FISHER & PAYKEL SHARES THE OPTIMAL WAY TO USE APPLIANCES IN AN OPEN PLAN KITCHEN

Over the last few years, we have seen kitchen designs move towards more open-plan, multi-functional designs. The kitchen is the hub of the home and is used as a place to do homework, take work calls, cook family meals and entertain. As such, this space needs to be functional and versatile, as well as having cleaner lines and a more hidden design aesthetic. From placement to functionality, open and broken plan kitchen designs require careful consideration when it comes to appliances, which is where Fisher & Paykel’s unmatched design comes in.

Jo Jackson, Product Marketing Manager at Fisher & Paykel, shares her tips on how to best use appliances in an open plan kitchen. From creating a unified and seamless look with integrated appliances, to mixing and matching styles for maximum impact, Fisher & Paykel has an option for every kitchen space.

The Wine Cooler

Jo advises, “Open plan spaces are often used as the primary entertainment space, our wine columns provide the theatre associated with a statement design and also ensure that wine collections are kept in the optimum state. One of the major problems with open plan designs is that they are often as very light open spaces with sky lights or bifold doors and hard stone floors with under-floor heating. These kitchens are stunning and become the centre-piece of people’s homes.

“They do add level of complexity when you’re looking to install a wine cabinet, as both the light and the heat can affect the storage of wine. UV light can create hydrogen sulphide compounds in wine, which affect the tannins and the colour of wine, but if you source a good appliance with UV tempered glass and dimmed LED lighting you can protect against this.”

“Homeowners want an unobstructed view through the kitchen and often through bifold doors into garden space and outdoor eating areas, this has meant that the traditional hood often no longer works in an pen plan kitchen with an island, and so the need for vented hobs has risen in their place,” says Jo.

“This product offers so much flexibility since everything you need is within one place and the compact design allows more counterspace for prepping food as well as the ability to place the hob on a kitchen island, so we are expecting venting hobs to become even more popular over the next two to three years. As venting hobs are still relatively new to the market, these are currently positioned at the top of the market. However, as this product becomes more popular, it will become more affordable and widely available.”

Statement vs discreet appliances

“Everything in an open plan kitchen can be seen from other rooms so it is important to consider whether you want products which make a statement, or appliances that blend into the kitchen cabinetry and become invisible. If you do want to make a statement, one option is to contrast your cabinetry with stainless steel panels and handles,” Jo comments.

One way to create flow through an open plan design, is to opt for appliances which can blend seamlessly with the rest of the home. Fisher & Paykel are known for iconic integrated appliance design such as their DishDrawer™ and Fridge Freezers, which can be designed to match your cabinetry, offering the freedom to blend in easily with the space.

DSP (INTERIORS) LTD DERBY COMPLETE FIT-OUT FOR SURESCREEN DIAGNOSTICS’ NEW PRODUCTION FACILITY AT SHERWOOD BUSINESS PARK

Award-winning design, refurbishment, and fitout specialists DSP (Interiors) Ltd have completed the first and second phase fit-out at Sherwood Business Park for SureScreen Diagnostics’ new lateral flow test production facility.

Over the past 18 months, the company, which is based on the Parker Industrial Estate on Mansfield Road in Derby, has partnered with SureScreen Diagnostics to support their expansion with the completion of a range of fit-out projects across Derby and Nottingham.

SureScreen remains at the forefront of the fight against Covid-19, producing antibody and antigen tests, which have been exported to 53 countries across the world. With more than 25 years’ experience in rapid diagnostic test products, SureScreen was the sole UK manufacturer to be validated by Public Health England during the Pandemic.

This growing demand and product development, which includes the recently approved dual Covid and Flu test, has perpetuated the need to expand facilities over the past 18 plus months.

In 2021, SureScreen announced its expansion to a new production facility at Lucinda House at Sherwood Business Park in Annesley, Nottinghamshire following an order for tens of millions of antigen Covid-19 tests from the Government, which created 1,000 local jobs.

DSP (Interiors) Ltd Derby was appointed principal designer

“As principal designer, DSP (Interiors) Ltd have been heavily involved in designing the spaces to accommodate the everchanging needs of the production and packing workflow. SureScreen has invested heavily in the latest technology and as such the design of the bespoke facility has been fluid and continues to be adapted to accommodate these developments.” and contractor to fulfil a staged completion of extensive turnkey works at the facility, which is the largest of its kind in Europe.

Work undertaken as part of phases one and two has involved transforming the original warehouse which housed a small office, amenity block, mezzanine level and a large logistics space into a state-of-the-art production and packing facility.

The existing amenity block was completely gutted and fitted out to accommodate new staff including underground drainage, toilets, and showers.

Work has also involved the installation of a new circa 31,500 sq. ft mezzanine floor to extend the production and packing space.

DSP (Interiors) Ltd undertook all associated works including partitions, ceilings, flooring, and bespoke joinery, along with mechanical, electrical, fire protection measures and plumbing works including specialist dehumidification ducting for the machinery and upgrades to the mains electrical systems.

Further works on the project have included the fit-out of the new warehouse including adjustable pallet racking and the full refurbishment of the existing offices, toilets, and kitchens.

Work also just completed on Phase 3, which included a large agile office and amenity, details of which will be released in the coming weeks. Work on Phase 4, a large Laboratory area, is also due to start in the first quarter of next year.

Speaking about their partnership with SureScreen Diagnostics, Andy Priestley, director of DSP (Interiors) Ltd Derby, said: “We are delighted to have completed phases one and two at Lucinda House at Sherwood 80 for SureScreen Diagnostics on schedule and on budget.

“SureScreen Diagnostics do incredible work, and we are happy to have delivered a state-of-the-art facility where they can continue manufacturing and producing their Covid-19 antigen tests.

“As principal designer, DSP (Interiors) Ltd have been heavily involved in designing the spaces to accommodate the everchanging needs of the production and packing workflow.

“SureScreen has invested heavily in the latest technology and as such the design of the bespoke facility has been fluid and continues to be adapted to accommodate these developments.

“We are excited to be working on phases three and four of the project and look forward to continuing the strong partnership with SureScreen Diagnostics.”

Alastair Campbell, director of SureScreen Diagnostics, added: “DSP Interiors Derby have done a fantastic job on the first two phases of this project. It is obvious that they have a huge amount of experience in design, installation and fit-out projects and are always able to find the right balance of design flair and practicality for the space given.

“Andy and his team remain valuable partners in this exciting project, enabling us to keep up with the demand for test kit production, the development of new products, and realise our desire and responsibility to supply these important diagnostic products.”

“Being agile around design changes and applying out of the box thinking on a large, changing project like Lucinda House has been invaluable. On a personal note, the fact that Andy, the top man, has often been on-site is great, as you can work through the ongoing project decisions together, leading to better efficiency and slicker decision making.”