically. Now more than ever before, comfort and luxury are at the heart of these rooms, so the surfaces chosen need to be as big on practical benefits as they are on style. The kitchen is a multi-functional space at the heart of our homes while the bathroom is a home-spa, a place of sanctuary and escapism and it is the surfaces chosen for these two areas that will have the biggest impact.

Surfaces walls and floors, plus worktops, are all highly visible. This means that from an aesthetic viewpoint, the style and colours chosen really do matter. The kitchen and bathroom are also high-traffic areas of course, so practicalities are just as important. Materials that are easy to wipe clean and can withstand high temperatures and spillages must prevail.

With a growing trend for darker materials in interior design, Ceralsio Umbria from CRL Stone ensures that the use of grey in the kitchen will never get boring. The rich, dark tones of Umbria are offset by a lighter fleck running throughout the surface, while its textured finish is wonderfully tactile.

Trending Sintered Stone This accounts in large part for the growing popularity of materials such as sintered stone. Extremely hard wearing, Ceralsio is non-porous, stain, scratch, heat and shock resistant and also very strong and simple to care for, making it ideal for use in the kitchen and bathroom. Available in a wide range of colours and patterns, Ceralsio is also an extremely flexible option for the contemporary and classically-styled home.

Ceralsio offers the best of both worlds, available in a myriad of styles while being a highly functional surface that is ultra-durable and easy to maintain.

Meeting the demands of modern design and modern living, sintered stone is an on-trend material choice that is unaffected by the passage of time. Ceralsio can be used for virtually any surface, from feature and media walls in the living area, to kitchen splashbacks and worktops and bathroom countertops.

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Features and benefits The growing popularity of sintered stone is unsurprising, given the many advantages of the material, including: •

Resistance to wear and tear – ideal for use indoors and on external projects.

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Scratch resistance – even in high traffic areas with lots of contact with footwear, Ceralsio will not scratch, even over time.

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Stain resistance – sintered stone is unaffected by products like solvents, detergents, and bleach, as long as any spillages are cleaned away within 24 hours.

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UV resistance – a weather-proof solution that makes it suitable for use outdoors too.

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Impact resistance – Ceralsio has a high resistance to knocks and impacts by everyday objects.

impression, it’s the wide choice of styles that really ensures it stands out that makes the material an excellent alternative to painting or wallpaper.

In the bathroom where wetroom-style showering is on-trend, the 6mm profile works extremely well too, with a grout-free alternative to tiling that creates a spa-like space that is also extremely practical from a cleaning and maintenance viewpoint.

Nature-inspired designs Style-wise, visual appeal is one of the main drivers for the popularity of marble-inspired patterns in the kitchen and bathroom, all of which can be emulated to perfection with Ceralsio. The elegance and luxury look of marble accounts for much of its appeal. Revised classy marble and granite patterns displaying elegant veins used on kitchen worktops and Ceralsio from CRL Stone is a hard-wearing, non-porous surface that makes the on bathroom walls and floors create a sophisideal surface for the bathroom. Pictured is Ceralsio Oatmeal. ticated ambience that is the epitome of luxury and sophistication. The ancestral charm of • Easy to clean and care for - no extra care or spestone makes it one of the most popular materials in cial products are needed to clean it. Stains can be contemporary design, with Ceralsio ensuring that this removed with water or mild cleaning products and look is solid, durable and extremely versatile. there is no requirement for sealing.

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Hygienic - Because Ceralsio is a non-porous surface, the build-up of bacteria or mould is prevented, making it an excellent flooring option for environments such as public washrooms in restaurants and bars.

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Bending strength – Ceralsio can withstand a high weight without bending or becoming deformed, with the entire surface remaining flat.

However, marble itself is not overly suited to the kitchen and bathroom environment, due to its high maintenance needs. Alternatives such as sintered stone offer the opportunity to embrace this trend, both from a visual and functional perspective.

Although often chosen as imitations of natural materials such as marble and wood, Ceralsio doesn’t need to be sealed, which means maintenance can be kept to a minimum.

For details visit www.ceralsio.co.uk From a style viewpoint, large format slabs can be used or call 01706 863600. to create astonishing vertical surfaces on kitchen and bathroom walls and offer endless possibilities for floors and counCeralsio, with its 6mm slim profile is the ideal material choice for a media wall, creating a sense tertops, visually expanding spaces of warmth and working in harmony with furniture and the overall décor while really drawing the with fewer design interruptions. eye.

Slim profiles Available in a super-thin 6mm profile, plus 12mm and 20mm thicknesses, Ceralsio is the ideal material choice for a media or feature wall, creating a sense of warmth and working in harmony with furniture and the overall décor while really drawing the eye. Equally, the 6mm profile makes Ceralsio a trending choice for kitchen splashbacks too. While the thin profile of the material creates a seamless

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ABILITY LIFTS HITS THE TARGET WITH LIFT AT VIRTUAL SHOOTING EXPERIENCE Clays Bar, in Moorgate near the centre of London, is a bar with a difference, where you compete with your friends in an interactive clay target shooting experience on huge 4k screens.

As the clay target shooting experience is in the basement, (required for darkness to see the screens better), the client required a platform lift from ground floor to basement.

Ability Lifts were contacted, and their Optimum 100s platform lift got a top score for ease of installation with a compact footprint. Travelling between the ground floor and basement, with a lifting capacity of 410 kilogrammes and being self contained, the lift has a one touch call button on each landing and a standard platform size of 1100mm wide x 1480mm deep.

The client was thrilled with the finished lift, which fitted perfectly next to the stairwell, and was decorated with some plants to blend in with the upmarket interior.

Please contact the Ability Lifts team on 0845 006 8803 or email sales@abilitylifts.co.uk for further information on the Optimum 100s and the other products in the Optimum range of lifts.

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Platform Lifts Here at Ability Lifts, we offer solutions for many different access requirements, from platform lifts and stair platform lifts, to external lifts, access lifts and much more. We aim to offer top quality service and highly competitive prices.

All of our access lifts are in compliance with the Machinery Directive MD 2006/42/EC, EN8141 and Part M, and we’re happy to advise you with any questions you may have about access requirements.

The Optimum 100s - Our best selling enclosed Platform Lift ◌

410kg / 5 persons capacity

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Standard platform size of 1100mm wide X 1480mm long

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Landing doors 900mm wide X 2000mm high (Alternative special size are available)

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Hidden door closers

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One touch call button on each landing

Please call us for a chat, we have a range of platform lifts to suit your requirements.

Tel: 0845 006 8803 Email: sales@abilitylifts.co.uk Web: www.abilitylifts.co.uk

Lifts

NOT ALL EXTERNAL PLATFORM LIFTS ARE THE SAME! Is your external platform lift IP65 rated? This means it offers complete protection from dust, and protection against low pressure water jets from any angle.

W

e’ve just fitted our Inva Euro platform lift externally at Sheffield University, and the IP65 rating was one of the key factors in deciding to use this particular lift.

The Inva Euro is manufactured from stainless steel and then powder coated in a choice of different colour finishes to provide a hard wearing and durable finish.

This lift is available in a choice of platform sizes, ranging from 1250mm x 900mm to 1400m x 1100mm, so you can find a size which is ideal for your needs.

With travel heights up to 7 metres, as well as emergency battery lowering and an autodialler fitted as standard, this is the perfect choice for an outside lift.

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Installation can be completed in as little as 2-3 days, with minimal building work required, and the requirement of just single phase electrics can reduce the cost of an electrician and associated works.

The lift is available with optional fire rated doors, tinted glazing and swipe card control, so it’s possible to customise the lift to suit your exact needs.

Our client at Sheffield University has been extremely pleased with the installation, offering staff and students assisted access for many years to come.

If you would like to know more about our platform lifts or other access solutions, please contact the Invalifts team on 0845 468 2543 or alternatively, email sales@invalifts.com

Platform Lifts Our range of platform lifts includes the Commercial Platform Lift (right) - a premium quality enclosed platform lift with a customisable finish, and the option of glazing on 3 sides.

Designed for offices, schools and public buildings with small footprints available, this is a premier platform lift.

We also offer stair platform lifts and a range of platform lifts for both internal and external use.

The Platform Lift Experts

Tel: 0845 4682543 Web: www.invalifts.com

industry news

SECRETS OF A HOME-STAGER: 5 TOP TIPS TO SELLING YOUR HOME IN 2022 THE home staging industry has been booming in recent years, with high competition for buyer attention and prices expected to continue rising.

A surge in buyers during the first few months of the 2022 is anticipated, with Rightmove reporting last month that they saw a 19% jump in the number of people requesting estate agents to value their home via the website, compared with the same period last year.

With more sellers hoping to move, Elaine Penhaul - interiors expert and owner of award-winning, national home staging company Lemon and Lime Interiors - shares her top five secrets to staging your home for a successful sale in 2022.

1. Depersonalisation When a buyer chooses a home they want to envision their own belongings placed within it. While selling a home can be an emotional process, depersonalising it can assist a seller to start that process of ‘letting go’.

Tidying away children’s toys and play areas, ornaments, family photo-

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graphs and portraits, plus any other collectables that might not suit another buyer’s taste, is an important start to the moving process.

We’ve learnt the hard way never to underestimate a seller’s obsession, nothing is quite as strange as when a buyer once told us that they turned up to a house with a strange fixation on Labradors – they counted 438 ornaments, paintings and cushions – there was even a Labrador loo seat!

2. Make Smaller Rooms Bigger and Bigger Rooms Smaller Carefully curated light-sources, mirrors, paint tones and plants can make a small room feel much bigger.

Placing a mirror opposite a window can help lengthen a room and the reflection causes more light, brightening darker and smaller spaces, and to the eye of the viewer the room appears elongated.

industry news Likewise, bringing the outdoors indoors is a surefire way to bring a feeling of serenity to any space, as by finishing off the room with indoor plants you can make the viewer feel like they are surpassing the space the are situated within.

Furthermore, clever storage solutions such as multipurpose seating such as ottomans and footstools can tidy away any unwanted items out on display usually such as magazines.

If a space is too big it can often overwhelm buyers. Look to fill the space with statement furniture that fits and looks cosy and inviting to the buyer.

The space should always showcase the dynamic of the room, for instance an open plan living room could have a cosy corner with a convertible shelving unit that is perfectly set up with functionable desk and seating set up for the user when working-from-home which is much more common these days.

3. Remove Unwanted Pets aka Pests You may ask, why could man’s best friend have an impact on me selling my home? It pays off to remember that not all of us are keen on our furry friends, so getting them off the premises when a viewing takes place is advised as some buyers might be nervous around the animal, and the animal might well get distressed by strangers entering their home.

Our pet pals aren’t all as cute as we might think. On one home staging project we had to find a suitable residence for a pet rat, while one buyer once told us that she entered a house to find eight tarantula’s in enclosures taking up the entire spare bedroom wall. Safe to say they did not put in an offer.

Bad odours is another potential put-off for buyers. Nothing says ‘Don’t buy this house’ like Eau de wet dog. When you live with pets day in and day out, you become accustomed to their scent, and might even have not cleaned out their litter tray or doggie droppings on your garden lawn for a little while. So, getting rid of evidence of a pet, rehoming them for the duration of your house on the market and giving your home a deep clean to get rid of any bad smells is recommended.

out-of-date shades and replacing with new ones, or adding lamps or corner lights to rooms that lack natural light can really transform a rooms appeal.

Also, if you live in a period property be sure to highlight any original features. An original tiled floor or a stone fireplace for instance create charm, intrigue and heritage to the home, this can offer something unique to a potential buyer and make your property stand out from the competition.

4. Fix It Up

Finally, don’t forget those all-important fixtures and fittings, ensuring cupboards doors are screwed in tightly, refreshing the skirting with a lick of paint and even changing outdated doorhandles could all improve your properties appeal and value.

A little cost-efficient DIY could help your sale move faster and even get your home the price it deserves.

5. Let the Estate Agent Do the Talking

While a new bathroom suite would be out of the questions for many people looking to sell their home and appeal to buyers, refreshing things like stained or discoloured grout in between tiles can easily be done with a bit of bleach and a grout pen.

Latterly, it is crucial to let your estate agent do the talking. Personal encounters about your home and the time a neighbour tried to ‘steal an inch of your garden with their new fence’ is certainly going to put off a buyer. And, while DIY stories are albeit charming, one sellers pride and joy about building a kitchen cabinet 20 years ago that still stands today, is a potential buyers realisation that the kitchen needs a complete re-fit – automatically knocking £10K off their offer price in a jiffy.

Little would you think, but many buyers, particularly with more of us working from home are looking to see how lighting can shape a space, so replacing any blown bulbs with energy efficient ones, taking down

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INTERIOR DESIGN Looking for a new home can be a tricky as well as exciting time. Buyers often fall in love with pictures of a property online but upon visiting can be put off by a poor layout, an ancient heating system, single glazed windows or poor storage; to name just a few. Kebbell’s Sales and Marketing Director, Andrea Fawell tells us what is on the homebuyer must-have list for 2022.

HOMEBUYERS MUSTHAVES FOR 2022

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INTERIOR DESIGN 1.

Double glazing. Whilst not a new feature on the must have list, double glazing is a very necessary one as it improves insulation and security, as well as reduces outside noise. It can be pricy to install double glazing, particularly at the moment because of current supply and demand issues.

2. Good central heating. An effective central heating system that can be easily controlled reduces your energy bills, especially with the new price increases coming into effect. It can also lower your carbon footprint which is increasingly important to environmentally conscious buyers. Ask your estate agent how old the boiler is and look at the boiler yourself during viewings. A new or recently installed boiler is a definite plus for now, but boilers will be banned from new builds by 2025, and new boilers will no longer be for sale by 2035. Therefore, alternative heating methods, such as ground source heat pumps, will become increasingly desirable.

3. Outside space. The past year of lockdowns has driven demand for both having our own attractive garden or terrace, as well as accessibility to lush scenery for walks and fresh air. Whether its space for playing games, a growing area for those of us with green fingers, or a patio for the BBQ, a sun trap garden is very high up on most people’s musthaves list!

4. Driveway or parking spaces. A property with its own drive or allocated street parking is necessary for anyone with a car, especially if you’re moving to a built up and busy area renowned for parking space shortages which is an ever increasing problem. Having an allocated parking space means your car is more secure, easily accessible and close to your property.

5. Plenty of natural light. A bright, light-filled home with good additional lighting makes each room feel bigger and helps to emphasise colours, textures and accessories, as well as improve wellbeing and mood. A very dark house can feel gloomy and can be an off-putting deal breaker at a time when we all need our spirits lifted.

A BRIGHT, LIGHT-FILLED HOME WITH GOOD ADDITIONAL LIGHTING MAKES EACH ROOM FEEL BIGGER

6. Downstairs toilet. Having a downstairs toilet helps to keep visitors on one floor when you are entertaining, meaning you can worry less about keeping your entire home tidy for these occasions. It also makes life easier for everyone, including those who are a little bit older or have mobility issues. For some it is also very handy for potty training little ones too! Upstairs having the choice of both a bathtub and a shower is also desirable. A power shower or rain shower makes it feel luxe.

7.

Good storage options. Storage can be easily overlooked at first, but once buyers start imagining themselves in their potential new home they will start thinking about where everything is going to go. Where will they store the hoover, golf clubs, toys, games, shoes, coats, sports gear etc? It suddenly becomes a very important factor! Incredible storage has been one of the most popular features at our Heatherfields development which now only has three homes left to snap up.

8. Energy efficiency. An energy efficient home means cheaper home insurance, lower energy bills and increased overall comfort. UK gas prices have skyrocketed this year and prices may continue to increase, so having an energy efficient home with good insulation is paramount.

Along with these essentials, other desirable features include clean carpets, a separate utility room, work-from-home space and a property that could increase in value with updates that don’t require you to move out for.

Other top tips Have a non-negotiables list. Once you know exactly what your must haves are, you will be able to condense your search making it easier to find your new home.

Remember that location is everything. Location can never be changed, as opposed to things like décor and layout which can usually be altered when the time is right.

Trust your gut feeling. If you fall in love with a property online but in person you notice a couple of issues with it, remember to trust your instinct. Are the issues things that you can overcome, or do you need to discount this one?

Consider buying a new build property. New builds provide the perfect blank canvas for making a home your own and require minimal maintenance since structural defects and built-in appliances are usually all covered by warranties. www.kebbell.co.uk

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GRAPHENSTONE SPRING SUMMER 2022 BOLD COLOUR COMBINATIONS THAT HELP IMPROVE WELL BEING Graphenstone, the world’s most certified eco paint has launched its Spring Summer 2022 palette – six key colour combinations curated by Betsy Smith, Graphenstone colour consultant that embrace a free post pandemic mindset designed to enhance well-being sustainably.

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With a background in fine art, Betsy Smith worked directly with Sir Terence Conran for 25 years as head of display at The Conran Shop where she was responsible for its iconic windows.

Betsy works intuitively with colour, paint texture and its application and how it relates to the interior. “Environments are becoming increasingly multisensory as we long for and embrace the restorative properties of nature – natural textures and strong natural colours that reduce stress and create calmness and clarity of thought. Our Spring Summer

interior Design

ENVIRONMENTS ARE BECOMING INCREASINGLY MULTISENSORY AS WE LONG FOR AND EMBRACE THE RESTORATIVE PROPERTIES OF NATURE palette is designed to work with and enhance the beauty and honesty of natural tactile materials: sustainable woods, marble, cork, linen, wool, leather, rattan and cane and the way and where it is applied is equally important.”

Graphenstone’s paints are made from pure lime, sus t ainable minerals and vegetable resins, actively helping to clean the air.

They have an honest, ear thy affinity with natural materials, making them the perfect choice for complementing furnishings

for a tactile sensor y, healthy environment.

Natural dyes and earth colours deliver a new tonality for the interior. Sienna is the perfect accompaniment to mid tone woods such as oak and rich leathers; it gently brings out sunny tones and forms a union between painted surfaces and natural woods to create a subtle relaxed environment. It forms the perfect backdrop for spring bulbs and flowers or accent with bright ceramics or textiles for a pop of

contemporary vigour. Combine with Grape to create a sophisticated, luxurious atmosphere that works well for living rooms and bedrooms adding a layer of depth, intrigue and internal warmth in a subtle way. Combine with coffee-colored leather and rich textiles and white oiled timber floors.

Green and yellow is a winning combination that doesn’t have to take over the whole room but can be incorporated in a way that is naïve and endearing. Lovat is an earthy calming green and the perfect but unexpected backdrop to Bengal which is an easy to live with optimistic yellow. Pair with Cinnabar red or pops of colour from furniture. Rich boucle or earthy tones also work well and dark terracotta. graphenstone-ecopaints.store

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interior design

THE GOLDEN RULES

TO SELLING YOUR HOUSE FAST AND WELL Preparing your home for viewings is difficult, especially when you still have to live in it whilst it’s on the market, or when you may have outgrown your current property and have a lot of furniture and belongings. Kebbell’s Andrea Fawell gives her golden rules and tips on how to enhance your home to speed up the process and get a good sale offer.

1.

Get in the right mindset. Think of the house you are putting on the market as no longer your home as soon as you sign with an estate agent. It may feel counter intuitive spending money on doing up your home and not enjoying those benefits yourselves, but improvements such as new carpets do help with quicker sales and in some cases renovations and updates will increase the value of the property so will pay for themselves.

2. Sell at the right price from the outset because whilst you want to maximise what you can get for your property; you don’t want to keep lowering the price because you had unrealistic expectations initially. Lowering the price several times makes it look like there are underlying problems with the house and it

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will become unappealing if seen to be taking a long time to sell.

3. Have all your paper work to hand including planning permissions and building control for any extensions.

It can hugely speed up the process and will avoid problems and delays that could turn off potential buyers.

4. Pay attention to detail. The mar ket is al way s highl y competitive which means you need to do more to make sure your proper t y stands out.

Keep the house tidy, make sure windows and carpets are clean, jet-wash the patio and front drive, give a fresh lick of paint to every room, re-carpet if needed and re-grout the bathroom. Do a nose test for pet smells and the kids football kit in the utility room or wherever they end up!

5. D e c lu t te r, d e c lu t te r a n d d e c l u t t e r. T h a t i n c l u d e s wardrobes and cupboards (potential buyers do look in them), the garage, shed, loft and hallways.

6. Sustainability is increasingly imp or t ant . Ener g y pro of your house. Check that your insulation is up to standard and if you can, install solar panels and/or ground source heat pumps to give your home an edge. Everyone now asks about electric car charging so think about where one could be installed on your property.

7.

Appeal to the masses.

Make sure your home feels w e l c o m i n g a n d h o m e l y.

At Osborne House we are attracting all sorts of different buyers from downsizers to young couples, so we have to

interior design bear this in mind in how we present the show home, so it appeals to everyone. A neutral contemporary colour scheme is often desirable because over personalisation can put buyers off. Put away any overly quirky personal possessions.

8. Renovate your kitchen. The most ‘valuable’ room per square foot in a home is the kitchen.

Consider painting or replacing your kitchen cabinet doors, upgrading counter tops and boxing in any pipes.

9. Add off-street parking. Councils continue to reduce parking availability so capitalise on this by converting your front garden into a driveway. This will be particularly beneficial if your home is in an area where parking is known to be difficult.

10. Keep each room light and bright to make them feel fresher, warmer and more inviting.

Take advantage of the natural

light that fills each room where possible or brighten darker rooms by installing spotlights, lamps or fairy lights.

11. Re-vamp your garden. Tidy the garden, weed the drive and give your home curb appeal. If you can, add luxury touches in the garden such as quality decking, a firepit or BBQ area, a pizza oven or maybe even a summer house. Re-vamping your garden and offering additional living space can increase your home’s value, making it more desirable to potential buyers. Now more than ever, buyers are looking for an inviting garden space.

12. Update your bathroom(s). Make sure your home has both a shower and a bath to appeal to ever yone. Modernising your bathrooms to feel more luxurious and tranquil can help generate serious interest in your property. Think about replacing your shower curtain with a glass screen, installing a

power shower and underfloor heating or a heated towel rail.

13. Move up. Expand your home by adding a loft conversion, ideally adding another bedroom and bathroom to the proper t y thereby moving it into the next size band and adding value to your home. Whilst extensions are costly, they are particularly desirable for smaller homes in built-up areas.

14. Apply for planning permission.

If you don’t want to do the e x te n si o n o r co n v e r si o n your s el f hav ing planning permission for an extension in place before you put your property on the market can give you an advantage especially if your home has not been renovated recentl y. Many buyers look for homes that have the potential to extend to add more space.

www.kebbell.co.uk

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INTERIOR DESIGN

Client:

Mark McCall

Style:

Automated self-build

Location:

County Down, Northern Ireland

Build time: 13 months

Mark and Helen McCall have always been advocates for smart home living. Running the website ‘Automated Home’ for 25 years, the couple constructed their first self-build in 1999, building on their love and knowledge of home technology as the sector grew.

Then in June 2019, the couple started their journey toward building their second self-build, a fully automated property that would prioritise low-energy and low running costs, all integrated into one smart home system.

After f inding the perfect spot in the drumlins of County Downs, close to family and already complete with planning permission for a traditional style home, the McCalls had to change the permissions to their own contemporary design and get to work on the build.

Working with 2020 Architects, based in County Antrim, the property was designed to be south facing in order to take advantage of solar gain in the main living areas, specifying six Keylite roof windows in ‘the barn’ – an open plan living, dining and kitchen area – and one in the first-floor landing.

The build had taken place with no major issues until March 2020, when the site closed for ten weeks during the COVID-19 outbreak.

However, despite this, the project only fell behind schedule by a few weeks, and the couple moved into their brand new, fully automated home in July 2020.

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Homeowner, Mark said: “We incorporated a lot of smart home tech into our first self-build home, which was a more traditional style, but each piece of hardware was running off a different system or app. We knew that this time round we wanted everything to be as integrated and automated as possible, controlling the whole home all from one place.

“As a low-energy household, insulation and ventilation are two very important factors for us. 2020 Architects understood that we needed some highperformance roof windows that would complement the extra insulation, air tightness and other low energy features we incorporated into the property.

“Being able to open up our roof windows to expel any excess heat has been fantastic, particularly this summer. Yet once the windows are closed, Keylite’s fully integrated expanding thermal collar and triple glazing ensures that minimal heat can escape, which has made the windows perfectly compatible with the rest of the features in our home.

“Another one of Keylite’s big selling points was its electric roof windows.

These usually come with a standard remote control set up, but Keylite’s technical department went above and beyond. They spoke to our smart home suppliers, Epitome Living, and supplied additional pieces of hardware which allowed us to integrate the windows and blinds into our own system.

INTERIOR DESIGN G a re t h C ro o ks , S e n i o r Architectural Technician from 2020 Architects, adds: “Incorporating the Keylite roof window within the design was not only to allow for additional light to access the open plan kitchen/ dining/living area, but also to help ventilate the large open plan space f rom potential solar gains due to the large gable window and two sets of sliding doors.

“When it reached the technical stage, the homeowners wanted to incorporate fur ther automation, so we agreed that Keylite roof windows were the way forward with the introduction Keylite premium electric kit which was further linked into the automation by Epitome Living.”

“We use a smart home automation system called Loxone, which controls everything – our heat pump, lighting, music, security and access, and of course our Keylite roof windows and blinds – all from our smartphones or the wall-mounted tablet in the kitchen.

“We have a pole-mounted weather station on our roof which measures the amount of light, rain and wind speed, and feeds back into our automated home system. If the house begins to overheat, the system will automatically open the windows to ventilate the room, and if the weather takes a turn, the windows will close. It’s a fantastic feature and is just one less thing we have to think about.”

The property’s structure is split into two buildings.

Looking towards the house from the front, the left side is a vaulted single storey barn that contains an open plan area with a small utility room and pantry behind, and an integrated double garage beyond that.

Although a contemporary home, the stone walls reflect many of the agricultural buildings that surround the area, with floor-to-ceiling windows that look out onto the beautiful County Down countryside.

While inside boasts three bedrooms, high and vaulted ceilings, concrete stairs, solid floors and walls, as well as low maintenance finishes, on the outside a roof mounted photovoltaic (PV) solar system will be installed later this year to generate electricity from the sun.

For more information about Keylite Roof Windows, please visit keyliteroofwindows.com, call 01283 200 158 or email info@keyliteuk.com.

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Industry news

HOW TO CREATE AN OUTDOOR SPACE THAT YOU CAN UTILISE ALL YEAR ROUND Gardens are an extension of your home. Come rain or shine, you should be able to enjoy your outside space all year round.

Wrap up warm, get the kettle on, and spend time outside with your nearest and dearest.

Here are six things you can do to utilise your garden all year round.

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Hot tub Hot tubs are a family favourite during the summer months, but did you know you can enjoy them all year round? The steamy waters offer a delightful break from the chilled autumn or winter air.

Investing in a hot tub could improve your physical and mental health. They have been proven to widen blood vessels, loosen tight muscles, and reduce stress.

Treat yourself to a hot tub this winter. You won’t regret it!

Outdoor kitchen If you’re the ‘Chef of the House’ – this one is for you.

An outdoor kitchen is a great way to practice new dishes, showcase your culinary skills, and spend time with your loved ones. Enjoy your outdoor area all year round and throw BBQ parties to remember.

And why stop there? You could invest in an outdoor grill or a pizza oven. The possibilities are endless!

Furniture You can’t have an outdoor kitchen without furniture to eat at.

Invest in a table and chairs and take a minute to enjoy your outdoor living area all year round.

You can buy outdoor couches and coffee tables to lounge on late into the night. And if it’s waterproof – even better!

Event shelters We all know how unreliable British weather can be.

Imagine this – you turn on the BBQ, set the dinner table, and it rains. Disaster!

Event shelters are a great way to prepare for the inevitable. Gazebos are easy to assemble and dismantle; they are a practical solution to the wind and rain.

If you’re looking for something a bit more permanent, consider investing in a wooden gazebo – a centrepiece for your garden!

Purchase an event shelter, protect yourself from the rain, and enjoy your garden throughout the whole year.

Outdoor heaters As brilliant as gazebos are, they don’t protect you from the cold, and sometimes wearing a jumper isn’t enough. You don’t want to be in a jumper, coat, hat, and gloves while you eat your dinner.

Outdoor heaters could be the solution for you. They’re safer than campfires, and they don’t leave your clothes smelling like a bonfire. We’ve all been there, right?

Garden lights In the autumn and winter months, the days are shorter, and the nights are longer.

Don’t let the sun rule your life – brighten your garden with lights and enjoy your garden all night long. Hang solar lights down the walls, across the gazebo, and around the trees.

There you go – six ways to make the most of your garden all year round. Come rain or shine, gardens are a great way to spend time with friends and family.

Relax in the hot tub, throw dinner parties, and utilise your outdoor space all year round.

Gardens are a great way to spend time with people – or spend time by yourself, we don’t judge.

Sources www.healthline.com/health/ hot-tub-benefits#health-benefits Patio Heaters and Outdoor Heaters | Flogas | Flogas Event Shelters | Flogas | Flogas

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bathrooms

MANAGING DIRECTOR RICHARD THELWELL,

DISCUSSES WHY AND HOW JIS DOES STAINLESS STEEL DIFFERENTLY “We started manufacturing stainless steel towel rails, quite simply because my wife asked me why half the chrome accessories within her bathroom had rusted within a year and yet the others hadn’t, I said because the others are not chrome, they are made from stainless steel, she noted if that had happened to her it had happened to others and ladder rails where in their infancy from that the Sussex Range was born”

“The more we were aware and learnt from stainless steel the more apparent its benefits became, it is 100% recyclable, it is manufactured from over 90% recycled material, there is no coating with all the environmental damage that comes with chrome plating, you can polish out small marks and abrasions it really is a product for life and that is the most environmentally positive thing one can say” “Furthermore, we were the very first to introduce a 300mm wide rail, we soon realised that one thing you can always rely on in bathrooms is awkward tiny spaces, so we designed ladder rails that were tall and narrow, small and narrow, wide and short and pretty much every permutation in between. Because we know above all else this is a functional product that enhances the bathroom aesthetically but mostly also serves a purpose so no matter how odd a space you have to fill, we endeavour to have the solution.“ “We were also for all the reasons above the first with the ,at that time, industry leading 25-year guarantee because we believe in our product and the service we provide. And finally, the first to have a 24hour turnaround with stockholding to match. On that one we remain the first and at the moment that is serving us very well” “We still hold all lines in stock and they are available on a 24-hour turnaround from ourselves should you order before midday.

This was special before, its now unprecedented and that’s how we do stainless steel towel rails best!” www.sussexrange.co.uk info@jiseurope.co.uk 01825 722988

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Black Edition Stainless Steel Towel Rails by JIS Europe 100% stainless steel towel rails 01825 722988 www.sussexrange.co.uk info@jiseurope.co.uk

bathrooms

A

tlantis is the ultimate in b a t h r o o m wall panelling.

The technique provides a remarkable watertight finish that creates a striking look within the home and performs seamlessly against the hardships of daily life.

Shower panels are a waterproof shower wall surface and core, produced from high pressure laminates and a proven waterproof core. The uniform structure of the core, the smooth surface and the new gluing system is what makes Atlantis the ultimate panelling system for showers, bathrooms and wet room applications.

High Pressure Laminate bonds to a core using a PUR adhesive, ensuring a completely waterproof surface meeting the EN438 requirements. A balancing laminate is then bonded to the reverse of the panel. All Atlantis panels will remain structurally stable, watertight and waterproof.

Wet wall panels are guaranteed to be free from defects for 20 years if correctly fitted, thoroughly sealed & maintained.

Atlantis wall panels may be fitted directly to a plastered wall, plasterboard, concrete, chipboard or a tiled wall by the use of appropriate adhesives and waterproofing sealants. Alternatively, panels may be mounted on wall battens.

The Waterproof Wet Wall Collection is made up of 14

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ATLANTIS WET WALL COLLECTION VIA DERALAM LAMINATES LTD Deralam Laminates Ltd started as a family business in the Northwest of England and now operate from multiple UK sites meaning that the customer can benefit from a flexible and unrivalled nationwide distribution service.

different décor finishes which are available in a wide variety of effects such as marble, stone and sparkle. If you’re looking for premium bathroom wall panels that are considerably above the standard shower boards on the market then Atlantis could be for you.

All panels are manufactured and stocked in the United Kingdom.

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BATHROOMS

WOLSELEY UK COMPLETES ACQUISITION OF BASSETTS, DHS, AND NEVILLE LUMB

W

olseley UK has formally

As with the previous acquisitions, it will

completed the acquisition

be a seamless transition; all outlets will

of Basset ts, DHS, and

operate as normal and there will be no

Neville

change for customers.

Lumb

from

Saint-Gobain.

It follows the announcement last

completion of the acquisition of Bassetts,

December that it had entered into binding

DHS, and Neville Lumb marks a very exciting

agreements to purchase the businesses.

chapter for the business, our customers, and

The agreement will see nearly 300 people

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Simon Oakland, CEO at Wolseley, said: “The

our colleagues, both existing and new.”

from Bassetts, DHS, and Neville Lumb

For more information about Wolseley,

joining the Wolseley UK business.

visit www.wolseley.co.uk.

WATERPROOF WET WALL COLLECTION www.atlantiswetwall.co.uk | 01257 478540

Industry news

GET CURVE CURVE APPEAL IN YOUR BATHROOM If you want to be not just ‘on -trend’ but ‘ahead’ of trend then get curve appeal in your new bathroom.

Cur vaceous bathrooms are predicted to be the trend for 2022.

Curves are in!

These days our bathrooms need to be not just functional but also a sanctuary of relaxation, a place where we can shut out the world for a little while and rest. And that’s why we agree with Pinterest’s new ‘Predicts’ that curves and soft lines are going to be big in the new year and that they are here to stay. New bathroom collections do away with square, harsh edges and introduce a softer, gentler style that really does give your space that chilled out vibe.

And, its not just bathroom furniture that’s going curvy, it’s everything from toilet to basin, bath to showerhead, taps to mirrors. This ‘rounded’ approach will make your bathroom feel that little bit more indulgent, and a place where you can recharge your batteries, whatever time of day.

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One of the most exciting collections with curve appeal is the recently launched VitrA Liquid. Liquid is a unique collaboration between designer Tom Dixon and the leading bathroom brand and is all about expressive minimalism. It ’s soft and rounded forms are generous in proportion and eradicate all sharp edges from the bathroom. As well as looking good, the collection is tactile and functional and encompasses all elements of the bathroom, from ceramics to brassware, tiles to accessories.

Graeme Borchard, MD of UK Bathrooms comments “VitrA are one of the leading brands in bathroom products and I always look forward to their next designer collection. Liquid is, in my opinion, the best yet – its form and function surpass others and it really does lead the way in bathroom design. Ceramics have been extended beyond the traditional realms of basins and sanitaryware, there is even

a rotund stool included which be used in the shower or anywhere else in the home.”

Graeme continues “I particularly like the continuation of Tom Dixon’s theme into the expressive showerheads and controls, the whole collection incorporates fatter, softer lines that are more generous, long-lasting and stronger.”

Taps and showers are available in chrome or gloss black finish for a contrast. The products can be combined flexibly to create a unique style and purpose and are designed for use either in the home or professional environments, including of f ices, hotels and restaurants. At a time when there is more emphasis being placed on the bathroom, this unique collection is both innovative and contemporary and will certainly add curve appeal to your space.

industry news

3 CRITICAL SKILLS THE ARCHITECTS OF THE FUTURE WILL NEED The architecture and built environment sector is one of the fastest evolving industries in the UK Not only are technical innovations being implemented rapidly, but there are more regulations than ever to consider, not to mention forthcoming sustainability and fire safety goals.

This means that architects’ skills must constantly evolve, and the architects of tomorrow will require a broader set of skills.

Here, we explore the skills that future architects will need in order to succeed in the role.

Digital skills come first Technology is advancing industries at a rapid pace, and we’re seeing technological innovations hit the architecture and built environment sector at lightning speed. The digital journey began with 2D renderings, followed by 3D designs.

We then saw the adoption of both industry-specific tech like building information modelling (BIM) and sector-agnostic digital tools such as the Internet of Things (IoT).

We’re beginning to see virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) make their way into the sector, marking the next stage of design visualisation. Once an architect has created their building rendering, complete with metal cladding, they can use AR to superimpose it onto a real background to see how it will look in its final location. VR, meanwhile, will allow people to explore a digitised version of their final creation as if it were real. A RIBA and Microsoft survey expects that adoption of these technologies will increase to a share of 64% by 2023.

Architects who have existing digital skills will be well-equipped for the future of the sector. Architectural design courses should be teaching

learners general digital skills, as well as specialist skills in these types of software. Practical, hands-on experience of these digital solutions will be essential for our future architects.

“Net-zero” skills According to Scott McAulay, founder of the Anthropocene Architecture School, a huge skills gap is emerging in sustainable architecture. With 40% of carbon emissions generated by the built environment sector, it’s easy to see why this is such a pressing issue.

McAulay believes sustainabilit y should be embedded into architecture degrees now in order to prepare the architects of the future for net-zero targets. He says: “At this point, it needs to be entirely normal to start an architecture degree and to be taught in a context of a climate emergency where we have been told that we should be net-zero and curbing carbon emissions as fast as possible.”

Net-zero skills will allow architects to assess the environmental impact of their buildings and reduce the emissions produced by the creation of the building and its use. With the 2050 target of net-zero emissions across the UK, this skill will only become more important as we work towards that deadline and beyond.

Fire safety skills as standard A huge focus has been placed on fire safety in the years since the Grenfell Tower tragedy. The Building Safety Bill, which is currently at committee stage in the House of Commons, is expected to become law next year and includes new powers regarding architects.

Under the bill, the Architects Registration Board will be able to remove architects from the register if they don’t keep their skills up to date with regular training. This is especially critical with regard to fire safety, with legislation evolving rapidly. According to a study in the Fire Safety Journal, fire safety is not integrated into building design processes. This means it is often addressed at a later stage, whereas it should be embedded into the design of a building. As the government moves forwards with further fire safety measures, future architects will need to have an in-depth understanding of fire safety design principles and approach their work with a fire safety-first mentality.

The built environment sector has been moving at a high speed in terms of the adoption of technologies and leading the way in hitting our net-zero emissions target. In order for our next generation of architects to succeed, they’ll need these vital skills.

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autosizing feature name

ABODE SWICH WINS SBID INTERNATIONAL DESIGN AWARD 2021

•4• •22•

kitchens Abode, award-winning designer of market leading kitchen taps, sinks, bathroom taps & showering solutions is among the top-tier global design talent to be awarded an SBID International Design Award 2021, as it’s crowned the winner of the Kitchen Product awards category for its innovative water filter system, Abode Swich → www.sbidawards.com/ finalist-pda/swich/ The 2021 SBID International Design Awards winners were revealed at the Nobu Hotel Portman Square in London on Friday 22 October, each presented with a prestigious crystal awards trophy, designed by Sans Souci Glass Deco. Shining a spotlight on the world’s brightest design talent, the creative A&D community came together in a global celebration of interior design excellence to celebrate the industry’s most revered interior designers and makers.

Abode Swich is a revolutionary design solution that will transform a new or existing kitchen tap in to a filtered water tap that delivers a constant supply of crystal clear filtered water!

The exclusive and patented Swich water filter system is a discreet yet ultra-luxe device, which is easy to use and install, either retro-fit in an existing kitchen or add to a new kitchen design. Swich works in conjunction with your normal kitchen mixer tap to improve the overall taste, appearance and quality of your drinking water without compromising on style.

Available in four high fashion finishes – Brushed Brass, Matt Black, Brushed Nickel and Chrome – simply turn the Round or Square control handle to indicate the type of water supply you wish to channel through the tap.

Providing immediate access to both the domestic water supply and Abode-safe

water, via the Swich filter cartridge, customers can enjoy clear refreshing results, every time!

The featured images also include a range of market leading kitchen sinks and taps by Abode, including:

Paul Illingworth, Design Manager at Abode says, “For the first time, our customers are not restricted to the style of tap they can have in their kitchen and now, they can enjoy fresh filtered tap water while removing the need for a countertop water purifier or bottled water, which we all know is harmful to the environment.”

1.

“To be recognised by SBID and its panel of leading industry experts is a great achievement for Abode, acknowledging Swich for its outstanding examples of technical innovation, aesthetic creativity and fit-for-purpose functionality.”

“Achieving an SBID Award is an unparalleled marque of design excellence.”

“As another year draws to a close, the SBID Awards continues to empower the design industry to exhibit their creative work and celebrate their achievements on its inclusive stage, as a testament to the incredible outcomes that can be accomplished through the power of good design and quality craftsmanship” says the SBID International Design Awards.

2.

3.

Swich Chrome with Virtue Semi-Professional Mixer Tap with flexible hose & Matrix R50 undermount Sink Swich Matt Black with Linear Nero Monobloc Mixer Tap & Londa Single Bowl Sink & Drainer, Black Metallic Swich Brushed Brass with Prime Single Lever Mixer Tap & Matrix R0 Large Single Bowl Sink

NOTE: Swich Brushed Nickel available, in either a Round or Square handle design For further information, please contact Abode: t: 01226 283 434 | e: info@abodedesigns.co.uk | w: www.abodedesigns.co.uk | For the latest news & company updates, please follow Abode on Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn #WaterTheWayYouWantIt

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KITCHENS

HOWDENS BECOMES THE ONLY UK KITCHEN MANUFACTURER TO BE AWARDED LAB APPROVED STATUS FROM FIRA INTERNATIONAL

H

owdens, the UK’s number one trade kitchen supplier, has been awarded Lab A p p r o v e d St a t u s f o r its kitchen produc ts by FIR A International Howdens is the only current kitchen manufacturer in the world to be FIRA International Lab Approved, w ith the award recognising Howdens rigorous and thorough testing and qualit y assurance process.

Tr a d e s p e o p l e w i l l b e n e f i t significantly from this new testing process, with 50% reduction in testing time during new product development, as well as Howdens being able to offer a more agile ser vice when it comes to the latest market trends and customer requirements.

Steve McClean, Head of Technical & Quality at Howdens, says: “Being FIRA International Lab Approved is a huge milestone in the history of Howdens as it recognises our extensive testing process, not only across our kitchens but also our Joinery, Ironmongery, Worktops and Cabinets categories”.

“Our standard practice exceeds British and European standards through our back-to-back testing of comparative products, as well as the Howdens Trade Tests. This includes finish performance and structural testing which covers door slam tests,

•46•

cabinetry strength tests and stain tests on worktops and frontals; affording our customers peace of mind.”

Howard James , Tes ting and Te chnic al Manager a t F IR A International, adds: “Being the only kitchen manufacturer to be awarded FIRA International Lab Approved status shows Howdens’ dedication to ensuring its customers have access to only the highest quality products.

colour, environmental and finish performance testing.

To guarantee the highest quality of standards, the company will be subject to FIRA International audits throughout the year to ensure that the company’s testing remains up to standard.

“Their testing programme is of a gold standard. FIRA International will continue to audit their process to ensure that competency remains high.”

Howdens design kitchens to suit every home, but above all else, Howdens believes in exper t craftmanship. Selling only direct to the trade ensures that Howdens products are installed to the highest quality, with their kitchen cabinets receiving a 25-year guarantee.

Howdens testing lab covers four key areas, including structural,

To find out more about Howdens, visit: www.howdens.com

Nationwide Distribution over 10,000 worktops in stock

NEW Price List & Product Guide 2021 Available Now National Sales Line: 01257 478540 Email: sales@deralam.co.uk www.deralam.co.uk

kitchens

ROTPUNKT 2022 UK KITCHEN TRENDS

Rotpunkt, award-winning zero carbon manufacturer of premium German kitchen furniture offer its expert know-how on the latest kitchen trends to hit the UK marketplace in 2022.

Rotpunkt is proud to present a new collection of high concept kitchen designs and solutions in 2022, which are sustainably manufactured and rigorously product-tested to meet the highest eco-design standards. Here are some of the key trends the company feels you should look out for next year: STYLE: Calm industrial - The iconic industrial design style is set to be reinvented next year, with a softer colour palette helping to place new emphasis on timber finishes and iconic features, which move away from the slab door to welcome modern in-frame and vertical fin design options.

Calm industrial kitchen schemes will also be space sensitive, providing a wealth of open and closed furniture solutions in 2022 with canopy-style storage and wall panelling systems creating lifestyle-friendly kitchen spaces that support individual needs and living habits.

PALETTE: Natural – Indoor outdoor living is going to be big in 2022 and so botanical greys and greens will be met with raw timber finishes ranging from light oak to rich, dark black. Design integrity will be achieved through a well-considered balance of block colours and natural design effects, offset by matt black hardware and accessories like appliances and storage systems through to lighting and essential fixtures and fittings.

LAYOUT: Modular - Industry forecasts indicate that versatile pieces of furniture that create a more flexible home environment

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will top the charts in 2022, with integrated wall and ceiling storage systems through to all-inclusive islands with space to cook, dine and do business. Brokenplan, modular arrangements will be the layout of choice, able to accommodate dedicated kitchen, living and utility areas with designed-in storage to ensure minimal disruption to the ground floor. Modular furniture will add to the overall flexibility in the space, with statement furniture solutions developing around the traditional cook zone and becoming the building blocks of the contemporary kitchen.

MANUFACTURE: Eco friendly – Mindful consumerism continues to be a priority for anyone seeking to make a difference and address climate change in the home. Recognising the ‘power of the purchase’ will be crucial in 2022, with big ticket items like the kitchen helping to reduce environmental impact and promote a greener way of life. In this way, the latest furniture trends are embracing all of the new design possibilities being achieved when using recycled materials and so renewable wood alternatives will prove their worth next year as an eco-friendly option that does not sacrifice on style or quality.

For further information on Rotpunkt UK, please email matt.phillips@rotpunktuk.com or visit www.rotpunktkuechen.de/en/

HEAD OF UK OPERATIONS AT ROTPUNKT, MATT PHILLIPS EXPLAINS, “2022 IS GOING TO BE A LANDMARK YEAR FOR THE BLENDED KITCHEN SPACE, AS THE MARKET IS PRIMED TO BRING THE VERY BEST IN LIFE-ENHANCING KITCHEN DESIGN TO THE CONTEMPORARY HOME. OUR RESEARCH SHOWS THAT THE MODERN KITCHEN WILL BE REINVENTED NEXT YEAR WITH INDUSTRIAL-STYLE SPACES BECOMING MORE VISUALLY QUIET AND GENDER NEUTRAL IN TERMS OF COLOURS, MATERIALS AND FINISHES. PRESENTING A TRUE DEMOCRACY FOR TODAY’S LIFESTYLE, THE KITCHEN OF TOMORROW WILL BE CONTEMPORARY IN STYLE AND SPATIALLY ERGONOMIC WITH THE VERY BEST SUSTAINABLE FURNITURE FORMING THE BASIS OF EACH SCHEME.”

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HOME-DESIGNER AND ARCHITECT

MAGAZINE

Recommended suppliers

Rinnai UK Main Office: 9 Christleton Court, Manor Park, Runcorn WA7 1ST London Office: 5th Floor Hyde Park Hayes 3, 11 Millington Road, Hayes UB3 4AZ

Rinnai is a global leader in gas appliance manufacturing, striving for reliable and consistent quality. Rinnai specialise in the development of Commercial and Multi-point water heaters.

www.rinnai-uk.co.uk

Leaders in the electric heating and hot water industry for 15 years.

Electric Heating Company Unit 40 Block 5, Third Road Blantyre Industrial Estate Blantyre Glasgow G72 0UP

www.electric-heatingcompany.co.uk

With more than 30 years of experience, selling to more than 120 countries around the world, Panasonic is unquestionably one of the leaders in the heating and cooling sector.

SAiGE Longlife Decking Ltd Vicarage Barns, Lower Quinton, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, United Kingdom, CV37 8SG

www.aircon.panasonic.eu