Luxury Interiors Magazine - Summer 2017

LUXURY INTERIORS MAGAZINE

SUMMER 2017

Penketh creates coworking space for Bruntwood

Crestron enhances the sublimely sumptuous

Belle Nouvelle - A Modern and Eclectic Style Apartment in Paris

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Contents

12-13

Lighting Feature:

Ohad Benit shapes blown-glass Stress lights like soap bubbles

SBID Awards finalists announced

20-22

Project: Crestron enhances the sublimely sumptuous

Commissioning a unique piece: Bespoke furniture for today’s modern home

Contact Us Editor Maria Lapthorn editor@limagazine.co.uk

Accounts Richard Lapthorn accounts@limagazine.co.uk

Editorial Assistant Georgina Baxter editorial@limagazine.co.uk

Circulation Manager Leo Phillips subs@limagazine.co.uk

Production/Design Laura Whitehead design@limagazine.co.uk Sales Manager Zara Harrison sales@limagazine.co.uk

24-25

Office Furniture News: Penketh creates co-working space for Bruntwood

28

Neil Stevenson

16-17

Latest News:

News 4U Ltd Marlowe Innovation Centre Marlowe Way Ramsgate Kent CT12 6FA

30-33

Project:

Belle Nouvelle - A Modern and Eclectic Style Apartment in Paris

LUXURY INTERIORS MAGAZINE

Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of material published in Luxury Interiors Magazine however, the publishers accept no responsibility for the claims or opinions made by advertisers, manufactures or contributors.

No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, mechanical, electronic (including photocopying) or stored in any information retrieval system without the prior consent of the publisher.

Telephone Number : 01843 598644 www.luxuryinteriorsmagazine.co.uk

Product News FREESTANDING BASIN IN PEACH WITH CONFETTI ENGRAVING Vitraform offers 17 standard hand engraved patterns for their Freestanding and Under Mount basins. Combined with the choice of 13 glass colors, this old world technique offers a wide range of style options for an opulent Contemporary or Traditional design.

Complete glass installations are coordinated with the use of our CounterTops and mounting systems. Custom patterns upon request. UPC approved. Available in ADA compliant height. www.vitraform.com

TALL, DARK AND HANDSOME – THAT’S DEKORDOR 3D BLACK Leading internal door manufacturer Vicaima has extended its standard colour scheme to include 3D Black to its stunning collection of Dekordor 3D door models. With a choice of plain horizontal, grooved or by incorporating aluminium inlays in 5 contemporary designs, Vicaima have captured the trend towards a darker and more luxurious finish.

Dekordor 3D, with its horizontal embossed finish creates an innovative and thoroughly modern door appearance which is ideally suited to a multitude of applications from homes to hotels and from offices to community buildings. The highly tactile surface and visual impact created by Dekordor 3D has proved to be a key reason why it is often selected to make a big impression, especially as an entrance door and frame system to apartments or hotel rooms. Now with a focus on black, this door is attracting even wider appeal

04 - Luxury Interiors Magazine

The Dekordor 3D collection is available in a choice of 4 contrasting face finishes including, Black, Grey, Oak and Camel. In addition to which, groove and inlay models can provide extra embellishment with vertical and horizontal designs allowing plenty of diversity. All doors are FSC certified for environmental peace of mind and can be supplied with a range of performance specifications comprising fire rated, acoustic and security, which includes Secure by Design to Part Q requirements. Where a complete theme is desired, Vicaima are also able to supply as part of a matching doorset (door, Frame and architrave) plus wall panels where required.

For further details about Vicaima Dekordor 3D Black or other Vicaima designer ranges visit the Vicaima website www.vicaima. com, alternatively call 01793 532333 for a copy of our literature or face samples.

NEW SOFT SEATING COLLECTION PROVIDES A WARM WELCOME A new soft seating collection from Lyndon by Boss Design exemplifies how hospitality designs continue to influence the office environment, helping to create a softer, more relaxed workplace.

Ideal for foyers and welcome areas, Manta subtly harmonises handcrafted luxury with a contemporary edge. Featuring a two-seater sofa with matching armchair, this new collection is designed to offer a compact and informal seating solution for corporate receptions and breakout areas, in addition to hotel lobbies.

Manta presents the specifier with tremendous scope and choice.

Whether it’s to coordinate with existing interior design schemes or to create the ultimate showpiece, Manta is available in a wide array of fabrics and leathers, and with a choice of leg finishes in polished or painted aluminium, and European Oak. By combining fabric with leather, a stunning aesthetic can be achieved to highlight the contrast between the internal and external contours.

Manta’s fixed back and seat also provide a superb level of comfort whilst offering a low maintenance solution that is vital for busy waiting areas.

Managing Director at Lyndon, Tim Armitt, comments: “Manta offers specifiers a compact, modern-day seating solution that brings visual impact and comfort to a variety of commercial interiors. As the cross-over between corporate and hospitality interiors continues, we are confident that Manta will successfully meet the needs of multiple environments.”

For further information contact 01242 584897, or visit www.lyndon.co.uk

WOVEN IMAGE INTRODUCES NEW COLOUR ADDITIONS TO THEIR CLASSIC QUILL AND ARROW RANGES Material specialists Woven Image unite state-of-the-art weaves and beautiful designs to create high-performing textiles encompassing the Woven Image concept of ‘Functional Oasis’ 4 fresh directional colourways have been added to the Quill and Arrow story. Designed for indoor/outdoor upholstery application these textiles have excellent colourfastness to light along with easy-care attributes.

Referencing nature, the designs are created from an abstracted version of a leaf shape. Quill, the smaller of the two, combines a solid small scale leaf motif with contrasting ground colour whilst Arrow comprises a larger scale leaf shape as an outline. Originally released in 2010 these classic Woven Image designs have been given a revival with a palette of fresh directional hues.

4 new colourways comprise sunshine, emerald, marine and tangerine combinations completing a collection of 9 colourways in total per design.

Both Quill and Arrow are solution dyed, which means the colour is applied to the liquid polymer before it is extruded into yarn, this provides excellent performance results particularly for colourfastness to light allowing the textile to be used in indoor/outdoor applications such as poolside furniture. From an environmental perspective solution dyed textiles are considered to be optimal as this method allows for reduced water usage and emissions compared to conventional dyeing processes. Both Quill and Arrow are produced using certified green energy (100% renewable resources) and the yarn holds an Oeko-Tex certification.

Reviving the classic indoor/outdoor upholstery textiles, Quill and Arrow, with a collection of new trend driven colourways maintains a ‘contemporary edge’ to the Woven Image indoor/outdoor collection combining classic design with easy-care solutions for commercial projects without compromising on handle and price competitiveness.

Luxury Interiors Magazine - 05

Exhibition News 100% DESIGN - 20-23 SEPTEMBER 2017 - OLYMPIA LONDON First staged in 1995, the show is the commercial cornerstone of the London Design Festival, with 27,387 visitors to the show (audit pending) across 4 days in September; taking place in one of London’s most inspiring venues, Olympia London.

Visiting the award-winning show is a unique audience of architects, designers, specifiers, retailers and developers, as well as multinational companies looking to source directly for their latest projects.

As the outstanding meeting place for business and design, 100% Design features an unrivalled talks programme; Talks with 100% Design, bespoke installations, and showcase of carefully curated world-leading brands.

DATES ANNOUNCED FOR 2018 LONDON FABRIC SHOW The BFM is pleased to announce the dates for the 2018 London Fabric Show. Returning to the popular Chelsea F.C. venue, the two-day show will take place on Monday 26th and Tuesday 27th of February 2018.

Featuring over 35 prestigious fabric manufacturers and suppliers from Belgium, Spain, Turkey, Italy, Germany and the UK, the event will provide upholstery, bed and soft furnishing manufacturers with a unique opportunity to see new designs and colourways in a variety of fabrics including wools, velvets and jacquards.

Jackie Bazeley, MD of the BFM, says: “We are delighted to announce the dates for the 2018 London Fabric Show. Momentum for the show is gathering each year with visitor numbers increasing and more and more fabric producers wishing to exhibit. Although the show is open to any manufacturer, supplier or buyer of fabrics, we pleased to experience great support for the show from BFM members as it enables them to see a large number of high-end producers under one roof. We look forward to welcoming all visitors to the show at Chelsea next year.”

Registration for the show will open in the early autumn and more information can be found on the event’s website.

DECOREX INTERNATIONAL – 17TH-20TH SEPTEMBER 2017 – SYON PARK, LONDON Renowned as the destination 14,000 international interior design professionals come to experience a world of new and unique design, Decorex 2017 will bring together over 400 hand-selected British and international exhibitors, exclusive installations and inspirational speakers as we celebrate our 40th edition.

This year Decorex celebrates 40 years of design collaborations, focusing both on the strength of its past and current relationships and importantly looking towards future partnerships.

06 - Luxury Interiors Magazine

To mark the 40th edition of Decorex International we brought together our friends – old and new – at Syon House to celebrate the past, present and future of design. A decadent banquet was imagined in Syon House’s Robert Adam’s state dining room for the industry’s creative elite – Hassan Abdullah, Sophie Ashby, Anna Burles, Luke Edward Hall, Simon Hamilton, Daniel Hopwood, Victoria Meale, Marcin Rusak, Francis Sultana, Sue Timney, Joanna Wood and Freddy van Zevenbergen – coming together to create a magnificent tableau vivant for our 2017 campaign.

SATURN Designer Mario Mazzer e Giovanni Crosera

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WOKA LAMPS VIENNA

WOKA LAMPS VIENNA is a Vienna-based Manufacturer of Iconic 20th Century Lighting Design. Lovers of iconic lamps from the early 20th century were for decades deprived of the possibility of owning some of the most striking pieces by the historical Wiener Werkstätte and the Bauhaus, which had long fallen out of production. The designers whose work WOKA is licensed to produce read like a who’s who of the Vienna design pantheon.

In addition to Hoffmann and Koloman Moser, the manufacturer has reissued striking table, ceiling, wall and floor lamps, as well as chandelier pieces, by the likes of Adolf Loos, Otto Wagner and Carl Witzmann. A collection of very rare antiques of the early 20th century as well as a large collection of chandeliers from the 18th century until the 1960s is completing the business of the WOKA GALLERY. On request all antiques and pieces of arts are delivered with an expertise made out by a certified appraiser for art and antiques on the commercial court in Vienna.

Due to WOKA’s extraordinary achievement, in 2016 the minister for economic affairs and Vice Chancellor of the Austrian Republic Reinhold Mitterlehner, has awarded WOKA LAMPS VIENNA with the right to use the Austrian Coat of Arms in matters of business.

09 - Luxury Interiors Magazine

OHAD BENIT SHAPES BLOWN-GLASS STRESS LIGHTS LIKE SOAP BUBBLES These handmade lights by Israeli designer Ohad Benit mimic the shapes of soap bubbles being formed.

Each of the lamps is supported by a brass framework, which rings the glass shade in much the same way as the circle of a stick used to blow bubbles.

The Stress collection – named to reflect the tension between the two materials – is available as floor lamp versions, pendants, and wall lights held on curved brass wire.

The floor versions rest on minimal metal tripods, with legs dipped in white paint. Benit created the lights in partnership with a local

12 - Luxury Interiors Magazine

glassblower, after being drawn to the “randomness” of the medium.

Glass is blown into each of the brass rings, before being left to cool and naturally fall into its final shape – making each light unique.

“The materials, reaching their boundaries, are a meeting of two different forms that must adjust to each other; testing their levels of endurance by stretching them, examining the physical encounter between them,” said Benit, whose studio Mishmacool is based in Tel Aviv.

The designer also previously combined glass and brass for a series of insect-like vaseswith just enough room to hold a single flower stem.

“One is tough and elastic, the other hard and brittle, the fluid inflated manually through the brass rod,” added Benit. “I was interested in how

Lighting News

such a fluid free material gets constrained.�

The designer had to repeatedly experiment with the process to perfect it, with the glass shades often exploding or breaking along the way.

Stockholm-based Studio EO has also played with the fluid qualities of hand-blown glass, pairing it with marble bases to create a collection of vases that appear as if melting. Lindsay Adelman’s Catch lights follow a similar theme, designed to look as if their glass shades are oozing over brass bases.

Photography is by Itay Benit.

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Latest News

SBID AWARDS FINALISTS ANNOUNCED Competition is as formidable as ever for this year’s SBID awards, with the likes of Grand Hyatt, Radisson Blu, Hilton and InterContinental Hotels, as well as the Marriott chain among the entrants.

Amongst the world’s finest, other power houses include stylish interiors from London’s luxury department store, Harvey Nichols, as well as industry leaders, TATA Motors, Microsoft and General Electric.

The range of finalists across all 14 categories display a true reflection

of the scope of this creative and global industry, depicting an international portfolio of projects from over 40 countries worldwide.

Entries were received from countries such Latvia, Taiwan, the Maldives, Armenia, Rwanda, Sweden, Mexico, UAE and more, from renowned practices such as HBA, March & White, II BY IV DESIGN, Rockwell Group and David Chang Design Associates International.

The public are now invited to vote for their favourite projects at www.sbidawards.com which will account for 30% of the final results.

All categories cover all aspects of interior design including Retail, Public Space, Healthcare Design and Visualisation amongst others.

KOBE UK SPONSORS APPRENTICE UPHOLSTERER Student Darren Blackwell, an apprentice upholsterer, recently presented his first-class skills with a little help from luxury fabric supplier, Kobe UK.

piece – a chair – on show, along with other examples of upholstery and soft furnishings. He is the first trainee to complete the Livery Company Apprenticeship Scheme, launched in the summer of 2014.

The AMUSF apprentice formed part of a team of association members who represented the Worshipful Company of Upholders at Lincoln cathedral’s Heritage Skills Festival in June.

The Upholders sponsored the frame of Darren’s chair and Kobe the Conure fabric, from the company’s Toucan collection.

As part of the festival, Darren saw his final apprenticeship diploma

MD David Harris says: “We are delighted to see our fabric used to create such a beautiful piece of furniture. It’s a credit to Darren’s upholstery skills and I would like to congratulate him on his qualification, which recognises the hard work and commitment he has shown to his craft.”

Darren was presented with his AMUSF qualification at Wendy Shorter’s Students’ Show on Saturday 29th July. Wendy Shorter Interiors is a multi-awards winning training centre that has received several craft training awards for encouraging craft skills in upholstery and soft furnishings.

16 - Luxury Interiors Magazine

DESIGN STUDENT CREATES ALTERNATIVE WATER-BIRTHING EXPERIENCE Regent’s University London final year BA (Hons) Interior Design students are showcasing their work to the world with a special public exhibition at the University’s Marylebone Campus until 12th July, 2017.

At the exhibition opening, the Little Greene Paint Company shortlisted three final year projects for the Little Greene Award, won by interior design student Emma Macleod.

Emma said: “I researched and created a solution for an alternative water-birthing experience in London.

“By incorporating the Japanese philosophical concepts of Wabi Sabi and Mono No Aware, I aimed to reintroduce the beauty of imperfection and impermanence to contemporary western society.

“Along with my clients, Anxiety UK and Mellow Parenting, I hoped to create an environment where mothers can give birth in a comforting, yet raw interior space.”

Robert Paul from Little Greene said: “Emma’s project is fully developed and clearly communicated. I could see the commercial aspect and Emma took the user through an emotional experience.”

Fay Markopoulou-Meyer, colour consultant at Little Greene and award judge, added: “There was a real thought process behind Emma’s scheme and a strong concept linking the Wabi Sabi philosophy to the birthing experience.”

Discussing the wider show concept, Regent’s Head of Fashion and Design Programmes, Mark Gower, explained: “All too often we hear about the ‘real’ world outside of education, but this couldn’t be further

from the truth for our students who thrive on working with local businesses and the community. Their achievements are shaping society and the world we live in.”

The industry-facing nature of Regent’s programme, Gower added, makes full use of lecturers’ industry connections, delivering an authentic learning experience.

He continued: “This graduating group have seen their ‘paraSITE’ designs displayed with local retailers in support of the annual ‘Marylebone Interiors Day.’ They have also developed proposals for a new Regent’s reception at our Park campus, and our Year 2 students have designed this latest exhibition.”

Regent’s Interior Design exhibition can be viewed until 12th July at Regent’s University London’s Marylebone Campus at 7 Garbutt Place London W1U 4DU. The exhibition will then move on 13th July to the Truman Brewery in Brick Lane as part of the Interior Educators show.

CALL FOR ENTRIES FOR NATIONAL CHARITY GOLF DAY The Furniture Makers’ Company, the furnishing industry’s charity, is looking for golfers of all levels to compete in its National Charity Golf Day this September.

The National Charity Golf Day will take place on Wednesday 27th September 2017 at the worldrenowned Oxfordshire Golf Club.

One of the industry’s most high-profile events of the year, the day tees off with bacon rolls and coffee followed by an 18-hole Stableford competition with a shotgun start. Competitors will later sit down to a twocourse lunch, prize giving ceremony and charity raffle.

An array of trophies and prizes will be on offer, including awards for the longest drive and nearest the pin. There is a number of sponsorship opportunities available for companies wishing to support.

Dr Tony Smart MBE, Master of The Furniture Makers’ Company, says: “The National Golf Day has traditionally been among the highlights of our calendar of fundraising events and we’re delighted to be taking it to Oxfordshire Golf Club. It was chosen for its excellent championship course, its central location and the fact it has a hotel on site for anyone wishing to stay the night before.”

Peter Mallinson, Merchandise Director (home) at AIS, who is helping to organise the event, says: “As well as raising money for the industry’s only dedicated charity, the golf day has always been a terrific event and first class networking opportunity for people working right across the furnishings sector.”

Those looking for more information or to book a place on the National Golf Day should contact events manager Sally Kent on 020 7256 5558 or email events@furnituremakers.org.uk.

Luxury Interiors Magazine - 17

FREEDOM OF CHOICE GROHE ESSENCE With its extensive range of sizes, colours and finishes, the new Essence series will make you feel completely spoilt for choice. The full range – from faucets to showers and accessories – offers you four different colours to choose from, either with an elegantly brushed or highly polished finish. Also available in SuperSteel and chrome. That’s what we call freedom of choice. Enjoy. www.grohe.co.uk

Creston enhances the sublimely sumptuous

20 - Luxury Interiors Magazine

When the owners of a luxury residence wanted to transform their swanky new property into the ultimate tech filled dream home, returning to their trusted Buckinghamshire-based integrators, Smartcomm, was of course the smart choice. Smartcomm selected the premium technology from global leaders in home automation, Crestron, to deliver both the superior performance and bespoke design requirements for this high end project. The results of this challenging venture speak for themselves with a totally connected family home that exudes elegance and sophistication.

The home automation requirements of this beautiful, four storey residence comprised of a home cinema control system as well as full entertainment, environment, security and lighting control solutions for the entire property. This extensive family home in North West London features several bedrooms and bathrooms, kitchen, games room, family room, garden, a 25m swimming pool, outdoor swimming pool, gym, bar area and a large garage to house the owner’s collection of luxury cars.

Clive Mosby, Residential Divisional Director at Smartcomm commented, “We were so pleased that this client returned to us to ask us to help with this fantastic project. It was a real challenge not only due to the requirement of a fully integrated solution that was big on style and flexibility, but also due to the fact that it needed to be installed as quickly and as smoothly as possible as the family urgently needed to move in. By selecting state-of-the-art products from Crestron, the technology was reliable and we knew we could get the project completed with minimal disruption.”

Showstopper Supercars One of the most important aspects of the install for the client, was the garage and pool area. Unlike your average dusty garage used for storage, this homeowner’s garage instead houses a selection of luxury supercars - their pride and joy. Perhaps the most eye-catching feature of this unique home, this impressive garage is completed by a large picture window which showcases the perfectly lit cars from the pool and gym areas, providing a striking backdrop for a quick swim in the 25m swimming pool or if working out in the home gym. The client wanted a contemporary yet discreet lighting solution that was fully automatic. Smartcomm chose Crestron, as Crestron offer one of the smallest PIR units on the market. Smartcomm installed and programmed a number of PIRs in the garage to light a pathway for anyone who enters.

Simple to control, yet sophisticated solution To add an extra level of luxury, Smartcomm installed fitted television screens, AV systems and Crestron’s custom lighting control, to help the bather escape into a paradise of relaxation within the property’s en-suites, bathrooms and swimming pools. Crestron’s customisable control panels allow for personalised settings, allowing the homeowner, with just one press of a button, to create their ideal bathing preferences, such as music choice, instantaneously. >>

No area of this impressive home was overlooked during the project.

From the sweeping iron staircase that is perfectly lit by a combination of individual step lighting, to the vast feature windows, to the lavish cinema room with its awe-inspiring screen and adjoining games room; every element of this beautiful property showcases its carefully considered design. The homeowner commented, “Smartcomm were excellent throughout design, project management, installation and aftercare.”

Luxury Interiors Magazine - 21

It’s all in the Details From the relaxing bliss of the bathroom to the soothing Crestron controlled fireplace in the master bedroom, there isn’t a single element of this property that has not been thoughtfully incorporated into this impressive home automation solution. The fully stocked wine cellar has both temperature and lighting controlled by the Crestron home automation system and carefully placed lighting highlight the treasured bottles, creating an instantly inspiring impression as you enter the space.

Security was of course a top priority for this sumptuous and technologically intelligent home. The security structure includes door entry systems, remote cameras and CCTV. All 16 security cameras can all be accessed to view and be controlled via the Crestron control system offering complete piece of mind, essential in such a premium property Crestron’s DigitalMedia™ system delivers content and management to a total of 12 different video zones in the home, three of which are Crestron standalone surround sound systems. Smartcomm added a further 36 audio zones, featuring powerful 140W Crestron Sonnex amplifiers, to this solution, to ensure the client has one of the highest quality AV solutions on the market from the world leaders in home automation, Crestron.

Lighting Control The careful consideration that has gone into the lighting throughout the property is clear to see, with every luminaire having its own unique purpose. A huge total of 256 internal lighting circuits have been installed. Of these, 112 are Crestron dimming circuits and 144 are Crestron switch circuits which ensure each space has its own customisable ambience. Alongside the vast lighting solution, Smartcomm installed 32 motorised roller blinds and curtains, which are easily opened and closed at the touch of a button on any of the 10 available Crestron panels positioned throughout the property or via Apple iPads and iPhones through the Crestron App. Every area of this stunning property has been fitted with a customised automation solution, for the ultimate in intuitive luxury. Each element has been carefully considered to meet the personal requirements of the home owner, and every aspect can be easily manipulated to adapt to changing preferences. Upon completion the homeowner commented, “Engaging with Smartcomm once again was one of the simplest project decisions. The solution delivered works exactly as we want it to, it’s intuitive, discrete, looks great and sounds amazing.” They say a picture tells a thousand words, this is certainly true with this spectacular London property!

NEW Controls for Simply Saving Energy DANLERS Limited have recently launched an extensive range of reliable, easy to install, controls for Lighting and HVAC including: NEW HIGH BAY CONTROLS An extensive range of controls suitable across a wide spectrum of high bay applications.

NEW EASYZAPP SWITCHING CONTROLS Remotely programmable PIR Occupancy switches by mobile phone / tablet from up to 100m away. Standard ceiling flush or surface mount and high bay mounting options.

NEW EASYZAPP DIMMING CONTROLS Remotely programmable controls suitable for either DALI, DSI or 1-10VDC dimmable ballasts. Easy to install, easy to configure.

Standard ceiling flush or surface mount and high bay mounting options.

NEW DAYLIGHT LINKED DIMMING PIR SWITCHES With adjustable run-on for lower light level when areas are not occupied.

Versions for DALI or 1-10VDC ballasts.

Standard ceiling flush or surface mount and high bay mounting options.

CONTACT US FOR THE LATEST DETAILS.

DANLERS Limited, Vincients Road, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN14 6NQ U.K. Tel: 01249 443377. E: sales@danlers.co.uk

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Shiny look.

Surfa surfa In 16 night soph for d innov ideal

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Luxury Interiors Magazine - 23

Manufacturers and caterers have a huge opportunity to improve the flavours of both soups and beans

Office Furniture News

MANCHESTER OFFICE INTERIORS COMPANY PENKETH CREATES CO-WORKING SPACE FOR BRUNTWOOD Bespoke office interiors firm the Penketh Group has supplied cuttingedge furniture for Bruntwood’s new co-working space in its £8m flagship Neo building in Manchester city centre.

The co-working space is a vision of the future with different zones where people can work efficiently and effectively and with people’s wellbeing at the forefront of the design.

It contains innovative meeting rooms, social zones where people can meet for coffee, nomadic zones where workers can quickly unpack and work for an hour and comfortable lounge seating areas with cubbyhole spaces for short-term focus work.

There are also a variety of co-working spaces and, for those who want to work outdoors, a large open-air roof terrace with all-weather meeting pods and built-in outdoor heaters.

Amongst the products supplied by Penketh Group were Steelcase Fusion benches, height-adjustable desks to give people the choice of whether to work sitting or standing, B Free high tables and stools with wireless charging ports, Reply high-performance ergonomically designed seating and a SMART interactive screen to bring meetings to life.

The Penketh Group worked with designers Bridge Architects to supply the furniture to meet their designs for Neo’s collaborative co-working spaces and serviced offices on the building’s first floor.

Designer Chris Birchall from the Penketh Group, which recently took Neo’s entire eighth floor from which to open its spectacular new Worklife Showroom, said: “Many of the best innovations come from interactions that can happen anywhere in the office and not just in a traditional desk-based setting.

“It’s why we are increasingly seeing a demand for co-working spaces as employers look for more flexible solutions to allow their people to work in new, more creative and collaborative ways.

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“Bruntwood is a forward-thinking company which understands that where you work can influence how you work and that the right facilities can both help businesses to attract and keep talented people – and help encourage employee engagement.

“Our cutting-edge furniture solutions helped to create the environment that Bruntwood was looking for and we delivered the project on budget and within a very tight eight-week timeframe.”

Bruntwood’s Head of Sales Charlie Beck said: “We decided to bring something new to Manchester to encourage creatively-minded businesses of all sizes and our co-working space in Neo is the result of a lot of research.

“We wanted an attractive, innovative space with good design that would ultimately help people because wellbeing is very much at the

forefront of our plans. So, we have quiet working areas, a lounge area with high stools for hot desking and innovative height-adjustable desks.

“Every piece of furniture is flexible and multi-purpose. For example, the majority of the furniture has power sockets to give people the choice of where they work.

“We’ve already received some great feedback. People like our coworking area because it is so different and they enjoy having a choice of different creative spaces to both work and network in.”

Victoria Kirkpatrick, Director at Bridge Architects, said “Neo’s first floor co-working space has been designed to flow from the ground floor reception via a new helical stair, providing a connection with the previously unrealised external roof terrace.

“Together, the linked interior and exterior spaces are intended to echo a boutique hotel lobby, moving on from the recent more ‘quirky’ approach to co-working design.

“Penketh Group have provided us with a carefully selected range of seating types and tables with integrated power. These all contribute to a collection of sophisticated, informal and flexible workspaces that give users a choice, while also fostering a sense of community and a space for businesses to connect.”

Neo, the former 12-storey Bank House building, is Bruntwood’s most evolved collaborative workspace to date.

Penketh Group, established 40 years ago, works with clients across the country to create outstanding working environments that engage with and inspire the people who work in them.

As well as office interior design and furniture, the company’s services include AV, Technology and Managed Print Solutions. www.penkethgroup.com

Luxury Interiors Magazine - 25

The luxury interior design recruitment specialists Interviewed by Nicola Duffy

In January 2006, on a quiet street in Bishops Stortford, four ex employees of a local recruitment company set to work.

Their goal; to become the most respected boutique recruitment agency in the built environment.

11 years down the line and through one of the worst recessions this country has ever seen, Solution still have this as their mission statement and I am sure that if you ask any of their candidates or clients you will be told that this goal has been achieved.

Today I have come to meet with Jason Bailey (Founding Director) and Lewis Powell (Head of Design) in their quirky London office, to discuss the Design side of the business.

We all have a notion of what we expect from ‘recruitment companies’ and, if I am truthful, I very much anticipated more of the same. What I was greeted with couldn’t have been further from my expectations. I was welcomed by Nicola (their lovely Studio Manager) and shown to a vintage leather couch on which to wait. Looking around the office, rather than being full of loud noises and louder suits, it was populated with people roaming between the banks of desks, deep in conversation.

I was then led to one of their meeting rooms to await Jason and Lewis. Shortly after, two tall and instantly approachable

men entered the frame, again they do not conform to what I would expect of stereotypical recruiters (mainly due to their dress sense). You can clearly see that there is a strong bond, their joviality indicative of the apparent culture they foster at Solution.

Jason Bailey is one of the Founding Directors of the business and is based out of their London office, which was established to complement their Bishops Stortford offering. Jason begins by outlining the main reasons why he set up the company with the three other Founding Directors. ‘’The year was 2005 and we were all tired of the bad reputation that recruitment agencies were attracting, and we knew we could build something that offered the best of both worlds which is a business that provides a quality service to candidates and clients as well as ensuring our consultants are valued and enjoy coming to work. That’s what we set out to achieve. We all share the same passion which is our dislike of large commercial agencies and what they stand for”.

“At times it has been challenging but it is a journey we have enjoyed completely, even during the recession. It was a tough time for the design industry and understandably businesses struggled. Before the down turn our market was saturated with agencies not providing the service we sought to

achieve. All of a sudden someone turned off the lights and we were in a full blown recession. We had clients that we had built relationships with going into liquidation and employment offers being retracted – it was not for the faint hearted! But you know what? It was survival of the fittest, and I was confident that we had the client relationships to pull us through, and that’s exactly what happened”. There is a lot of pride in his voice as he tells this, not arrogance or bravado, he seems genuinely pleased that the business survived one of the hardest economic periods in recent memory and came out the other end with renewed strength.

Established for 11 years, Solution has grown to have 10 in house divisions and offers both permanent and contract recruitment services to clients and candidates. Far from the struggles of the recession, last year they achieved a £14.5 million turnover.

So what is next for Solution?

“We are into a five year plan and we are very transparent with this. What we have created at Solution is an environment in which there is a clear dialogue between the Directors and the Consultants about our overall goals – we want to be a £25 million turnover business in the next five years and we have projected that we will

020 7855 9644 info@sol.rec.com sol-rec.com

need 50 staff to achieve this, with the current total standing at 30.

We have deliberately set this number as, we believe, anything over and you risk losing your identity as a business and more importantly, you start turning into a ‘commercial agency’. The connection you have with your staff ultimately suffers.”

He turns to Lewis, who nods in agreement before adding “I believe that an agency with more than 50 staff loses its quality and relies on generic key performance indicators, which we are completely against here at Solution.”

Jason as he interrupts with a cheeky smile, which is dismissed immediately by Lewis who laughs and says “it was about time the old boy moved aside!”

Jason uses Lewis as an example: “Our business, our brand, is built around the individuals that work in their market every day, like Lewis, and that is not something we will risk losing”.

Solution are also known for their international trips to attend industry events, the Salone del Mobile in Milan for example.

Interior Design is one of the sectors in which Solution are market leaders.

Well known to both the companies and professionals that work within it, and you can clearly see that Lewis has a lot of passion for his division.

“We are proud of what we have achieved.” he says, having joined nearly four years ago, “I spent the best part of six months working closely with Jason on candidate generation before being given the opportunity to work with my own clients.” ‘’I have taught him all he knows!” claims

But what is it that makes both Jason and Lewis respected figures in the design sector?

“Jason has always put an emphasis on making friends in this line of work and that is exactly what I’ve done. We make a big effort to get to know both our candidates and clients on a social level and I believe that this sets us apart from the rest of the competition”.

“We are always seen at functions and awards dinners,” Jason says with a knowing grin, “and that’s important to us as we want to demonstrate how seriously we take our profession,” to which Lewis replies “hopefully a bit more seriously than the jacket you have on today!”.

On a serious note, Solution have established themselves as the leading agency within London Interior Design, more specifically within the High End Residential and Hospitality markets.

“I had more of an interest in those markets so naturally I leant towards them,

and then it just became my specialty.

We hired Lewis to take over from me as my duties as a Director were pulling me away from the actual recruitment side of things, and relationships were not being maintained. Lewis not only picked up where I left off but managed to open up doors that were previously shut.”

By the sound of things it couldn’t have gone any better, as four years down the line Lewis is heading up the whole design side of Solution Recruitment and working selectively with some of London’s most respected Architectural Practices and Design Studios, recruiting from Junior to Director level.

As the meeting was ending and we were heading out the door, Jason tells me that the business is “only as good as the people that are representing it” and “with Lewis, we definitely have one of the best out there!”

As Solution embark on the next stage of their growth, it’s clear to see they are in a strong position and have an exciting future ahead. It was an absolute pleasure interviewing and meeting with these two interior design recruitment specialists.

To find out more, visit sol-rec.com You can also reach Jason at jb@sol-rec.com, Lewis at lp@sol-rec.com or give them a call on 020 7855 9644

Furniture News

COMMISSIONING A UNIQUE PIECE; BESPOKE FURNITURE FOR TODAY’S MODERN HOME NEJ Stevenson Ltd is one of the UK’s most highly regarded bespoke furniture manufacturers. As cabinetmaker to The Queen and Royal Warrant holder, the company has developed a reputation for crafting some of the finest contemporary and heritage furniture available.

Exclusively for Luxury Interiors Magazine, Neil Stevenson, Director and Founder of NEJ Stevenson Ltd, explores the growing demand for bespoke furniture in the luxury sector today.

Finding the right piece of furniture in the right colour, material, size and design for your home is no mean feat. Whether it is it’s a truly unique piece of hand crafted furniture or an ornately crafted cabinet for the most exquisite jewellery, the demand for bespoke furniture continues to grow in the luxury interiors market.

The benefits of bespoke over mass produced At a recent panel discussion with Monique Tollgard of Tollgard Design at the House and Garden Festival, we discussed the beauty of bespoke and the move away from mass produced furniture, towards more uniquely crafted pieces that have their own individual history. Clients are now able to commission exactly what they are looking for; a truly luxury piece, designed to match their personal specifications both aesthetically and from a functional perspective.

At NEJ Stevenson, we design truly bespoke pieces of furniture, meaning that our clients can specify exactly what they want, with individual touches specific to the owner’s personality and needs.

Customising and adjusting furniture can prove an effective way to not only personalise your property, but also to make great use of available space, complimenting each rooms shape and size. Not only does bespoke, one-off furniture outline your relationship to your own space, but it can be designed to complement your overall interior design scheme, fitting seamlessly with the specifications of the room without having to compromise.

The higher levels of design and craftsmanship involved in making bespoke furniture also means the piece is more durable and will last longer than most mass-produced furniture. By designing a bespoke piece, your furniture can be passed on through generations as a treasured item for years to come.

Environmental factors It is important to support craft and conservation skills in this country, so by commissioning bespoke furniture, we can benefit from our nation’s rich heritage of design and manufacture and will continue to do so into the future.

Clients are now more interested than ever in the provenance and ecological sustainability of their furniture and materials used. Now they can gain a behind-the-scenes insight into the provenance of a piece of furniture by commissioning a bespoke piece, offering a unique opportunity to liaise with the craftspeople who have been working on it. In this way, you can understand for yourself how the wood was chosen, where the materials were sourced and the amount of work that goes into such a project.

A wealth of materials The range of materials being requested and used is growing amongst our high-end clientele. Clients are becoming bolder with their choices, and whilst traditional walnut and oak timbers are still popular, we’ve seen an increase in other exotic woods such as Wenge, Indian Laurel and Olive wood. We’ve also seen a rise in demand for different finishes, which offers even more scope for a unique look to the completed piece.

The originality of bespoke furniture means that clients can be specific on the details of their design, and keep up with current design trends.

Design and manufacture Commissioning a piece of bespoke furniture is a very personal, enjoyable and rewarding experience. At NEJ Stevenson, we combine the work of a designer, craftsman, finisher and installer to ensure a high quality finished piece and standard of service. Working with our clients at every stage of the project, we provide clear guidance from the outset, listening to exactly what our clients want and taking the time to prepare drawings before crafting the furniture.

At the end of the process, it is a real pleasure knowing that we have created a truly unique piece that will take pride of place in our client’s home for not only today, but for many years to come.

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A COLLECTION OF BEAUTIFUL VELVETS, SILKS AND DAMASKS Tissus d’Hélène Ltd 020 7352 9977 showroom@tissusdhelene.co.uk www.northcroftfabrics.co.uk

Belle Nouvelle – A Modern and Eclectic Style Apartment in Paris The apartment located in the center of Paris owns a bright colors and vivid graphic decoration and breathtaking views over the city.

This 140 sq.m. apartment in the center of Paris is mainly used by its owners as a guest house, since they are a young couple of travel lovers.

Before starting to create the ideal ambience, the designer chosen for this project, Nika Vorotynstseva, made an intensive study by analyzing the Parisian chic interiors.

She found out that most of the interiors had an eclectic design with a gentle touch of glamour, so after this research, the designer opted to create an ambiance that was fresh, open and modern.

To create has must space as possible Nika opted to eliminate the small and old-fashioned division style and open in bigger and more spacious blokes like “fireplace area, TV area, dining room with kitchen, master unit with bathroom and dressing room, and a guest room with a bathroom. As a result, we got an open space flooded with sunlight”, explains Nika.

She elaborates “Our client has an artistic sort, loves bright colours and mirrors, we used this information to play with the space. Since the apartment is not for permanent residence, it gave us an opportunity to use bright colours and vivid graphics freely.”

The color palette present at this residential project is so varied as the color Paris may have. The sleeping area is opposite to the living room. It’s created with soft cream colors that invites to relax. The curved ceiling in the bathroom and in the hall relate to a classic style, that supports the classic spirit of this apartment. >>

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To create a balance between this classic look and the modern flair of today’s design Nika opted to use current pieces of furniture, as well as areas such as the kitchen, that function as a bridge to everything beautiful, comfortable and ergonomic, created today.

“The centerpiece of this interior is considered to be the emerald wall with decorative protruding elements in the TV area, which was created according to our sketches made in Ukraine.” Nika tells us..

To create the elegance and balance necessary with this vibrant emerald wall the designer opted once more to innovate in the dining area by choosing a lamp that is itself a statement Ella Suspension Lamp by DelightFULL, the lines of this Lamp are so timeless as the decor can be, inspired by the 50’s and 60‘s this is the perfect combinations for the classic but modern look that emerges all over the apartment.

By the fireplace, we can relax, enjoy the nature outside and appreciate the light inside with the two Ella Wall Lamps also

by DelightFULL, which can make the nights seems calm and everlasting together with the classic mirror.

Photography by Mathieu Fiol

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Nika Vorotynstseva Nika is a young Ukrainian designer based in Kiev, owner of the Nika Vorotyntseva Design & Architecture Bureau. She has currently several works in progress all over the world. “We love what we do. Our work - is the ability to create something special, important for people. Each project is unique and also unique experience that we acquire. We try to implement the ideas that bring pleasure to the customer and ourselves. Our team is ready to work actively, sharing fresh ideas and take part in the formation of modern trends.�

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THE WOOD AWARDS:

EXCELLENCE IN BRITISH ARCHITECTURE AND PRODUCT DESIGN 2017 SHORTLIST REVEALED Furniture & Product Competition A record of 14 furniture and product projects have been shortlisted for the Wood Awards 2017. Four bespoke designs, four production and six student designs have been selected by the judges, led by Max Fraser, design curator and author. All the shortlisted projects will be on display at the London Design Fair (Stand B05, Hall T2), 21st-24th September, at Old Truman Brewery. The winners will be revealed

by Wood Awards host Johanna Agerman Ross, Founder of Disegno magazine and Curator of Twentieth Century and Contemporary

Furniture and Product Design at the V&A, at the annual ceremony at Carpenters’ Hall on 21st November.

Established in 1971, the Wood Awards is the UK’s premier competition for excellence in architecture and product design in the world’s only naturally sustainable material. The Awards aim to recognise, encourage and promote outstanding design, craftsmanship and installation using wood. The Awards are split into two main categories: Furniture & Product and Buildings. Within the Furniture & Product competition there are three subcategories: Bespoke, Production Made and Student Designer.

BESPOKE 1. ANNIE’S WOOD/HUNDRED FOOT DRAIN. THREE-PANELLED SCREEN.

Designer/Maker: Wycliffe Stutchbury, Wood Species: British Bog Oak, European Oak, British Holly The origin of the timber used is central to Wycliffe Stutchbury’s work and provides the name for each piece.

The holly comes from a coppice named Annie’s Wood in Kent. For Stutchbury, holly is reminiscent of ivory and provides the opportunity to let shadow and relief play a dominant part in the overall effect of the work. It has a wonderfully muted colour gradient and its density allows it to hold a good edge. The maker is in control of the journey from the woods to the gallery through sourcing the timber himself. Bog oak provides a stark contrast to the holly and its charcoal hue absorbs light. During the final machining process Stutchbury makes a conscious attempt not to sort the tiles as they come off the band saw. Instead, he allows the timber to lead the way. Very subtle changes in colour, finish and texture, dependent on where the material has come from the tree, and how it has been cut, provide the rhythm for the construction.

2. BLOCK SERIES

Designer/Maker: Gareth Neal Ltd, Wood Supplier: Vasterns Ltd, Wood Species: English Oak Block Series is a new body of work from Gareth Neal that continues his research into digital crafting. Using classical references, he combines relatively unexplored processes of six axis CNC routing with beams of green oak (which were over a century old) to create ancient, otherworldly artefacts dragged from history into a contemporary world. Traditional Shou Sugi Ban charring gives the carved green oak its colour.

3. COMMUNION TABLE

Designer/Maker: Stephen Owen, Client/Owner: Guildford Baptist Church,Wood Supplier: W.L.West & Sons, Wood Species: British Oak The Communion Table was created for a newly developed prayer chapel within Guildford Baptist Church’s multimillion pound re-development programme. One of the key purposes of the new chapel was for quiet reflection, prayer and communion services. The design reminds the viewer of the resurrection by demonstrating the empty tomb. Oak was chosen as a large block of timber was needed to sculpt the table base. The oak also highlights spirituality as the splits, cracks and shakes emphasise power and movement.

4. TIME AND TEXTURE INSTALLATION (‘A LANDSCAPE OF OBJECTS’) Designer/Maker: Eleanor Lakelin Client/Owner: Flow Gallery/Somerset Art Works Wood Supplier: English Hardwoods Wood Species: British Oak, Cedar, Wellingtonia and Sycamore

Time and Texture is an installation of works forming part of ‘A Landscape of Objects’, a site-specific exhibition set in the gardens of Forde Abbey, curated by Flow Gallery for Somerset Art Works. The brief was to reference both the shapes, colours and texture of the gardens and buildings and the importance of water on the site. The installation is formed of three hollowed vessels on rusted plinths and four solid forms designed to show how natural elements erode and work away at materials. Through building up layers of texture through carving and sandblasting away the softer wood, it is possible to show how natural elements and processes layer and colour wood. The wellingtonia and sycamore vessels were turned on a lathe and hollowed out through a small hole. The four solid pieces are sculpted from English oak and cedar. The spherical form was chosen to reflect the natural shapes in the garden. The textures are reminiscent of seeds, pollen and rocks eroded by water.sculpt the table base. The oak also highlights spirituality as the splits, cracks and shakes emphasise power and movement.

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Awards News

PRODUCTION MADE 1. FORESSO

3. NARIN CHAIR

2. KITCHEN SERIES FOR CASE

4. PERO SHELVING

Designer: David Irwin Maker/Manufacturer: Case Furniture Wood Supplier: Various Wood Species: American White Oak and Black Walnut, Birch

Designer: Conor Taylor Ltd Maker/Manufacturer: Solomon & Wu Wood Supplier: Wessex Timber, Saunders Seasoning Wood Species: British Oak, Walnut, Cedar of Lebanon and London Plane

Designer: Matthew Hilton Maker/Manufacturer: Ercol Timber Components: Commonoto Wood Supplier: Gizia Wood Species: European Oak

Designer: Gareth Neal Ltd Maker/Manufacturer: Case

STUDENT DESIGNER Within the Student Designer category there are two cash prizes; £1,000 for Winner and £500 for People’s Choice. Voting for the People’s Choice Award will take place at the London Design Fair.

1. HEX DRINKS CABINET

4. SPLIT

Designer/Maker: Damian Robinson College/University: Williams and Cleal Hexagonal Laser Cutting: Luffman Engineering Ltd Wood Supplier: Adamson and Low, Mundy Veneers Wood Species: British Bog Oak, Fumed Oak, English Cherry, Black Walnut, Tropical Olive, Teak, Olive Ash

Designer/Maker: Jack Green College/University: Nottingham Trent University Wood Supplier: Timbmet Wood Species: European Ash

2. HINNY

5. TRI

Designer/Maker: Harriet Speed College/University: Rycotewood Furniture Centre Wood Supplier: Tyler Hardwoods Wood Species: English Ash

3. RUSTIC STOOL 1.0

Designer/Maker: Mark Laban College/University: Central Saint Martins Wood Supplier: Whitten Timber / Surrey Timbers Wood Species: American Hard Maple

Designer/Maker: Rowena Edwards College/University: Building Crafts College Wood Supplier: DHH Timber Wood Species: Latvian Birch, American Ash

6. WHY

Designer/Maker: Archie Will College/University: Building Crafts College Wood Supplier: Blumsom Timber Centre Wood Species: European Ash

SPONSORS As a not-for-profit competition, the Wood Awards can only happen with collaborative industry sponsorship.

Arnold Laver sponsors the Arnold Laver Gold Award which is the project that the judges deem to be the best of all the winners.

Major Sponsors are the American Hardwood Export Council, Carpenters' Company, TRADA and the London Design Fair.

Other Sponsors include American Softwoods, Forestry Commission, Timber Trade Federation, Wood for Good and Furniture Makers’ Company.

Email: info@woodawards.com Website: www.woodawards.com Social Media: @WoodAwards

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Latest News

INTERIOR DESIGN GRAD SEES DECOR INCORPORATED INTO HISTORIC LEICESTER CASTLE A talented interior design graduate from De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) has seen her idea for a pattern on glass sliding doors brought to life at the impressively-restored Leicester Castle Business School.

Larissa Wale was one of the final year Interior Design MDes (Hons) students who took on the challenge of devising a decoration in frosted glass which would fit in sympathetically with the 11th century environs of the Grade I-listed castle building.

The university has spent £4.2 million extensively refurbishing the property, giving the previously-disused site a new lease of life as the home of DMU’s Leicester Castle Business School. Due to its Grade I-listed status – the highest grade available by heritage body Historic England – every single renovation to the interior and exterior had to be meticulously studied to ensure it complied with building regulations.

Larissa, who lives in Kibworth, Leicestershire, set about fashioning a design which chimed with the building’s heritage – and she found the perfect inspiration on the building’s floor. When given a speciallysupervised glimpse inside the building last summer, she spotted fleurde-lis symbols on the floor tiles of the building’s lobby and was able to visualise how these could be incorporated into a frieze-like design for the doors.

The 23-year-old, who has passed her MDes degree with first-class honours, saw her design in situ for the first time last month and was

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impressed with the results. She said: “It was a proud moment to see my design in place for the first time and I think it looks great. The whole building is really impressive and the experts have done brilliantly to preserve the heritage of the space while also adding a modern element.”

Larissa was attracted to this challenge because she has developed a love of heritage design while on the course. The four-year Interior Design MDes course focuses on designing for real-life spaces, meaning the innovative designs created by the students have a practical application.

After the first three years, the students then get the opportunity to progress to Master’s level in one integrated course.

In the third year, her major project revolved around the renovation of a Victorian-era Grade II-listed former flour mill in Market Harborough, which she transformed into rehearsal spaces, a recording studio and a music bar.

The final year saw her take on the task of revitalising the 15th century Bradgate House ruins situated in the centre of Bradgate Park, Leicester.

Larissa’s idea was to convert them into a remarkable stargazing observatory.

“I enjoy the extra challenge of working within the restraints of a heritage space and seeing how the modern elements can be added,” she said. Larissa’s dream job would be to work in the specialist heritage design sector or interior design in the hospitality and leisure sector.

BRITISH DESIGNED 365M TOWER IS UNDERWAY Construction of Istanbul’s 356m high Küçük Çamlıca TV Tower (KCTV), with facades devised by UK building engineering designers Newtecnic, has commenced. When the futuristic building is completed the £36m structure will be the city’s tallest replacing several unsightly existing broadcast towers.

As part of its work, Newtecnic developed an innovative facade concept that allows inhabitable spaces to be attached to the whole of the tower’s core. Newtecnic CEO Andrew Watts explained the significance of the design, “Because of the complexity and cost of building, towers of this height normally have accommodation only at the top. Using specially developed algorithms we devised a design that allows lightweight pre-fabricated glass reinforced concrete (GRC) panels to be attached all the way up the central column. These hang like a curtain and are securely clipped to the main central core to create large interior spaces”.

Latest News

stiffened by a steel frame. This is fixed directly to a backing wall that incorporates integrated glazed openings”.

3D printing was used to produce components for structural and assembly testing and Newtecnic’s Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis ensured that numerous design iterations could be quickly assessed and verified.

Newtecnic’s engineering expertise is in high demand around the world and the company is currently working on several era-defining buildings for international clients. Andrew Watts concluded, “We are proud to see our work on dramatic and intriguing structures contributing prestige and value to UK export success.”

The tower which will host 125 broadcasting transmitters is expected to attract 4.5 million annual visitors and become a new city landmark. The design which incorporates restaurants, exhibition and meeting spaces, two high level observation decks and a panoramic elevator was wind tunnel tested.

This allowed Newtecnic to develop accurately sized facade components from the first stage studies. It also provided the data to optimise the envelope build-up and obtain an accurate understanding of the impact of the facade loads on the structural behaviour of the concrete structure. This was crucial to ensure integrity and long term reliability as the tower is sited on a hill and will, when complete, reach 580m above sea level. Newtecnic engineered the facade to more than double its life to 60 years.

Andrew Watts Said, “The envelope system was designed to minimise installation time and uses an innovative method that integrates thin GRC rainscreen panels,

RISING CONSTRUCTION COSTS SPARK GROWTH IN UK OFFICE REFURBISHMENT Savills’ World Research spotlight on Office Refurbishments in UK Regional Cities Summer 2017 reveals that rising construction costs, along with build cost inflation, is causing developers to switch their attention to refurbishments.

Refitting, often a key element of refurbishment, has also become a key component of many of today’s office upgrade. Formica Group, aware that a war on talent is feeding office design, is increasingly seeing the delivery of creative internal fit-outs that aim to inspire staff and entice millennials. The addition of attractive reception areas and the installation of gyms and bars being prime examples of the extra dimension being added to offices to secure top tier talent.

Research indicates that over the next three years, 38% of the total speculative office space in the UK will be delivered in the form of refurbishments. As a result, the average rent of UK offices will rise.

Savills believes we are now at the stage in the cycle where landlords have an opportunity to refurbish secondary stock to secure rental uplift.

Just as the life cycle of a building deteriorates over time so too does office aesthetic, often at a faster rate. Manufacturers that offer easy to install surfaces with substantial décor options facilitate the freedom for offices to change and adapt their look to support increased productivity and comfort.

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