Fx201407

The Business of Design July 2014 £6.99 designcurial.com

A DEGREE OF COMFORT TECH OFFICES PROFILED: JOHN MILLER

NOW HEAR THIS

Acoustic fittings are funky and functional with new material Snowsound, by Caimi

07> 9 770966 038072

FX07-001-cover-ph3•.indd 1

19/06/2014 14:11

The pessimist sees ‘difficulty in every opportunity.

am fond of pigs.

‘IDogs look up to us.

Cats look down on us.

Pigs treat us as equals.

’

An optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.

’

Sir Winston Churchill is justly famous for delivering a timely quotation. best argument against ‘The democracy is a five-minute lie gets halfway ‘Around the world before

conversation with the average voter.

’

the truth has a chance to get its pants on.

’

Miss, ‘Ibutmayin bethedrunk, morning am prepared to meet my Maker.

‘IWhether my Maker is prepared

I will be sober and you will still be ugly.

’

for the great ordeal of meeting me is another matter.

’

going through ‘Ifhell,you’re keep going. ’

Lady Astor,

Winston, if I were married to you, ‘ I’d put poison in your coffee. ’ Winston,

‘And if you were my wife, I’d drink it.’

Untitled-2 1 3350.13 TechoChurchill-FX.indd 1

09/12/2013 06/12/2013 10:16 12:36

Techo can deliver an accurate quote on your project within 24 hours.

Anyone in the business knows that traditionally it takes weeks to get a realistic quote for furniture supply on even a modest project.

24 hours is a very short time. So how do we do it?

At Techo, we adopt a radical, no-nonsense approach. We’re not shy about employing people from outside the industry. We look for people with attitude and ability. By applying it, they soon find that working to a 24-hour deadline is perfectly possible.

There’s more to furniture supply than a fast quote.

Experience tells us that fitting out often gets squeezed by delays incurred earlier in the project. So efficiency is called for at every stage of the process.

Not only do our fast quotes give us a head start but our supply lines, warehousing and distribution procedures are set up to help us maintain that momentum and complete the contract with equal speed and accuracy. It’s our tight approach to project management and attention to detail from start to finish that have won Techo its enviable reputation for reliability.

Techo delivers at every stage.

We believe that our somewhat unconventional approach allows us to perform to consistently high standards and see each project through with speed and efficiency.

Techo’s record of repeat business would appear to bear this out. As Churchill put it, “Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference”.

We understand it’s your reputation.

To get things moving, contact Techo on 020 7430 2882 or email sales@techo.co.uk www.techo.co.uk

Untitled-1 1 3350.13 TechoChurchill-FX.indd 2

10/12/2013 09/12/2013 08:41 15:09

Untitled-3 2

19/06/2014 15:24

Untitled-3 3

19/06/2014 15:26

CelebratingÊ theÊ BestÊ ofÊ DesignÊ Excellence...Ê Ê Ê ENTRIESÊ LIVEÊ MARCHÊ atÊ www.fxdesignawards.co.uk

FX Awards ad.indd 1

23/04/2014 09:41

PROJECTÊ CATEGORIES GlobalÊ ProjectÊ forÊ 2014 UKÊ ProjectÊ forÊ 2014 DrawingÊ andÊ 3DÊ Model-makingÊ LeisureÊ orÊ EntertainmentÊ Venue MuseumÊ orÊ ExhibitionÊ Space WorkspaceÊ Environment PublicÊ SpaceÊ Schemes BarÊ orÊ Restaurant LightingÊ Design PublicÊ Sector RetailÊ Space Hotel PRODUCTÊ CATEGORIES 2014Ê ProductÊ ofÊ theÊ Year Public, Leisure or Office Furniture WorkplaceÊ Seating LightingÊ Product SurfacesÊ SPECIALÊ AWARDS OutstandingÊ LifetimeÊ ContributionÊ toÊ Design InteriorÊ DesignÊ PracticeÊ ofÊ theÊ YearÊ BreakthroughÊ TalentÊ ofÊ theÊ Year ProductÊ DesignerÊ ofÊ theÊ Year AWARDSÊ NIGHTÊ 26Ê NovemberÊ 2014 atÊ TheÊ GrosvenorÊ House,Ê ParkÊ Lane,Ê LondonÊ W1KÊ 7TN ENTRIESÊ &Ê QUERIES www.fxdesignawards.co.uk entries@fxdesignawards.co.ukÊ ENTRYÊ DEADLINE 25thÊ JulyÊ 2014Ê SEATÊ RESERVATIONS bookings@fxdesignawards.co.ukÊ orÊ callÊ +44Ê (0)7803Ê 148Ê 194 www.fxdesignawards.co.uk

FX Awards ad.indd 2

23/04/2014 09:41

We know education.

With Surf, you can expect exciting designs and maximum safety. Cubicles are fitted with anti-finger trap safety hinges and emergency release indicator bolts for peace of mind.

Safety features

We know washrooms.

Excellent service

Low-level doors

We know washrooms.

Call 01474 353333 www.venesta.co.uk 10-year guarantee Untitled-3 1

06/06/2014 11:40

Contents July 2014

Regulars 11 Diary Current and forthcoming events 12 ForuM John Sacks of JSA Consultancy Services on top 100 suppliers list 15 heaDliner Summertime means the Serpentine Galleries Pavilion, this year from Chilean architect Smiljan Radic 17 the Business Four pages of news including design comp for new Guggenheim Museum; last FAT Architecture project unveiled; Soho hotel from Woods Bagot 25 top 5 Pick of the best new products 26 proFile John Miller, co-founder of Cornish furniture maker MARK 31 one to WatCh is Philipp von Hase

Projects 32 teD teMporary theatre, vanCouver David Rockwell used his theatre design experience to create this portable theatre 38 MeDiCal Centre, WokinghaM BWA has transformed a nondescript Nineties’ office block into a huge and welcoming GP practice 42 exMouth house, lonDon Changing a former factory building into vibrant offices for creative start-ups was the task for Orms, along with a graffiti artist and lighting designers

Features 46 stuDent Days Universities have twigged that providing students with good-quality and well-designed accommodation is the name of the game, reports Veronica Simpson

62 eye Witness Gareth Gardner takes his camera to the Hospital Club for an ID parade

53 BrieF enCounters In her own column, Veronica Simpson reports from the Future’s Everything 2014 festival

98 iF only…There was moveable shelters at Glastonbury, says Barr Gazetas’ Alistair Barr

56 teCh speC oFFiCes Clare Hopping looks at how easily technolgy sits with office design

64 speak easy Cathy Hayward talks to three experts on the best way of managing a project for the best results within budget 66 Designer File Mike Stiff, 30 years on from co-founding Stiff + Trevillion, shares the ‘10 things I’ve learned about design’ 71 all Change Photographs by Mark Thomasson reveal the changing London skyline

Tech Spec 74 light + teCh Lighting expert Jill Entwistle reports on the winners in the latest IALD international awards 78 Materials New acoustic materials are matching form with function, says materials expert Annabelle Filer

Front cover shows new acoustics using Snowsound, created

by Italian company Caimi. See page 78

Centre stage at the TED conference in Vancouver, for which a temporary theatre was created by David Rockwell. See page 32

designcurial.com July 2014 9

FX07-009-contents ph3•.indd 11

19/06/2014 14:26

30.8 – 2. 9. 2014 Samstag – Dienstag // Saturday – Tuesday

// The most important industry forum in the second half of the year. Indispensable order platform for the winter and Christmas seasons. Trend outlooks for the coming spring. International product diversity for the home and gift sectors.

Perfect date // Perfect time // Tel. +44 (0) 14 83 48 39 83 info@uk.messefrankfurt.com

Decide what makes Tendence your favourite: myfavouritetendence.com

Untitled-4 1

19/06/2014 16:14

Welcome Diary

LUKE HAYES

WHERE TO GO THIS MONTH

Theresa Dowling Editor

W

Designs of the Year 2014 Until 25 August Design Museum, London

JOANA LAZAROVA

VICTORIA AND ALBERT MUSEUM, LONDON

With the category winners in the Design Museum’s Designs of the Year event announced, and including Zaha Hadid Architects, Miuccia Prada and Volkswagen (pictured), you can now see these and the others vying for the ultimate accolade of Designer of the Year 2014 in an exhibition at the Design Museum. The choice for the top award will be revealed at the end of this month. designmuseum.org

The Manchester Furniture Show

Domaine de Boisbuchet

13-16 July Manchester Central, Manchester

Until 13 September Domaine de Boisbuchet, France

The Manchester Furniture Show returns to Manchester Central for the annual summer furniture event. A selection of UK and international companies will be showing at the trade-only event, which this year is promoting recycling and upcycling. manchester furnitureshow.com

The idyllic French country estate of Domaine de Boisbuchet is again the venue for a series of architecture and design workshops.

For more than 18 years artists, designers and architects have led courses; this year includes United Visual Artists. boisbuchet.org/ workshops

Dream, Draw, Work: Architectural Drawings by Norman Shaw RA Until 26 October Royal Academy of Arts, London The drawings of Victorian Norman Shaw were considered the most brilliant and influential of the time.

Included here are drawings and images of London buildings that he designed. royalacademy.org.uk

The Glamour of Italian Fashion 1945-2014 Until 27 July Victoria & Albert Museum, London Last chance to see the V&A’s spring exhibition, the first major show to examine Italy’s rich and influential contribution to fashion. Exploring the defining factors unique to Italy’s fashion industry, the exhibition draws on original research of Italian archives. vam.ac.uk

e have a light and summery feel to this issue with some summer-related topics, kicking off with a look on our Reporter page at the latest Serpentine Galleries Pavilion.

This intriguing structure created by Chilean architect Smiljan Radic is open now to summer visitors to the site in Kensington Gardens, Hyde Park.

Then we have a very topical If Only, in which Alistair Barr, of Barr Gazetas, and a long-time attendee of the Glastonbury music festival, dreams of moveable shelters hanging from hot-air balloons at the site. He’s so keen on the idea, he tells us he’s going to have a word with Glastonbury supremo Michael Eavis about it this year. Good luck with that one, Alistair!

We stay with young people’s interests with a feature looking at student accommodation. Here Veronica Simpson reports that developers and universities have twigged that well-designed and well-appointed accommodation is scoring good marks with end-users.

One of the things students look for in accommodation is broadband provision, which many of the new designs are providing for. Elsewhere, designers are re-evaluating designs for offices that now are embracing technology to provide alternative working methods to chairs, desks and static computers, and in another feature Clare Hopping takes a look at how it is all evolving.

Which just gives me enough room to update you on the FX Awards, which is seeing floods of entries. The winners of our prestigious awards will be announced at our black-tie award night at the Grosvenor House hotel, Mayfair on 26 November. There’s still time to enter if you haven’t already, and the very best of luck for a win! designcurial.com July 2014 11

FX07-011-diary ph3•.indd 1

19/06/2014 14:20

Forum

EuropEan officE furniturE markEts a natural targEt for ovErsEas ExportErs top 100 list of suppliers will help americans form strategy As the world gets smaller and the instant communications revolution continues apace, one relatively unnoticed casualty is the design individuality of offices around the globe.

Time was when you could walk into an office and the furniture would tell you whether you were in Paris, Frankfurt, New York, Milan, Moscow or London. The colours, shapes, materials, construction and overall image of the furniture and furnishings were all very local, almost parochial.

Who could fail to be struck by the muddy oranges and greens of a French office? Or the inevitable mahogany or teak real-wood veneers used throughout UK workplaces?

The panels, worksurfaces and storage units which made up American work cubicles were rarely seen outside North America, and the massive, dark-wood desks and cabinets in central Europe overawed visitors and staff alike, just as they were intended to.

What do we see today? A blandness, born of internationality. Manufacturers wanting to ‘emulate’ everyone else and create products that don’t look out of place anywhere. Rather than trying to give their customers just what they want, the producers of office furniture just try to avoid putting customers off and, as a result, products increasingly lack individuality and personality.

Still, there is at least one upside to this trend. With markets that are happy with me-too products and customers who are prepared to buy from almost anywhere, international trade in office furniture is on a high and barriers to trade, both tariff and non-tariff, continue to drop away.

If their own home market goes quiet,

American manufacturers can increasingly look to Europe and today, at least as far as products are concerned, they are often in with a good chance of making a sale.

What potential exporters do need is information, and for American manufacturers one problem is that Europe isn’t one market, but at least 27. That’s the number of individual nations inside the EU, not to mention Switzerland, Norway and others that aren’t members. That’s one of the reasons why, until recently, there’s been a dearth of market statistics and information on the companies that make up the markets.

Specialist international consultancy firms such as JSA in London, which works exclusively on international office furniturerelated projects, can help companies with tailor-made strategic and tactical advice and introductions. However, as a first step, American manufacturers might learn a great deal and begin to identify potential local partners by subscribing to the informative League Tables published by JSA of the 100 largest office furniture companies in Europe. (jsacs.com/european-league-table.php).

European corporate financial transparency varies from country to country, with high levels in the UK, Netherlands and Scandinavian countries and much less in say Switzerland and Turkey. Within these limitations, JSA’s information is very helpful.

The information is updated and reissued to subscribers with improved levels of accuracy and disclosure every three months.

John Sacks, managing partner, JSA Consultancy Services. john.sacks@jsacs.com

Editorial:

Editor Theresa Dowling tdowling@fxmagazine.co.uk Group deputy editor & chief sub editor Pamela Horne phorne@fxmagazine.co.uk Assistant editor Emily Martin / 020 3220 5858 emily.martin@fxmagazine.co.uk Contributors Pamela Buxton, Gareth Gardner, Helen Parton, Veronica Simpson, Clare Hopping, Cathy Hayward, Jill Entwistle, Annabelle Filer, Alistair Barr Website editor Jamie Mitchell jamie.mitchell@designcurial.com

dEsign & Production:

Design Wes Mitchell Production manager Clare Ovenell / 020 8269 7753 covenell@progressivemediagroup.com Classified production coordinator Adam McNamara amcnamara@progressivemediagroup.com

advErtising:

Sales director Joe Maughan / 020 3096 2285 jmaughan@fxmagazine.co.uk Sales managers Alistair Fitzpatrick / 020 3096 2279 afitzpatrick@fxmagazine.co.uk Ryan Sloan / 020 3096 2280 rsloan@fxmagazine.co.uk Business development manager Dean Cassar / 020 3096 2281 dcassar@fxmagazine.co.uk Telesales executives Joe Woolerton / 020 3096 2283 joe.woolerton@fxmagazine.co.uk

gEnEral:

020 7936 6400 CEO Kate O’Sullivan Group editorial director Theresa Dowling Commercial director Mike Callison

subscriPtions:

FX customer services: cs@progressivemediagroup.com Subscriptions hotline: +44 (0)845 073 9607; fax +44 (0) 20 7458 4032 Email: cs@progressivemediagroup.com (include postal address) Online subscriptions: buythatmag.com Single issue: UK £6.99; EU €10.99; US $13.99; ROW $13.99 1 year: UK £65.99; EU €114.99; US $146.99; ROW $152.99 2 years: UK £104.99; EU €183.99; US $234.99; ROW $244.99 Digital edition: (subscribe atbuythatmag.com) 1 year: UK £57.99; EU €86.99; US $115.99; ROW $115.99 2 years: UK £92.99; EU €139.99; US $185.99; ROW $185.99 FX is published 12 times a year by Progressive Media International, John Carpenter House, John Carpenter Street, London EC4Y 0AN. All calls may be monitored for training purposes. The paper used in this magazine is obtained from manufacturers who operate within internationally recognised standards. The paper is made from Elementary Chlorine Free (ECF) pulp, which is sourced from sustainable, properly managed forestation.

Printed in England. All rights reserved: No part of FX may be reproduced or stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form, electronic, mechanical, or photocopying, without prior written permission of the editor. ©2014. ISSN 0966-0380 The Colonnades, 34 Porchester Road, London W2 6ES. designcurial.com Visit the FX new website design curial.com the supersite for the design and architecture industries

Write in

If you have something to get off your chest, email tdowling@fxmagazine.co.uk or write to: The Editor, FX, The Colonnades, 34 Porchester Road, London W2 6ES

And follow us on Twitter: TWEET@fxdesignmag

FX supports the aims and objectives of ACID (Anti Copying In Design)

12 July 2014 designcurial.com

FX07-012-FORUM-PH3•.indd 18

19/06/2014 14:18

Untitled-1 1

18/06/2014 14:40

Colour play

Mirror Gloss Melamine Faced Panels Creating new limits of deep, reflective gloss. Technical development, formula innovation and new process modelling create a polished, lustrous finish of astonishing scope and magnitude. Seeing is believing, for free samples call 01691 773 361, email samplerequests@kronospan.co.uk or visit samples at www.kronospan.co.uk Decors Featured: 7113 Chilli Red, 5517 Bordeaux.

Untitled-2 1 FX Mirror Gloss Ad2.indd 1

13/06/2014 12:37 17/03/2014 10:00

News 17 Top 5 25 Profile 26 One to watch 31

Reporter

SeRPeNTiNe GalleRieS PaviliON 2014

IMAGES © 2014 SMIljAn RAdIc StudIo

by Smiljan Radic Until 19 October Kensington Gardens, London

The London Serpentine Galleries has commissioned Chilean architect Smiljan Radic to design its Pavilion 2014. Radic is the 14th architect to accept the invitation to design a temporary pavilion outside the entrance to the Serpentine Galleries in Kensington Gardens.

The commission has become one of the city’s leading summer attractions since launching in 2000, with Radic’s design following on from Sou Fujimoto’s cloud-like structure and was visited by almost 200,000 people last summer making it one of the most-visited Pavilions to date.

Occupying a footprint of some 350 sq m on the lawn of the Serpentine Gallery Radic’s semi-translucent cylindrical structure, designed to resemble a shell, rests on large quarry stones.

‘Externally, the visitor will see a fragile shell

suspended on large quarry stones. This shell – white, translucent and made of fibreglass – will house an interior organised around an empty patio, from where the natural setting will appear lower, giving the sensation that the entire volume is floating,’ says Radic. At night

the semi-transparent exterior glows with interior amber-tinted light, aiming to attract the attention of passers-by ‘like lamps attracting moths’. It opens to the public on 26 June.

Designed as a flexible and multipurpose social space, Radic’s pavilion aims to entice visitors inside to ‘interact in different ways’, which could extend to meeting friends and using the cafe inside the structure. But the pavilion will also become the stage for the Serpentine Galleries’ Park Nights series of eight site-specific events of art, poetry, music, film, literature and theory and include three new commissions by emerging artists Lina Lapelyte, Hannah Perry and Heather Phillipson. serpentinegalleries.org Words by Emily Martin designcurial.com july 2014 15

FX07-015-Reporter ph3•.indd 1

19/06/2014 14:30

Gresham

Bespoke Established 1976

Visit us online to view our Bespoke Brochure at www.gof.co.uk/bespoke

1 FXUntitled-1 Magazine Advertisement June.indd 1

18/06/2014 18/06/201417:10 17:06

The Business

Tuomas uusheimo

aedas wins top hong kong medal for second time, plus two other awards

entries invited for new GuGGenheim The Solomon R Guggenheim Foundation has called for entries in the launch its international architecture competition to design a proposed Guggenheim museum in Helsinki. The two-stage competition is expected to draw submissions from a wide range of practices and individuals not only from Finland but around the world.

This is the first time that the foundation has sought a design through open competition, with the practice or team selected to join the ranks of renowned architects – including Frank Lloyd Wright and Frank Gehry – who have designed a building for the foundation.

Richard Armstrong, director of the foundation, commented: ‘It is essential to the Guggenheim’s mission to engage directly with people throughout the world, to affirm the transformative potential of art, and to fuse the experience of contemporary art with great architecture.’

Further information can be obtained via the website designguggenheimhelsinki.org

Coffey wins Science Museum competition Coffey Architects has been announced as the winner of the competition to design the new Science Museum Research Centre. The new centre – planned to open by 2015 – will provide the museum with a new level of integration between exhibitions and research. Occupying the ground and first floors, the centre will act as a portal to more than 500,000 items in the museum’s Wroughton Library. coffeyarchitects.com

Call for donations to Scholarship Fund The Jonathan Speirs Scholarship Fund (JSSF) is seeking more funding to help generate future scholarships for architecture students wishing to enter the architectural lighting profession. A UK registered charity, JSSF, set up after the death of the Speirs + Major cofounder, is now approaching architecture and design schools for their candidates for 2014, following the programme’s two previously successful years. jssf.org.uk

hong kong medal win for aedas Britain’s best-kept secret comes to life Bletchley Park, the site of the Second World War codebreaking activities, has now been restored as part of an £8m project funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Exhibition design practice Event Communications has undertaken the task of interpreting the Bletchley Park story, by restoring derelict wartime codebreaking huts and creating a new exhibition, opened by the Duchess of Cornwall last month. eventcomm.com

Global practice Aedas has won Medal of the Year of Hong Kong for its project Art Community: Revitalisation Project at Mallory Street/Burrows Street in Wan Chai.It is the second time the practice has won the top award.

The Aedas scheme involved the conservation of a shop/house ensemble from 1910 (and listed, the Hong Kong equivalent to a Grade 2 historic building) as well as ‘revitalising’ the old district of Wan Chai with a public open space and upgrading historic buildings to comply with current building regulations. The practice also picked up the Special Architectural Award and a Merit Award for Center 66 project in Wuxi, China, which preserves two historic theatres and a hall from the Ming dynasty (1368 to 1644).

This is the second time that Aedas has been awarded the Medal of the Year of Hong Kong, presented annually by Hong Kong Institute of Architects (HKIA). aedas.com designcurial.com July 2014 17

FX07-017-the biz-ph3•.indd 41

19/06/2014 14:41

The Business new bank building uses water from lake geneva for innovative cooling

JOHN MACLEAN

DPA sets sAil with refurb of cruiser DPA has completed the lighting design on board the refurbished Crystal Serenity cruise ship. The lighting consultancy delivered the new lighting scheme for the ship’s Crystal Penthouse suites and the new lido restaurant and casual dining area.

DPA coordinated the lighting design and integrated it as part of the interior fabric in the suites and opted for artificial lighting to enhance the table areas in the lido restaurant.

Patterned screens have also been featured with edge-lit LED linear lighting to provide a ‘strong visual feature’ as well as intimacy for adjacent tables. DPA also opted for a series of lighting components at the food counters to ‘enhance the food’ and the counter front.

The practice has worked extensively with Crystal Cruises International, the ship’s owner, for the past 10 years. dpalighting.com

Make deposiTs Top energy efficienT Building wiTh Bank Make has designed a state-of-the-art, client-facing front office for HSBC Private Bank in Geneva. The new single 16,300 sq m building uses seven existing buildings, the earliest dating from the 18th century, which have been restored by Make using sustainable methods.

The need to satisfy Switzerland’s energy regulations, among the strictest in the world, prevented the use of a conventional cooling system. Instead, Make improved the sustainability performance of the seven buildings by using water from Lake Geneva for cooling. The building’s sustainability principles follow HSBC’s internal guidelines, which are based on the USA’s LEED Gold Standard and respect Geneva’s MINERGIE requirements. As a refurbishment project it did not have to meet these conditions, but nevertheless Make succeeded in meeting 90 per cent of the given requirements.

Florian Frotscher, Make partner and lead project architect, commented: ‘We are proud to have been able to strike the right balance, being locally rooted and environmentally focused for the client.’

The bank building is on Quai des Bergues – one of Geneva’s most prestigious sites overlooking Lake Geneva and the old city centre. makearchitects.com

Antony Gormley creates inhabitable sculpture for new London hotel Internationally celebrated artist Antony Gormley has created a giant crouching figure on the facade of London’s new Beaumont Hotel.

Named Room, the interior of the sculpture is a hotel suite, measuring a cosy four sq m, but is described by the artist as ‘lofty and open above’. The Beaumont Hotel, in Mayfair, London, opens this autumn. antonygormley.com

The Interiors Group to design Honda’s new UK HQ The Interiors Group has announced it has been selected by Honda Motor Europe to design and fit out its new UK HQ in Bracknell. The practice will design and deliver 6,500 sq m of contemporary office space in the Reflex Building, where some 650 Honda staff will relocate from the company’s current Slough premises.

Work is due to be completed by September. interiorsgroup.co.uk

The Living Planet Centre is ‘Outstanding’ The new Living Planet Centre, home of the WWF, has been awarded the highest level in the BREEAM certification process, Outstanding. As part of the building project, WWF aspired to create a building that would qualify for the BREEAM top award. The building achieved a score of more than 90 per cent against the evaluation process. It was opened by David Attenborough in November 2013, breeam.org

18 July 2014 designcurial.com

FX07-017-the biz-ph3•.indd 42

19/06/2014 14:37

Bring your workspace to life bebybisley.com

With its clever integrated power, the new Be by Bisley™ office range will lighten, brighten and energise any working environment – bringing your workspace to life.

Reinventing. Reinvesting. Redefining.

bisley.com info@bisley.com

Untitled-3 1

13/03/2014 11:36

Wire Free Motorised Roller Shades Perfect for Home / Office / AV • Automated with a manual override control system • Easy fabric removal & installation • Battery life up to 5 years • Noise friendly • Child safe, no loose wires • Excellent ease of use • Controlled via remote control or Smartphone / Tablet App • No Electrician Required!

Qsync

Hembar Activation

Control your roller shades through your smartphone app and drag your finger to the desired position

Patented and unique tug feature that allows the shades to open with a short tug or be lowered without the remote

Contact us today and we’ll help you find the best wire free window covering solution.

QMotion jul14amend2.indd 1

Shade Tube Fabric can be easily replaced or removed for cleaning purposes

Visit us: www.qmotionshades.co.uk Email: Info@qmotionshades.co.uk

Connect with us: UK Tel: +44 (0) 845 450 1606

11/06/2014 17:13

The Business disbanding practice fat architecture unveils last project at latest venice biennale

Bisset Adams is celebrating its 20th anniversary year with a move to new and larger premises.

It has acquired a building in Clerkenwell to create a new studio. Now with 60 architects, interior designers and graphic designers, Bisset Adams is to leave its current home in St James’s Walk and move to 71 Central Street at the end of July. The new larger studio will allow the practice to work in one open-plan floorplate, with the space already rated BREEAM Excellent.

The practice has also announced that company founder Roger Adams is to retire next year, and a new brand identity is to be introduced to ‘take the company forward into a confident future,’ says fellow directors Iain Johnston and Sarah Godowski. bissetadams.co.uk

SBID founder gets Birthday honour Interior designer and founder of the Society of British and International Design, Vanessa Brady, has been awarded an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday honours list in recognition of her ‘high standard and design flair’. Brady has received several business and design achievement awards, including the 2014 Women in the City, Woman of Achievement Award for the Built Environment. Brady founded the SBID in 2009, and it has grown to become one of the largest interior design organisations in Britain. sbid.org

Construction begins on new Birmingham healthcare facility Work has begun on site of the Institute of Translational Medicine Birmingham (ITM).

The clinical research facility is designed

by Glenn Howells Architects, the first healthcare development for the practice. It will be next to the new Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham and the University of Birmingham Medical School.

The ITM facility will contain office space, laboratories as well as a clinical trials facility. glennhowells.co.uk

Cristiano Corte for the British CounCil

Bisset AdAms on the move to celeBrAte 20 yeArs in the Business

FAT ArchiTecTure delivers GB PAvilioN For veNice BieNNAle Judging panel for SBID awards announced The fourth SBID International Design Awards has announced its panel of judges for this year’s competition.

‘International industry leaders’ announced include Kevin Mau, senior creative director at The Boeing Company; Christopher Jenner, designer and creative director at Eurostar; John Mathers, CEO of the Design Council, and Theresa Dowling, FX editor and group editorial director for Progressive Market Intelligence design magazine titles, including FX and Blueprint. sbid.org

FAT Architecture, alongside Crimson Architectural Historians, has curated the British Pavilion at the 14th Biennale di Venezia. It is one of its last projects, as the practice plans to disband this summer.

Presented by the British Council, the exhibition, called A Clockwork Jerusalem exhibition, responds to the theme set by biennale’s curator Rem Koolhaas of Absorbing Modernity: 1914 - 2014, and explores how a British form of modernism emerged after the Industrial Revolution and the reactions to the new visions of society that became the basis for post-war architecture and planning.

Curator Sam Jacob of FAT Architecture said: ‘As one of FAT Architecture’s final projects, curating this exhibition for the British Council brings the opportunity to suggest how the history and culture of British architecture might give new direction to the future, and is a fitting conclusion to the FAT project.’

A Clockwork Jerusalem will be open for the duration of the biennale, until 23 November. fashionarchitecturetaste.com designcurial.com July 2014 21

FX07-017-the biz-ph3•.indd 43

19/06/2014 14:40

The Business latest hotel for ferndale includes a design by woods bagot – and a bowling alley from texas

image courtesy of Design Hotels™

Blumenthal’s CaFé now BoaRDInG at heathRow teRmInal 2

woods BagoT hoTel opens for firmdale Firmdale Hotels’ eighth London property – the Ham Yard Hotel – has opened in Soho to a design by London-based architecture practice Woods Bagot. It created the design for the purpose-built, 91-guest room hotel and 24 residential apartment property, encompassing a tree-filled pedestrian thoroughfare flanked by a restaurant, bar and shops.

Using the local landscape of Soho as a reference, Woods Bagot constructed the building to include a new public square in the heart of the property, home to five oak trees and a bronze sculpture by Tony Cragg (Turner Prize recipient, 1988). Firmdale Hotels’ owners Tim and Kit Kemp designed the interiors using an ‘urban village feel’ to include a library, honesty bar and Croc – an original Fifties’ bowling alley (pictured) imported from Texas, and named after the three driftwood crocodiles on the walls. woodsbagot.com

Jeffreys Interiors completes Nira Caledonia room refurbishments An extensive refurbishment of Edinburgh Georgian townhouse hotel Nira Caledonia by Scottish design agency Jeffreys Interiors has been completed.

The renovation has overhauled its bedrooms and suites.

A key part of the practice’s brief was to revitalise the decor while retaining the hotel’s renowned ‘private house’ atmosphere. jeffreys-interiors. co.uk

Heston Blumenthal’s The Perfectionists’ Café, designed by Londonbased design consultancy Afroditi Krassa, has opened at the newly redeveloped Terminal 2 at Heathrow.

Afroditi Krassa’s design concept for the restaurant is taken from the menu itself, which is built around modern British signature dishes of the Sixties and Seventies that ‘distinguish Great Britain from the rest of Europe’. Using inspiration from iconic TV and movie and references, such as Mad Men and Catch Me If You Can, Afroditi Krassa also drew inspiration from the work of furniture and interior designer Verner Panton and graphic designer Saul Bass – who created branding for various airlines in those decades.

Studio founder, Afroditi Krassa, said: ‘We picked up on the multisensorial element of Heston’s cooking and challenged the boundaries of restaurant design. I didn’t want this restaurant to feel like a compromise, as so many airport restaurants do, but a destination.’ afroditi.com

Grant awarded to Sir John Soane’s ‘party house’ Jestico + Whiles has been appointed by Ealing Council to lead the restoration project of Pitzhanger Manor House, one of London’s architectural treasures, following a major grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund. The early 19th-century ‘dream home’ created by British architect Sir John Soane, will have a major redevelopment, to include upgrading the 1939 art gallery extension. jesticowhiles.com

First Australian commission for Asif Khan British architect Asif Khan has revealed his first Australian commission, Radiant Lines, for the Light In Winter Festival.

Melbourne. The month-long installation last month showed 40 rings of raw aluminium creating a visually dynamic layering effect.

The commission came shortly after news that Khan had been shortlisted to deliver the UK Pavilion at the Milan Expo 2015. asif-khan.com

22 July 2014 designcurial.com

FX07-017-the biz-ph3•.indd 44

19/06/2014 14:40

3179.12 Spectral-Blade-Ad-FX 07/10/2013 10:19 Page 1

LEDs compact dimensions and inherently flexibility have allowed us to fit a powerful light source within the confines of a suspended baffle.

Blade lighting units can be produced in various sizes to suit your application. Sheet-steel and powder-coated, they are suspended on wire cables at least 50mm from the ceiling.

Blade Baffling when turned off.

Blade is an unobtrusive LED lighting and acoustic baffle hybrid system, combining stylish and discreet vertical panels with an efficient, integrated light source.

Spectral Blade actively aids thermal mass, achieving significant cooling capacity reductions and cost savings.

Ideal for rooms requiring sight of and access to the ceiling, Blade is designed for sustainable buildings, such as laboratories, offices, schools, gyms, and more.

Prismatic or opalescent diffusers ensure that all is crystal clear once turned on.

Spectral Lighting 8/9 The Marshgate Centre, Parkway, Harlow Business Park, Harlow, Essex CM19 5QP United Kingdom Tel. +44 (0)1279 450882 Email. enquiries@spectral-lighting.co.uk Visit. www.spectral-lighting.co.uk

Untitled-1 1

Bend the rules.

12/06/2014 15:21

Armstrong Colour Circle Metal Canopies

Armstrong Vector Walnut Wood Planks

Yes, we can do it.

Armstrong’s multi material ceilings portfolio - metal, wood, fabric and mineral provide intelligent, efficient, cost-effective tailored solutions to meet revolutionary, state-of-the art interior project designs.

Hotel Silken Diagonal

A myriad of colours and patterns create a stunning passage through different areas with varying visual requirements.

Grand Hotel Tiffi in IĹ‚awa

Combining eye-catching elegance, natural beauty and acoustics with wood ceilings.

www.armstrong-ceilings.co.uk/projectgallery www.armstrong-ceilings.ie/projectgallery

AS_FX_march14_UK.indd 1 Untitled-3 1

11/03/2014 15:30:42 12/03/2014 11:32

Top 5

2

1

3

4

1 AlmAnAC

By EgE

Launched at this year’s Clerkenwell Design Week, Almanac was the winning entry of Benjamin Webb, a Kingston University interior design graduate, into the design competition run by Ege carpets in conjunction with FX. For use in lobbies and ‘largescale areas with lots of impact’, Almanac is now available to specify from Ege. egecarpets.com

CF 2 mK1 TrAnsForming 3 By ToTo CoFFee TAble

By Duffy

Suited to wide variety of environments, the coffee table’s transformative properties make it suitable for small spaces as it converts from a coffee table to a dining table in two simple movements. It is now available in a melamine plywood and solid beech version. duffylondon.com

One of Japan’s leading bathroom manufacturers Toto has introduced the latest model of its CF toilet, offering improved levels of hygiene compared with conventional toilets, it says. The new design focuses on the flush, by using jets to create a whirlpool of water with strong downward suction to prevent spray or mist. toto.com

5

Pods 4 HAven

By AllErmuir

Allermuir has launched Haven Pods, seating to respond to changing workplace needs by creating spaces within existing environments.

Items in the range come in various heights and acoustic and privacy benefits. Haven Pods’ innovative geometric shape maximises space efficiency while also reducing surrounding noise by up to 50 per cent. allermuir.com

5 ArC By mArK

Cornwall-based furniture company MARK has launched a new concourse style seating system, debuted at this year’s Clerkenwell Design Week. Arc’s flowing curves create a variety of layouts. It features timber slats for outdoor use and an upholstered version for indoors, and both are available with customisable base options. markproduct.com

designcurial.com July 2014 25

FX07-025-top 5-ph3•.indd 1

19/06/2014 14:43

Profile While many have gone from working in a practice to teaching, John Miller went the other way round. He talks to Emily Martin about his passion for making, and the design students he has nurtured

Below, the Studio sofa, designed by John Miller and Anna Hart for MARK, was launched at the Clerkenwell Design Week. Bottom, l-r, Mycroft, Mylo and Mylar, again by MARK

John Miller ‘I

don’t come from a creative background.

I didn’t particularly enjoy my school life, and that’s putting it quite politely. The thing that really was my salvation was the art room and the school workshops.’ John Miller, founding director of Cornwall-based manufacturer MARK (or to use its lesserknown full name, Made And Realised in Kernow), is recalling the key steps that led him to furniture design. The journey for him started at school and growing up in Orpington, in south-east London. Miller says he gravitated towards art and design subjects and discovered a love for ‘making’ and using his hands.

‘The key thing for me was my art teacher lending me a book, Design For The Real World, by Victor Papanek,’ he says. ‘That is what really introduced me to the idea of a designer as an influencer and somebody who can make decisions that can impact positive change. After that it really was a straight line.’

In 1991 Miller graduated from Leeds Polytechnic after studying 3D design and specialising in furniture design. His study time had led him to discover his early design

heroes, who included Alvar Aalto and in particular, Aalto’s wood steam-bending techniques.

Miller says the Eighties and Nineties saw and ‘explosion’ in design and that it was a very exciting time for designers. ‘Design was actually being applied to things that it had never been applied to before. Or things were being designed for a second time,’ he says.

‘Before, someone would have built a bank and, then it would remain as a bank. And now was the idea of redesigning the bank, or redesigning the interiors of the bank; I don’t think it had happened before.’

Yet Miller was dissatisfied with the design ideologies and describes a ‘clashing of styles’ with the mixing of hi-tech culture and postmodernist style. ‘Possibly we have got more into a consensus now, but having gone down such a linear route I had become quite frustrated be the state of affairs,’ he says.

‘A lot of design seemed to be quite froufrou and shallow and I was quite motivated by ideological values and was looking for something worthwhile to put my abilities into.’

In 1993 Miller started on an MA at London Guildhall University in design research for disability. After earning his MA he started Design Strength, a consultancy where he did several design projects for people with disabilities and put a bed design, designed during his MA studies, into production. Believing that he didn’t have the confidence to grow the business, Miller also found himself feeling isolated and took on a part-time teaching, initially on the masters course he had graduated from. ‘I loved the interaction with the students and I loved having colleagues,’ he says. ‘I think that when you are designing and making in a workshop all day, it is fantastic to be in a collegial atmosphere, and I loved inhabiting other people’s projects as well.’

It’s evident when Miller speaks that his enthusiasm for workshop working are happy times for him. And looking at his hands, which are engrained with dirt with slightly blackened fingernails, they speak of continuing workshop adventures at MARK. Miller completed a PGCE in 1997 and was offered the role of course leader at London Guildhall University for its BA in furniture design and technology. ‘Initially I did it part-time while keeping my business going for a year, but then it became a fulltime commitment. And I loved it. I just loved that job,’ says Miller. ‘Running a course is the best job because in a way it’s like running a business: you can be entrepreneurial, your students are your team, the projects you write are creative and you can decide which people from industry to bring in.’

Starting out with only 15 students, Miller says timing had a lot to do with the success of the course, which went on to invite more than 30 students each year, believing that little was understood about a furniture design profession: ‘There wasn’t a huge amount of opportunity and it was quite elite with

26 July 2014 designcurial.com

FX07-026-profile-ph3•.indd 1

19/06/2014 14:53

designcurial.com July 2014 27

FX07-026-profile-ph3•.indd 2

19/06/2014 14:50

Profile furniture designers typically all being male and white. Nevertheless there was this whole TV-make-over interest in design and we were soon finding our resources being stretched.’

Adopting what he calls a ‘Bauhaus ethos’ to the course, Miller was keen to establish and promote as one of its leading principles a connection between furniture design education and manufacture. In 2002 Miller set up Furniture Works at what then had become London Metropolitan University and left his role as course leader.

‘Buildings that were veneer warehouses were now design studios, so Furniture Works was to really open to this new emerging furniture design industry and saying “We’ve got all these facilities and heritage, come and talk to us”,’ he says. Promoting the idea that this would benefit the whole community, including staff and students who would also get involved with the different projects happening in the neighbourhood, Miller envisioned an ‘urban factory’. With this in mind, before leaving the university and London for Cornwall, he ran a project by

inviting a number of London-based designers (including Simon Pengelly, Wills+Watson, and Rose Cobb) to work with local London manufacturers. ‘We created a loose collective, united under a single brand called Isos,’ says Miller. ‘We exhibited in Birmingham, London and Milan, and the project created a lot of energy, though it wasn’t a commercial success.’

Miller accepted a job at as director of design at University College Falmouth and with his wife relocated to Cornwall. ‘It was a positive and ambitious big step, not because I was fed-up or anything like that,’ says Miller.

‘But I found I was very much back into a core academic life and was introduced to the life of committees and a very full diary. I was no longer within my beloved furniture base.’

Without an established furniture design course at the university Miller set out to conduct some research: ‘I spoke to anyone and everyone in Cornwall who had something to do with furniture!’ Discovering a more craft-based furniture design industry in the county, Miller started to put a project together with the intention to build on the idea of Isos.

MARK was co-founded by Miller and his furniture designer business partner Anna Hart, who he met through networking in Cornwall. ‘I started it as a part-time/sparetime thing. But it needed to have purpose, and due to the early success of the business I made the decision in 2009 to leave the university and go for it full-time.’ Now a successful contract furniture design and manufacturing company, MARK is still managed by Miller and Hart. ‘We manufacture everything we do in the UK, either at our own factory in Cornwall, or with suppliers that are mostly close by,’ he says.

‘My passion for furniture then is the same now. It’s the design discipline, and the furniture, which is the most intimate, tactile thing to connect us most directly with our environment. It’s something you can’t really achieve with any other design discipline.’

Words by Emily Martin MARK exhibited as part of this year’s Clerkenwell Design Week, launching its latest seating systems Arc (see Top 5, p25) and Studio. markproduct.com

Above, the bed designed

by John Miller when he was a student, and sold through his first company Design Strength Left, Isos exhibited in the UK and Italy

Left, as a link between design education and manufacture, Miller, then leader of the furniture design and technology BA course at the London Metropolitan University, set up Furniture Works, with its showroom in Commercial Road

28 July 2014 designcurial.com

FX07-026-profile-ph3•.indd 3

19/06/2014 14:51

Untitled-3 1

06/06/2014 11:53

Incorporating

Untitled-1 1

10/06/2014 08:22

One to watch

PhiliPP vOn hase WHO: Despite not being a native Norwegian (born and raised in Hanover, in Germany), furniture designer Philipp von Hase nonetheless was exhibiting as part of last year’s 100% Norway exhibition, a reliable source of beautifully realised, highly considered, contemporary designs.

For 10 years he was an apprentice in Germany, and his subsequent travels around Europe took him as far afield as Berlin and Belfast.

WHY: It was while studying at Bergen Academy of Art and Design that he embraced Norwegian life and culture. Von Hase says he is largely

inspired by nature, which indeed was the inspiration for his product Spire as it was originally designed for a seed centre in Bergen where visitors can learn about the art of growing. Other work includes ‘home is where your door is’ – a redesigned hotel room interior entirely made of re-employed old doors. ‘Home is where your door is, is a redesigned hotel room that I built for the International Trash Hotel in Helsinki in 2012 when the city was the world design capital,’ explains von Hase.

WHERE: philippvonhase.de

His Trialog design is for a three-legged handcrafted wooden chair, intended for reverse sitting. The idea behind it is that, having noticed people sinking into conventional chairs without knowing where to put their arms and hands, von Hase’s piece encourages a more upright posture.

Spire resembles a boat but is actually a table with room for plants in its centre.

Says von Hase: ‘It is made of solid maple and walnut and I very much like the contrast between light and dark.’ Spire’s surface plates can be opened for storage inside, while the central bowl can be used for planting herbs or keeping fruit.

Samara is a magnetic clothes hanger made from walnut and maple and is inspired by the maple tree’s seed pods. The hanger can be divided and hung on to any flat metal surface.

‘Samara is designed as a by-product from manufacturing Spire and Trialog,’ says von Hase. ‘The hangers come without any metal counterpart, so the user can create or design a site specific and individual solution.’

Words by Helen Parton

designcurial.com July 2014 31

FX07-029-one2watch-ph3•.indd 29

19/06/2014 14:47

TED temporary theatre, Vancouver // David Rockwell brought his considerable theatre and stage-set design experience to create a quickly built and reusable stage for the annual TED conference Client: TED // Designer: Rockwell Group // Size: 1,860 sq m // Build time: 1 week

32 July 2014 designcurial.com

FX07-032-proj 1-ph4•.indd 2

19/06/2014 14:57

Ryan Lash

PROJECT 1

designcurial.com July 2014 33

FX07-032-proj 1-ph4•.indd 3

19/06/2014 14:55

In 1984 a four-day speaker conference was set up in California aimed at converging issues surrounding technology, entertainment and design (TED).Thirty years on the non-profit organisation now covers almost all topics in more than 100 languages, accompanied by its well-known tagline ‘ideas worth spreading’.

This March, TED decided to relocate the annual conference from Long Beach in California to Vancouver for its 30th anniversary and secured the 4,200 sq m main ballroom in the Vancouver Convention Centre for the conference’s venue.

TED curator Chris Anderson contacted David Rockwell, founder and president of Rockwell Group, to propose a theatre design solution suitable for the venue and event. With Rockwell’s 15 years of ‘institutional knowledge’ of the conference as a longstanding speaker and participant at TED and with a 30-year track record of designing hotels, restaurants, hospitals, temporary events (and even set designs for theatre, film and TV – including the Oscars), Rockwell Group was deemed the clear choice for the job.

‘I’ve had a lifelong fascination with theatre as public performance, as an art form, and as a

Previous page, the TED’s conference theatre’s opening night.

Above, the structure comprises 8,000 numbered lengths of wood (right, details from the structure’s interior). Right, the 1,200-seat auditorium has 14 types of seating

powerful narrative,’ says Rockwell. ‘This interest underpins all of my work.

I founded Rockwell Group with the belief that built environments should be designed to encourage people to gather, connect and share experiences.’

Conceiving the idea of a temporary and portable theatre that could be installed inside the ballroom in a week, seat 1,200 people, dismantled in a few days, and be reused every year, presented a key challenge of transforming the space within a tight schedule.

Rockwell explains: ‘Since TED was renting empty ballroom space in a convention centre, every moment was critical. The theatre had to be an efficient kit-of-parts that could be assembled and disassembled quickly. The structure is made from approximately 8,000 precisely cut and numbered pieces of wood, and we had less than a week to assemble a 1,200-seat theatre!’

Rockwell was keen to create a connection between the audience and the speaker, using

34 July 2014 designcurial.com

FX07-032-proj 1-ph4•.indd 4

19/06/2014 14:55

PROJECT 1

an idea to ‘reinvent’ the conventional theatre format. The theatre design adopted an arenastyle structure, with a 180-degree wraparound evocative of an Elizabethan theatre, with the structure comprising a ‘seating bowl’ made up of different segments that radiate from the stage.

‘The audience really surrounds the main stage and makes the theatre more intimate,’ says Rockwell. And recognising the socialrelated activity occurring at the conference, as well as the talks, the theatre was designed to incorporate more than 10 different seating options including ringside benches, lounge seating groupings, rows with combination of benches and chairs, and a standing-room area in the back row where people can blog without disturbing the rest of the audience.

Closer to the front row are custom-built floor lounges, inspired by the social and informal nature of TED’s New York office and lounges furnished with bean bags. ‘We also drew inspiration from festivals, spectacles and community events such as music festivals, circuses and people simply sitting around a campfire,’ says Rockwell.

The theatre comprises smaller components designcurial.com July 2014 35

FX07-032-proj 1-ph4•.indd 5

19/06/2014 14:56

PROJECT 1

that can be repeatedly assembled and disassembled. The majority of the components are made from Douglas fir. ‘Both Rockwell Group and TED felt it was important that the theatre reflected Vancouver’s fantastic local landscape and the convention centre’s commitment to sustainability,’ explains Rockwell.

‘The majority of components were made from locally harvested wood. Additionally, we worked with a company called Nussli, which fabricated the theatre’s components with a computer-aided cutting machine – generating only two per cent waste once all of the material was cut and processed.’

The theatre features bespoke furniture, manufactured by Steelcase, that will accompany it wherever it is erected. ‘We worked with Steelcase which made, and in some cases customised, all of the furniture for the theatre.

The different seating options created multiple mini-communities – comfortable areas where people can both watch presentations and socialise,’ says Rockwell. The theatre also features Layered Luxe Crase, a new carpet

by Rockwell Group, as well as a red stage.

Describing the theatre as ‘hybrid’, Rockwell

says that the design is unique through the creation of the temporary and customised element made to feel like a permanent structure.

‘Also, the different types of seating is pretty unique and reflects the nature of the TED conference,’ he adds. ‘TED is essentially a mash-up of theatre and festival. Audience members are sitting in a single venue each day for more than four hours – longer than the longest movie or concert that you’ve seen.’

‘I like to take tools from my scenic designer’s toolbox and apply them to my architectural projects – and vice versa. The TED theatre represents a true intersection between architecture and theatre, which really made it our dream project.’ Words by Emily Martin Top, working from a digital model the frame is assembled. Above, the seating bowl is constructed. Above right, the perimeter trellis in lifted into place. Right, the CNC-milled timber elements are individually coded

Main suppliers // Furniture: Steelcase steelcase. com // Lighting: Varilite vari-lite.com // Colorkinetics colorkinetics.com // Flooring: Shaw Hospitality Group shawhospitalitygroup.com

36 July 2014 designcurial.com

FX07-032-proj 1-ph4•.indd 6

19/06/2014 14:56

Geberit flush plate Omega60

Smaller is smarter.

The new Geberit flush plate Omega60 integrates reliable Geberit technology behind a beautiful plate that is smaller than any other of its kind. With its minimalist, surface-even design, the plate is perfect for any modern bathroom design. Designed specifically for Geberit’s new Duofix Omega frame, available in three installation heights, the Omega60 is available in glass and metal versions with front or top flush positions. → www.geberit.co.uk/omega60

Untitled-3 1 FX_Omega_300x230.indd 1

02/06/2014 15:32 29/05/2014 10:26

Wokingham Medical Centre, Berkshire // An unused Nineties office block has been revitalised and extended to create a medical centre to cater for the increasing population of the town Client: Wokingham Medical Centre // Architect: Barbara Weiss Architects // Duration: 12 months // Size: 1,600 sq m

38 July 2014 designcurial.com

FX07-036-proj 2-ph3•.indd 2

19/06/2014 15:04

Paul RiddlE

PROJECT 2

designcurial.com July 2014 39

FX07-036-proj 2-ph3•.indd 3

19/06/2014 15:04

Barbara Weiss Architects (BWA) has completed the extensive refurbishment, extension and change of use of a redundant Nineties’ office block into the new Wokingham Medical Centre, creating one of the UK’s largest single-site GP practice. Previously occupying two sites (Tudor House, a 16th-century merchant’s house and a converted Edwardian town house) for 40 years, the medical centre has a proud history going back over a century of serving the people of Wokingham.

‘Although the existing buildings were much loved and served the practice well, they were no longer suitable for the needs of Wokingham’s population,’ explains Barbara Weiss, director of BWA. A development of 4,000 new homes in the town may see the two centres’ patient list reach 10,000. ‘Also as part of NHS reforms, many hospital services are being relocated into local GPs’ surgeries as well as the co-location of other medical disciplines such as dentistry, pharmacy and physiotherapy, none of which the existing premises could accommodate,’ adds Weiss.

To address these issues Wokingham Medical Centre set out to bring its two branches into a single, large, modern, towncentre premises. It provided BWA with a brief to accommodate a large number of patients (the centre will serve a catchment area of up to 32,000) and GPs in a ‘calm, noninsitutionalised’ environment. Now, Wokingham Medical Centre has a building with new facilities for up to 16 GPs and five nurses, a new pharmacy and flexible medical suites.

‘Rather unusually, the NHS medical centre has been funded by the senior partners of the practice,’ says Weiss. ‘The client was very involved throughout the entire process, attending regular design meetings and helping with the layout and functions of the building. They approached us in 2011, having been offered

The new NHS medical a disused Nineties’ office centre is said to be building by a local one the UK’s largest. developer, for advice Below, clockwise from on the feasibility of left: the staff room; the patients’ waiting converting and extending area; the staff room it to form a spacious, shows some of the well-designed surgery many roof lights used that would satisfy in the building’s transformation its requirements.’

Due to the variation in Wokingham’s building styles, ranging from 14th-century timber-framed buildings, to whiterendered Georgian houses and Nineties’ redbrick office blocks, the challenge for BWA was to design the centre with materials and an appearance that were contextually appropriate as well as practical for use in a modern public medical facility.

BWA began the design process with a complete strip-out of the existing steel frame and cavity-wall building and remodelled the space to meet a number of key objectives, including the need for additional floor space for the new services and clinics and additional consulting and treatment rooms. BWA positioned the main surgery entrance on the ground floor within a large canopy with curved ends to mirror the existing curved stair tower.

The ground floor also houses the reception, administrative and waiting areas, nurse and treatment rooms, and the pharmacy, which was also designed by BWA. A sliding gate aids flexibility for the space, separating the surgery reception from the pharmacy entrance to enable out-of-hours use.

‘Bringing natural light into the deep-set building was a priority, so roof lights were introduced wherever possible,’ says Weiss. And looking up to an extensive provision of roof lights that enable natural light to flow into all rooms on the second floor, BWA has certainly achieved this. The new wing of the building was

also designed to provide the maximum amount of light into the consulting rooms, through the custom-designed curtain wall. ‘New large windows also allow an abundance of light into the offices along the front. In response to privacy and infection control requirements, “intelligent” smart glass was specified to the curtain wall.

The glazing changes from clear to opaque at the switch of a button,’ says Weiss.

The upper levels, above the entrance, are enclosed with a bespoke curtain wall system, constructed of oak and Intelligent Glass,

40 July 2014 designcurial.com

FX07-036-proj 2-ph3•.indd 4

19/06/2014 15:04

PROJECT 2

designed specifically for the project. Intelligent Glass, at the touch of a remote control button, alternates between opacity and transparency, permitting doctors to offer their patients both privacy and daylight.

Along with a number of alterations to the existing built fabric, BWA designed the integration of a new third floor to accommodate a pavilion, housing a meeting and conference space. ‘The conference room pavilion on the roof was designed to give an air of sophistication,’ explains Weiss. ‘It has a frameless glazed facade, with full-height doors opening on to a large terrace. A long table runs down the centre of the room – it’s a very grown-up space!’ Externally, the new extensions are rendered with simply proportioned window openings.

To achieve the ‘non-insitutionalised’ environment BWA focused on material finishes.

Though aware of the standards surrounding a modern clinical practice Weiss says that the consulting rooms were divided into two parts: ‘The warmer “friendly” consulting area has handpainted and cherry-veneered joinery, but the examination area consists of white laminated joinery, glass splash backs and wall-mounted ceramic basins with sensor-operated taps.’

Floor finishes were also carefully considered in order to create a ‘welcoming but elegant feel’, specifying oak floorboards in the waiting areas to provide warmth, with natural rubber floors installed in the medical areas and stairwells.

‘The main entrance area is Cumbrian slate, a nod to the leading doctor’s passion for climbing in the Lake District,’ says Weiss, demonstrating Above, a new third floor allowed the provision of a sophisticated roof-top conference and meeting room. Below right, BWA also designed the interiors for the new onsite pharmacy

how BWA recognised the need for a much more human approach to the scheme.

BWA also opted for halogen lights to be distributed throughout the waiting areas.

‘Contrary to popular belief, it is still possible to use halogen lights, which provide a warm, comforting light without upsetting the building control officer or destroying the environment,’ explains Weiss, saying that LED lights continue to give off a ‘harsh, cold light’ as well as being an expensive option. ‘There are even fittings available that allow halogen bulbs to be replaced

with LED bulbs – once the technology has caught up,’ she says. ‘WMC is proof that it is possible to design an NHS building to a high standard on a relatively low budget.’

Words by Emily Martin Suppliers: Seating: Crassevig crassevig.it // Fritz Hansen fritzhansen.com // Lighting: Deltalight deltalight.co.uk // Fagerhult Lighting LTD fagerhult.co.uk // Flooring: Nora rubber flooring nora.com // Tretford tretford.com // Glass: Intelligent Glass intelligentglass.net

designcurial.com July 2014 41

FX07-036-proj 2-ph3•.indd 5

19/06/2014 15:04

Morley von Sternberg

42 July 2014 designcurial.com

FX07-040-Proj3-ph3•.indd 2

19/06/2014 15:07

PROJECT 3

Exmouth House offices, London // Creative collaborations have added neon lights and graffiti art to a former textiles warehouse transformed into a centre for creative businesses and start-ups Client: Workspace // Architect: Orms // Lighting architect: Speirs + Major // Duration: 10 months // Size: 2,800 sq m // Cost: ÂŁ2.2m

designcurial.com July 2014 43

FX07-040-Proj3-ph3•.indd 3

19/06/2014 15:07

PROJECT 3

After hearing in the national news that companies in France have banned calls from the boss after 6pm, with a town in Sweden also trialing a six-hour work day, I was starting to wonder if the Fifties’ Jetson vision of working less and enjoying more leisure time had just taken its step to becoming reality.

But looking back to Evernote’s office in Redwood City (FX December 2013), which challenged Studio O+A with just a seven-month timescale and limited budget to match, the need for ‘quick and now, for less’ is leaving us with space to fill up our schedule with more work, rather than leisure.

The transformation of Exmouth House, a 2,800 sq m factory building in Clerkenwell, London is another example of a ‘tight’ turn around. The Thirties’ building with its huge windows and brick facades has been upgraded into a vibrant office building for the next generation of creative professionals in just 10 months. With a budget of £2.2m and the 10 -month delivery deadline, Orms took on the challenge. ‘There are many surprises when transforming or working with an existing building,’ says Orms’ associate director, Richard Keating. ‘And with a very tight budget and high expectations on all sides, it left us very little space to plan for the unexpected.’ Working closely with the client, start-up and smallbusiness facilitator Workspace, Orms put together the design brief for the building conversion, which would also home the practice’s own new studio.

Orms used the project to collaborate with grafitti artist Remi Rough and lighting specialist Speirs + Major to help deliver a new creative identity for the building. ‘The creative collaboration is what makes this project special,’ says Keating. The use of bold wayfinding graphics and neon signs, sprayed graffiti murals and dramatic neon lighting was the chosen schemes for the project, with Speirs + Major ensuring lighting was made a priority for the project.

‘The client’s budget was very tight and so we

had to argue our case to make the lighting a clear priority,’ explains Mark Major, principal at Speirs + Major. ‘Mock-ups and tests on site not only helped us to explain our ideas and win the client’s support, but also finetune the final details.’

From the street, a back-lit, glass-brick passage leads to the reception area and central courtyard, which has been enhanced with stretched fabric vertical panels that reference the building’s history as a garment-making and fabrics warehouse. These illuminated fabric panels make the centre of the building its heart and create a warm and artistic communal zone.

A canopy shelters the central courtyard and allows natural light to flood the central space to make a welcoming area for visitors and a breakout zone for the building’s users.

To create an additional 20 studio spaces, Orms has added a fully glazed roof extension.

The new studios have been designed for creative start-ups and have private external terraces with spectacular views. A lift has been installed to connect the new floor to the rest of the building.

Keating says: ‘Working with lighting designers

Previous page, the central courtyard.

Above, clockwise from top left: street view of the entrance; a walkway around the courtyard; the former warehouse has become a centre for creative businesses; graffiti in the stairwells

and graffiti artists has created an urban and fun refurbishment of this warehouse building within a limited budget.’ The collaborations were key to ensure this quick and low-budget transformation was a success. Mark Major believes communication was an essential feature: ‘We were engaged relatively early within the design process and our ideas and opinions were sought not only on the overall design concept but also on the choice and use of materials. As a result we were able to contribute much more than technical lighting advice. Early engagement also meant that we were able to fully integrate the lighting with the architectural design rather than it becoming an applied cosmetic layer.’

Major adds: ‘This project shows how a truly collaborative process between client, architect and lighting designer can yield results. The design also proves that a tight budget does not necessarily stop a highly creative result being achieved.’ Words by Emily Martin Suppliers: Artwork: Remi Rough remirough.com // Furniture: Thinking Ergonomix thinking.info // Vitra vitra.com // Cambridge Park cambridge-park. co.uk // Lighting: Newman Displays newmandisplays.com // Philips Colorkinetics colorkinetics. com // Ecosense ecosenselighting.com // Mike Stoane Lighting mikestoanelighting.com

44 July 2014 designcurial.com

FX07-040-Proj3-ph3•.indd 4

19/06/2014 15:08

GLOBAL COMPANY SOLUTION PROVIDER

DESIGNING YOUR SPACE WITH JUNCKERS

GUARANTEED FOR USE OVER UNDER FLOOR HEATING

LONGEVITY

A FLOOR AS EVERY BIT AS INDIVIDUAL AS YOU ARE

DEPENDABLE

THE FLOOR CREATES THE ROOM YOU CREATE THE FLOOR

CREATING EXCEPTIONAL SPACES

JUNCKERS LIMITED CONTACT: enquiries@junckers.co.uk Tel: 01376 534702 www.junckers.co.uk Photography by Jake Fitzjones Untitled-4 1 FX_UK_0614.indd 1

19/06/2014 16:17 10-06-2014 08:42:24

Student accommodation at the University of Washington in Seattle aims to be welcoming and desirable

MERCER COURT, UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON

Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios (FCB) joined forces with Seattle-based Ankrom Moisan Architects (AMA) to create a whole new accommodation ‘village’ for the University of Washington in Seattle. With a waterside location but in an industrial-looking part of the city, the University’s concern for the accommodation (for 930 students) was for it to be a desirable and welcoming place, with greater choice and quality of living space than the group dormitory norm.

FCB’s solution provides five blocks, arranged as four fivestorey structures fanning out from one long connecting building; in plan, the scheme resembles an open hand with fingers outstretched towards the water. The main plaza provides common circulation and a central gathering space, with landscaping – here and in courtyards between the buildings – by Gustafson Guthrie Nichols. The link building runs horizontally along a bicycle path, with an active pedestrian street reinforced by strong retail elements.

The positioning of the ‘fingers’ optimises light and maximises views for each of

the units, ranging from studios to six-bedroom apartments.

Bedrooms have shared living, dining and kitchen spaces arranged to maximise views over the bay. Units are grouped around stair/elevator cores providing access to a shared rooftop terraces and amenities at ground level including cafes, gyms, launderettes,and music practice and seminar rooms.

Glass and metal cladding are the main architectural components, with windows faceted to maximise views.

Stretches of coloured rendering and ceramic tiling help identify each block. Common interior spaces are ‘boutique-hotel quality’, says FCB partner Rachel Sayers. AMA’s interior scheme mixes industrial finishes like polished concrete floors with good-quality furniture, and a glassed-in open fire in the main cafe/lounge.

– Client: University of Washington Architecture: Feilden Clegg Bradley; Interior design: Ancrom Moisan Architects Size: 51,000 sq m Construction value: £55m Completed: 2012 Landscaping: Gustafson Guthrie Nichols

46 July 2014 designcurial.com

FX07-046-student-ph2•.indd 88

19/06/2014 15:17

students

LIVING THE HIGH LIFE Remember those ghastly rooms you had back in your university days? Hand in hand with massive hikes in the cost of getting a degree is a new generation of high-quality student accommodation, reports Veronica Simpson

I

magine yourself entering in a waterfront apartment block in Seattle. The polished concrete floor of the entrance lounge reflects dancing flames from an open fire, beside a low-slung, contemporary sofa. Jazz is playing softly in the background and the smell of fresh-roast coffee is wafting across from the cafe in the lounge, while perched on the high cafe stools are bright young things, chatting, scrolling through their iPads and sipping flat whites and skinny decaf lattes.

Welcome to the social hub of the University of Washington’s newest student accommodation block – one that boasts a gym, cycle workshops and even an urban farm where students can grow their own veg.

Student accommodation, 21st-century style, is a far cry from the bog standard blocks of cheaply built ‘affordable’ flats of yesteryear, with leaky windows, multiple bedrooms served by one small bathroom and kitchen, and furnished with the cheapest off-the-shelf contract furniture that offered neither style nor quality. A massive shake-up in student accommodation has been happening across the world, prompted by increasing student mobility and greater competition between institutions both nationally and internationally. The design of facilities is a key part of how colleges package and sell their ‘student experience’, and

designcurial.com July 2014 47

FX07-046-student-ph2•.indd 89

19/06/2014 15:17

students

HARVEY COURT, CAMBRIDGE

‘You can have goodquality accommodation inside a building that looks like a dog from the outside’

commercial developers have entered the marketplace, aiming to create a more differentiated offer.

And the cream of UK architecture and design practices have been spearheading this student revolution, including Levitt Bernstein, whose MD Matthew Goulcher charts its progress thus: ‘The historic providers of student accommodation were the colleges themselves, with the emphasis on affordability. Over the years, the price of accommodation has gone up and up until commercial developers have seen that there’s a shortage of good-quality apartments; the sorts of rents that even universities were charging now make it viable for them to enter the market; and a lot of students now are from overseas.’ It’s this latter group that bring the biggest revenue to colleges (which can charge triple the fees they ask of the indigenous students). And many of these students expect and can afford to pay for a better standard of living space. Developers and universities have also twigged that well-designed, nicely appointed apartments for students in term time give them the edge when it comes to winning conference business during the summer holidays.

But is the quality overwhelmingly good? It was, after all, a new block of student housing that was awarded Building Design magazine’s Carbuncle Cup in 2013. The offending building – 465 Caledonian Road – was deemed by judges to be the ugliest British building to be completed in the past 12 months. Its offences include replacing a historic red brick warehouse (retaining just one wall of the original facade) with a block that ‘the jury struggled to see as remotely fit for human occupation’. The bedrooms were said to lack adequate daylight, offering little privacy, and the loose attachment of the original facade to the block behind it left residents of those rooms with no actual views outside.

Designed by UK firm Stephen George and Partners for a developer working with UCL, does this represent the nasty face of student accommodation – a cavalier disregard for student tenants? Goulcher feels the building’s criticism may have been unfair. ‘You can have good-quality accommodation inside a building that looks like a dog from the outside,’ he says. The developer in question generally strives to meet most of the standards that other, less-pilloried student buildings offer, says Goulcher. And by and large, he insists, the quality of student accommodation is a great deal better than it was.

Davinder Bansal, a director at Glenn Howells Architects, says: ‘Just like in general housing, when a boom starts you get schemes dealing in numbers and offering quantity not quality.

One of the uK’s most iconic mid-century buildings, Harvey Court is a Grade II listed student residence block in Cambridge designed in sir Leslie Martin’s office, and attributed to Colin st John Wilson and Patrick Hodgkinson.

It has a typical Martin-style four-square stepped-section structure, using high-quality brick and natural materials in contrasting textures.

Levitt Bernstein Associates’ refurbishment improves on it while respecting its legacy.

A complete renovation of the building envelope and facilities was required. A new main entrance, fully respecting the original design vocabulary, has been inserted and brick paving restored to the raised court. Windows have been replaced with double-glazed units within generous timber frames. the student rooms now have en-suite bathrooms, which makes them slightly smaller but still comfortable.

two rooms are adapted for wheelchair users. Original Aalto fitted furniture has been retained and public areas refreshed with Artek furniture in sympathetic designs. Access is improved throughout the building, with a lift located by the new main entrance nearer the street. the common areas at ground level are also refurbished and improved. new corridors have been added through the ground floor, ramped to accommodate small changes of level and the original layout, and underused garages have been converted into a gym. Crucial repairs include waterproofing the terraces and podium roof and adding insulation to improve environmental performance.

– Client: Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge Architecture and interiors: Levitt Bernstein Cost: £7.5m Completed: 2011

48 July 2014 designcurial.com

FX07-046-student-ph2•.indd 90

19/06/2014 15:17

Above, with views on to the college’s landscaped gardens, the split-level common room has been upgraded with a ramped link,

a bar area and new contemporary furniture. Below, student rooms are all en suite, with Aalto desk chairs and generous glazing

KING’S CROSS HIGH RISE

In July 2013, Glenn Howells Architects completed a 669bed, high-rise student housing development for client Urbanest, a student housing specialist. This 24,000 sq m tower in King’s Cross rises to 27 storeys with a 14 storey ‘shoulder’, and is said to be the tallest building in the ongoing King’s Cross Central regeneration. Passively ventilated, the tower is designed to look and feel more like a hotel, with generous congregation spaces. The ground and first-floor podium contains a cafe and shop, cycle store, exhibition area, meeting suite, cash point and communal lounge area, where students can relax, study and socialise.

Another similar space is on the 13th floor. Bedrooms are arranged on a modular grid with flexibility to suit a variety of configurations and budgets.

There is a mixture of one-bed studios and clusters of three to eight-bed dorms, with shared living and dining space.

Bedrooms range in size from eight sq m to 25 sq m, some are en suite, but there are

also mini clusters with bathrooms shared between two or three rooms. All bedrooms have under-floor heating, study desk, storage space, broadband and plenty of daylight from opening windows protected by perforated screens. Bathrooms and kitchens are high-spec.

The building uses reconstituted stone panels, bronze-coloured window frames and highquality glazing.

Rated BREEAM Excellent, the development wraps around a new courtyard space and sculpture garden, shared with the public, while residents also enjoy a number of sky gardens, including a south-facing terrace on the shoulder and one at the top of the tower. Half the accommodation has been leased to the London School of Economics, with the rest shared across other London universities.

– Client: Urbanest Architecture and interiors: Glenn Howells Architects Cost: n/a Area: 24,000 sq m Completed: 2013

designcurial.com July 2014 49

FX07-046-student-ph2•.indd 91

19/06/2014 15:17

GREAT MARLBOROUGH STREET – HODDER AND PARTNERS

Manchester’s third tallest building, Great Marlborough Street, is a 37-storey tower for 540 postgraduate, mature and international students, and a landmark for the new urban quarter for the majority of the University of Manchester’s teaching buildings and student housing. With its slim profile, it has been designed to complement the surrounding tall buildings while providing a marker for the nearby Oxford Road Station. At ground level, a sculptural ‘podium’ element provides views into and beyond the building through doubleheight glazing across the entrance, which is set back to leave room for a public pavement area, partially sheltered by the podium’s soffit. A cluster of four towers rises above the podium, with variations in height and treatment to set up a dialogue with nearby landmark buildings.

Room sizes and types vary, but start from a generous 18 sq m for a one-person studio to 26 sq m for a three-person flat.

The top-floor triplex has three bedrooms and a rooftop living area with kitchen and dining space. All the flats have bespoke furniture and fittings, and solid work surfaces in kitchenettes, creating a more aspirational ‘home from home’ atmosphere. Hodder and Partners’ MD Claire Hodder praises client Student Castle for its commitment to creating a high-quality building – both internally and out. Says Hodder: ’It’s been full since it opened – and some students have already signed up for another year.’

– Client: Student Castle Architecture: Hodder and Partners Cost: £28.5m Completed: 2012

50 July 2014 designcurial.com

FX07-046-student-ph2•.indd 92

19/06/2014 15:17

students

The argument for better buildings, better fixtures and fittings... ultimately comes down to common sense

UNIVERSITY OF AMSTERDAM

AHMM was appointed by the netherlands’ largest university, university of Amsterdam, to rationalise, reconfigure and revitalise its sprawling campus in 2007, in a masterplanned scheme that will continue to 2015. the most dramatic intervention completed so far, with a massive impact on the usage and enjoyment of key social and study spaces, is the radical surgery performed on two utilitarian buildings from a previous era (part of norbert Gawronski’s original semicompleted masterplan). these have been cut open, sections stripped out and interiors completely reconfigured. One building, which hung low across one of the city’s canals, has had the canal-spanning section lifted out to create an inviting void, revealing views to the campus behind and the zoo beyond. Bridged by a glazed, double-height space and five storeys of workstations, occupants now enjoy views across the canal and the cityscape. A previously solid wall has been punched through to create an entry into a new

triple-height passage between these two blocks, to guide users directly to the various circulation cores. translucent rooflights and inward facing balconies create life and light in this passage as it gathers, orientates and distributes staff and visitors. department houses are stacked vertically to improve navigation across the long floor plan, with retained columns now painted and colour coded by department.

Mini atria, attached to the vertical circulation cores, enhance wayfinding and socialising. Lift lobbies face outwards so those arriving can see where they are, both in the landscape and building.

Meanwhile, a new walk bridge connects the city’s canals and neighbouring streets to a series of public rooms and commercial spaces at the buildings’ edges.

– Client: university of Amsterdam Architecture and interiors: AHMM Total project value: £77m Dates: 2007-2015

I think we’ve seen some really awful housing schemes being thrown up. But the thing is, they have such a short life span.

So what we are seeing now is that student-housing providers are building quality products. Like with most developers they understand commercial reality, they understand that competition, added value; all of this is vital.’

Claire Hodder, MD of Hodder and Partners – which last year earned an RIBA regional award for its student accommodation tower Great Marlborough Street in Manchester – feels that one of the key drivers for improvement is the widespread desire for en-suite bathrooms: ‘A lot of universities would have accommodation without en suites and they now find these difficult to shift. A lot of students now like studios instead of clusters. However, one of the biggest attractions is what the broadband provision is.’

But since the massive hike in UK fees has put university or college out of reach for many UK would-be further education students, Bansal has seen a growing demand for buildings that meet a range of budgets. ‘We’re finding that it’s better if we give people choices – sharing a bathroom with two or three other people is acceptable. It’s what we do when we share a house. And it makes the accommodation more affordable.’

The biggest shift Bansal sees is the need for flexible spaces for all social and work needs: ‘In the best environments, people can socialise as well as have their own private spaces.

Some of these schemes even have work spaces – students can book meeting rooms where they might work as a group.

They want grown-up places, particularly as the boundaries between business and industry and education are really breaking down.’ Some of the student housing GHA is looking at in Birmingham is offering small studio and business units so that, as they go through college, students can start building connections with the professional world they hope to enter.

But the argument for better buildings, better fixtures and fittings and more flexible and aspirational, robust spaces, ultimately comes down to common sense. Says Bansal: ‘Student housing is the one type of building that has a shortest lifespan if you get it wrong. What’s more, our approach to students now is that they are not a different species, they are a future generation of leaders. Good housing for them is as important as providing a good house for a family of four.

That seriousness and consideration is important. It changes attitudes and builds social skills.’

Student buildings are now clearly part of an education for life, rather than ‘ivory tower’ cocoons to protect them from reality. designcurial.com July 2014 51

FX07-046-student-ph2•.indd 93

19/06/2014 15:17

Adytum Space

Come and see us: London Showroom: The Gallery 21-22 Great Sutton Street Clerkenwell / EC1V 0DY

Untitled-1 1

Manufacture/Showroom: Heaton Court Birchwood, Warrington Cheshire / WA3 6QU

Tel: 01925 850500 Email: info@sixteen3.co.uk www.sixteen3.co.uk

18/06/2014 14:43

BRIEF ENCOUNTERS

The future is now

E

Above Inspired by the clever ‘repair’ putty Sugru, a Fixpert workshop showed participants how to repair everyday items

arlier this year, a gathering of around 700 professionals interested in the impact of digital technology on the art and craft of designing and living gathered at Manchester’s Town Hall for the Future Everything festival’s two-day conference. Now on its 19th annual outing, the preoccupation of the festival’s founders – to celebrate the then fledgeling applications of digital culture – have become absolutely mainstream.

The conference audience wasn’t the geeky crowd you might once have expected. There were people with pink or shaved hair, more than a few Shoreditch ‘pilgrim father’ beards, a generous smattering of tattoos, a very strong representation of women and, age-wise, not just fresh-faced young techies/designers but a sizeable chunk of those between 30 and 50. As if to demonstrate the audience’s non-

Future Everything’s 2014 festival revealed many exciting digitally fuelled collaborations between designers, artists and urbanists. Their mission is to reclaim open-source technology as a tool for creativity, collaboration and people power.

The revolution starts here…

By Veronica Simpson

geekiness, the promise from one speaker to avoid mention of ‘biohacking’, or ‘cryptocurrencies’ raised barely a snigger.

The two-day conference, entitled Tools for an Unknown Future, was part of a six-day ‘festival as laboratory’, encompassing a pop-up city, live art interventions, sound installations, live music and DJing, and even a bunch of ‘Fixperts’ patrolling the streets offering innovative uses of the genius ‘repair’ putty, Sugru. But the conference was the most prominent forum for finding out what the key issues are around digital culture and design, both now and in the near future.

After last year’s revelations by Edward Snowden on the scale and scope of government surveillance through data mining – lead by the USA’s National Security Agency (NSA) but with the complicity of many European governments – the

appeal of open-source data has been seriously tainted. As artist, maker and hacker Garnet Hertz said in his talk: ‘All the idealistic technology of today can be turned into our worst nightmares tomorrow.’

We have reached a point, as several speakers warned us, where giant global corporations have seized the internet of things (IOT) and are exploiting it for their own profit-making purposes.

But there are strong currents pulling the other way, in favour of people power and communal enterprise.

Tomas Diez, a Venezuelan-born urbanist and the founder of Barcelona’s Fab Lab project as well as the Smart Citizen movement, urged us to move away from the ‘binary bottom-up/top-down’ version of society to a more collaborative one.

The digital culture of the future, he says, ‘is not about showing how special and unique you are’ – presumably designcurial.com July 2014 53

FX07-051-Brief Encounters-ph2•.indd 1

19/06/2014 15:21

BRIEF ENCOUNTERS

through posting pictures of yourself on Facebook having an amazing life or boosting your following on Twitter or Instagram – ‘but about how useful you can be’.

Drew Hemment, Future Everything’s founder, believes the subversive nature of art and artists, coupled with the problem-solving talents of designers and urbanists, make this creative community a perfect frontline attack force for the democratisation of digital culture. One positive example of this was provided

by Mike Bracken and Russell Davies, design gurus of the Government’s Digital Services (GDS) department, who demonstrated how their customerfocused and ergonomic approach has revolutionised the cumbersome machinery of the Government’s online offer, reducing it to a fraction of its former pagination and offering simple, easy-to-follow guides for everything from finding out what your statutory maternity pay should be to securing lasting power of attorney. We also heard about how Pia Mancini has created a platform for democracy in her native Argentina, via the online public forum democrac.os, and in so doing created a civic infrastructure, digitally.

Raspberry Pi’s ‘artist in residence’ Rachel Rayns demonstrated how the brand’s easy-to-use, supremely affordable DIY computer kit can

be deployed for any number of uses, both playful and serious. Her job is to engage the creative communities with digital making, while at the same time, through the Raspberry Pi foundation, hundreds of schoolchildren are learning how to program and code – vital skills for future hackers and makers, which the current UK ICT curruculum has failed to provide.

One of the most stimulating elements in the programme was the pop-up event, City Fictions. Hemment invited leading designers, urbanists, architecture studios and technologists to ‘envision new futures and make them tangible through installations and workshops’. Linked with Fab Lab Barcelona’s Smart Citizens programme this initiative is, says Hemment, about ‘changing the relationship between citizens and their cities, empowering people and enabling them to have a more engaged participatory role in their environment’.

The launch of Manchester as a Smart City – Europe’s third – was another key event. According to Hemment, Smart City provides interested citizens with a ‘bottom-up, open-source platform that can be used for everything. You can control power in your home with it. The design makes it really simple. It’s a kit, and there’s one board, which handles all the data and power, and on top of that you can put any other board.

‘The board that is on there has a range of environmental sensors – and also [monitors] wavelength exposure.

You could use that to look at digital penetration in the city. Whatever the focus, we’re going to be developing a community of people...engaged in developing new services, new applications, that can improve the lives

Above, a Bio-Strike in the basement canteen of one of Future Everything Festival’s host buildings – part of a collaborative project that combines science and interactive technology to map food controversies and prototype alternative culinary futures. Also part of City Fictions Left, a model for the new 20-acre Co-op development NOMA, in north Manchester, part of the City Fictions exploration at Future Everything Festival 2014 Below, interact with street furniture via this playful City Fictions project

of the city, or new products.

‘As a design agency we’re very much a networked organisation, and most of the projects we do are about unlocking the potential of our global community of artists, designers and technologists. We’ve seen a very particular way of working arise, where a typical practice might involve one third of their time designing, developing new work, one third of their time developing the tools that they use to create that work, and the other third is helping other designers make work. It’s a reciprocal exchange.

Collaborative creativity, enabled by GItHub and a collaborative (shared) code ethic, has led to a very significant and new way of practicing.’

Hemment’s positivity is infectious.

He concludes: ‘Our company vision is to realise a truly participatory society with everyone able to realise their creative potential and shape their world for the better. That vision is under challenge because we, like other organisations, have championed this connected world and recently we’ve seen the darker side of that come and slap us all around the face. It wasn’t a surprise but it was an unwelcome cold shower. That doesn’t diminish our job but makes it all the more urgent.’

Any regular readers of this column will suspect that I’m the last to champion digital connectivity over the delights of analogue experience. But digital connectivity is unavoidable.

And having a hand in shaping – and controlling – your own relationship with it strikes me as the most sane response, while maintaining a vigilance over the digital/analogue quality of life balance. So pass me a slice of that Raspberry Pi please…

54 July 2014 designcurial.com

FX07-051-Brief Encounters-ph2•.indd 2

19/06/2014 15:22

9184-Clouting_Ad_general-FX.qxp_Layout 1 14/03/2014 16:54 Page 1

interiors by design

interior film

Find out more about our exciting range of contemporary LG Hausys decorative materials for furniture, walls and floor...

interior film

deco foil

decotile Luxury Vinyl Flooring

Commercial Use for walls and decorative panels

3D Forming Veneers for kitchen, bedroom and bathroom furniture

for commercial use in high traffic areas

Call +44 (0)1376 518037 today for information on our product range E: marketing@davidclouting.co.uk W: www.davidclouting.co.uk • David Clouting Ltd. Unit 650, The Hub, Skyline 120, Avenue West, Braintree, Essex CM77 7AA

Untitled-2 1

17/03/2014 12:52

tech Offices

When technology and design meet: the flexible needs of collaboration Office designers are facing the challenge of adapting and creating offices where dedicated desks, telephones and desktop computers are a thing of the past, reports Clare Hopping

W

ith many companies adapting their working processes, bringing in work-from-home policies and flexible working, how can designers adapt the use of space to match changing work attitudes?

Many offices now have hot desk space, allowing staff to use the office space when it’s required rather than having a permanent desk. Although it means not as many desks are needed, this has led to the bring your own device (BYOD) revolution, allowing employees to bring their own kit into the office, so a one-size-fits-all policy is not an option.

Such changes make it difficult for designers to create a space that not only meets the needs of those always at their desks, but a new breed of employee too who may not be using IT-issued equipment. It means office solutions now need to be adaptable for changing technological requirements, whether that leaves scope to upgrade computers, integrate new displays, or open up the floor with space flexible for changing use.

Built-in furniture may no longer be a viable solution, with modular options taking precedence, but it also means forward-thinking and adaptability

should be at the forefront of design.

Microsoft has integrated this thinking into its whole-office strategy, innovating the Workplace Advantage Policy (WPA) to produce a design solution that best meets the needs of all staff to drive the business forward.

The aim of the policy is to increase collaboration space and decrease individual space while keeping customer and support space the same. This shift has led to flexible workspaces that can be adapted according to demand.

The approach of architectural interior design practice Squaredot is to provide the most adaptable design, or as much as possible without having a crystal ball. Kris Krokosz, director at Squaredot says the key aspect is understanding the business drivers that are forging the requirements: ‘Workstation utilisation is coming down and the fixed, structured networks are making way for technology that fosters connection and collaboration linking the human network with the structured one. Key to this adaptation is creating places of work that are a destination of purpose and supporting appropriate activity, while offering a sense of

Mircrosoft’s reworking of its offices in Reading aimed to increase collaboration space and decrease individual space

56 July 2014 designcurial.com

FX07-056-tech offices-ph2•.indd 88

19/06/2014 15:34

Microsoft approached the consultant team to Pringle Brandon help refurbish part Perkins + Will of the UK HQ in Reading with the focus to showcase its solutions to clients and reflect the future of technology. The project’s aim was to continue to roll out its global workplace strategy programme, Workplace Advantage (WPA), enabling a flexible, efficient, working environment and support client and partner engagement.

The areas for refurbishment were looking tired and dated and Microsoft felt its technology needed to be showcased more effectively. The team redesigned existing receptions in Buildings 2 and 3, a pilot working floor and collaboration areas in Building 2, client and executive briefing centre and auditorium, and external signage and wayfinding.

To ensure the design was futureproof, materials and technologies were selected that could be changed and developed so the business could launch new products and devices with the minimum of disruption.

The design of the B2 main reception

Project edison

designcurial.com July 2014 57

FX07-056-tech offices-ph2•.indd 89

DAvID CHURCHILL

area incorporates all of Microsoft’s latest technologies and trends with the Kinect and X-box play zone, customer device bars and experience space, connected open collaboration areas, large-format video wall and a Tech Link for on-the-spot technology support.

To encourage better connections between the spaces and buildings an architectural ‘ribbon’ was introduced as part of the design. It uses different materials that connect elements within spaces while also providing a fun and playful route around the buildings for staff and visitors.

The WPA workspace also enabled Microsoft to introduce new ways of working across the floor incorporating new meeting rooms, focus rooms, phone booths with both open and closed collaboration on a day-to-day basis with a level of desk sharing.

19/06/2014 15:34

belonging in an adaptive world.’

The increased use of so many portable devices means we are no longer stuck with some form of PC or laptop, as many workers these days use multiple devices including smartphones, iPads and tablets, which are very often enabled or synchronised for use at work as well as home, helping to support the new work culture of anywhere, anytime.

The use of a range of devices means the changes have to be reflected in furniture choices too. No longer can designers offer an all-in-one solution that will only meet the requirements of company-issued equipment.

Any units must work with a range of different-sized and differentfunctioning equipment.

Kate Vine, project director at Pringle Brandon Perkins+Will, which worked with Microsoft to redevelop its HQ in Reading, agrees that hot-desking and offering flexible workspaces is a big trend. Companies are not designing spaces for traditional working anymore and there’s no such thing as fixed-desk workers. ‘We’ve worked with a law firm converting to tablets because BYOD policies have enabled companies to use their equipment anywhere and everywhere,’ she says.

This does come with some problems though, in the shape of health and safety. Staff who work from home need to have an assessment for using the right chair and table, for example, which is making it a lot harder for companies and designers to integrate such policies into their plans. ‘The problem we’re finding is that clients haven’t really switched on to that, continuing business as usual,’ she explains.

The more advanced businesses in terms of IT infrastructure will have a box full of ideas and ways of using IT Pringle Brandon Perkins+Will is predicting health, wellbeing and balance will be a big trend in office design next year, now companies have determined their flexible working practices. Advances in communication technology are now beginning to simplify connectivity: previously we were used to phones being phones and computers linking us through email, but now we’re able to share information through video

conferencing via any number of portable devices.

Pringle Brandon Perkins+Will is working with another client that doesn’t want anything fixed and is focused on mobile. The company has specified that the design needs to evolve and change as the business changes. With a plug-and-play solution, the architect was able to explore areas such as dynamic video conferencing, setting up a room in different configurations with multiple cameras for use as a flexible space.Another growing demand is ensuring there’s a free flow of wi-fi throughout the building, with enough sockets under the floor to power the extra devices.

The more advanced businesses in terms of IT infrastructure will clearly come to the table with a box full of ideas and ways of using IT. It’s the more adventurous ones that have the will and entrepreneurship to actually use it that will benefit from more progressive working environments.

Any existing technology partners also play an important part in integrating new solutions into buseinesses. Krokosz explains: ‘As designers we are certainly in a position to pollinate ideas between companies, share knowledge and experience

Images on this page, Squaredot combined new technological aids for more informal working with Kimberly-Clark’s observance for more traditional workplace design

58 July 2014 designcurial.com

FX07-056-tech offices-ph2•.indd 90

19/06/2014 15:39

TECH OFFiCES

By its own admission, Kimberly-Clark is a restrained and traditional business Squaredot in its approach to workplace design.

Formerly 10 per cent cellularised and workstation footprints of 2.6m x 2.5m, the new offices on the ground and first floors at its UK HQ in Kings Hill, Kent has provided the opportunity to introduce different types of working environments that could then be transferred to work spaces in Madrid and Ede in the Netherlands.

One of the key aspirations was to create an area where dynamic thinking could take place with the results recorded and communicated very quickly to other offices around Europe and the USA. Squaredot created semi-open workshop areas that incorporated a mix of interactive plasma screens and video conferencing with more traditional media

KimberlyClarK’s worldwide offiCes

including magnetic whiteboards.

All of the components formed an important part of the open-plan scheme so that events could easily be heard or seen, encouraging a much more immediate response. This allowed collaborative team spaces to be developed for the competitive and richly creative sales and marketing teams, and meeting areas with varying levels of privacy, allowing staff to choose the space to work that best suits the task.

By assessing the previous working environment, Squaredot has been able to introduce the most appropriate work settings, from combining new technology that frees up the workforce from the shackles of the workstation to more collaborative spaces, which offer visibility of ideas and stories and thereby mapping change. Squaredot’s design offered an exciting platform for activity-based working, providing the right combination of work settings based on what people do and how often.

designcurial.com July 2014 59

FX07-056-tech offices-ph2•.indd 91

19/06/2014 15:39

TECh oFFiCES to evolve both the technological parameters and the built environment.’

Vine continues: ‘Clients think of tech partners as equals and collaborators in roll-outs. It’s important for them to involve the tech partners in the development process.’

From a product point of view, Graeme Horne, managing director at FG Technology, works very closely with the IT team to ensure the needs of the client are a top priority of the designers and architects. ‘I see a distinct difference in public sector with greater awareness in the client and the team and the needs of tech, which is led by the existing building.

Tech is very high up the agenda in public sector projects,’ he says. ‘In commercial buildings there’s almost a reluctance to think about the implementation, and a low degree of knowledge.’

Horne says this is because IT needs are an area architects don’t want to get involved in at the start of a project – they want the ambience but not the infrastructure, and it takes time to massage them into position. This

This image, the auditorium of the University of Exeter.

Below, the butterfly configuretion of the tables allows everyone to see the screen

Technology should make collaboration feel like it’s the most natural thing we’ve ever done

Multitouch was commissioned to create a number of Multitouch collaborative work solutions at the University of Exeter in March 2012.

At the centre of this solution were two 60-seat Exploration Labs, one of which features 60 tablet PCs for use with bespoke seating, the other with 10 65in multitouch surface tables for group-based teaching.

Each table in this second lab can be height adjusted and is used in a butterfly configuration, allowing everyone to see what is happening on the screens.

Controlled via a web-based media management system (Ambient Media Suite), any lecturer has the ability to create, schedule and deploy a multitouch

ExEtEr UnivErsity

lecture, to all or some of the surface tables.

Four students at a time can control the tablets, running up to four applications at a time from one PC and Multitouch’s Rabbithole technology, allowing students to send files around the tables with a quick swipe. The technology can also be used for video conferencing – perfect for communicating with others around the world.

A newly revamped auditorium is another feature of the University of Exeter’s collaboration project, allowing participants to easily hold discussions with others. The seats are also fully networked and have individual power supplies supporting online exams.

The technology installed has made the University of Exeter as a world leader in the higher education sector.

makes implementing a solution tricky, especially because the IT department is usually the last team to be involved in communications with architects, facilities, accountants and others involved in the project.

This outlook is changing, however, especially in the smaller and younger architecture and design practices where the potential to implement new technological solutions is being realised. Technology should make collaboration feel like it’s the most natural thing we’ve ever done. Moving away from the more uniform and corporate configuration to a more transparent, alternative – and at times funky – work setting is one of the more exciting developments in today’s office landscape.

Gone are the days when IT and telephone ports were essential to the success of any workspace away from the obligatory workstation. Now with the various enablers that exist there’s just the power socket to worry about and even for these, their days are numbered. The most innovative environments are the ones that really offer no barriers to change, and this ultimately has to be a good component to any business culture.

60 July 2014 designcurial.com

FX07-056-tech offices-ph2•.indd 92

19/06/2014 15:35

Designer locker solutions that enhance environments

Card access control

Made to measure

Choice of finishes

Quality soft seating for every office requirement

Clerkenwell showroom now open

020 8997 7866 www.tableportfolio.com 020 8997 7899 www.hotlocker.co.uk

Untitled-2 1

16/05/2014 11:09

July 2014

Born identity

Artist, writer and designer Adam Nathaniel Furman makes the final adjustments to his vibrant display of multicoloured objects in the window of London’s Hospital Club. The pieces – collectively known as Identity Parade – were fabricated in collaboration with 3D-print specialist Lee3d using numerous techniques and materials including 3D printing, ceramics, nylon and plaster. Furman conceived a fictional character to create a personal narrative that fed into the creation of each design. The colourful collection was first unveiled at the Design Museum as part of its Designers in Residence annual exhibition.

By Gareth Gardner / Photography + Journalism / garethgardner.com

62 July 2014 designcurial.com

FX07-060-eye witness-ph2•.indd 60

19/06/2014 15:40

EYEWITNESS

designcurial.com July 2014 63

FX07-060-eye witness-ph2•.indd 61

19/06/2014 15:40

SPEAK EASY

Approach with care A new build, a complete refurbishment or a minor refit is a major investment, so how should the client best manage the project for the best result within budget? Cathy Hayward talks to an architect, a design-and-build specialist and a client about the merits of each approach THE ARCHITECT PHIL HUTCHINSON

T

he choice between full design, designand-build, single stage and two-stage approach to appointing the team will depend on priorities such as required speed to market, quick project start and early completion, cost certainty, budget limits, risks in design development, client changes and end-user demands for functional space.

That’s the message from Brian Teale, former head of projects at Barclays and now nonexecutive director of lighting manufacturer Future Designs.

He argues that large prestigious projects are likely to require a unique level of design skill, capability and experience, normally associated with the appointment of a competent design team and thereafter a traditional tender process, likely using a standard form of building contract. ‘That said, much care is needed in developing the design to a stage of sufficient detail that can be properly included in the tender documents for realistic pricing. The experience is usually that tender costs and project turn-out costs of such contracts are often very different.’

Design-and-build contract strategies, particularly for fit-out projects of up to £12m have key advantages over the tendered lumpsum contract, says Teale. ‘They usually provide a quicker overall delivery, get the early involvement of contractors and specialist contractors, with a strong commitment from

THE DESIGN AND BUILD SPECIALIST ROY PARRISH

THE CLIENT BRIAN TEALE

the supply chain, so responsibilities and risks are defined and understood. The design can develop alongside the cost build-up, giving early warning on budget issues, thus avoiding the tedium of value engineering.’

Roy Parrish, managing director of designand-build firm Ranne Creative Interiors concurs: ‘Design-and-build has the distinct advantage of ensuring that all parts of the project are involved from the beginning – the client, the designer, the contractor, the specialist contractors, the facilities manager – all working together with a common aim.’ Too often in the traditional route, he says, the contractor is brought in too late in the process and is unable to bring ‘buildability’ into the project.

And with a one-team approach a blame culture simply doesn’t exist, argues Parrish – there is nobody else to criticise if things do go wrong. Instead everyone works together to find the best remedy to the problem. ‘With a traditional approach, there can be many parties at the table – architect, contractor, QS, specialist contractors – and it’s easy to see how a blame game develops. The client is the one to lose out.’

Phil Hutchinson, joint managing director at BDG architecture + design, considers quality is the key factor in any design project and he firmly believes the traditional, architect-led route is generally the best way to achieving that.

‘This approach to design supports this premise, following a clear and proven route of exploring

ideas and opportunities, agreeing on the optimum and adding detail to a stage where all parties have a clear understanding of quality, cost, time and the most appropriate route to procure and implement the works.’ This ensures clarity of understanding for the whole team, establishes standards and allows the opportunity to mitigate risk at each stage, he adds.

It is often argued that with the traditional route, the resulting project will be of a higher quality than with a D&B approach. Parrish rails against that argument. ‘What clients don’t take into account is that the architect and QS will aim to run the job at the best price, but not always a realistic price. This can result in the contractor, especially in tough economic times, being forced to cut corners as they’re being hit over the head by the QS – and not always metaphorically. The costing is far more transparent and upfront with no ‘middle men’ in design-and-build projects.’

D&B also takes less time, he says, as the project starts on site earlier with the one-stage procurement process. ‘And there is less to-ing and fro-ing between contractors and architects and other parties – often in the traditional approach, the architect will no longer be involved in the project by the time it comes to complete, and so there is limited communication between the parties. This means there is more chance for things to be misinterpreted or to go wrong.”

It is often thought that the success of a project can rely on quick decisions. But quick decisions aren’t always the best ones, says Hutchinson. ‘Decisions that require a prompt response are best managed by a team approach, most often led by the project manager who will likely have the most rounded view of the project at implementation stage. Quality remains at the forefront at this stage and should never be compromised by quick decision.’

Teale, meanwhile, proposes an alternative model: the two-stage tender approach that, he argues, embraces the lowest risk and engages the entire team early. Under this strategy, tenders are invited from suitable contractors.

The first stage is a competitive tender based on limited information, whereby contractors submit a programme, resource, logistics, methodology and price preliminaries. The client and its professional team then decide based on this information and the team’s skills, which will be the preferred contractor they will advance to the second stage. After negotiations, the parties then enter into a contract sum or cost-reimbursable contract with a target price.

‘This is an ideal approach for larger projects where the design is incomplete or still developing,’ he says.

What makes a successful project overall?

All three agree that it’s less about the form of contract and more about the total team commitment to succeed, early input from contractors, the supply chain, an integrated team working for the benefit of the project in a collaborative, non-adversarial way and an understanding that change is inevitable.

64 July 2014 designcurial.com

FX07-064-speak easy-ph2•.indd 1

19/06/2014 15:42

U K D i s t r i b u t o r : A t r i u m Lt d - Te l . 0 2 0 76 8 1 9 93 3 - f l o s @ a t r i u m . l t d .u k

ST R I N G L I G H T

BY M I C H A E L A N A STA S S I A D E S

2014 F LO S .COM

Untitled-1 1 FX_07_2014_Flos_RightPG.indd 1

17/06/2014 10:45 17/06/14 10:33

MIKE STIFF

10 things I’ve learned about design

Mike Stiff co-founded the architecture and interiors practice Stiff + Trevillion 30 years ago with Andy Trevillion. Their interiors work includes the restaurants, offices, retail design and buildings, he tells Pamela Buxton

Set up on your own We did this relatively early in our careers and I’d recommend it. If you’re working for yourself and earning £25k, it’s far more satisfying than if you’re working for someone else. But it takes some guts.

1

Don’t be arrogant When you’re young and at the beginning of your career you might not want to hear it but collaboration at every level is the key, whether it be with the client, the planners or the builders. Don’t feel that you can do it all yourself. You get far more joy in your life if you collaborate and form creative relationships. Shared experience is invaluable.

2

Get business advice from experts In 2005 we appointed Richard Cook as our business mentor and chairman and that has turned out to be a great move. Architects aren’t trained to be business people – our priorities tend to be creative rather than commercial – but Richard’s advice and guidance turned us into a business. This time 3

round, we didn’t even feel the recession but the one in the late Eighties almost bankrupted us. It helped that even when things were going well, we were cautious and made sure that we weren’t ever in a position where we were overstretched. So when Lehman Brothers crashed, we were in great shape.

Target clear markets Identify and understand the markets you want to be in and do not waiver. It is good to have an expertise in different specialisms and sectors.

We concentrate on commercial, restaurant and private residential and we find that while one market may go down for a while, another will open up. And they all help each other. But if the flow of commissions does dry up, act quickly and decisively to get your cost base down rather than waiting until the debt is too great to manage.

4

Have a strong relationship at the core of the business Andy and I have worked together for 35 years now and we’ve never had an argument. We have complementary skills – for example, I always defer 5

66 July 2014 designcurial.com

FX07-066-Designers File-ph2•.indd 1

19/06/2014 15:50

DESIGNER FILE

Mike Stiff, co-founder 30 years ago of Stiff + Trevillion

designcurial.com July 2014 67

FX07-066-Designers File-ph2•.indd 2

19/06/2014 15:50

DESIGNER FILE

to him on anything technical. But the strength of our friendship is the core.

Don’t undersell yourself 6 Value your own input – more often than not it is the architectural vision that creates value. Adopt a minimum-fee strategy but be aware that this will need to flex in tougher economic times. Hold out for the fee you want in the private residential sector; if you do, you end up with better-quality commissions. Of course it’s harder to do this with commercialsector work where the squeeze on fees never really eases up.

STIFF + TREVILLION PROJECTS 1

Networking matters, particularly during the early years of your business Get into something like the RIBA or the NLA so that you can have a conversation with other designers about things like fees, clients and contractors. We have to be able to communicate to a wide spectrum of people – and it’s important that both our peers and our potential clients know our work.

7

Restaurants have pushed design further down the agenda There is often a similarity of look across the brands and design is probably least important of the three main ingredients for a successful restaurant after the food offer and the location. Having said that, Jamie’s Italian has been a very exciting and open-minded client for us, one which really does value good design. We were involved with them from the very beginning and have done 10, each one different according to its location.

8

Drawing is much more important than words Being able to sit in front of a client and communicate an idea by drawing is vital. In the studio, Andy and I still share a drawing board. Working with computers of course means that it’s so much easier and quicker to get information and change a drawing but I’m not convinced that this, or BIM, actually generates better buildings.

2 1. Among Stiff + Trevillion’s restaurant projects include Jamie’s Italian Greenwich. (Others include Giraffe, Costa and Eat) 2. Office interiors work for the practice includes for Innocent 3. The Corner restaurant and champagne bar, for Selfridges, Oxford Street 4. Building design projects include 1 Valentine Place, in London.

The reception is shown here 5. Restaurant Villandry, at St James, London,

9

3

Now is our time Sometimes, it’s been a bit of a struggle in the past. But my ambition was always to build something in London that would last beyond me, and that my kids could be proud of. It’s taken until now for that to be possible.

10

The new book Stiff + Trevillion Practising Architecture, by Mark Dudek, is published

by Artifice

4

5

68 July 2014 designcurial.com

FX07-066-Designers File-ph2•.indd 3

19/06/2014 15:50

info@jennifernewman.com www.jennifernewman.com 0203 176 0961

M-Trestle Table & Bench JN ad3 AMENDEDjul4.indd 18

photography by Oliver Perrott

Bringing colour to terraces, atria and cafes

19/06/2014 16:32

ercol was established in 1920 by a young Italian designer, Lucian Ercolani. We have been supplying the contract furniture market from our factory in Buckinghamshire, England ever since. ercol remains renowned for integrity in design and inimitable British craftsmanship.

401 Butterfly chair designed by Lucian Ercolani.

Beech frame, elm seat and back. contract@ercol.com +44(0)1844 271800 www.ercol.com/contract

Untitled-4 1

08/01/2014 14:43

Introducing LINK by

Telephone: 01254 673400 Email: sales@pulse-design.co.uk

www.pulse-design.co.uk Untitled-3 1

page 70.indd 1

07/05/2014 10:35

19/06/2014 17:07

LONDON SKYLINE

MARK THOMASSON

Then and now: Right, the London skyline in 1994, below, the same view 20 years later in 2014

New for old...

FX07-071-skyline-ph2•.indd 60

London’s skyline has dramatically changed in the past two decades. Photographs by Mark Thomasson, taken from the same spot on London Bridge, allow us to compare before and after views that reveal the extent of the transformation designcurial.com July 2014 71

19/06/2014 15:49

Don’t ever miss an issue.

Register today!

Book yourself in to receive high-quality reporting on offices, hotels, healthcare, education and leisure design. If you are a UK resident, register for FREE now to ensure you keep receiving your print copy every month.

International readers can still receive FX for free in digital format so don’t leave it to chance, register today!* The Business of Design June 2014 £6.99 designcurial.com

FOCUS ON FLOORING WORK CHAIRS THE PLAY’S THE THING

UNDER THE SKIN

The human body is inspiring new materials and processes, such as Decker Yeadon’s homeostatic glass facade

For regular opinion and updates also visit designcurial.com

Register at www.designcurial.com Follow us @FXdesignmag *If you receive FX but have never registered to do so, we cannot garantee you’ll receive it every month. For international print rates visit www.designcurial.com

Untitled-1 1

FXmasterhalfver&quarters.indd 1

13/06/2014 12:32 FX_Subs_Half.indd 1

19/06/2014 10:39

19/06/2014 11:08

Tech Spec

All you need to know about everything in materials and lighting over the next six pages, with experts in their own fields giving you the inside gen, plus 13 pages of the best products around

THE EXPERTS

Jill Entwistle

Editor & writer Jill is an editor and writer who specialises in architectural lighting, following 12 years as editor of Light magazine. She has authored two Designing with Lighting books: Hotels, and Bars and Restaurants, and is an affiliate member of the International Association of Lighting Designers.

74 Light & Tech Jill reports on this year’s awards made by the International Association of Lighting Designers, with three going to UK practices

Annabelle Filer

Creative director, SCIN Annabelle has a passion for materials and is the creative director for SCIN, the materials sourcing and research company. SCIN has just opened a new showroom/gallery in Clerkenwell with a materials library and galleries dedicated to companies specialising in materials or architectural components.

78 Materials Annabelle would like to bend your ear to a clutch of materials she has discovered that add form to function in acoustics provision

PRODUCT CATEGORIES Editors Choice 81, 82, 93 Surfaces 83, 84, 85 Flooring 86, 87 Bathrooms 88 Kitchens / Bathrooms 89 Furniture 90, 91 Lighting 92

Icelandic felted wool provides colourful acoustic benefits.

See page 78

designcurial.com July 2014 73

FX07-073-tech cover ph2•.indd 1

19/06/2014 16:01

international operators The UK figured well in the latest IALD international awards with three accolades, with Asian practices taking no less than six of the 16 awards

T

his year’s IALD International Lighting Design Awards, the 31st, featured 16 award winners from 10 countries.

Asian lighting consultants (two featured here) figured strongly with six winners from that region, four from Japan, where the top Japanese lighting designers are revered for their schemes’ elegance and assurance. UK lighting design was also well represented: Maurice Brill Lighting Design won an Excellence Award for Zaha Hadid’s Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center in Azerbaijan (FX April 2014), while Mindseye took a Merit Award for the St Moritz Church in Germany (FX September 2013). British practice Speirs + Major reinforced its reputation as one of the best in the world by winning the Radiance Award for In Lumine Tuo in Utrecht (FX December 2013). It has now won the accolade an unprecedented four times. Two key words that crop up in judges’ comments across the board were restraint and, of course, integration.

Folding fittings into the building fabric is a process that started with fluorescent, xenon and cold cathode, but has been perfected with LEDs, as the following exemplify.

74 July 2014 designcurial.com

FX07-074-light+tech ph2•.indd 1

19/06/2014 16:02

Light + Tech

IALD ExcELLEncE AnD SuSTAInAbILITy AWARD

Venture Capital OffiCe Building, Menlo Park, California

Eric sTauEnmaiEr

With only three LED fixture types for the interior, two of them developed specially for the scheme, this is a lesson in achieving low-energy consumption with no compromise on lighting quality.

The building uses daylight responsive dimming throughout, while brise-soleil and concealed motorised shades provide sun shading. The use of LEDs, lighting controls with daylight harvesting, and a building management system has produced an interior connected load of around 6W-7W/sq m, exceeding California’s lighting requirements by nearly 50 per cent.

Linear LED slots are integrated around the glass and wood-panelled perimeters. The custom-designed fittings have dual optics, creating asymmetrical downward and outward batwing-style distributions. This means the luminaires both softly graze the walls and also provide the space with task-level lighting, allowing the ceiling to be kept clean.

Low-profile LED spotlights were designed to be fitted into the narrow openings between wooden slats.

The lenses of the perimeter luminaires are completely uniform and free of striations, hot spots and dead spots, even where they wrap around the corners of the building core. The stretched ceiling is backlit with LED panels, which respond to daylight from the skylight above. The detailing of the stair stringer edge maximises the luminous surface, so the stair panels appear to float. Care has been taken to ensure a soft wash of light to the acid-etched laminated glass walls of the lobbies and stairwell so there are no harsh reflections or light imaging.

Judges’ verdicts: • ‘An excellent example of fully integrated architectural lighting.’

• ‘Elegant, sophisticated, yet restrained.’

Architect: Paul Murdoch Architects

Hiroyuki Tsuda

Lighting design: Sean O’Connor Lighting

IALD ExcELLEncE AWARD

Branz KOshien apartment COmplex, koshien, near osaka Lighting design: Akari+Design Associates Koshien is a historic town, and the tile and stone walls of this apartment complex are designed to visually represent the natural beauty of the area.

The tiles from the walls are even used in the bespoke pendants to ensure visual continuity in the lobby. All light sources are LED. On the building’s exterior, long ground-recessed linear LED fittings uplight the walls and benches, highlighting the building’s form and emphasising the materials. On residential floors, 75mm-diameter cylinders housing 5W LEDs give a rythmic pattern of illumination to the floor.

Judges’ verdicts: • ‘Shows restraint and integration.’

• ‘A simple building is transformed by the connections between lighting, texture and materials.’

• ‘The judicious use of light guides and reveals the careful selection of stone and masonry used to create this welcoming residential environment.’

Architect: Iao Takeda Architects Associates Client: Tokyu Land Corporation Itochu Property Development

designcurial.com July 2014 75

FX07-074-light+tech ph2•.indd 2

19/06/2014 16:02

Light + Tech

LIST OF IALD AWARD WINNERS RADIANCE AWARD

IN LUMINE TUO Utrecht, Netherlands Speirs + Major

EXCELLENCE AND SUSTAINABILITY VENTURE CAPITAL OFFICE BUILDING Menlo Park, California, USA Sean O’Connor Lighting

EXCELLENCE

RED BULL MUSIC ACADEMY New York, USA Tillotson Design Associates – BRANZ KOSHIEN Hyogo, Japan Akari+Design Associates – HEYDAR ALIYEV CULTURAL CENTER Baku, Azerbaijan Maurice Brill Lighting Design – HANJIE WANDA PLAZA Hubei, China BIAD Zheng JianWei Lighting Studio – MEMORIAL TO THE VICTIMS OF VIOLENCE Chapultepec Park, Mexico City, Mexico Lighteam

MERIT

Zhou Li

IALD EXCELLENCE AWARD

HANJIE WANDA PLAZA, HUBEI, CHiNA Lighting design: Biad Zheng Jianwei Lighting Studio At first glance a fairly conventional media facade, the approach for Hanjie Wanda Plaza is a more integrated architectural lighting solution, lending the building a strong identity.

The facade comprises more than 40,000 reflective metal spheres, providing a lighting surface both day and night. During daytime, the building interacts with and reflects daylight, while after dark the lighting system, which is fully integrated into the spheres, creates a medial light curtain with two layers of light. The independent media layers create a true depth of field.

There are 10 different types of sphere that together create dynamic patterns.

The two-layer lighting system and the reflective spheres together generate a mix

of reflections, colours and shadows. The backlit alabaster inlay creates a sharp, direct pixel, while LEDs on the reverse of the spheres project a soft pixel on to the back wall. The two layers can be controlled separately and produce spectacular effects depending on the viewing angle.

Judges’ verdicts: • ‘This project stands out because of the seamless integration of lighting, architecture, programming and video.’

• ‘The organic integration of light into the facade is bold, pervasive and successful.’

Architect: Unstudio Additional contributors: Wanda Commercial Planning and Research Institute, Traxon Technologies, NeoNeon Holdings, AG Licht Perfect Illumination Design and Engineering

ST MORITZ CHURCH Augsburg, Germany Mindseye – 171 COLLINS STREET Melbourne, Australia Electrolight – STARLIGHT New York, USA Cooper Joseph Studio – CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY HALL Sensuicho, Fukuoka, Japan Izumi Yayoshi Lighting Design – AKA BEVERLY HILLS Beverly Hills, USA Oculus Light Studio

CITATIoN

DRAGON BRIDGE Da Nang City, Vietnam ASA Studios – BRUUMRUUM! Barcelona, Spain Artec3 Studio – LIGHT FOR NICU AT NAGOYA DAINI RED CROSS HOSPITAL Nagoya, Japan Lightdesign Inc – WALL ILLUMINATION FANTASY OF PIOLE HIMEJI Hyogo, Japan Uchihara Creative Lighting Design • The winners of the 31st Annual International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD) International Lighting Design Awards were announced at a presentation held on 4 June in Las Vegas (iald.org).

76 July 2014 designcurial.com

FX07-074-light+tech ph2•.indd 3

19/06/2014 16:02

Blueprint Awards 2014

Enter right now! blueprintawards.com

FX06-107-BP AWARDS-.indd 1

22/05/2014 13:54

LISTEN TO THIS

the days when acoustic fittings were functional and not a lot else are well and truly gone. Annabelle Filer looks at a clutch of new acoustic materials that uniquely add to a space’s aesthetics

WAVE DEsign solutions / sPAEH ComPAny grouP

L

ife is all about balance. We need opposites to give us definition.

With parity we would find our responses and emotions flat lining. Noise needs the companionship of silence.

Indeed, a space that is too quiet can be as distracting as a too noisy one.

Materials with acoustic properties are one way of smoothing out an area and creating comfort without losing the sense of space that was architecturally conceived. Yet these sort of materials haven’t held many gold medals for

aesthetics. Few solutions would be considered as visual enhancement but there are new materials or repurposed materials that are beautiful or cool first and technically superior second, or maybe equal first.

There are new materials and formats that represent both brains and beauty and are designed as panels so that they can be used in formats that effectively accommodate our mandate for good, strong, comfortable architecture and design.

78 July 2014 designcurial.com

FX07-078-materials-ph2•.indd 1

19/06/2014 16:03

Materials

Wave acoustic absorbers

There is a finesse in these complex tile designs that is surprising considering that the core material is an open-celled, industrial-looking melamine foam, developed by BASF. The designs are reminiscent of a product that would emerge from the collaboration of a graphic designer, paper cutter and foam manufacturer. Close up they seem to have ane industrial heritage thanks to the foam board they come from, but from further away they metamorphsise into a strong architectural statement. Grouped together the singular cut lamellae and the wave modules apparently become grade A weapons against reverberation. The tiles come in four simple designs and can be used in many different formats to produce the whatevwe the users demand of it: to absorb, mirror and reflect or simply be.

Country of manufacture: Germany.

Colour & range: Four designs in white and light grey. Size: 125cm x125cm overall area (tile 121cm x121cm). Applications: Walls and ceilings in commercial and domestic interiors. wave-akustik.de

snoWsound

Less about shout, all about clout is a good way to describe Snowsound by Caimi. It is an acoustic material combination created to absorb unwanted noise. It is a lightweight, double sided, selectively absorbing panel able to maintain a covert yet somehow enhanced addition to any space. How it does this is difficult to pinpoint but clearly the proportion, colour range and simplicity of fixing all have their own part to play. Technically it can, thanks to the variable density of the internal padding, effectively attenuate high, mid-range and low frequencies and are designed to improve room acoustics. The external skin is seam-free and structureless Trevira CS, with permanent resistance to fire thanks to its modified polyester molecule. Also the padding is created from a 100 per cent recyclable polyester inner core made from 30 per cent recycled material, In the range are Mitesco and Corista, the latter specifically designed for more technically sensitive spaces, such as recording studios.

Flap is a departure from these simple panels, being a bold quadrilateral that can tilt, rotate and swivel both from ceiling or wall-mounted locations.

Country of manufacture: Italy. Colour, range, size: Mitesco: Silver grey, beige, black, red, blue, white, yellow,orange, green; 1590mm x 440 mm, 1190mm x 440 mm, 750mm x 440 mm; Corista: Black; 1590mm x 440mm. Flap: Silver, yellow, green, red, blue, black, white, 590mm x 475mm, 440mm x 325mm. Applications: Wall and ceiling panels, partitions and desk units. lesco.uk.com

designcurial.com July 2014 79

FX07-078-materials-ph2•.indd 2

19/06/2014 16:03

Materials

LuffA Acoustics

The luffa or loofah is in fact a vine-growing fruit that is part of the cucumber family. It seems, therefore, to be a quantum leap from cucumber to effective acoustic material though the fibrous and therefore porous nature of the material, while providing a strong provenance as a natural sound modulator.

The designer Mauricio Affonso has made some unusual but nethertheless fascinating connections by using the luffa fibres as a sponge to draw in the harmful dyes in the waste water of denim production in communities such as found in Xintang, China. In effect these opulent-looking indigo coloured tiles both absorb pollutants in the making and noise in situ. The luffa is then moulded, and the faceted surface contributes to the efficiency of the sound attenuation by actively breaking down the sound waves. It is very early days for this material but it is certainly an acoustic box ticker.

Country of manufacture: Brazil. Used to soak up inks from denim (varies from light blue, blue, and indigo). Size Around 15cm at present, looking to making bigger pieces. Applications: Domestic and commercial interiors. mauricioaffonso.com

feLted WooL ‘Notes’

Icelandic textile Designer Bryndis Bolladottir has a twinkle in her eye when it comes to acoustic sound absorbers. She uses felted wool from her native country joyfully as the outer layer to some rigorously tested and certified sound absorbers.

This is the type of acoustic design that makes you wish for a sound attenuation problem.

The anything-but-angular ‘panels’ can be created in a natural felt, while the vibrant colours and textural mastery of the material both contribute to the final piece. Bolladottir has two ranges: Kula, a semi-circular design, and the more linear Lina.

Both offer complete dexterity and freedom for the architect and designer to treat them as modular elements capable of adding far more than a sensible-looking sound absorption solution to a space.

Country of manufacture: Iceland. Sizes: Kula in 10 sizes, Lina is half cylinder 15cm-20cm (w) x 60cm-240cm (h). Colour & range: Kula & Lina, both in 24 colours. Applications: Interior walls and ceilings. Other: Iso-certification: Kula Class A Rating; Lina Class B Rating, Sound rating certified by International Performance Standard. bryndisbolladottir.com

AcusticA

MDF, a most useful ally on design and construction, has a significant part to play in the success story of Acustica. These acoustic panels are drilled from edge to edge and then simply slotted perpendicular to the drilled holes. While this isn’t rocket science it is clever and highly effective at breaking down sound waves and absorbing across all frequencies. Furthermore, the panels are interlocked to produce a seamless transition. This is pared-back design and so is highly adaptable to the aesthetics of many spaces. Acustica may be a simple surface relief but it comes in 332 finishes, from pvc laminate to wood veneer and synthetic leather. It may be easily used as a retrofit and enables the usual services such as inspection panels, air-conditioning vents, lighting tracks, and inset lighting to be integrated. For those wanting more, Acustica can also be painted.

Country of Manufacture: UK. Sizes: 192mm (w) x 3000mm (h).

Colour & range: Basic, Special, Wood, Leather. Applications: Interior walls, ceilings and doors. geavessoundsolutions.com

80 July 2014 designcurial.com

FX07-078-materials-ph2•.indd 3

19/06/2014 16:04

To be included contact Joe Woolerton on 020 3096 2283 or joe.woolerton@pmipublishing.com

Editors Choice

GSI

GSI offers four distinctive ranges of quality sanitaryware and furniture, all designed and made in Italy: Norm, Pura, Kube and Classic together with an additional option of a modular furniture collection, providing pure Italian design inspiration for bathroom projects. Norm, pictured, offers elegant simple lines with precise edges for a clean minimalistic look.

Basins are available in 6 different sizes with co-ordinating basin units in a choice of 6 finishes, 3 sizes of wall hung, a back to wall and close coupled WCs, 3 bidet options and a urinal ensures that there will be a Norm solution for every application. ogee74.co.uk

JameS Latham

James Latham has added three new colours to its exclusive range of Engineered Fibreboard, Valchromat, an innovative and award winning material which is already popular within the interior design, shop fitting, furniture manufacturing, education and stand building/exhibition sectors. With a total of 11 bold and impactful colours, including Grey, Black, Red, Orange, Yellow, Blue and Green, Valchromat offers almost limitless decorative applications plus it’s an ideal material for the children’s sector when making both toys and furniture, having been approved by the British Standards Association. lathamtimber.co.uk

mark product

Arc is a seating system for indoor and outdoor waiting areas.

Its graceful form can be configured to create flowing curves in an assortment of layouts. The outdoor version has seats in hardwood and linking tables in slate. For indoors there is an upholstered version with laminate tables - perfect for breaking up space or adding softness, colour or acoustic properties to open-plan spaces. The sculptural base is made from steel, formed into a conical curve that is inherently strong, yet gives an impression of lightness. Arc is Designed by MARK’s founders Anna Hart and John Miller. markproduct.com

race furnIture

The BA3 chair, designed in 1945, was Ernest Race’s first design for the company. Wood was scarce at this time and the British Government encouraged manufacturers to use new materials that were more available – like aluminium – which was in plentiful supply due to the decommissioning of warplanes. One of the first mass produced, cast aluminium chairs in the world, over 250,000 have been made.

The chair is in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art, New York and the Victoria and Albert Museum, London. racefurniture.com

For a comprehensive product library go to www.designcurial.com july.indd 81

Interface

Global carpet tile manufacturer, Interface has launched its latest collection, Human Nature, designed

by David Oakey longtime Interface collaborator and world leader in sustainable design practices. Available globally, the collection is built on the premise that designing spaces which evoke the senses through light, colour, texture and detail spark the human creative spirit. The collection provides a foundation for organisation’s to curate beautiful spaces that inspire beautiful thinking. interface.com designcurial.com July 2014 81

19/06/2014 16:47

Editors Choice

To be included contact Joe Woolerton on 020 3096 2283 or joe.woolerton@pmipublishing.com

forbo

Forbo Flooring Systems offers a brighter choice when it comes to safety flooring with its newly launched STEP collection. Pioneering technical developments have resulted in a range of products that signify the very best of performance coupled with a fresh design direction – all fully guaranteed. With an increased use of safety floors in the private sector the demand for warmer and more welcoming finishes is growing. Forbo’s advances in technology see revolutionary STEP safety crystals embedded throughout the wearlayer, providing a fully slip resistant solution. forbo-flooring.co.uk/STEP

antron

INVISTA’s Antron carpet fibre caused standing room only at Desso’s London showroom as it presented Color Trends 2014/2015, forming part of a packed Clerkenwell Design Week schedule. Sally Davies, colour trend consultant, Global Color Research, presented the four themes revealed by the company’s research, looking at influences such as nature, the global economy and consumer confidence.

Under Mysterious Illusions, Eccentric Icons, Magnified Cosmos and Playful Spectrum, antron carpet fibre and Global Color Research have compiled 32 colours that capture the spirit and mood of our current times antron.eu

flatscreen arms

Mantis Lift for iPad/ iPad air and iPad mini. Our Unique high precision Tablet arm is unbeatable when it comes to maneuverability and functionality.

Beautifully finished, this stylish arm glides into any horizontal or vertical position with just the lightest touch.

Once your viewing angle has been achieved the Tablet can either be used for work, played with or why not watch that movie hands free. flatscreenarms.co.uk

style

A combination of four moveable wall systems, design and installed by Style, deliver a myriad of different room configurations at the new head offices for Nuffield Health in Epsom, Surrey. Working closely with workplace experts, Morgan Lovell, Style recommended two DORMA Variflex moveable wall systems with white magnetic board finishes, a DORMA Variflex wall with an Egger laminate finish and a DORMA Moveo Glass wall, successfully allowing the learning academy and boardroom to be fully utilised for a wide range of activities. style-partitions.co.uk 82 July 2014 designcurial.com

july.indd 82

clarke rendall

Boardroom Table - 4.4m barrel shaped table top finished in crown cut American black walnut veneer with solid timber walnut edging and single elliptical base.

Sandblasted toughened glass central feature panel concealing led lit, electrically operated, rise up power data interface unit. Media Wall - 2m wide scribed wall section with recessed monitor housing finished in crown cut American black walnut veneer. Credenza/Wall Panelling Section - 2m wide scribed wall section with three door crendenza for fridge finished in crown cut American black walnut veneer. clarkerendall.com

For a comprehensive product library go to www.designcurial.com 19/06/2014 16:28

To be included contact Joe Woolerton on 020 3096 2283 or joe.woolerton@pmipublishing.com

Surfaces

DuPont Corian

The ‘legacy-mode’ refurbishment of the London Aquatics Centre by Zaha Hadid Architects features key installations made with DuPont Corian. The beautiful wave-like structure has been adapted to public use by replacing temporary spectator stands with glazing and creating new interior facilities, including a sculptural reception made from Corian in Glacier White and wall cladding in the hi-tech new solid black, Deep Nocturne. Featuring the kind of sinuous curves that are a signature of ZHA, the desk maximises the versatility and durability of the material to create an elegant and welcoming design that will perform reliably in a high-traffic environment. Made by expert fabricators Cutting Edge the monolithic design uses double-curvature construction and seamless jointing to spectacular effect. corian.co.uk

the interiors GrouP

The Interiors Group have successfully completed a fit out for the relocated offices of Spire Healthcare in the heart of London. The client required a CAT B fit out as they were relocating Head offices from 120 Holborn to 3 Dorset Rise therefore space was essential as well as the need for a multi-function office space. The overall look has resulted in a clean, fresh and functional finish. The colour scheme for this particular fit out is predominantly white, cream and brown complemented by the company corporate aquamarine colour. The reception area is a bright open and welcoming space, a bespoke back lit reception desk has been fitted along with a walnut feature wall. interiorsgroup.co.uk

solus CeramiCs

Solus Ceramics introduce Monolith, a contemporary tile range that mimics the touch, shades and the subtle grains found in poured concrete. Monolith has been specially designed with commercial projects in mind, and can easily cope with high traffic footfall and retail environments. The tiles, which can be chosen in four industrial style finishes, all offer very good slip resistance values. The range is available in a total of eight colours, focusing on a core palette of grey but also encompassing rich beiges and rusty browns. Ideal for creating modern environments, this series is sleek and streamlined and can even be used continuously from floor to wall. solusceramics.com

alhambra tiles

altfielD

Papillon from Moore & Giles is designed on full hides by a boutique tannery in Spain, this brilliantly textured scotch-grain leather features a beautiful tipping effect that highlights the peaks of the grain. Available in four colour palettes totalling 48 colours.

Please contact for further information and sampling. Altfield.com

For a comprehensive product library go to www.designcurial.com july.indd 83

Alhambra Tiles supplies encaustic tiles in 140 beautiful designs for prestigious clients worldwide. They also stock beautiful porcelain tiles - the Picasso Collection - in scores of patterns and colourways suitable for both indoors and out. New for the summer, an expanded collection of cubic, hexagonal and 3d designs and a selection of Spanish marble.

Photo shows Picasso Monochrome Patchwork for Floors & Walls in a North London Bathroom, designed by Mhairi Coyle. alhambratiles.co.uk designcurial.com designcurial.com July 2014 83

19/06/2014 16:28

Surfaces

To be included contact Joe Woolerton on 020 3096 2283 or joe.woolerton@pmipublishing.com

polyrey

Boldstone sculpture

The consolidation of production, artwork and design departments into a new 24,000 ft sq space has seen retail specialist, Echo Studios, specify several Polyrey decors for a unique work bench and storage unit. Selecting seven different decors ranging from the eye wateringly bright tones of zeste de citron and rose bougainville to the charcoal-like glacis charbon, Echo Studios has showcased the flexibility and diverse range of hardwearing HPL decors available from Polyrey. With an ambition to create a functional and open work space, Echo Studios turned to Polyrey for the feature work bench that also acts as a storage unit for design references, books and swatches. A mix of wood and laminate with bursts of bright colour on the inner door facings and the graphite of glacis charbon on the bench top deliver a unit that is attractive and eminently functional. polyrey.com

cAesArstone

Boldstone Sculpture specialises in the design and making of wall sculptures and water features for gardens and interiors, corporate and private spaces, design-led hotels and restaurants.

Interest is in organic and geometric shapes, pattern, texture, light and shadow. Sculptures are made to order, custom-made and to commission. Since each sculpture is individually handmade no two are exactly the same.

There are many design possibilities, sizes and proportions available. Please view our website or contact Sally Price to discuss your project. boldstonesculptures.co.uk

Developed by Raw-Edges Design Studio, London, the unique display features ‘islands’ of Caesarstone with a variety of features built into the surface.

Elements like cut-outs for bowls, utensil holders and kitchen cabinetry are set within the Caesarstone surface. The ‘Islands’ are an interactive installation focusing on food and dining within the domestic environment. They combine the design, beauty, quality and functionality of Caesarstone surfaces.

One display even used Caesarstone to create a table tennis table. caesarstone.co.uk

ArmourcoAt

Armourcoat’s modular decorative panel system, ArmourFX, has been specified for use on the new Jaguar Land Rover ‘In Residence’ global exhibition stand programme. Designed by global creative business Imagination, the Jaguar Land Rover stand include over 100 custom ArmourFX panels in a concrete coloured polished plaster finish. The prefinished panels offer a rapid installation with ease of handling, and also ensure the panels are quickly demounted at the end of the event. armourcoat.com 84 July 2014 designcurial.com

july.indd 84

gmi

At GMI we believe that the garden is an extension of our daily living and entertainment space and as such must be elegant and stylish. Our EXCLUSIVE range of NATURAL STONE for use externally is ideal finish to carry through into the house. It is not surprising that all the gardens that have used our stone in the RHS Chelsea Flower Show have been awarded a Gold Medal, 5 Gold Medals to-date. Please quote ref: AD1306 for our introductory discount offer. stonework.co.uk

For a comprehensive product library go to www.designcurial.com 19/06/2014 16:28

To be included contact Joe Woolerton on 020 3096 2283 or joe.woolerton@pmipublishing.com

Surfaces

QUARTZFORMS

QUARTZFORMS engineered stone goes one step further than natural stone. QUARTZFORMS is the result of the most cutting-edge technological development of the exclusive Bretonstone process. QUARTZFORMS versatility, resistance, aesthetic appearance, hygienic qualities, and easy maintenance have won the trust of architects and designers worldwide. QUARTZFORMS have created with Italian flair a range of beautiful aesthetically appealing surfaces, which offer an equal balance between classical elegance and contemporary style, which has proven popular with kitchen and bathroom companies, interior designers, and architects. QUARTZFORMS made in Germany with precision engineering, innovation and quality, enables their customers to benefit from the scratch, heat, and stain resistance that comes with every QUARTZFORMS product. Distributed exclusively by QF Distribution Limited. qfdistribution.co.uk

URBANGRAFIK

Asclepius Global are a healthcare recruitment consultancy based at St. Katharine Docks in London. The company wanted to refresh their working environment with interior graphics to equal their office’s inspiring views of Tower Bridge and vibrancy of its’ staff. URBANGRAFIK provided a makeover to a tired-looking break-out space with key features being a bespoke seamless wall mural, tension fabric wall mural, dry erase graphic scoreboard, bespoke roller blinds and a suspended graphic screen to help divide the space. Other parts of the office were revitalised with a large bespoke typographic wall mural of cockney rhyming slang, seamless photographic wall murals, fabric graphics, dry erase walls and canvases of London cityscapes. urbangrafik.com

SIGNBOx

AskCody WayFinder is leading the way indoors and gives you the information you need - when you need it! AskCody WayFinder is the ideal solution for large and dynamic indoor environments where wayfinding is important. WayFinder will guide you to your destination whether it´s a specific room, an event, a seminar, or even a person. Use AskCody WayFinder to improve wayfinding at your campus or venue for both visitors and daily users. This creates a pleasurable, more relaxed and efficient workplace for everyone while freeing up your resources to do their job rather than showing people the way. signbox.co.uk

FIlA

Fila’s Green Line surface care range has received The Tile Association’s ‘Best Environmental Initiative’ Award for 2014. The range includes 17 high performance products, suitable for a range of natural surfaces and procedures. All products are solventfree and have a very low concentration of VOC’s or are VOC-free. Fila’s Green Line is part of Fila’s Green Action brand. Products span from pre-grouting protectors and surface cleaners, to protection and stain removal solutions. Recent introductions to the range include LEED-approved stain-proofing protector – FILAMP90 ECO PLUS - which is developed for polished and unpolished natural stone. filasolutions.com

For a comprehensive product library go to www.designcurial.com july.indd 85

CONCReATe FlOORING

This innovative new approach to decorative concrete is available for floors, walls and ceilings. The precast panels made from a mix of natural minerals and magnesium oxide, offer a low carbon and non-toxic alternative to traditional poured concrete. The large format wall and floor panels weigh less than 5kg and can be installed quickly on any level surface with minimal preparation needed. Durable and easy to maintain, Concreate is the ideal solution for both domestic and commercial spaces. concreateflooring.co.uk designcurial.com designcurial.com July 2014 85

19/06/2014 16:28

Flooring

To be included contact Joe Woolerton on 020 3096 2283 or joe.woolerton@pmipublishing.com

desso

Desso has launched a new website to raise awareness about the issues affecting health and wellbeing in the built environment. As we spend on average 90% of our time indoors, Desso believes it becomes ever more critical to design and make products that contribute to productive and healthy lives indoors. Desso’s vision is to ‘make the floor work for our health and wellbeing’ and develop products that come with added functions such as the DESSO AirMaster, a patented carpet tile which reduces the concentration of fine dust indoors eight times more effectively than hard flooring andfour times better than standard carpet. desso-thegreatindoors.com

vorwerk

Moduleo

‘The Future of Britain’ initiative culminated in an event that welcomed leading brands from across the work on inscribed red carpet from Vorwerk Carpets. Using the velvet-like Modena in 1B28 red, with CNC cut letters in Modena 6A34 white, the carpet became a focal point of the event that celebrated the end of a research project into the current ad future behaviour of consumers, carried out by global media agency OMD UK. East London based brand communication specialist Designwerk specified the carpet. vorwerk.com

Traditional wood-effect flooring is still the number one option for UK homeowners, reports luxury vinyl flooring manufacturer, Moduleo. While stone remains a popular alternative, classic wood designs never go out of fashion and continue to be the best-sellers with Moduleo customers; particularly for those looking to update their kitchens, bathrooms and living rooms. Moduleo flooring is durable, easy-to-clean and scuff and stain resistant making it ideal for both home and commercial use. moduleo.co.uk

lano

At over 250 pages, the new ‘rugs & runners’ brochure from Lano Carpets captures a huge collection of traditional and contemporary rug and runner designs, perfect to give interiors across the country a quick lift. With circular, octagonal, square and runner styles, the highly successful Royal collection continues the theme for traditional style designs, including a comprehensive array of floral and geometric patterns and in an array of colours that are sure to provide the perfect complement to existing interiors. lano.com 86 July 2014 designcurial.com

july.indd 86

Floors oF stone

Floors of stone are suppliers of the highest quality Travertine, Limestone, Marble, Slate and Porcelain tiles at extremely competitive prices. Their extensive tile range holds a wide range of subtle colours, textures and finishes to suit interiors from crisp ultra modern to high quality restoration projects. Free samples are available and they pride themselves on fast reliable delivery to suit you, Floors of Stone can offer everything needed for a high quality flooring project. floorsofstone.com

For a comprehensive product library go to www.designcurial.com 19/06/2014 16:28

Flooring

To be included contact Joe Woolerton on 020 3096 2283 or joe.woolerton@pmipublishing.com

Kährs

Kährs three-strip oak wood flooring has been installed,

by JC Flooring, throughout Willows Grove in Napsbury Park, St Albans. The new build development, by Weston Homes, comprises 14 two-bedroom apartments over three storeys. All apartments benefit from Weston Homes’ opulent signature specification and finish. Glamorous high-shine and metallic finishes contrast with Kährs warm-toned matt lacquer-finished wood flooring to create a chic interior design. The Willows Grove installation includes hallways, lounge, dining and kitchen areas. kahrs.co.uk

Quadrant Carpets

One of the most stunning recent developments in high performance commercial flooring has been attracting stellar contracts from around Europe, and is now available through Quadrant Carpets in the UK. Fitnice is a beautiful woven vinyl floor covering available in sheet or tile format, and available in a wide variety of textures and colours. Fitnice has a very contemporary look and feel, but it also works hard. With its “Strong Yarn” technology and thermoset surface, which prevents dirt and dust penetrating the pile structure, Fitnice can withstand intensive use, and remains easy to maintain. quadrantcarpets.com/products

junCKers

Junckers Maple Classic has been specified for the main area below the stage of the Electric Ballroom in the heart of Camden Town. The historic music venue, which has hosted the likes of Sid Vicious, Madness, The Clash and the Smiths and more recently The Killers, The Raconteurs and Paul McCartney, dates back to the 1930’s and is one of London’s most famous music venues. Solid Maple Classic is one of Junckers’ hardest timber species, durable enough to withstand the huge crowds at the Electric Ballroom. junckers.co.uk

itC

wilton Carpets

Taking inspiration from Victorian era but with a contemporary twist, the interior of The County Hotel, Lytham St Annes, is now resplendent in carpet from Wilton Carpets Commercial.

Four different carpet designs have been created for The County Hotel, using various images of tiles, carpets and textures as inspiration. Traditional tile patterns and damasks have been given a modern lift without forgetting that public house roots of The County Hotel. wiltoncarpets.com/commercial

For a comprehensive product library go to www.designcurial.com july.indd 87

Eco Rib, is a new hand-woven cut and loop pile rib carpet in natural shades of undyed 100% New Zealand Wool.

Eco Rib is soft to the touch, yet hard wearing and suitable for all domestic and commercial locations, including stairs and comes in 5m widths.

Whether it is for an office, where a stylish yet practical carpet is needed, or to enhance a beautiful home, Eco Rib is the perfect answer. For more information please visit our website, where you will be able to download our latest brochure and to see all of the ITC Natural Luxury Flooring ranges. itcnaturalluxuryflooring.com designcurial.com designcurial.com July 2014 87

19/06/2014 16:28

Bathrooms

To be included contact Joe Woolerton on 020 3096 2283 or joe.woolerton@pmipublishing.com

DaLLMer

Architects and interior designers as well as specialist wet room installers are amongst the professionals who will find the technical attributes of Dallmer’s CeraWall drainage profiles an immense asset in creating level access shower areas which are both attractive and totally watertight. A 16 page A4 brochure illustrates the key benefits to the CeraWall P and CeraWall S drainage units which have, as the name suggests, been meticulously detailed to offer an unobtrusive means of removing water at the floor/wall junction. dallmer.com

on the LeveL

On The Level, the UK’s leading manufacturer of concealed wet floor shower trays (known as formers), is the only manufacturer who can produce bespoke solutions in any size or shape.

On The Level underfloor wetroom trays are precision engineered in 24mm birch ply which means the trays are extremely strong, but light and easy to handle and can be readily shaped on site and screwed into position. They are an essential part of the wetroom because they dictate the gradient of the tiled floor in the shower area and it is this gradient that allows the water to drain away quickly. onthelevel.co.uk

crosswater

Introducing Mike Pro, which has been developed by Crosswater to appeal to the very particular likes and dislikes of architects, interior designers and property developers. This vast range (including 22 different basin taps) is available in polished chrome and a very popular brushed stainless steel effect finish. The basin taps have been regulated to 5lpm to minimise water waste and all the fittings come with Crosswater’s 15 year warranty. crosswater.co.uk

Matki

Matki has opened up new bathroom design possibilities with the introduction of Nickel and Antique Gold finishes to their stunning Swadling Invincible range of brassware and their EauZone Plus collection of enclosures. Nickel is becoming increasingly popular as, unlike some other metal finishes, it is durable and easy to maintain and keep clean, and adds a soft, warm look to both brassware and shower door. The Swadling Invincible is shown here in nickel. matki.co.uk 88 July 2014 designcurial.com

july.indd 88

roca

The new Virginia free-standing bath from Roca is made from high quality, durable acrylic offering a lighter alternative to cast iron and steel. Measuring 1700 x 800 the bath is a generous size yet is designed with a 175 litre capacity to reduce water consumption. The one-piece bath comes with a 25 year guarantee. On display at Roca London Gallery, Station Court, Townmead Road, SW6 2PY. roca.com

For a comprehensive product library go to www.designcurial.com 19/06/2014 16:29

To be included contact Joe Woolerton on 020 3096 2283 or joe.woolerton@pmipublishing.com

Nicholas aNthoNy

Clients looking for cutting edge kitchen inspiration should pay a visit to one of the Nicholas Anthony showrooms. The newly renovated Knightsbridge showroom gives customers the opportunity to see and touch the very latest trends in kitchens and also to benefit from the invaluable experience and expertise of the renowned Nicholas Anthony team. The showroom presents a number of stunning SieMatic displays teamed with Gaggenau and Miele appliances. nicholas-anthony.co.uk.

Kitchens / Bathrooms

DEVol KitchENs

Air by deVOL is a retro contemporary kitchen inspired by 20th century design icons; the Airstream caravan and Lockheed Lounge by Marc Newson. A love of these classic designs and traditional craftsmanship helped create a design of curved aluminium, oak frames and tactile push to open solid surface doors. deVOL is a design-led manufacturer, also making classic Georgian kitchens and a modular Shaker range of furniture. The newly refined Air kitchen was launched at 100% Design in late 2013 and can now be can be seen at deVOL’s spectacular new showrooms at Cotes Mill, a renovated watermill in Leicestershire. devolkitchens.co.uk

VoguE (uK)

Leading towel warmer manufacturer Vogue (UK) is pleased to introduce Draco within its portfolio of radiator and towel warmer solutions. Stunning in any contemporary bathroom, with its stylish looped multi-rail design, Draco creates a unique focal point, adding to the visual appeal of a spainspired bathroom, whilst also providing the added luxury of warm fluffy towels. Draco is manufactured from the highest quality mild steel and finished in gleaming chrome. It’s suitable for closed, indirect systems and comes with a 10 year guarantee. Draco is available in two models, a 9 bar, and a 13 bar configuration. vogueuk.co.uk

Jis EuropE

JIS Europe Ltd., based in West Sussex, one of the premier suppliers of stainless steel towel rails, has added the Ansty to its extensive range. A wall mounted towel rail in ladder conformation of 29 rungs, the Ansty makes a distinguished and practical addition to the bathroom.

The Ansty is 1191mm high and 600mm wide and is available in Central Heating, Electric and Dual format and the high quality stainless steel used is offered in a choice of polished or satin finish. The JIS towel rails are covered by a 25 year guarantee. sussexrange.co.uk

For a comprehensive product library go to www.designcurial.com july.indd 89

KalDEwEi

Available from June, Kaldewei presents Meisterstücke – a new collection of free-standing baths with seamless enamelled panelling. Using modern technology for deep drawing steel, Kaldewei applies precise handcrafting to create a smooth transition from panelling to bath and create a flawless finish. The result is a true bathroom masterpiece that is available for three iconic Kaldewei bath models: Conoduo, Asymmetric Duo and Centro Duo Oval. The Meisterstück Centro Duo Oval (shown) is available in the two sizes 170 x 75 cm and 180 x 80 cm. kaldewei.co.uk designcurial.com designcurial.com July 2014 89

19/06/2014 16:29

Furniture

To be included contact Joe Woolerton on 020 3096 2283 or joe.woolerton@pmipublishing.com

XaviEr coENEN

MoModul is a modular furniture system designed by Belgian designer Xavier Coenen. With keen attention to detail, Xavier has developed a system consisting of three volumes, that invites you to puzzle your own piece of furniture.

Each of the three volumes are made out of cnc milled birch plywood. The colored volumes are coated with a layer of laminate. To keep a close watch on the quality of production and because sustainability is a core value of the studio, Xavier Coenen produces all his furniture locally. The result is a piece of design that is made to withstand the test of time. xaviercoenen.eu

GrEsham

Gresham have recently opened a new state-of-the-art bespoke manufacturing plant. Home to skilled crafts people the new division focuses on the production of hand crafted furniture. Gresham’s in-house design team work directly with the client to design the perfect piece to fit any environment, working with a variety of materials from manmade solid surfaces through to natural timber finishes and fabrics. All bespoke products are template on site, designed in-house and fabricated and installed by our dedicated team ensuring the perfect solution is created each and every time. gresham.co.uk/bespoke

assmaNN

It all began in 1939 when Heinrich Ahsmann took over the local carpenter’s workshop which has now become a forward-looking, third generation company. ASSMANN BÜROMÖBEL now stands for top quality, functional, ergonomic and design-oriented desk and storage systems. Our product portfolio includes a wide range of furniture solutions produced in our modern state of art factory in Melle Germany, distributed all around Europe. assmann-uk.com

Eborcraft

This unusual triangular-shaped conference table may have the appearance of a bespoke item of furniture, but in fact it is the latest modular project from Eborcraft, created by adapting units from its Zenith Chrome table range. One of the features of the Zenith range is the striking quartercut wood veneer, shown here in American Black Walnut.

The new Zenith Chrome collection also offers a choice of MFC finishes, together with polished chrome legs instead of veneered bases. Eborcraft’s conference and boardroom tables can be manufactured to accommodate audio-visual and wire management systems, using a hinged flap set into the table top to neatly conceal the equipment when not in use. eborcraft.co.uk 90 July 2014 designcurial.com

july.indd 90

sa-moblEr

Nowadays we don´t have to sacrifice aesthetic appeal for the sake of function. Of course you can combine exciting design with quality and smart solutions. The Snitsa range are functional, well-designed, ergonomical and very, very durable.

Snitsa desking for example; Full height adjustment is discreetly built into the design and you have full access to the cable trough with Snitsa sliding table tops.

The furniture is made of Nordic light wood like such as ash, birch, beech and oak. samobler.com

For a comprehensive product library go to www.designcurial.com 19/06/2014 16:29

Furniture

To be included contact Joe Woolerton on 020 3096 2283 or joe.woolerton@pmipublishing.com

viasit

‘Tri’ is the latest product from the Viasit stable of great products. Design is a question of perspective! With its contemporary, appealing design, glass or classical hpl top ‘TRI’ delivers lightness and quality and can be used in numerous applications and situations such as office, meeting and conference areas. The contemporary frames reflect an interpretation of a tree and the branches provide the optimal distribution of force and give the table its unmistakeable character. ‘TRI’ tables deliver an impressive and innovative design. viasit.co.uk

leisure plan

Suite by Fischer Mobel is a new high-spec modular seating collection which looks good in both indoor and outdoor locations. Frames made of the highest quality polished stainless steel V2A (304) support the deep seats and luxurious backs all combining to give exceptional comfort for complete relaxation. Double shelving on side and coffee tables with ceramic tops complete the ensemble taking outdoor living comfort to a higher level. leisureplan.co.uk

Decca contract

Decca Contract presents the Vertex Arm Chair from the Elan collection, designed by Mark Hirons in the USA. Vertex offers impeccably tailored seating suited to both a formal and informal context where people connect and converse. Clean, sculptural shapes translate into understated, yet dynamic pieces appropriate for the contract setting, public spaces and fine hotels. Decca insists upon a level of craft that endows our furniture with an unmistakable look and feel of luxury.

We strive to uphold the highest standards in everything we do, from concept to execution, design drawings through to product installation. We know how to build beautiful, precision-made furniture that truly fits our customers’ needs. deccacontract.com

Maine

Maine are at the forefront of innovation with the design and manufacture of their storage and filing units. Their maineslim range is a recent design which reflects the desire for a more simplified workspace and streamlined office. With an elegant, discreet frame for the full range of maineslim units; including drawers and cupboards, maineslim creates a stylish and striking aesthetic. Maine’s design team have created a new styled front for the maineslim range which fits perfectly into the frame of the unit. maine.co.uk

For a comprehensive product library go to www.designcurial.com july.indd 91

ki

In the face of growing concerns around our modern, sedentary lifestyles, KI’s new Toggle SE desk offers a solution at the touch of a button. ToggleSE’s simple, electronic height adjustment transforms an individual’s workspace within seconds, allowing them to sit or stand at their desk as they see fit.

Employees at Amazon, LinkedIn and Facebook are already benefiting from recent installations of ToggleSE desks in their European and US offices. kieurope.com designcurial.com designcurial.com July 2014 91

19/06/2014 16:29

Lighting

To be included contact Joe Woolerton on 020 3096 2283 or joe.woolerton@pmipublishing.com

astrO

Astro’s new Cortona pendant, launched at the May Design Series in London, brings effortless style to contemporary yet understated lighting schemes in a wide range of domestic and hospitality settings. Created by Astro’s design team in the UK, this highly adaptable luminaire can be specified with LED and is conceived to work equally well as standalone piece or as a cluster. It comes in a choice of two sizes: 240mm and 320mm, both with a maximum drop of 1,800mm. astrolighting.co.uk

OKHOlM ligHting

The ARMILLA chandelier was custom made for the new Tiffany & Co. jewellery store in Canary Wharf, London. In the shape of a globe, the ARMILLA chandelier is lit by 60 Pcs. 5W bulbs and made in mirror polished chrome to match the light and exclusive interior of the store. With its stylish design and elegance, the ARMILLA compliments and emphasizes the aesthetic of the room. okholm-lighting.dk

iguzzini

A unique, contemporary product and a real technological gem in terms of light clarity and range. Trick offers various effects, including light blade, wall washer and radial. The secret of this aluminium device lies in its toroidal lens with its microprismatic surface that disperses heat correctly. iGuzzini.com.uk

future designs

artillus

At only 13mm deep, SLEAK is the slimmest luminaire offered by FUTURE Designs for commercial use to date. This truly minimalist design does not however, compromise on illuminance standards with colour rendering of Ra80 and above and UGR of under 19 ensuring maximum end-user comfort. The low-profile aesthetics and options of direct or direct/indirect source also mean that SLEAK has a myriad of applications from open and cellular office to reception and atrium lighting. SLEAK’s ultra-thin looks and simple geometry mean that it can easily become the feature of a space or a discrete compliment to the interior design. futuredesigns.co.uk

Custom sizes up to a 2500m x 1500mm. LED illuminated displays for retail display and signage. 20mm deep ‘Diamond’ LED light boxes and 8mm ‘Garnet’ light panels or light sheets – an ideal light source for the creative. artillus.com 92 July 2014 designcurial.com

july.indd 92

For a comprehensive product library go to www.designcurial.com 19/06/2014 16:29

To be included contact Joe Woolerton on 020 3096 2283 or joe.woolerton@pmipublishing.com

olivari

Designed by Rodolfo Dordoni. Dordoni reinterprets the principles of coherence and simplicity that made his Total door lever a real best seller. Where Total favored straight lines and hard angles, Radial displays a new appreciation for curves, in both the lever and the rosette. For more information on this handle, and our other designs, please visit our website. olivari.co.uk

Editors Choice

PlYCollECTioN

MOULDED TO PERFECTION. ZESTY chair from Swedish designers O4i Designstudio is a bright and beautiful addition to our collection. With a characteristic leg frame and a slender profile ZESTY is a functional multi-purpose stacking chair that adds an extra flavour to any public and domestic environment.

Extremely light in weight (2.9 kg only!), tested according to contract market requirements, available in wide range of wooden finishes and in painted versions any RAL code. Take a chance and enter the world of the most beautiful wooden chairs. plycollection.com

SaNEux

Specialising in compact bathroom design, Saneux recently launched the QU22 basin + unit - an outstanding fresh addition to the highly successful QUADRO range. The short projection of the basin in combination with the minimalistic, handleless design of the unit make it an excellent choice for anyone who is looking to save on space without compromising on style or function. The QU22 basin is made of high quality ceramic and has an amazing 22cm projection. The matching unit is available in both floor and wall mounted versions. saneux.com

rak

RAK’s new range of Resort basins offers a new level of flexibility, in terms of design scope and practicality. The range includes seven designs – from space-saving corner format, to sleek rectangular and counter-top bowls.

Many of the basins can be undermounted or inset, and two separate pedestal height options are also offered, to cater for individual consumer preferences. RAK’s Resort basins are offered as part of the Resort Bathroom Collection, which includes matching sanitaryware – also in two height options and featuring RAK ‘s next generation rimless design, Hygiene+ - as well as shower enclosures, baths, porcelain tiles and slabs, and accessories. rakceramics.co.uk

For a comprehensive product library go to www.designcurial.com july.indd 93

MorGaN

Recipient of a 2014 Design Guild Mark, the Pimlico chair is now on display in the new Morgan showroom which was officially launched during Clerkenwell Design Week. Pimlico features smooth curved lines with a unique inset oval seat pad which is wrapped by the frame. Fully upholstered for maximum comfort, it succeeds in offering a look which is both playful and youthful as well as being timeless and elegant. This makes it suitable for a diverse range of interior schemes and applications. morganfurniture.co.uk designcurial.com designcurial.com July 2014 93

19/06/2014 16:29

Classified 3D

3D

Interior Render

photomontage We provide 3D visualisation for; - Architectural Exterior Rendering - Architectural Interior Rendering - Photomontage - 3D Floor Plans - 3D Animations & WalkThru - Building Information Modeling

Tel: 07900 326 825

exterior Render

Email: enquiries@3dcadvisuals.co.uk 3D

www.3dcadvisuals.co.uk

3D

3D Architectural Visualisation Experts

5 Cavendish Road | Cattedown | Plymouth | PL4 9PA T: 01752 516507 E: info@archilime.com To see this project in its entirety visit: www.archilime.com

94 July 2014 FXmagazine.co.uk

fx0714.indd 94

19/06/2014 12:16

Classified 3d

vision panels

ceilings & walls

furniture

Stretch Ceilings and Walls

➤ Customised Wall & Ceiling Prints ➤ Backlit Translucent Coverings

➤ Acoustic Solutions ➤ Flawless False Ceilings

vertex Designer walls and ceilings bring Haute Couture to your interiors

For more information call UK distributor Acoustic GRG 01303 230944 - info@clipsointeriors.co.uk www.clipso.com

www.deccacontract.com contractsales@deccafurniture.com 020 7352 9578

www.decca.com.hk

www.elanbydecca.com

www.boilerco.com

FXmagazine.co.uk July 2014 95

fx0714.indd 95

19/06/2014 12:16

Classified handles

specifying

lighting

storage

Simplicity: Innovation That Gives Storage Personality The new Simplicity concept from Euroworkspace brings a whole new meaning to personal storage and introduces the “hot-locker� concept. Simplicity seamlessly integrates with existing access card entry systems, saving time,

space and money.

See what Simplicity itself looks like at: www.simplicitylockers.co.uk or call on 01621 855053

96 July 2014 FXmagazine.co.uk

fx0714.indd 96

19/06/2014 12:17

Classified

Recruitment

wateR

Residential Designer £35k pa, London

A residential interior designer with completed projects in their portfolio of work is currently sought by a high-end residential studio. AutoCAD or Vectorworks skills are essential.

Hospitality Designer £40k pa, London

A permanent position is currently available for an innovative hospitality interior designer with experience creating branded interior environments.

Hotel FF&E Designer £35-40k pa, London

A specialist hotel design consultancy has a permanent position for an FF&E Designer with experience sourcing, specifying & scheduling furniture, fittings and materials of the highest quality.

Freelance CAD Technician £25 p/hr, London

A residential design consultancy has a freelance position for an experienced interior design CAD Technician to create detailed drawing packages for high-end projects.

+44 (0) 203 174 0352 Follow us on twitter @D4D_recruitment

Project6:Layout 1

1/7/13

15:35

Page 1

woRktopS

• Interior Designers • Product Designers • Furniture Designers

Ref: V02963, South Yorkshire £17,000 - £19,000 A leading contemporary bedroom furniture manufacturer supply worldwide into DIY, construction, new build and online channels and seek a Graduate Product Designer with fluency in Solidworks and 1 years’ product development experience gained within a manufacturing sector.

Ref: V02962, London £35,000 - £45,000 This award winning practice specialises in five star hotels and upmarket residential design and seek two Interior Designers, one with 5+ years’ experience of the 4/5 star hotel market and • Exhibition Designers excellent AutoCAD skills, the other with 3+ years’ experience of hotels and residential with good FF&E knowledge to include • CAD Technicians a wide range of suppliers.

• Lighting Designers

• Space Planners • Project Managers • Visualisers

Quality bespoke solutions for the most imaginative designs

Ref: V02961, Norfolk £Neg An experienced draughtsman is needed to join a team of highly skilled craftsmen producing bespoke furniture and joinery of the highest quality. Proficient in Solidworks modelling and drawings for manufacture, you will understand both traditional and modern furniture construction, cabinetry and have good communication skills.

Ref: V02960, London c£27,000 +bonus This bespoke joinery, interior design and build company seek an experienced interior designer to work on renovations and refurbishments within the London area for private clients. This role will suit an all-rounder who is both creative and good at project management, but also happy to help develop further business via leads to help grow this division.

tel: 0113 201 2240 web: www.stellarstainlesssteelworktops.co.uk https://twitter.com/CareersInDesign

FXmagazine.co.uk July 2014 97

fx0714.indd 97

19/06/2014 12:17

We ask designers and architects what they would create if they had carte blanche

there could be moveable shelters at Glastonbury

If you have an If Only vision you’d like to share – it doesn’t matter how extraordinary or far-fetched it seems – email details to the editor at tdowling@fxmagazine.co.uk

Glastonbury needs movable shelters for rain and (sometimes) sun. Bristol Hot Air Balloon Festival in August is a month later and 20 miles away so there is an easy natural connection.

Twenty five tethered hot air balloons would carry a series of tensioned PTFE screens on a carbon fibre structure. They would have rain outlets in the centre. Of course there would be a bit of spillage, but much less than the current alternative.

Glastonbury has numerous art events and innovative interventions across the site. This would be in the same spirit but useful too. This combines artistry and craft with a welcome protection for rain and sun.

There are never enough showering facilities at Glastonbury so the outlet spouts would form natural showers for personal hygiene at regular intervals.

Imagine the drama as the balloons ascend at noon and as they move from

stage to stage. Their exact progress would depend on prevailing winds but they would be tethered at key moments for special performances.

This way they act as an indicator of top acts – ‘The hot air balloons are tethered so the band must be starting in 10 minutes!’ At night the burners would light the balloons for light shows between acts.

I have been at Glastonbury for the past 18 years (I started before it was fashionable) and every year I imagine how this could bring drama and delight to the festival. This year I am going to float the idea past Michael Eavis.

Alistair Barr alistair barr began barr Gazetas in 1993 for masterplanning, architecture and interior design. the practice has worked across the UK, in la, New york, singapore and most of Greece. among his many interests alistair is a civic trust judge, a member of the Design council sounding board, an architectural adviser to a conservation committee and has been a part-time tutor at the University of Greenwich school of architecture for many years.

Graphics by Gerry reilly of barr Gazetas

if only...

says Alistair Barr of Barr Gazetas

98 July 2014 designcurial.com

FX07-098-if only V2-ph2•.indd 1

19/06/2014 15:52

VINTAGEis5.

Inspires.

Reflects office culture.

The landscape of the office of the future will be very different from what we know today. Things are on the move – there’s now a tendency to shape offices as spaces to move around in. Though of course some things will never change. Regardless of change, people want more and more direct communication. Sophisticated conference chairs with a big personality are in demand for traditional meetings – for focused collaborative work.

VINTAGEis5 transforms even the most lengthy meetings into a pleasant encounter, with its superb comfort and quality. Sometimes, even in the office of the future, time is immaterial.

Conference and cantilever range - Infinite Design Ideas.

Offers two sizes, plain or quilted upholstery with partly or completely upholstered backrest.

Interstuhl Limited 17 Brewhouse Yard London EC1V 4LA, GB assist@interstuhl.com www.interstuhl.uk

Anzeige_VINTAGE_A4_012014_230x300.indd 1 Untitled-1 1

Product design: Volker Eysing

13.01.2014 13:43:31 10/06/2014 09:52

Large and small squares, planks and skinny planks.

human nature

™

a collection of skinny planks

DESIGNED FROM THE OUTSIDE IN An awareness of what surrounds us.

Nature provides infinite solutions to some complex questions. Designing in harmony with the world allows us to learn from the ever-present answers found in our planet’s living systems. It’s a thoughtful look at carpet tile unlike any other.

The Human Nature™ Collection by Interface®.

A Foundation for Beautiful Thinking.

For more information or samples: Call: +441274 698 503 Email: marketing@interface.com Interface.com

Untitled-1 1

10/06/2014 08:26