Mix Interiors 180
January 2018
PERFECT LIGHT ANY WHERE
LUCTRA® TABLE PRO provides perfect lighting conditions for any workplace. Light as flexible as your own personal working day, packed into award-winning design. Innovative. Individual. Sustainable.
www.luctra.eu
INSIDE UPFRONT 11 Perspective 19 Seven... 20 Forward Thinking 22 Material Matters 25 Deser t Island Desks 26 SPOTLIGHT 31 Big Question 33 Movers and Shakers 34 Anniversaries 36 Hopes and Fears 4 3
78 REVIEW 78 Mixology Nor th 17 Projects – we feature ever y single project entered into our awards.
PRE VIE W 76 Sur face Design Show 76 RE VIE W 70
31 CASE ST UDY 46 Peaks & Plains 46 Clarion Housing 54 Gensler 62
MixInspired 70 Mixology Nor th17 Projects 78 Mixology Nor th17 94 Mixology Nor th17 Winners 98 THE L AST WORD 104 Opinion – Glenn Elliott
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Upfront | Welcome
THE COVER The logo The logo design marks the fact that this is the awards review issue of Mix – and celebrates Bridge Architects’ two awards at Mixology North 2017. The graphic is an abstracted interpretation of the Mixology trophy and is designed as a tribute to all of the winners. www.bridgearchitects.com
The cover Showering redefined. The AXOR ShowerHeaven is groundbreaking, 1.2m x 30cm of high-quality metal with three jet types and integrated ambient lighting. It allows users to shower using each jet type individually, or all three in unison, providing a luxurious and spectacular sensory showering experience. www.hansgrohe.co.uk
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PEAKS & PLAINS CLARION HOUSING GENSLER WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS
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MIX INTERIORS 180
This stylish monitor arm, arguably one of the slimmest of its type on the market today, has been awarded FIRA’s prestigious Ergonomic Excellence Award and is now supplied with a 10 year extended warranty.
JANUARY 2018 16/01/2018 09:11
BACK ISSUES Contact us to buy back issues: rebecca@mixinteriors.com Wireless retrofittable lighting control system Up to 16 easy to program lighting scenes per zone User controlled allowing employees to manage their own light levels
MIX INTERIORS 179
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Mix Interiors 179
November 2017
MOTION SENSORS LUMINAIRE CONTROLLER LIGHT SENSOR SWITCHES
Editor Mick Jordan mick@mixinteriors.com
Contributors Steve Gale Glenn Elliott
Editorial support Rebecca Sabato rebecca@mixinteriors.com
Address Mix Media Limited 2 Abito 85 Greengate Manchester M3 7NA
NOVEMBER 2017 07/11/2017 14:32
Mix Interiors 178
October 2017
Designer Georgina Nicklin georgina@mixinteriors.com Managing director Marcie Incarico marcie@mixinteriors.com Founding publisher Henry Pugh
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year the public sector arena rose to new heights. There was a time, not so long ago, when we’d almost be filled with trepidation when pitched a new public sector project – such was the divide between that and the upper end of the private sector. There was no doubt that the majority of public sector design was cost-driven, with innovation, design, wellbeing etc seen as a frivolous and expensive distraction. Well, the world has clearly changed. In this issue we’re looking at two amazing housing associations, hundreds of miles apart and – as you’ll see – millions of miles away from the tired, straight, public sector we once knew and accepted. Neither project boasted enormous budgets – these are brilliant examples of smart design and forward-thinking clients. And that should always be the case – regardless of sector.
GET IN TOUCH
Director David Smalley david@mixinteriors.com
GATEWAY
www.cmd-ltd.com | +44 (0) 1709 385460 | sales@cmd-ltd.com
As the first issue of a new year, it is almost inevitable that we’re going to look both forward and back, reviewing the past 12 months and looking ahead to what we hope, fear and expect 2018 to hold. Whilst we’ve seen a number of forecasts for the year ahead (crystal ball sales have clearly increased), we’ve also received some fascinating opinions and thoughts on how 2017 will be remembered in the world of workplace. Some saw 2017 as the year of the co-working explosion, others as the year of wellbeing, whilst a few even suggested that it was the start of the end of open plan. Looking back at the Mixology North awards – and indeed at the project stories we’ve covered over those 12 months – we believe that 2017 should (in industry terms at least) also be remembered as the
Sales director Gary Williams gary@mixinteriors.com
ADOBE SHOOSMITHS HEADSPACE GROUP BOUTINOT TP BENNETT A-Z OF TRENDS
THE FUTURE
ontrols system focuses rms. Faster and easier and costs associated vation. Our streamlined ou to better control your while advanced smart nergy and lighting costs
A WORD FROM MICK
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a d k …
Upfront |
… a table that works really hard. So we called ours, ‘Worktable’.
Rawside Furniture is a London-based, designer, builder and lover of the most practical office furniture on planet Earth. www.rawside.co ~ hello@rawside.co ~
@rawside
Rawside, The Undercroft, Kennington Park, 1-3 Brixton Road, London, SW9 6DE Mix 180 January 2018 | 3
Upfront |
in partnership with
SWITCH | SLEEK | STACK SMART STORAGE Make your storage solutions smart with the new SWITCH, SLEEK & STACK ranges. Enhance your workspace with features including powered lockers and high density rolling storage all within a smart, slimline carcass design.
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Upfront |
London Showroom: 21-22 Great Sutton Street | Clerkenwell | London EC1V 0DY T: +44 (0)20 7253 7652 | E: enquiries@silverline-oe.com
www.silverline-oe.com Part of Group S : www.group-s.co.uk
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Upfront |
Research suggests that a more diverse workplace is a smarter and more successful workplace.
ÂŽ
Orangebox SmartworkingÂŽ 38 Northampton Road, London EC1R 0HU. T. +44(0)20 7837 9922
| F. +44(0)20 7837 4441 | email. showroom@orangebox.com | www.orangebox.com
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Upfront |
®
ENJOYING BEING DIFFERENT
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Upfront |
OLLIN FROM CBS TWO GOOD
As dual screen working increasingly becomes the norm in the modern workplace the ability to adopt these new working styles is key to user productivity and well-being. Ollin is a cost effective, future proofed solution to the changing configuration of the workstation. Allowing you to update rather than replace as your needs change. 8 | Mix 180 January 2018
A dual screen mount can be attached to the main arm, improving user productivity. And because there’s no need to provide a separate arm for each screen, expenditure is kept to a minimum while productivity increases. ONE ARM. TWO SCREENS. ONE ELEGANT SOLUTION.
Upfront |
W W W.C O L E B R O O K B O S S O N S A U N D E R S .C O M / O L L I N
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Upfront |
PLUTO + TUFA+C Introducing USB type C charging Get the best of both worlds with OE Electrics’ TUF A+C module, available in all OE Electrics’ products. Existing OE units with TUF-R replaceable USB charger (2x type A) can now be upgraded safely and easily, without the need for an electrican. Available from November 2017
Call +44 (0) 1924 367255 sales@oeelectrics.co.uk
USB TYPE A USB TYPE C
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www.oeelectrics.com
Upfront | News
CircuitBac Green Backing Construction
17 TIMES TABLES Orangebox’s new Fielding worktables and café height tables come in 17 different designs and can accommodate from four to eight people. Seven of the Fielding worktables feature split, two level tops and another four feature single tops, while at café height there are two tables of each type. Every Fielding table features a generous, fabric-covered hollow structure under the worktop, designed to be positioned over standard raised floor boxes and accommodate abundant power and data cabling, as well as additional technology. A concealed panel door allows air to circulate inside the structure and provides secure access to the technology. They also offer lift-off circular disc lids, allowing ample below-top power boxes and the option to specify Orangebox’s unique Pablo LED table light. Fielding tabletops can be specified in a wealth of finishes, including a wide selection of colour laminates, seven new metallic finishes, refined wood laminates and decorative graphic patterns unique to Orangebox.
Yarn
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Stabilising Glass Tissue
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Backing compound made with a mix of carbonnegative bio-plastic and recycled limestone filler.
Secondary Backing
www.interface.com
BAC TO THE FUTURE Interface has launched CircuitBac Green, a high performance modular carpet tile backing created using a mix of carbon negative bio-plastics and mineral filler. Marking Interface’s most significant innovation in backing in three years, the bio-plastics used in CircuitBac Green offer the first carbon negative alternative to current backing materials. The composite material used in CircuitBac Green stores carbon, which helps to reduce the carbon footprint of products and supports the move towards creating carbon negative products. This first-of-its-kind modular carpet backing has been developed as part of Interface’s pursuit to create products with the lowest carbon footprint possible, focusing on the ultimate goal to deliver carbon negative products that store carbon. Speaking about CircuitBac Green, Nigel Stansfield, President of Interface EMEA, commented: ‘Our drive to create CircuitBac Green was inspired by the ethos of our founder Ray Anderson, whose game-changing approach to business innovation has paved the way for manufacturers to make a positive contribution to the environment.’
SCHOOL OF WALES Leading furniture provider, Penketh Group, has worked with Coleg Cambria to create its prestigious new Business School in North East Wales. The school is a purpose built £3.5m modern learning environment set in breathtaking surroundings. The brand new building includes an impressive atrium with relaxed, social seating, coffee tables and statement lounge sofas and benches. Highback wing armchairs provide an element of privacy for conversations and time-out in social spaces, while sleek upholstered dining chairs and tables reflect the vogue to bring domestic interiors into the workspace. Penketh Group also supplied flexible, reconfigurable furniture and portable tablet whiteboards for the building’s 11 lecture rooms and five bookable meeting rooms. Graham Evans, Capital Build Project Manager of Coleg Cambria, said: ‘We are delighted with the high standard of furniture solutions provided by Penketh Group. We wanted to give our interiors a hotel look and feel and the furniture has really complemented the building. ‘Creating interesting and flexible spaces that encourage interaction and active learning is important to us and the response to the new furniture from staff and students has been great.’
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Upfront | News
KIT & KABOODLE Wilton Carpets and Kit Kemp have come together to create an exciting collection of woven wool-rich carpets for hospitality, travel and home. Kit Kemp MBE has forged an international reputation as one of the world’s top interior designers. As Design Director of Firmdale Hotels PLC, she is the creative force behind hotels including London’s Ham Yard, Charlotte Street, The Soho Hotel and New York’s Crosby Street Hotel and The Whitby. Wilton Carpets designs and manufactures in Britain, making carpet from British wool on a blend of traditional machinery and the country’s most advanced robotic high-speed loom. Kit’s collaboration with Wilton Carpets has resulted in a stand-out collection, interpreting scale and usability through the latest manufacturing techniques. Kit explains: ‘New manufacturing technology has made my ideas a possibility and with its design input, Wilton Carpets has turned them into a joyful reality. We have been able to create subtle effects and graduations of colour to give carpets a unique feel, similar to the finish of a hand-blocked fabric. Colour makes you feel happy and gives a contemporary buzz to this collection.’ The made-to-order range introduces nine unique and multi-tasking designs that draw from a diverse array of inspiration within folklore, architecture and botanical motifs. These come together to provide carpets that work in both traditional and modern interiors.
WOVEN IN TIME
PURE GLASS
Six brand new acoustic tile designs have been released by International interior finishes company Woven Image. These playful tiles are an exciting addition to the company’s growing EchoTile acoustic tile story. Comprising four beautiful new designs – Plus, Direction, Kaleidoscope and Block – these new designs are lightweight, easy to install and come in ‘Peel’n’Stick’ tile packs, which use a Pressure Sensitive Adhesive to stick to most surfaces. Made of Woven Image’s patented EchoPanel material, each tile comprises 60% upcycled PET, sourced from recycling plants and saved from landfill. Double good!
Glasgow-based designers and founders of Bespoke Atelier, Yvonne ElliottKellighan and Marion Parola, have launched a new Modular Wallcovering System, which will enable anyone to create their own bespoke interior. The design of the wallpaper collection – Glasshouse – is inspired by the relationship between garden greenhouses and urban architecture. Glasshouse is the first collection using the Modular Wallcovering System, which consists of seven interchangeable designs based on hand-drawn geometric shapes and botanical elements inspired by patterns and textures of the surrounding environment. The variety of designs and colours available enables the creation of distinct atmospheres for every project or room. Since forming in 2011, Bespoke Atelier has created unique designs for hundreds of clients, including Deutsche Bank, Page\Park Architects, NHS, Scottish Canals and Meantime Brewery.
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Upfront |
Make every space matter
Designed by Simon Pengelly for Boss Design bossdesign.com |
wearebossdesign |
boss_design
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Upfront |
REGISTER NOW
WHERE SURFACES
COME ALIVE THE UK’S MOST DYNAMIC DESIGN EVENT REGISTER NOW AT: WWW.SURFACEDESIGNSHOW.COM #SDS18 @SURFACETHINKING
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Upfront | News
TRÈS BON Following on from London, New York, Chicago, Shanghai and Beijing, it is now the turn of Paris to welcome the Milliken brand to its chic streets. Milliken’s first showroom in continental Europe is located at 40 rue des Mathurins in the 8th district of the capital, between the Saint-Lazare station and the La Madeleine district. The showroom is housed in a typically Parisian setting, with many original architectural details from the Haussmann period, such as mouldings, herringbone parquet and a winter garden room, all forming a haven for the Milliken collections. Led by Marion Bradley, Marketing Communications Manager France, the showroom is designed to provide customers with an inspiring environment. They can view all the latest collections, touch and feel the carpets, experiment with different layouts and create floor solutions adapted to their needs thanks to the large number of available samples. Richard Fisher, Associate Designer at M Moser Associates, who were responsible for the design, says: ‘The Paris showroom is very much in keeping with the ongoing creative relationship between Milliken and M Moser. It had to feel like it was a Milliken showroom, but also reflect its local environment. The design sits very much in the space between the building and the brand; the buzz and brightness from the outside street is drawn in through vistas created in the interior space. These connect the showroom to the outside and allow the product to feel connected to its environment.’ Alison Kitchingman, Director of Marketing & Design at Milliken, explains the thinking behind the Paris showroom opening: ‘Milliken has had a sales team in Paris for some years, but the showroom allows us to reinforce our proximity and connect more meaningfully with our clients in the French market.’
cm@spatial.co.uk / 0161 850 9005
MOVING ON UP Bisley, the classic British storage specialist, will soon be relocating from Great Portland Street to a stunning new showroom in Dallington Street, in the heart of Clerkenwell. The announcement comes after a significant drive to expand its international presence, with a new 6,000 sq ft showroom in the Flat Iron District of New York to serve the North American Market, a new flagship space in the buzzing district of Salamanca, Madrid, as well as a new showroom for Paris in RueilMalmaison and significant refurbishments in Dubai and Ireland. The recent appointment of Robin Bayliss to Director of International Sales reaffirms Bisley as a major player on the global stage. Robin comments: ‘This is an exciting time to join Bisley. This much loved brand is evolving from a manufacturer of storage to a provider of workplace furniture solutions, competing and collaborating with some of the biggest and brightest names in the market.’
RACE DAY Ocee International, the parent company of Ocee Design, has acquired iconic British manufacturer, Race Furniture. Race, based in Gloucestershire, has been at the forefront of the design and manufacture of seating for public spaces for over 70 years. Founded by Ernest Race to manufacture his own designs, the company still produces some of the most classic furniture of the post-war era, including the BA3 and the Antelope chairs. Race is well known for its range of expertly crafted auditorium products and Eglin concourse furniture. It works with leading architects, designers and fitout contractors, with projects including The National Theatre, The Royal Opera House, Oxford and Cambridge Universities, Gatwick and Stansted airports and a number of the UK's major conference centres.
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Upfront | News
TO BE FRANK Ikon Furniture worked with Manc Frank to create something truly stand-out in the Manchester office space scene. Turning traditional office rules on their head, Ikon’s aim was to develop an office refurbishment that would provide a unique opportunity of creative thinking and discussion for both clients and employees – and that is exactly what they did. Manc Frank, a Manchester based PR agency, is now boasts one of the coolest offices in the city centre, which features quirky breakout areas, a playground roundabout and multiple references to Manchester’s cultural impact, with quotes on the walls and murals of the iconic worker bee. Ikon worked right from the design process through to completion.
The focal point of the office is something you cannot escape when visiting Manchester – the beautiful game. The team designed a football themed seating area for meetings with clients and colleagues – with one side red and one side blue. General Manager, Graeme Anthony, says: ‘When a client comes in, as soon as they have a conversation with us, it instantly gives you something to talk about. The key was making each space a talking point. Then you need to tell the story behind it.’ Ikon Director, Kevin Rawcliffe, adds: ‘It was fantastic working with a creative company that gave us a free reign to develop and design the environment of their dreams.’
PANEL DISCUSSION Leading UK manufacturer, Johnson Tiles, showcased its latest interior ranges, alongside the results of an exciting meeting of minds, at Sleep – Europe’s hotel design, development and architecture event. In a bold twist, the Johnson Tiles’ creative team paired up with Mixology award-winning surface design duo, Patternistas – aka Suzanne and Chris Carpenter – to produce eye-catching panels, available for use in both internal and external schemes. As part of the collection, Patternistas’ six designs were produced on 20x20cm tiles for Sleep, with other sizing options available on order. Suiting all manner of interior and exterior projects, the collection offers designers the opportunity to add a truly unique piece to every space they create. Darren Clanford, Creative Director at Johnson Tiles, said: ‘Innovation is at the heart of everything we do. What’s so unique about our collaboration with the fantastic design duo, Patternistas, is our ability to transfer their creativity to a medium that suits both internal and external projects.’ Suzanne Carpenter, Co-founder of Patternistas, said: ‘From the moment we were introduced to Darren at Johnson Tiles, we could feel the energy and enthusiasm with which he carries out his role, and we bonded over a love of design, pattern and storytelling.’
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EXPRESS YOURSELF Newhey Carpets has re-launched its interactive design studio, formerly known as Colortec Express, as part of a major re-branding project in the build up to the company’s 50th anniversary in 2018. Now known as Newhey Express, the online design tool offers high quality simulations with realistic texture and colour representation, designed to shorten the design development and sales processes. Designers can quickly browse styles and create visualisations, all working towards improved efficiency, speed and responsiveness. The process is simple: Select a pattern, select a colourway, change colours, if required, using an industry leading
palette of 100 carefully selected shades, and request a sample. Minimum order quantities are as low as 100 sq m and your carpet will be made available for dispatch within six weeks of placing your order. Designed and produced in the UK, the Express collection is manufactured at Newhey’s headquarters in Rochdale. The collection incorporates the company’s unique secondary backing system, known as evobac, which is made from postconsumer recycled PET. To find out more about the collection, go to www.newheyexpress.co.uk
It all starts with the fibre
Upfront |
That’s why we rely on Antron® carpet fibre for our Tussah collection. Featuring in Shimmer and Radiance, Antron® carpet fibre brings a luxurious feel and shimmering looks with the performance needed for demanding commercial environments. Made from highperformance nylon 6.6, Antron® carpet fibre helps these striking plank or broadloom formats to be perfect for a home-like feel in offices and commercial spaces. 01622 719090 info@quadmod.com quadmod.com
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egecarpets.com
New ege collection: ReForm Artworks Ecotrust Mark-making, collage and the aesthetics of chance transfer readily to the floorscape. The multi-level loop construction defines shapes, brushstrokes and layers in three co-ordinated patterns. Made of regenerated ECONYLÂŽ yarns from used fishing nets, Artworks is a truly green choice. Available as tiles and broadloom. International Launch: Stockholm Furniture Fair 6-10 February 2018 THE URGE TO EXPLORE SPACE
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Upfront | Perspective
PERSPECTIVE Kristoff DuBose is the epitome of the new breed of interior designer. Charismatic, energetic and incredibly knowledgeable. Kristoff has recently completed the ultimate design trinity of traditional global firm, fast-moving D&B company and, now, Founder of his own exciting new venture – Cirkularis8. We ask him about his journey. Hi Kristoff. We’re guessing from both the name and the accent that you’re not originally from London? I’m originally from Austin, Texas, but you couldn’t know that from the accent. I was educated in New York, at Pratt Institute School of Architecture, but I have been in London for 13 years, arriving back when Mix was just getting some momentum! Tell us how you found your way to London and about the career path. It’s a funny story, but Gensler interrupted the path I was on. I was supposed to join a global partner of the firm I was with at the time, in New York. In those days it was an exhilarating time to be with the firm. London was booming after the '03 recession (remember that?) and the international work was also hot. Couldn’t have asked for a better pedigree. From offices to retail, hospitality and restaurants – it was a fast-paced and widely varied portfolio of work that I took on at Gensler. Then came the '09 recession and it all came crashing down. By 2013 I lost a lot of clients to the D&B sector, which was a dirty word in my circles. Then a recruiter called…I was curious, so I answered. The rest is (bumpy) history. What will Cirkularis8 offer clients? Look. Design & Build is a sales-driven model. Let’s not beat around the bush here. And I’ve got no problem telling clients we need to make money to survive in a way that doesn’t insult their intelligence. However, what you do get with Cirkularis8 is a relentless commitment to good design, even on a tight budget. The conversation around value is a big one with us. One of the many things I learned while working with Alan Yau is not to generate profit
by cutting costs – instead do it by creating excellence. To this day we still focus on excellence with every project and every budget. We don’t take on work if we can’t give clients that value proposition. What is the USP? Do you know how many people want to know that? Some aspects of it are already being poorly imitated out there, so forgive me if I practice discretion on that question. The hint is in the name however. Why now? Because there is never a good time. I’ve just had a kid, bought a house, got married (again) so there’s a lot on and I figured, why the hell not? Also, clients have asked me to set up on my own in various ways. Some did it with subtlety, some not so much. What will you take with you from both Gensler and D&B? At Gensler I learned how to fundamentally evaluate a client’s needs. Designing without getting under their skin is now something totally foreign to me. It’s like the difference between being a designer and being a stylist. If you can’t plug into the client’s story and communicate to their clients, it’s not there. With D&B it was great to work with sub-contractors directly. The best stuff happened when we partnered with the team to create something unique, with speed. Having worked across both, which is better – traditional or D&B? I could spend all day on this question alone. Suffice to say, one is good for quick facsimile and the other is the way to generate something new and generate a space that is conducive
to the future goals and ambitions of the client. With D&B you get there quickly. But you have to consider if the ‘there’ is the right place in the first instance! One tech firm I’m working with right now has to rip out their D&B fit-out and do it again after only nine months. The questions the two ask are remarkably different. Good D&B will give clients whatever they want. A good architect will stretch clients to envision the future critically. Cirkularis8 is about nothing less than unifying those two strengths while eliminating the weaknesses of each. What are the ambitions for the next 12 months? We’re in a major growth phase right now. However, we are creating a brand name here that we hope becomes synonymous in this market, with excellent value and a hard working team. We intend to achieve nothing less than a big splash in the market. What workplace design trends do you see emerging in 2018? Open plan, that oft loved and cursed aspect of office design today, isn’t going anywhere. With rents where they are, especially in London, there is little luxury for heavy office to desk ratios. Even law firms are taking this on. One patent firm I worked with recently was quite courageous in pursuit of collegiality. However, we’re finding that the desk is not a place for focus work because people know where to find you. Watch out for the rise and rise of the focus pod for 2018! What are the biggest issues facing the industry right now? We’ve used WeWork to house our little start-up and have seen something
remarkable. While the industry is wondering what Millennials want (who are now having kids and becoming more senior in their positions), Gen Z has a whole new set of criteria and expectations that the industry isn’t even close to ready for. It’s going to take a bold designer (or a mad person) and a willing set of clients to catch that wave. Where does the name come from (Cirkularis, not DuBose!)? Cirkularis8 is two things really. There are 8 RIBA work stages, which we think is a great way to organise things, but we go 1-8 instead of 0-7. Cirkularis is Latin for circular, and there is a real frustration from clients that they get dropped like a bad habit once the project is finished. The focus is all wrong in the industry. OK, you do have to chase sales, turnover and profit to survive, but when you look at it, there’s a lot left on the table in just sticking with people after their move. Design is a continuous process not a linear journey. ‘Better by Design’ hints at that infinite dedication to the process. Our non-circular economy has also produced a lot of waste and it needn’t be that way. Your #stairobsession series on LinkedIn has been gaining some momentum. What inspired that? Far too often we take a utilitarian approach to design, especially in the D&B sector. The stairs I’ve done at Apple stores across the UK and Hakkasan and Kate Spade (among others) all had strategic importance. The element that is so fundamental to our built environment comes packed with meaning and significance and that’s lost if we’re just trying to ‘fit it in’. Call it an awareness campaign.
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Upfront | Seven
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INSPIRATIONAL EUROPEAN CITIES AND TOWNS
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Our friends at Triumph have selected a handful of European gems – simply because 2018 should be the year filled with long weekends away.
1 Berlin, Germany The beat drops down on the pavement lining the water’s edge and the people begin to dance. Berlin woos. It’s not simply the grand, imposing architecture, the memorials paying homage to an oppressed community or the fresh, chic vibe it now exudes. Berlin is alive. It does not attempt to cover the blemishes of its past but instead exposes them saying, ‘look at us now’. And we do. 2 Bergen, Norway A mismatch of colour on the harbour front, the smell of fish crisp on the fresh air, the gentle chatter of daily life. While tourists stomp up the hundreds of steps of Mount Floyen, Norwegians glide with their endless legs grazing each stone, never stopping. It is certainly a good place to gain aspirations. The train ride from Bergen to Oslo is, deservedly, heralded as one of the best in the world.
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3 3 Marseille, France France’s second largest city – it’s gritty but not always pretty. This edgy, bustling city boasts 1,500 years of history. A night at Hotel Le Corbusier not only offers a modern architectural experience but also views that’ll leave your jaw slack. Completed in 1952, the hotel embodies Le Corbusier’s mantra of a house being 'a machine for living in' – a mantra applied to an entire community. 4 Lisbon, Portugal Graffiti gallivanting, mural meandering, street art sightseeing... Lisbon answers your call with Underdogs – a project celebrating contemporary
4 art in urban spaces. Commemorating the evolution of the Portuguese street art scene, Underdogs offers an insight into an oft bypassed cultural attraction. It shrugs off the shackles of tradition from the creatives’ wrists, revelling in the now. 5 Ljubljana, Slovenia It is a rare find when you come across a capital city where buildings do not exceed five floors. The distinct lack of hustle and bustle is what makes this place so special. From meandering through the paved streets to driving along winding mountain roads that open up to expose vast expanses of green, Slovenia enchants.
6 Hvar, Croatia Croatia, rightly so, has a reputation for having the clearest water in Europe. This coastal destination offers a unique fusion of nature, culture and heritage. Brimming with bars and cafés where you can sit and sip, watching the world go by, this medieval town is a wonderful place to simply be. Hvar’s marbled streets and distinct architecture adds to its Mediterranean charm.
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7 Llangollen, Wales Whisperings of 'lesbian' surrounded this town, nestled in some of Wales’ finest countryside, in 1778 when two Irish women arrived for a new life. What is remarkable about The Ladies of Langollen’s house, now open to the public, is not this however, but the sheer quantity of wood. The walls, stairway and doors are made up of gifted intricate carvings that were once everyday items such as wardrobe doors and boxes. Not only this, the town is also home to Dinas Bran – a ruined castle that sits atop a steep hill, offering views that expand for leagues.
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a cage full of ideas. cage– a cabinet system that impresses with its striking design language and authentic blend of materials. wiesner-hager.com
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Upfront | Forward Thinking
THE 'C' WORD Change – we actually manage it every day, considers M Moser's Steve Gale
Curiously, we find that there are few things as ponderous as the weightless human mind
Steve Gale is Head of Business Intelligence at M Moser Associates. SteveG@mmoser.com
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T
o practice workplace strategy you must keep a note of the buzzwords and recycle them as they fade in and out of popularity. This is easy because they all begin with the letter C. We have had collaboration (ad nauseam), creativity (still being used, not yet on the shelf), culture (hugely popular last year, a favourite) and this year I reckon it will be change, or more likely change management (CM if you like). It has been a business school staple for decades and now it’s hot in the design industry. So let’s look at change management. Change is not an occasional event, most businesses are in a permanent state of flux, dealing with shifting technology, products, customers, fiscal plans and legal constraints. It’s business as usual. This makes managing change a core business discipline, but not a new one. Wars, famine, and scientific discoveries have been the backdrop to industry forever. The difference today is that businesses are theoretically more able to adapt rather than fail. We can meet new challenges with the flexibility technology gives us. Think about the inertia of a 19th century organisation, with long term apprentices or heavy machinery, and compare it with a modern car plant with programmable robots or a tech firm that can shift its focus to suit evolving demands. If firms are more nimble and able to adapt, it does not mean they actually do. The problem is less structural and more about attitudes and vision. Curiously, we find that there are few things as ponderous as the weightless human mind. We can see that plenty of modern organisations need change management expertise, but why is it an active field in the world of design? Design firms rarely need it for themselves – they are not complex enough to need it and they muddle through. But their client constituency is frequently burdened with change – and a big one is very likely to be a new workplace. Examples of workplace change that go badly are legion. I have witnessed the total collapse of a project because users didn’t buy it – and it’s
not unheard of for poorly communicated plans to take many months to bed in. Gaffes like these are very expensive as well as being embarrassing and damaging to reputations. But they are avoidable risks in a project. It is hard to be sure why change management is becoming more frequently requested by clients, but one reason is probably linked to a maturing of procurement methods in big organisations. A wider range of client-side skills are applied to the workplace, which helps employee engagement as well as brief development. More often now we see HR executives on a project team, as well as operational heads' giving input from the outset. There is also a greater understanding of the workplace as a complex environment, more than just a shelter for people and kit. Workers often have choice, seeing the workplace as just an option, not a permanent base. This wider view seems a reasonable approach to procuring the second most costly asset for a business. A better understanding of the risks makes change management a key for a successful project. It might be done almost accidentally as a design is developed and discussed with the client but increasingly change management gets specified as a stand-alone discipline, so designers might partner with a CM specialist, or hire the skills and bring them inside. But here’s an observation: Every design creates change for the host, each new project is different to what went before – so designers are managing change all the time as part of the daily grind. When things go smoothly we can say the change was managed well – and some of the credit must go to the designers who assess the flex in their client and communicate the design options for consideration and help them during occupation. There is an argument for designers being natural and competent change managers, but they rarely claim those laurels. It’s a skill we all need – and already practice without knowing it. Maybe now is the time for designers to step up and get good at it.
Upfront |
Stretch
Soft Seating Collection
London Showroom 20 Old Street Clerkenwell London EC1V 9AB
Ocee Design Design House, Caswell Road Brackmills Industrial Est. Northampton, NN4 7PW
01604 674674 @OceeDesign sales@oceedesign.com www.oceedesign.com
MADE IN GREAT BRITAIN
Mix 180 January 2018 | 23
Upfront |
Imagine • Design • Create www.karndean.com 24 | Mix 180 January 2018
Upfront | Material Matters
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MATERIAL MATTERS In this month’s Material Matters, the experts at Material Lab highlight the latest innovations in surface design. www.material-lab.co.uk 1. Mimai Lazulite applies traditional techniques to contemporary design You may think gilded glass is reserved only for traditional design schemes, but Mimai Lazulite aims to alter this perception. Creating bespoke, handmade surfaces using decorative technique, Verre Églomisé, contemporary geometric patterns are formed using gold, silver or metal leaf. The rejuvenation of the craft provides extra depth and perspective, with finishes in various colours. www.mimailazulite.com 2. Stephen Johnson urges us to PLAY more As adults, the opportunity to ‘play’ is minimal. Often the free time we once had to explore and imagine is replaced with more pressing matters. But designer Stephen Johnson believes we should make more time for this type of hands-on exploration. Boasting strength and rigidity when set, PLAY is a series
of objects featuring colourful synthetic dough – inspired by the type we played with as children. Offering 'innovative freedom', spontaneity is highly encouraged. As well as the collection, which features domed pendant lights, the dough can help to bind contrasting materials, such as wood and metal, marble and glass. www.stephenjohnsondesign.com 3. Karndean Designflooring advances luxury vinyl tile market with Korlok Korlok is Karndean Designflooring’s latest easyto-install development in luxury vinyl tile flooring, suitable for both residential and commercial applications. It consists of 12 new authentic designs and is inspired by European and North American woods. Korlok can be used with underfloor heating and offers a 15-year commercial guarantee, making it ideal for an array of environments including
offices, apartments and student accommodation. Additional benefits include noise reduction and 'drop and lock' technology for simple installation. www.karndean.com/commercialkorlok 4. Mur De Reve offers the custom wall of your dreams If you’ve ever struggled to find a product to match your creative vision, Mur De Reve is here to help. Offering eye-catching textured and coloured finishes for interior and exterior walls and surfaces, panels, partitions, doors, furniture and lighting can all be transformed to suit your unique requirements. Both water repellent and weather resistant, Mur De Reve uses a breathable, silicone-based topcoat render made with an organic binder. Installation takes between three and eight days and prices start from £180 per square metre. www.murdereve.com
Mix 180 January 2018 | 25
Upfront | Desert Island Desks
DESERT ISLAND DESKS After many years working for large corporate design firms, Simon Jackson has now set up his own design consultancy collective (sjjdc limited), undertaking indepth research, strategy and change management and full interior design services in predominantly the office sector. 'When Mr Jordan asked me to contribute to this piece I decided to be quite personal, a little tongue in cheek and self-deprecating (maybe raise a smile) but hopefully all mixed up with a bit of discernment,' Simon tells us. 'I’ve embraced the concept of the Desert Island, so what I’m taking is, to a degree, in context.'
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1. Chair Anyone who knows me would appreciate I don’t sit down much (ants in my pants, as my grandmother used to say) so when I do sit I want to appreciate the experience. There are so many great modern chairs to choose from but I think I’d take a classic – I considered Mies’ Brno, an elegant and beautifully engineered design, but once it was placed on the sand it would be even more difficult to move about than in normal application! So I’ve opted for the Eames Lounge Chair. This chair was (initially) designed for the Director, Billy Wilder, a rather portly chap, hence the generous proportions of the design. When I first sat in the chair, many years ago, you could fit three of me in the chair…now it’s probably two – or maybe after the recent festivities it’s a perfect fit!
3. Game I generally dislike games, especially the ‘charade type’ – just as well being alone on a desert island. But I think I’d need something to keep me amused. I’d probably take a football to practice my ‘keepie uppies’ (doing the one bounce version would keep me going for years). The football is an interesting phenomena – it started life as a pig’s bladder and has evolved into the highly considered aerodynamic design it is today. It now has isotropic material properties with easily predicted flightpath (tell that to a goalkeeper). I wonder how many designers have had a go at this piece of ‘problem solving’? The guys that turned it into an oval rugby ball get my respect…I do hope the latest version of ‘the ball’ works in England’s favour at the World Cup this year…but I expect we’d have more success with the pig’s bladder version.
2. Something for the senses Sight and touch are more than covered by the location – the amazing landscapes and the feel of sand between one’s toes. The island would no doubt be full of fresh aromas but as my sense of smell is not good I’d need something close at hand with a bit of oomph – so perhaps chilli, coriander and lime, and a bottle of Mezcal just to stimulate the tastebuds. But actually I’d take some joss sticks – I’ve embraced Transendental Meditation and being on a desert island would be a perfect environment to practice the art and the aroma of Agarbatti is a fine complement. Having a few minutes to clear one’s mind at the beginning and end of the day is not only relaxing but also therapeutic – highly recommended. 4. Gadget I have a partiality to gadgets and on a desert island some useful gadget wouldn’t go amiss – the Leatherman Rebar tool, for example. This is not some weird clandestine pastime by the way, but the US (better) alternative to the Swiss Army Knife. It can do everything from cutting down a banana tree to cleaning sand out of your toenails. But I'd probably settle for a telescope (invented in the 17th century – how incredible is that?). I remember it well! This is not because I’m keen to ensure I don’t miss some potential saviours but to do some star and constellation gazing…imagining there’s a desert island up there with a castaway looking back – a sort of virtual pen pal, sitting on their interstellar classic chair.
Tel 01925 850500
Upfront |
Email info@sixteen3.co.uk
5. Book I’m not an avid reader so I’d have to take a relatively thin book – something like Arsene Wenger’s achievements at Arsenal over the last 10 years, or perhaps I’d take a reprint of my chapter on interior design for the Commercial Offices Handbook – when I need to sleep I could read a couple of pages… Seriously though, I’d take a classic – and Brave New World would be it. Written by Aldus Huxley and first published in the early 1930’s, this Dystopian novel is not only a great read but also strangely relevant even now…and likely to be even more so in the future; Charlie Brooker eat your heart out – it’s already been done to perfection! 6. Music I’ve been waiting for the call from BBC R4 for quite a while now and have my list of music tracks compiled – although the list changes every few days. I have very eclectic tastes; from Nat King Cole to Kendrick Lamar and much in-between. I’d have to take a playlist with me that would reflect a wide spectrum. So Marvin Gaye's ‘Lets Get It On’ and Stones’ ‘Miss You’ are near the top, but also Al Green, Amp Fiddler, a few Beatles tracks, some old skool R&B and Hip Hop and…
7. My work portfolio I’d take a selection of images from my past work, not for any egocentric reasons, but jut as a reminder of all the hugely talented people I’ve worked with over the years – the challenges met, the fun and laughs and the rewards; what I’ve learnt from others and hopefully what I’ve been able to pass on. And rather self-centredly, I’m very proud of my back catalogue! After returning (assuming I do get rescued) I’d get back to my mission to push the boundaries, do work that really makes a difference to my clients and their people and continue to embrace the opportunity and privileged position being an interior designer brings to positively effect human behaviour.
London Showroom The Gallery, 21-22 Great Sutton St. EC1V 0DY / Manufacture/Showroom Chesford Grange, Warrington, Cheshire, WA1 4RQ
www.sixteen3.co.uk
Mix 180 January 2018 | 27
Upfront |
Mix Design Collective New for 2018. Part of Mix Week Manchester. www.mixdesigncollective.co.uk
28 | Mix 180 January 2018
Upfront |
04.12.18 - 06.12.18
Mix 180 January 2018 | 29
Upfront |
FINALIST
30 | Mix 180 January 2018
Spotlight | The future
SPOTLIGHT
THE BIG QUESTION 33 Which annoying phrases, used in your own workplace, really get your goat ? Turn over the page to see which cringeinducing phrases make some of our industr y friends' blood boil.
Movers & Shakers 34 Anniversaries 36 Hopes & Fears 4 3
Mix 180 January 2018 | 31
Spotlight |
BOSSE MODUL SPACE - WELCOME TO A NEW WORLD
The Bosse modul space building-block system impresses with its almost unlimited modularity. High-quality tubes, connectors and panels in numerous sizes come with a wide range of finishes and surfaces including wood and glass. To get your personal copy of our brand new catalogue, please call our UK Sales Director, David Sellars +44 (0) 7775 798 877, or send him an email at d.sellars@dauphinuk.com.
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NEW ADDRESS LONDON OFFICE Dauphin HumanDesignÂŽ UK Limited 1 Albemarle Way I GB London EC1V 4JB Phone +44 207 2537774 I Fax +44 207 2531629 www.dauphinuk.com I info@dauphinuk.com Mix 180 January 2018
Q
THE BIG
UESTION
Spotlight | The big question
Re c e nt re s e a rc h s u gg e sts t h a t t h e m o st a nno y i n g p h ra s e u s e d i n t h e w o rk p l a c e i n 2017 (a n d re t a i n i n g its ‘ t it l e’ fro m 2016) w a s ‘Th i n k o u tsid e t h e b ox ’. Ot h e r co nt e n d e rs i n c l u d e ‘Bl u e-sk y t h i n ki n g’ a n d ‘Ge t t h e b a ll ro lli n g’. We a sk e d a n u m b e r o f i n d u st ry e x p e rts w h i c h p h ra s e (s) n o w p re v a l e nt i n t h e w o rk p l a c e a nno y t h e m a n d w h y? We fo u n d a c l e a r w i nn e r...
Jim Meier, Day2
Nick Lyons, Alpha Scotland
Nathan Lonsdale, Spacelab
Lots of people are talking about opening
Most annoying phrase? I think it’s pretty
My most annoying phrase is definitely
books – can’t they afford a Kindle? I seem to
common (sadly) across a number of
‘reaching out’. This is because it’s jargon
be spending too much time ‘reaching out’ to
industries; it’s got to be…’can we join the
and too much of an Americanism. ‘Thanks
clients. I used to phone them!
dots on this’.
for contacting me’ is just fine!
Gill Parker, BDG architecture + design
Mark Simpson, BDP
Paul Butterworth, KKS
So! An interesting question this. I don't
My phrase has to be ‘reaching
The buzzword of 2017 was ‘co-working’. It’s a
use irritating work jargon, obvs, and being
out’ – thanks for ‘reaching out’!
term that is now used too often, to describe
short on bandwidth I had to reach out to
What’s wrong with saying thanks for
a subject that is too wide in definition. Is it
colleagues to leverage some Blue-Sky in an
contacting me? It makes it sound as
a verb or an adjective? It seems to be the
ideas shower. Collaboration really does add
if I have a deep personal problem that
current replacement for ‘hot desking’ as the
value and there was lots of low hanging fruit
I need to share. It suggests that I am
workplace buzzword that everyone has an
to be had. We settled however on 'Swim
not in control and I have had to ask a
opinion on. Others include ‘where is the ‘new’
Lanes'. Not a term I had on my radar until
colleague for help as I can’t cope. It’s
blue sky thinking’ and the perennial ‘reaching
relatively recently – but one I'm already
embellishing the idea of contacting
out’!
beginning to loath. If I'm ever heard using it
someone with more gravitas than it
going forward, you have my permission to
needs to have. Just say 'thanks for
shoot me!
contacting me'.
Umbrella editorial banner Mix Interiors October 2017 copy.pdf 1 25/09/2017 9:33:50 C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
Mix 180 January 2018 | 33
Spotlight | Movers and shakers
Changing of the Guard In our look back at 2017, there appears to be a larger than normal number of people moves – perhaps another indicator of both the confidence of employees and the nearly full employment in the UK finds itself. Here are some of the movers and some major shakers from last year... WHO
NOW
BEFORE
Clive Walters
AFL Architects, Interior Designer
Innova Design Solutions (1yr 8m)
Una Barac
Artelior, Executive Director
Scott Brownrigg (3yr)
Jenni Morris
B3 Architects, Interior Designer
Boyes Rees Architects, (9m)
Trudy Martin
Bisley, Brand Ambassador
TM Design Consultancy (1yr 9m)
Robin Bayliss
Bisley, Director of International Sales
Phusei (11m)
Jayne Baguley
Bruntwood, Senior Designer
Alison Pike Partnership (3y)
Zoe Moss
Charles Edward, Divisional Director
Como, (6yr 9m)
Kristoff Dubose
Cirkularis8, Founder
Woodalls Design (1yr 8m)
Stephen Roberts
CMD, Head of Sales
Colebrook Bosson Saunders (8y 8m)
David Sellars
Dauphin, Sales Director
Humanscale (1yr 8m)
Anna Lysik
DAY Architectural, Junior Interior Designer
NoChintz/OBI (3m/2 yr 4m)
Isoble Coleman
Freelance Interior Designer
Nomique (2yr 1m)
Greg Bettis
G&L BETTIS, Senior Business Consultant
Maris Interiors (7m)
Steve Coster
Hassell, Managing Director
Hassell, Principal (6yr 5m)
Anca Niculescu
HLW, Interior Designer
Spacelab/BDP (3m/2yr 10m)
Jamie Hood
Hood Seating, Director
Mesh Office Seating (4yr 6m)
Simon Millington
Incognito, Director
SpaceInvader (7yr)
Karen Lambert
Interface, Marketing Director EMEA
Interface, Marketing Director UK, Ireland & Middle East (6yrs)
Zoe Coates
JMDA ltd, Interior Designer
Identity Interior Design Partnership (3yrs)
Daniel Gava
King of My Castle
Arper (6y 5m)
Danielle Lara Sharp
Lara Sharp Studio, Director
Goddard Littlefair (3y 2m)
Mike McGown
Maris Interiors, Director
Paragon Interiors Group (2yr 5m)
Alex Luker
Mecserve, Associate Director
Cundall (3y)
Helen Trumble
NoChintz, Middleweight Interior Designer
AEW Architects (2yr 11m)
Claire Williams
Ocee Design, Brand Manager
Boss Design (3yr 8 m)
Ceri Jenkins
Powell Interiors, Business development Manager
Paramount Office Interiors (2yr 11m)
Patricia Biosca
Project M Design, Interior Designer
Select Property (1yr 3m)
Ryan Beggs
Ralph Capper, Furniture Consultant
5plus Architects (3yr 2m)
Ian Matthews
Rg+p, Head of Interiors
CJCT Careyjones champantolcher (1yr 11m)
Oliver Ronald
Spacezero, Sales & Marketing Director
Boss Design, (2yr 4m)
Rebecca Shaw
SpaceInvader, Interior Designer
Briggs Hillier (2yr 2m)
Atilla Denis
Spacezero, Senior Interior Designer
Freelance Designer (7yr 6m
Alex Gifford
Steelcase, Brand Communications Manager
The Senator Group (1yr 5mths)
Tony Ash
Tsunami Axis, COO
Vitra (17yr 9m)
Jordan Jones
Unilever, Senior Workplace Design Strategist
HLM (1yr 8m)
Mustafa Afsaroglu
Unispace, Associate Designer
HLW (9yr 11m)
Neil Usher
Unispace, Executive Consultant
SKY (3yr 11m)
Sam Sahni
Unispace, Principal, Strategy & Consultancy
Morgan Lovell (3yr 7m)
Sandy Yokeley
Watson, Regional Sales Director
Boss Design (8m)
34 | Mix 180 January 2018
Spotlight |
HIGH BENCH AGILE WORKING
ELITE OFFICE FURNITURE UK LTD
Elite_Furniture
T. +44 (0)1405 746000 Head Office, Factory & Showroom T. +44 (0)20 7490 4909 London Office & Showroom
Elite Office Furniture LTD
www.elite-furniture.co.uk E. info@elite-furniture.co.uk E. londonshowroom@elite-furniture.co.uk
@EliteOfficeFurn
Mix 180 January 2018 | 35 eliteofficefurniture
Spotlight | Anniversaries
Pages of Ages It's January ( just in case you weren't alreay aware) and that means we're taking a look at the major milestones being reached by some of the industry's finest (and most enduring) businesses. ege carpets – 80 yrs
Staverton – 90 yrs
Mads Eg Damgaard was the pioneer behind Danish carpet company ege. From an estate in bankruptcy, Damgaard bought four looms at the humble price of 20 EUR per loom – only to resell two of them immediately and, thus, both production capacity and starting capital was in place. From there, a business adventure unfolded, although tough times were experienced during World War II, among others. Always staying true to his roots and the first location of his entrepreneurial backyard factory, Damgaard also located his subsequent factory in Herning, in the heart of Denmark. Today, this is still the hometown of ege.
2018 marks the 90th anniversary for office furniture design and manufacturer, Staverton. Founded in 1928, the company’s history stems back to a team of skilled craftsmen restoring vast halls and manors across the south of England. Over time, the company has gone on to work with and provide top quality joinery and furniture to prestigious hotels, cutting-edge workplaces, the Ministry of Defence, County Crown Courts and has exhibited at an eclectic range of design events across the UK. Now a multi-award-winning company, with a showroom in Clerkenwell and a manufacturing base in South Yorkshire, Staverton provides world-class design and manufacturing services to the workforce of today leading the way with technology and style, including designs such as its mobile, sit/stand desk and various other products. Managing Director Paul Edwards states: ‘I’m remarkably proud of the company and the team. We’ve completed some fantastic projects working with marvellous clients over our time. Here’s to the next milestone – 100 years!’
Mosa Tiles – 135 yrs Mosa has a passion for ceramics. For over 130 years the company has been manufacturing tiles using the purest materials and the magic of innovative Dutch design. By embracing the sustainable Cradle to Cradle philosophy and providing a customer service that is second to none, Mosa's products enable its clients around the globe to create signature buildings that last.
Karndean Designflooring – 45 yrs Recognised by architects and interior designers for its innovative and realistic luxury vinyl flooring, Karndean Designflooring remains a family-owned global brand with over 250 wood and stone designs, including intricate geometrics, ceramic effects and parquets. Each Karndean design is handcrafted by in-house product designers, who pay meticulous attention to detail when replicating each individual knot, grain and texture of real wood and stone. Bringing characterful and intriguing designs to life, Karndean sources every collection from around the world. It also recently launched the UK’s first rigid core collection (Korlok), offering enhanced acoustic benefits for reducing noise transfer to rooms below by 19dB.
36 | Mix 180 January 2018
Leadership Integrity Focus thics Family Focus Detail Design Capability Design Respect Craftsman Expert Craftsmanship Quality Capability Delivery Team Detail Focus Family Collaboration Int Craftsmanship Dynamic Inspi Collaboration Leade Design nspiration Respect Ethics Fa Quality Collaboration Design F Respect Integrity Capability Expert Dynamic Inspiration Quality We are specialist. Capabilit Leadership Integrity Detail F thics Family Focus Detail Design Capability Craftsm Collab Respect Expert Craftsmanship Inspirat
Expert Delivery
Spotlight |
Business
Collaboration
Global
Expert
Ethics Dynamic
Business Leadership
Global
Team
Dynamic
Ethics adership
Business
Collaboration www.sjg.co.uk
Busin
Expert Delivery Global Expert
Mix 180 January 2018 | 37
Spotlight | Nobu Hotel, Shoreditch
Great British carpet since 1968 +44 (0) 1706 846 375 newyheycarpets.co.uk newheyexpress.co.uk 38 | Mix 180 January 2018
Spotlight | Anniversaries
Bisley (MultiDrawer) – 60 yrs
Forbo (Coral) – 50 yrs
This year Bisley celebrate the 60th anniversary of the ubiquitous Bisley MultiDrawer. This design icon has never lost its appeal, growing in popularity year on year. Almost two million of the diminutive cabinets have been sold, helping the brand name Bisley become part of the lexicon in the German language when describing storage cabinets. Created by Freddy Brown, founder of Bisley and an experienced metal worker, the MultiDrawer was first made in 1958. The Bisley factory was expert in metalwork, having evolved from car body repairs, then making metal waste paper bins and, during the war, designing and making the large metal containers that were dropped by parachute into warzones to deliver supplies.
Forbo’s Coral entrance flooring system is now 50 years old – and it’s still the international market leader in textile entrance flooring. It can provide safe and hygienic environments for end users, while keeping buildings looking clean and presentable. In fact, independent testing by Cleaning Research International has shown that by installing Coral, up to 95% of dirt and moisture can be removed from the soles of shoes in just six steps, which can reduce cleaning time of adjacent floorcoverings by up to 65%.
Umbrella – 1,000 days Umbrella is a specialist division of the Wagstaff Group, set up to provide loose furniture solutions tailored specifically to service the architectural and design community – and is now celebrating its 1,000th day anniversary. During this short period, Umbrella has ventured towards the stars and is progressively becoming a name known throughout the industry and a go-to service. Umbrella embraces close working relationships with architects and designers – enjoying many Lunch & Learn events and product launch initiatives at its Clerkenwell showroom. Umbrella can celebrate a successful record of creative projects in those 1,000 days, including Circle Housing Association, Plexal and Estee Lauder.
ophelis – 125 yrs
Humanscale – 35 yrs
Founded in 1893 as a carpenter’s shop in Wiesloch, ophelis is now one of Germany’s leading manufacturers of modern design-led furniture. In the 1980’s a fire destroyed the production facilities but, undeterred and with a continuing desire to create beautiful furniture, the company was rebuilt and a 30,000 sq m, state-of-the-art, production facility was designed and built in Bad Schoenborn in the federal state of Baden-Württemberg in South West Germany. In 2005 Peter Bajak was inspired to take over the business and continues to run it as the family-owned enterprise it has always been. This was also the year the ophelis brand name was established to match the company’s vision to be the solution-oriented manufacturer of modern design-led furniture, with a growing focus on international markets. ophelis has always been advocates of innovation and technology and couples this with ergonomics, functionality and aesthetics to create beautifully designed, award-winning furniture that lasts including Mixology North17 loose furniture of the year.
Humanscale celebrates 35 years as the pioneer in the field of ergonomics in 2018. Since its founding in 1983, Humanscale has upheld its commitment to performance, simplicity and beauty, with every product designed building upon the ethos that work tools should adjust to the user, not the other way around. From the outset, Humanscale has created groundbreaking products that make work more comfortable. Beginning with the introduction of ergonomic accessories in the early 1980’s, Humanscale followed with its high-performance keyboard systems in 1993. A plethora of innovations followed, from the revolutionary Freedom chair in 1999, designed by the esteemed Niels Diffrient, to landmark task lighting solutions, monitor arms and innovative sit/stand developments, the Float table and, most recently, the QuickStand Eco.
Mix 180 January 2018 | 39
Spotlight | Anniversaries
Specialist Joinery Group – 30 yrs Specialist Joinery Group – the Mixology Manufacturer of the Year award winner for the past two years – is, celebrating 30 years in business. This momentous milestone is being celebrated in a unique way, with the official opening of an immense newly extended three acre bespoke joinery manufacturing facility at its Northern Ireland headquarters. Together, the Specialist team has also decided to create a much greater legacy and has committed to raising a massive £100,000 within the year for 10 charities, carefully selected by the team. This type of challenge is completely aligned with the values of this family run organisation, whose trail-blazing team loves nothing more than getting out there and making a difference where it counts, all the time whilst continuing to deliver premium bespoke joinery for leading workplace strategy and fit-out projects throughout Europe for leading brands, blue chip companies, law firms and internet retail giants. 'We see this expansion as a critical investment in the group’s growth and development,’ MD Ciaran O’Hagan tells us. ‘We have built our brand reputation purely on people, quality and service. This project is foremost an investment in our people and their ability to provide world class joinery and the ultimate client experience.’
Interface – 45 yrs Interface has come a long way in 45 years. What started as a company with 15 employees, has grown into a manufacturer with facilities on four continents, which operates across 110 countries. Its journey has been shaped by founder Ray Anderson’s bold vision for sustainability. Beginning with the Mission Zero pledge, an aim to eliminate the company’s environmental impact by 2020, Interface is now redefining what it means to be a restorative business with its Climate Take Back initiative. This commitment to driving positive change goes hand-in-hand with Interface’s passion for beautifully designed hard and soft flooring. Its endless design capabilities are the secret to its continued success.
Cambridge Park – 10 yrs 50 Years 1967 - 2017
Cambridge Park owes its name to the quiet leafy suburb it originated in Richmond upon Thames. Cambridge Park started designing and manufacturing high quality meeting tables in 2008 and has grown year-on-year ever since. By collaborating with both in-house and external British designers, the company has expanded it’s offering to a wide portfolio of products focused on adaptable meeting spaces. Cambridge Park also has the ability to customise and deliver bespoke solutions, showcasing the finest craftsmanship in veneering and other materials. ‘We are incredibly proud of what has been achieved at Cambridge Park over the last 10 years,’ Director Mark Langston tells us. ‘Since joining New Design Group, we have gone from strength to strength. We’re looking forward to the next 10 years!’
Como Group – 15 yrs Founded in 2003, Como is celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2018. Part of Mace, the fit-out contractor continues to grow and goes from strength to strength. Last year it delivered a wide range of high profile commercial office projects across the UK, including new London offices for Adobe, Formula One and Expedia, as well as the new XYZ Works coworking space for Allied London in Manchester.
Upholstery
Aviation
Hospitality
Office
Automotive
Healthcare
Marine
Yarwood Leather has you covered.
40 | Mix 180 January 2018
sales@yarwoodleather.com
+44 (0) 113 252 1014
www.yarwoodleather.com
Another month, another amazing workspace project Spotlight |
NeoCon – 50 yrs NeoCon, the premier global platform and conference for the commercial interiors industry, is celebrating its 50th edition this year at the Merchandise Mart in Chicago. Widely known as the industry’s most important event of the year, NeoCon’s future wasn’t always so certain. In 1967 a fire destroyed Chicago’s McCormick Place building, the original site of NeoCon (then known as INTERCON). Recognising a ‘vital and compelling need for a truly international contract convocation’, the Merchandise Mart came to the show’s rescue, attracting nearly 10,000 architects and designers for the inaugural edition in 1969. In its 50-year history, the show has served as a launch pad for many of the most iconic products in the commercial design world. The powerful conference programme, which has included former Chicago Mayor, Richard M. Daley (2012), Rockwell Group Founder and President, David Rockwell (2016), and Thrive Global Founder and CEO, Arianna Huffington (2017) – to name just a few – delivers the finest experts and content in the industry and beyond. With over 50,000 visitors expected, this year’s edition will celebrate the show’s rich tradition and will continue to look to the future of commercial design and business trends.
Seeing the end result of our workplace and furniture expertise come to life, makes us proud to be a part of these amazing workspace projects.
Mix 180 January 2018 | 41 www.penkethgroup.com
Spotlight |
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42 | Mix 180 January 2018
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Spotlight | Hopes and Fears
What Lies Ahead? How quickly we acclimatise to even the most shocking and unexpected news and events. We’ve rapidly learned to take Brexit, Trump et al in our stride when, just 12 months ago, we feared the very worst. OK, that still may be to come, but for now we’re seeing a surprisingly upbeat and (dare we say it?) optimistic outlook from a lot of industry pundits. Here, we ask key industry people about their own expectations for 2018. We’ve got a royal wedding and a World Cup to look forward to – so what’s not to be optimistic about?
From left to right: Bronte Turner, Rennie Dalrymple , Mino Vernaschi, Mark Simpson and Alan Towns
Bronte Turner, HLW
Mino Vernaschi, Orangebox
I hope that 2018 is a year of creativity that harnesses the amazing advances in technology that are occurring globally. The fear our industry as a whole has – of technology, data, new working environments and the future 'workplace' driven speed and reactive design in the last few years. My fear is that this continues to happen. I hope that empathy and creative thought processes seep back into the core of our industry this year. Advances in technology should give us more time to focus on end users. I’m excited to see what relevant design solutions our HLW team nurture in 2018 and the impact they will have on people and their experience of the spaces we create.
The next 12 months looks exciting. Whilst Brexit still hangs over us, giving an element of uncertainty, there are so many other markets and regions to focus on. Margins and costs will remain a big importance but, with the majority of our supply chain remaining local, we are able to keep this on track.
Rennie Dalrymple, Bruceshaw Not even Brexit can stop the juggernaut of force that technology is, bringing with it seismic shifts in the way we live, work and play. External socio-political factors make our ability to influence a challenge, but as consultants we can control how we behave, react and help our clients to create true value. Our intellectual property is still valued but the role has to progress to that of a trusted adviser, working with our clients in a strategic role. Along with technology, innovation will have the last word and the role of the Project Manager and Cost Consultant must align to this as we assess how we can maximise our positive impact on all our commissions.
Mark Simpson, BDP We live in uncertain times. This time last year we were coming to terms with having an orange-faced buffoon in the White House. I hope he is impeached before he starts WW3. Brexit is still unclear. This time next year it probably won’t be any clearer to us or the people who supposedly supported it. A shambles all round. All we can do is keep our heads down – and I already know we will remain very busy.
Gary Thomas, Hunters Contracts In contrast to my normal response to the Editor's annual question regarding hopes and fears for the coming year – which is 'I don’t know Mick, ask me one on sport' – I can honestly say that I can’t remember feeling so positive about the prospects for the year ahead. Despite all the negativity surrounding Brexit and Trump, as well as the continued threat of terrorism in our great cities, there seems to be a definite buzz of optimism everywhere. Fingers crossed for everyone and I hope I’m not back on the sports questions next Christmas!
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Spotlight | Hopes and Fears
From left to right: Robin Bayliss, Jim Meier, Lesley McPhee, Nick Lyons
Gary Helm, obo life obo is authentic, educational and commercial – and will be focused on the physical and emotional wellbeing of people in the workplace. Partnering with Haworth, obo will look to uncover what matters – and why it matters. And how the things that matter affect business. 2018 will also continue to ask the question that has been asked for the last few years – will the Premiership trophy ever see red ribbons again?!?!
Mark Pearson, Heatons Office Solutions Despite the continued wranglings of Brexit, I do feel there is a degree of optimism and confidence in our market. Competition for projects will continue to be strong, especially from multi-disciplined businesses, and we will all have to find ways to ‘stand out from the crowd’ to secure a client’s decision. I expect many UK manufacturers will need to continue the improvement of their design and manufacturing capabilities to be able to facilitate the fluid motions and trends within the co-working and biophilic workplace. In summary, it’s a new year with new challenges for us all, which we’ll undoubtedly hit head on – some of us may flinch and squirm and some of us will just plough on through…exciting times.
Robin Bayliss, Bisley We can definitely see an extremely exciting 2018 ahead of us. Continued growth in all our international sales offices, a good number of interesting large projects around the globe and an events calendar that’s jam-packed. Our expectations are again high for the export side of the business, as we give them the biggest investment in global marketing and product development for many, many years.
Alan Towns, Knightsbridge Knightsbridge is full of optimism for 2018 – the market remains buoyant, up 10% on the last year (2016) and the pipeline looks good. Brexit isn’t affecting us due to our local supply chain,
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which protects us from currency fluctuations. We are currently working with new up and coming designers, such as Alys Bryan with Dizzi and Jason Lansdale with Elan – a product specifically for the hospitality and healthcare market – and we will be continuing to develop the Bebop collection with David Fox and extending the Alfie range with Sean Dare. Meanwhile, Lisa Gibbons also joins us this year, as part of our plan to extend our A&D sales team.
Jim Meier, Day2 First thoughts are…’Who knows?’ There still seems to be quite a lot of work around but just how robust this demand is remains to be seen. We are due a cyclical downturn at some point, so the question is whether a combination of Brexit and a government with a poor majority will bring this forward. We are still pushing forwards but ‘not going mad’.
Nick Lyons, Alpha Scotland Well, barring the ongoing Trump Twitter spat, which I have to say is terrifying, I feel 2018 will be the pivotal year for the UK to finally find its identity. There has been too much political uncertainty since the economic uncertainty of 2007–2009 and I'm amazed at the reliance of businesses the length of the country to ‘just get on with it’. One thing is for sure, the only certainty is uncertainty – but I feel very confident that business owners and leaders in the UK will continue to thrive in 2018, regardless of our politicians.
Lesley McPhee, The Hut Group I think, looking forward to 2018 from a THG perspective, we now have 4,100 people worldwide, which is amazing and exciting. This in itself brings different cultures and languages into THG’s new Workplace DNA, which we will launch in 2018. Designing and writing this in tandem with our online brand has been rewarding and a privilege to be part of. Now the fun begins – delivering the concept with trusted partners around the world!
Spotlight |
in Solid Surface
Mono Innovative modular desk system in solid surface designed by Paul Crofts
+44 (0)20 7388 8599
Visit our Clerkenwell showroom 1 Sans Walk, London EC1 info@isomi.com www.isomi.com Mix 180 January 2018 | 45
Case Study | Peaks & Plains
46 | Mix 180 January 2018
Case Study | Peaks & Plains
Plains Sailing We all love being right. For some of us, it comes as a rare and precious thing. Therefore, when Peaks & Plains picked up the Public Sector Project of the Year award at Mixology North, we couldn’t help but smile. We were right!
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e had already headed up to Macclesfield to take a look at the project, designed by BAND Architects, by the time our judging panel had unanimously selected it as a winner. Our judges commented on the impressive financial model of the project and agreed that it ‘has been given a ‘private sector’ feel to what had been known as a very traditional public sector setting’. The head office of Macclesfield-based Peaks & Plains Housing Trust has undergone a radical fit-out programme – the 11,500 sq ft space at the town’s Ropewalks building has been completely transformed to reflect the changing business needs of the Trust as it celebrates its 10th anniversary. Peaks & Plains Housing Trust was created in 2006 following a transfer from Macclesfield Borough Council. Prior to transfer, all council tenants were issued with an Offer Document, which outlined what they could expect from the new housing trust. It was on the basis of the promises contained in this Offer Document that tenants voted in favour of the transfer and the Trust was created. It has been rated in the top 10% of housing associations nationally and was also awarded 21st place in the Times Top 100 not for profit companies to work for in 2014. The Trust, which took ownership of the building on Bond Street in the centre of the town in 2016, has funded the fit-out programme by re-designing the areas it previously occupied, releasing more than 800 sq m of available office space, which has now been let to other occupiers. The entire operation has
now been consolidated on just one floor. This smart funding model using rental income is, we’re told, a first for any public sector landlord. Peaks & Plains invited BAND Architects to re-imagine its workspace to reflect its progression as an organisation, and to create a more efficient, healthy office environment – one better suited and equipped to meet the needs of its employees, and to support the continued improvement of its services. ‘Our concept focuses on bringing domestic, urban design ideas into the workplace and creating open working environments,’ David Wilcock, Practice Director at BAND Architects, tells us as we admire the vibrant new Peaks & Plains home. ‘Enclosed spaces have been used to define routes and form smaller, domestic scaled zones for staff to collaborate within the large linear floorplate. Subtle, natural and calming materials were utilised within the core working areas, and more visually vibrant ‘pods’ are distributed throughout the space to create a variety of destinations for personalised work and team meetings. ‘It was important that the client’s working environment reflected the values that they wanted to achieve within their own housing projects going forward – a more creative and inventive approach. I think that’s important.' In the design brief, David recognised the client’s ambition to bring the local culture to the project. ‘I saw the move to a more agile way of working as
Enclosed spaces have been used to define
routes and form smaller,
domestic scaled zones for
staff to collaborate within the large linear floorplate
Left: Main household kitchen and meeting rooms
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Case Study | Peaks & Plains
forming little communities within communities and meaningful placemaking – which is what Peaks & Plains do. So, we treated the floorplate as an urban landscape. The quirky street map of Macclesfield is reflected in the new office design via the unexpected zigzag route of the walkways and the focal points on the horizon that draw you further in. We used these design cues to move away from the ubiquitous, open plan office space with regimented rows of desks. ‘The project originally came from a longstanding relationship with Peaks & Plains – we’ve known them for a long time and had a lot of synergy with their approach as designers. That relationship has developed into working on housing projects with them – in fact we’re currently working on a housing scheme with them in Whaley Bridge. They’re an ambitious organisation and they’re quite progressive, especially when it comes to design. They understand that design can help benefit
The really nice thing is that the client really believed in the architect. It’s a leap of faith for the client at the end of the day, but they were so willing to take that leap
communities – and they also understand that design doesn’t have to cost a great deal of money. ‘Tim (Pinder, Chief Executive of Peaks & Plains Housing Trust) approached us and said, ‘I know you’ve never done an office re-fit before – but you understand our ethos and we think you will bring a unique approach. 'We wanted to approach the project from a fresh perspective and not just be another corporate interior fit-out scheme. So, we started from scratch and drew inspiration from larger scale urban design principles that would resonate and give rise to a variety of stimulating places to work.’ Although you’d never know it from the look and feel of the space, David and his team did work particularly hard to keep costs down. ‘The big challenge was to design within the budget
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Case Study |
OPEN TO NEW IDEAS In Short
OPEN FOR CHANGE
Peaks & Plains Housing Trust was created in 2006 following a transfer from Macclesfield Borough Council.
OPEN CONVERSATIONS
The Trust is rated in the top 10% of housing associations nationally. Awarded 21st place in the Times Top 100 not for profit companies in 2014.
OPEN KNOWLEDGE
Peaks & Plains makes significant contributions to the local community, including supporting the Gawsworth village shop, working in partnership with local charities and providing apprenticeships.
OPEN CULTURE OPEN STANDARDS OPEN FOR BUSINESS EXPERIENCE OPENNESS AT THE STOCKHOLM FURNITURE & LIGHT FAIR 6-10 FEB 2018 STAND A29:20 #KINNARPSOPEN18
Above left Connected office space and social areas Left Larch-clad individual working spaces and meeting rooms
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Case Study | Peaks & Plains
available. We started with including everything the client would ideally like and identifying the core essentials – and arrived at a happy balance following a series of value engineering meetings. This involved making the design and specification work very hard to achieve the original spirit of the design. ‘The contractor – Brown and Bancroft – were part of the team that helped this process. We all worked to find solutions and keep the ideas alive in a sensible way. Our focus remained on the health and wellbeing of staff through good ergonomics and functional lighting. We saved on things that wouldn’t be noticed or were just nice to haves.’ The design solution has worked so well that the Trust is about to lease the ground floor too, meaning they’ve reduced their use of the building by 63%, cost-neutral-funded a dynamic new home for themselves and brought a new sense of purpose and community to their staff. Brown and Bancroft became an integral and valuable part of the team on appointment to fit-out and refurbish the space. The works involved totally stripping back the office space to the shell and then introducing new lighting, air conditioning, flooring and decoration. ‘I was really quite emotional when I saw the finished scheme, with all the graphics and finishes in place,’ Brown and Bancroft’s Jill Bancroft admits. ‘It just looked absolutely fantastic. This was quite a journey for the staff. They were very much used to their own pedestals and their own desks, so it must have been pretty scary for them – but every single one of them has bought into this. I think we needed
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to get the furniture and the facilities right – and judging by everyone’s reaction, we’ve got that spot on. Everything here is coordinated and everything has been perfectly styled. The really nice thing is that the client really believed in the architect. It’s a leap of faith for the client at the end of the day, but they were so willing to take that leap – and I believe the results speak for themselves.’ Following David and Gill’s lead, we take a closer look at those results. We’re immediately taken by a series of impressive curved meeting rooms and pod spaces – each of which has been created from bespoke larch clad timber partition systems, with integral acoustic absorption – and help break up the open nature of the floor. Internal finishes are natural wherever possible, using a palette of larch, linoleum and polished concrete, creating a stunning effect to the overall space. The flooring concept provides a woven vinyl surface for the office areas, with individual designed carpet used for each of the meeting pods. Two kitchen spaces sit at either end of the space, featuring unique graphics and wall designs, while cool breakout seating perforates the open floor. ‘The design delivered by BAND Architects reflects Peaks & Plain’s identity and the whole team is absolutely delighted with it,’ Tim Pinder enthuses. ‘We believe that living and working in a well-designed space improves people’s quality of life and productivity. ‘It doesn’t necessarily have to cost more to deliver great design and it is something we are now working on replicating in the homes we create for
Above: Domestic-inspired Scandinavian furniture and finishes Below: Industrial design for the kitchen in the heartspace
Case Study |
Photography: Oliver Perrott
www.jennifernewman.com
HUDDLE TABLE
Showroom 8 Clerkenwell Green, London, EC1R 0DE
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Case Study | Peaks & Plains
our residents. As well as delivering amazing new spaces for us to work in, this scheme is all about delivering value for money. By renting out the rest of our building and consolidating more functions in this new space we are saving money that can be spent on the delivery of new homes.’ When it came to furniture, David tells us he had previously worked with Kinnarps on a school project. He included them on a shortlist of furniture suppliers and David, Tim and Greg van Enk-Bones, Peaks & Plains Director of Resources, duly visited Kinnarps’ London showspace. ‘Seeing the variety of products that Kinnarps offered was great,’ Tim says. ‘Even the furniture we used to hold the meetings inspired us. The great variety had an impact on choices we made. But the one thing that really impressed me was the welcome we received. There was a sense of us being the utter centre of attention – that Kinnarps completely got what we were trying to achieve and were as excited as us.’ ‘I was thrilled that Tim and Greg understood why I liked Kinnarps,’ David enthuses. ‘Their designers
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understand that each project is different. You know you’ll receive great customer care all the way through the process and they’re genuinely interested in the outcome, not just trying to sell you something. We all thought they were the right choice.’ Although the furniture may well come from Scandinavia’s finest, there was very much a desire to keep much of the project local. ‘As well as Macclesfield-based architects,’ David smiles, ‘a lot of the things in here are local, Macclesfield-based – such as the photography for the artworks by Fiona Bailey, prints by Ralph McGaul and screen printed personal storage crates made by not-for-profit organisation The Print Mill – all Macclesfield based. Peaks & Plains have always had a very open relationship with this community – and wanted to support local designers and local creatives and initiatives.’ We really, really like the new Peaks & Plains home. Oops, sorry, that should be the new awardwinning Peaks & Plains home!
Above: Sliding garage doors to larch meeting pods Below: Close-up of feature lighting pendants
Case Study |
Above: The Lotus Room – bold ege carpet designs across the floors and walls
Residential & Commercial Installed Throughout The UK & Abroad
Client Peaks & Plains Housing Trust Architect & Principal Designer BAND Architects Main Contractor Brown and Bancroft QS Abacus Cost Management M&E Hannan Associates Bespoke Joinery Sandoms Furniture Kinnarps with Skandiform and Materia Flooring Forbo, ege carpets Lighting Hacel
Staircases | Balustrades | Handrails | Balconies | Canopies | Bespoke Metal Work
ENGINEERED ARCHITECTURAL INNOVATIONS
Essentials
11-12 Great Sutton St. London, EV1V 0BX. www.canal.eu.com +44 (0) 115 986 6321 Mix 180 January 2018 | 53
Case Study | Clarion Housing Group
54 | Mix 180 January 2018
Proud
House
We’ve been to the More London complex a number of times in the past – and yet we’re still wowed by this vibrant, modern business neighbourhood. The chief reason for this is that we have to admit that we’re of a certain age and can still remember how this area of the South Bank once looked and felt. There can be few greater transformations in the heart of the capital over the past couple of decades.
S
Left: Beautiful reception area sets the tone in this high quality refurbishment
peaking of transformations, the new 24,000 sq ft head office of Clarion Housing Group at More London – designed and curated by 3equals1 Design and BEH – provides a professional, sophisticated and homely workspace for Clarion’s agile workforce, whilst also boasting iconic views across the Thames towards the City of London. Formed in 2016, following the merger of Affinity Sutton and Circle Housing Group, Clarion Housing Group is the UK’s largest housing association. Shortly after the merger, the company was presented with an opportunity to expand their established offices at 6 More London, thereby consolidating disparate offices into a single landmark location. This expansion provided a convenient opportunity to refurbish the entire floor to reflect the new company identity and culture, whilst also taking advantage of the building’s generous glazing and natural light, which the previous internal architecture had compromised. Having already worked on numerous sites across the country for Clarion, Maz Mahmoudi of 3equals1 Design and Malcolm Harris from BEH Interiors shared a thorough understanding of the company’s ambitions and workplace strategy.
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Case Study | Clarion Housing Group
Essentials Client Clarion Housing Group Design 3equals1 Design Project Lead BEH Interiors M&E – Leonard Engineering Furniture Supply Think Furniture Furniture KI, Vitra, Brunner, Stella Works, Preece Bespoke, Fritz Hansen, Arper, Kusch, Max Furniture, Cambridge Park, Obandb Flooring & Fit-Out Materials, Desso, Gerflor, Blueprint Ceramics, Crest Contract, Fusion Partitioning, SAS International
Above: Contemporary tile work and click vinyl give the kitchen a stylish edge
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To create a timeless, adaptable, modern space, Maz tells us that she avoided fads and trends in favour of classic and homely interiors that could be easily modified in the future. ‘I really don’t like reception spaces where they are just waiting areas – we really wanted this to feel more like a hotel lobby. Clarion is in this space for the next 14 years. They don’t want to have to refurbish this space in five years' time – they want it to be grown up and look timeless. ‘One of the greatest challenges was that Affinity were here and then merged with Circle – and they wanted this to be the head office for the group. Affinity were very much fixed desk users, whereas Circle were really agile. Culturally, to mix those two extremes was both challenging and interesting. As they are a housing association, the idea of creating neighbourhoods really fitted in. ‘I was really keen to work closely with the client. I said to them that this is their office – not mine. They’re the ones who have to live in the space.’ As Maz has said, Clarion expects to complete its lease here in 2030, an unusually long period for corporate offices, which meant the futureproofing of furniture, fittings and finishes was particularly pertinent. Selecting products to give the client a diverse range of meeting room chairs, light fittings, flooring, workstations and finishes allows for
great flexibility. ‘This is designed to really work for Clarion’s people – the layout, fittings and furniture all respond to their staff’s needs,’ Maz continues. ‘Our unique inclusive methodology allowed us to create a working environment that people will love operating in. We also wanted to give the staff the amazing views – and nobody felt that they were missing out or in a ‘bad’ seat.’ Another advantage of diversifying the types of products used was that Maz was able to create neighbourhoods with distinct characters across the floor – thus eliminating that dreaded call centre feel. The floor features three main open-plan, agile working zones with no assigned desks. Large banks of RFID-enabled lockers line the core walls. To further prevent these large areas from feeling like a call centre environment, they have been interspersed with soft seating and collaborative work settings. Delineated by contrasting carpet colours and drop pendant feature lighting, these areas give workers variety and choice beyond their desks or meeting rooms. As Maz mentioned a little earlier, breakout areas have deliberately been specified without power facilities to ensure that staff don’t use them as mid- to long-term workpoints. Walking through to the open workspace, we can’t help but notice something a little different
Case Study |
FITOUT | DESIGN & BUILD | REFURBISHMENT
0203 781 7472 info@behinteriors.co.uk www.behinteriors.co.uk BEH Interiors Limited. Unit 2 The Piano Works, 117 Farringdon Road, London. EC1R 3BX
Mix 180 January 2018 | 57
Case Study | Clarion Housing Group
when it comes to the workstations. Selected for their simple engineering, robustness and value for money, KI’s Connect3 workstations have been specified with a light grey worktop. These grey worktops appear almost white at first glance, but reduce the cold, stark and sterile appearance of more commonly selected bright whites. We like! The workstations also feature inset D Series Screens, upholstered in three colours. Rather than being grouped together in each zone, these three colours have been scattered throughout, enhancing the vibrant aesthetic. The screens can be easily replaced with different fabric options in the future at minimal disruption, downtime and redundant cost. Rather than being clustered in one area, amenities and a total of 16 meeting rooms have been distributed throughout the expansive floorspace. Workers and visitors alike are able to easily access breakout, meeting and dining areas – and will no doubt find their personal favourites. Each of these spaces has been fitted with a variety of seating and table options, whilst each of the rooms features different floor, wall and lighting finishes. The executive suites mirror the domestic style
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This is designed to really work for Clarion’s people – the layout, fittings and furniture all respond to their staff’s needs
Case Study |
D AVISON H IGHLEY
In Short
Left: Central reception area with touchdown meeting areas
Directly below: One of several tech-enabled meeting rooms Bottom: Impactful furniture and lighting options demonstrate the importance given to quality meeting rooms
Clarion Housing Group was formed in 2016 following the merger of Affinity Sutton and Circle Housing Group. The Group boasts more than 125,000 homes spanning more than 170 local authorities. The Group is also set to build a further 50,000 high quality homes of all tenures during the next 10 years.
SKY LON WOR K B OOT H
SKYLON WORK SOFA
S KYLON S OFA
Davison Highley London, Lower Ground Floor, The Old Brewery, 16 Brewhouse Yard, Clerkenwell, London, EC1V 4LJ
www.davisonhighley.co.uk +44 ( 0 ) 207 871 1089
I
magic@davisonhighley.co.uk
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Case Study |
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Case Study | Clarion Housing Group
seen elsewhere across the office landscape, and transform to flexible meeting spaces when required. As we continue to walk around the floor, we are quite suddenly struck by a considerable increase in noise. This is coming from the staff kitchen/canteen – although the word canteen certainly doesn’t do this chic and stylish facility justice. Cleverly appointed so that the noise (of happy chatter, by the sound of things) is very much contained within the canteen space, attractive finishes, such as beautiful ceramic tiles and faded timbers, work to help produce a different look and feel – and ultimately a vibrant place for staff to chat, eat and drink. While admiring the decor here, we ask Maz to tell us more about the overall design process and the team behind the project. ‘It was quite a team effort,’ she recalls. ‘Me and my team did all the design, working directly with Clarion, and BEH
I said to them that this is their office – not mine. They’re the ones who have to live in the space Above: Striking centrepiece desk providing a focal point in the reception area
did the fit-out. We had to make sure that what we were specifying wasn’t too crazy for BEH as this was a three-month project, which is quite quick for a project of this scale. It has also been SKA rated, so we had to be careful when it came to what materials we used.’ We have (literally) come full circle as we arrive back at the impressive reception area, which not only makes a striking first impression, it also acts as an informal meeting space and breakout area for staff and visitors – and is positively buzzing on this particular late morning. Featuring soft lighting and wood accents, the environment creates a warm and inviting atmosphere for staff and visitors alike. Throughout the scheme, the overall feel is professional and practical – but not rigid and cold in any way. Quite the opposite, in fact. Clarion has successfully created a home away from home for its staff – with more than a little help from 3equals1 Design and BEH. What’s more, they have created an apt brand statement very much befitting this leading association.
Below: Moss panels augment the cool feel of this relaxing breakout area
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Case Study | Gensler
More than Words Readers who have followed Mix over a number of years will be all too aware that, if there’s one thing that really intrigues us, it’s taking a look at how the people who design workspaces for people actually work themselves. Left: Basecamp is a test ground for innovative ways of working; helping drive cultural change
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Case Study | Gensler
Left: The truly flexible space allows employees to reconfigure the area to respond to their immediate or desired needs
Essentials Client Gensler Design Gensler Main Contractor TPS Interiors Furniture (workstations) DAS Business Furniture Flooring Milliken Occasional Furniture IKEA Lighting Ledridge Environmental Graphics ARC
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W
e’re constantly amazed by the enormous variety of design firms’ homes we’ve looked at in the past – from the ‘mad professor’, cluttered yet clearly creative, through to the sleek, perfectly formed client showcase. And plenty that sit somewhere in the middle. So, when Gensler got in touch with us regarding the immediate future of its own London home, of course we were interested! In fact, when we chatted with the firm’s Design Director, Principal, Philippe Paré, last year, he whetted our appetites, giving us just a hint of the firm’s exciting plans for its own space in the capital. What Philippe did reveal was that there was to be an interim home – however there’s nothing ‘cobbled together’ or ‘we’ll make do for now’ about this scheme. Then again, what else would you expect from one of the leading global architecture and design firms? The scheme in question is the (already) award-winning ‘Basecamp’ at Thomas More Square in Wapping, London. Gensler’s new practical and honest temporary office space will act as a ‘stepping stone’ until its new European headquarters are ready in 2019.
The firm recently unveiled the temporary office space, which will house its 220 London-based employees, with the project team having just six months to devise a solution before the firm moved from Aldgate to its new home at Resolution Property’s revitalised creative office campus at Thomas More Square. The result is an impressive, forward-thinking space – which is affectionately known as ‘Basecamp’ – that delivers an intelligent, engaging and creative workplace on a modest budget. Thomas More Square is the 560,000 sq ft redevelopment, recently purchased by Resolution Property, which is now being transformed into an inspiring design-led campus aimed at businesses operating in media, technology, finance and innovation. Gensler signed a 15-year lease to take Building Six (30,000 sq ft) at Thomas More Square in December 2016, providing the firm with an unparalleled opportunity to reimagine and redesign an entire building. With the lease on its old Aldgate office expiring in July 2017, the firm faced the challenge of where to house its employees in the interim. Rising to the challenge, Gensler seized the opportunity to
Case Study |
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Case Study | Gensler
Left: Encouraging a dynamic mix of activities, the space displays social interaction and commercial activity whilst connecting to the public realm Right: Gensler has created this as a prototype space where they can experiment and see what works
acclimatise to its new home by moving on-site – and hence Basecamp was born. Basecamp has been formed from three distinct spaces split across two buildings – Two and Five – that total 36,000 sq ft. The ground floor of Building Two provides Basecamp with a natural hub and this area has been left open and undefined to evolve naturally as a space for co-working, collaboration or solo working in a more semipublic and social environment. It also presents an opportunity to invite people into Gensler by providing a space for seminars, exhibitions and product showcases through its Off Base events programme. Ensuring equality for all employees was critical, so each team has been assigned a core work area, but there is ample flexible space alongside it that can be transformed to respond to individual requirements.
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Personalisation is at the heart of Basecamp, so employees are encouraged to take ownership and make it a place where they want to be by bringing in plants, books, vinyl records or paintings, to truly make it their own. A primary consideration was to avoid building any barriers, so the design team worked with the existing architecture of the buildings and its data provisions to identify the space where they could be most creative. Gensler utilised standard sheet materials, such as plywood and rope, to divide and demarcate different areas without having to resort to physical barriers. As a result, the spaces are truly flexible and employees can reconfigure them at will to suit their immediate needs. ‘We took a far from ideal circumstance and used it as an opportunity to try something completely different,’ Duncan Swinhoe, Managing Principal
at Gensler, says. ‘Basecamp is a transitory space, so the design challenge was to create something cost-effective that is still appropriate to the Gensler brand. ‘It will allow us to use our time there to test innovative ways of working and liberate ourselves from the habitual behaviours picked up from working for 10 years in our old office. Basecamp is a fresh start, so we’ll be encouraging people to experiment and to identify innovations that can be incorporated into our permanent office space. We have an office full of talented people, so we can’t wait to see what ideas start to emerge.’ ‘We wanted to demonstrate that a modest budget does not need to constrain you; it can actually make the creative process and outcomes much more interesting and innovative,’ Ross Burgoyne, Design Lead and Senior Associate at Gensler, considers.
Case Study |
I TA L I A NEW SEATING BY TRIUMPHFURNITURE.COM T : 01685 352222 SALES@TRIUMPHFURNITURE.COM @TRIUMPH1946
In Short Gensler has 44 locations and more than 5,000 professionals across Asia, Europe, Australia, Middle East and the Americas. Founded in 1965, the firm serves more than 3,500 active clients. Clients include 13 of the 15 highest grossing law firms globally and nine of the top 10 US commercial banks.
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Case Study |
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Case Study | Gensler
Left: Using simple sheet materials and avoiding building any physical barriers allows Gensler to change the space over time Below: The space proves that you can deliver an intelligent, engaging and creative space on a small budget
We have an office full of talented people, so we can’t wait to see what ideas start to emerge
‘We approached the design of our temporary space with a start-up mentality rather than that of a global firm. To be strategic about where and how we spent money, what elements we would need in the space initially and to avoid designing in any barriers that would hamper future change and experimentation. The interiors are utilitarian, but it does not feel cheap – we used simple, honest materials to create a functional environment that doesn’t take itself too seriously. ‘The result is a space that we can adapt and evolve during our time here. Basecamp is an actively developing concept that we will experiment with, rather than a final design. In fact, how it looks now should be very different from how it will look a few months down the line.’ Not only does Basecamp provide Gensler with a space befitting a leading global player, it also represents the serious talent the firm boasts in London. This might well be the least temporary looking temporary space we’ve ever seen.
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Review | MixInspired
Leading from the Front 70 | Mix 180 January 2018
We at Mix Media spend a good deal of our time ‘putting people together’, whether metaphorically, through the magazine and online, or actually, through our events. Of these events, Mixology may be the most recognisable (do have a look at page 94 to see the great interaction we’re able to create on a grand scale). Another event is our MixInspired seminar programme, which does quite a different job. Now in its third year, the aim for MixInspired was to create a platform for us to consider some of the bigger issues facing the interior design industry.
Above left to right: our MixInspired panellist’s Ciara Keeling, Director of Asset Management at Bruntwood, Jenny Rickus, Head of Workplace Experience at TalkTalk and Matthew Kennedy, CEO & Founder at Avenue HQ
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ur ninth MixInspired took us to Manchester and our focus for this afterwork affair was to consider who is leading the Workplace Revolution and what consumes their working day. To help, we assembled a panel of end user clients who had all recently been through the rigors of creating a workplace fit for the 21st century. It is now commonly accepted in the interior design sector that we are going through changes, the likes of which we have not seen before. For example, the technological advances in the workplace have been so profound in recent years that, if you haven’t already embraced them, there is a danger of being left behind. We think the next tech focus will be the monitoring of staff and their work habits – expect this to be less intrusive and very quickly the norm. Technology aside, the most significant change for many people is our view of employees. Business leaders are becoming more humancentric in their approach for a number of reasons. Firstly,
unemployment in the UK is at its lowest since 1975 and employment rates are at nearly 75%, the highest since comparable records began. Secondly, there is the power of communication. In just the way that young people in particular are alerting the world about their latest meal, they are also telling their friends about their wonderful new workplace. Thirdly, after the most recent financial crisis, every business changed; the most obvious change was a more customer-focused approach – customer service improved overnight as businesses aimed to survive. This same focus is increasingly being used when business leaders consider their staff. In his excellent new book, The Human Workplace, Andy Swann suggests that ‘providing the best possible experience for your customers will create loyalty and brand advocacy, this same approach is exactly the same with the experience you provide to your employees. Building your amazing human
Building your amazing human workplace is like building an app, platform or system. If it doesn’t meet the need for its end users in a sufficiently accessible way, they won’t use it!
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Review |
RECOGNISING THE NEED IS THE PRIMARY CONDITION FOR DESIGN CHARLES EAMES
Designers & Manufacturers o f Wo r k s p a c e F u r n i t u r e www.gof.co.uk
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Review | MixInspired
workplace is like building an app, platform or system. If it doesn’t meet the need for its end users in a sufficiently accessible way, they won’t use it!’ The venue for our MixInspired event was Manchester Hall. After two years of refurbishment, this former Freemasons Hall has been turned into a multifunctional event space. A wonderful old building given a very tasteful new lease of life One of the early questions we asked our panel – which comprised Bruntwood's Ciara Keeling, TalkTalk's Jenny Rickus and Avenue HQ's Matthew Kennedy – was what they loved about their jobs. We were not surprised to hear that all of them enjoyed the variety of their roles and focus on people. Ciara was quizzed about the Neo Building, a 12-storey, 1970’s office block. She explained that the journey started about two years ago, when Bruntwood had that rarest of things – an entire building available. As those in the know will be all too aware, Bruntwood are keen to look at things differently and they saw this former Bank of England outpost as an opportunity to react to the changes in the market. When asked what was the single biggest difference to their normal approach to serviced offices, Ciara was quick to point out the shared space – a space that, under normal circumstances, would have been allocated to feeearning clients. This shared space is designed to be used by the myriad of clients at Neo as a community space. Asked if the use of a communal space will be used
As those in the know will be all too aware, Bruntwood are keen to look at things differently and they saw this former Bank of England outpost an opportunity to react to the changes in the market
in future Bruntwood projects, the response was an overwhelming ‘Yes’. Creating communities and shared spaces for both Avenue HQ and TalkTalk were central to the plans of Matthew and Jenny. We recently visited TalkTalk and were shown around what was arguably the most impressive space in the building – the top floor. With amazing views, perhaps in the past this space would have been used by the upper echelons of power. However, today it is the staff canteen for TalkTalk. Jenny told us that ‘Bringing people together and working in a collaborative way’ was key to their initial objective. Matthew explained that his background was creating incubator communities in both Liverpool and London. Whilst the term incubator has somewhat faded, the word community has certainly not. Matthew’s experience working with smaller, fast-growing companies helped him shape the idea for Avenue HQ. Initially in discussions with the developer Neptune, Matthew teamed up with RBH Properties to develop the co-working concept. He was aware that young businesses wanted support in the areas where they lacked expertise. He was also acutely aware that once a business ‘flew the nest’ from the usual serviced office environment, being on its own, often in a small office, could be a lonely existence. Therefore, as he told our audience, he wanted to create a community where businesses could share experiences, ideas and ultimately grow; crucially paying for only the things they needed. Seeing as our panellists have all experienced the fact that pushing the boundaries comes with challenges, we asked for their own stories. Jenny told the audience about the TalkTalk team’s journey. Along with a team including Nigel Sullivan, her former boss (now Chief People Officer, Bupa), they aimed to get all their staff from two facilities into one within two years – and they did this with virtually no staff leaving. TalkTalk’s offices provide a very open environment both physically and with their work
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Review | MixInspired
Sponsored By
practices. Jenny told us that initially there was some resistance by a few of the more senior managers to the new looser form of management – but those concerns soon disappeared after seeing the benefits. Interestingly, Matthew cited technology as one of his biggest challenges. His desire to create a community environment where all businesses could benefit from one another required a different approach to communicating with each other. One of Ciara’s initial challenges with Neo was the reception. There was insufficient room in the entrance to have a suitable community area, so they created a wonderful spiral staircase that takes guests to the ‘café area’, where they are met in a very welcoming environment. Interestingly, the staircases also take centre stage at TalkTalk, acting as a means of transport between floors but also as a great way to reduce the barriers between them. We talked about the future and Matthew revealed that, as we spoke, Avenue HQ was being developed in Leeds – a 32,000 sq ft new workplace that will complete later this year. As with all our panellists, Matthew was very open in saying the lessons learnt in Liverpool would help the Leeds development. When asked, Ciara said that Neo took two years to develop – so it’s hardly surprising that workplace thinking has moved on. She explained that part of her asset plan is to ensure all the buildings she is responsible for are being constantly monitored and adjusted to suit the needs of their future clients. The subject of how you measure success, postrefurbishment, was raised. For Jenny it was relatively straightforward: ’If you start to get a feel that they are happier, then they are more productive… countless people come to me and tell me they can get more done.’ Jenny also told us that they measure success through the Great Place To Work survey – which, as you would expect, improved results since the relocation.
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In one of our earlier MixInspired events in Cardiff, the delightful and very experienced Matt Philips from Knight Frank told our audience that, as little as five years ago, those making decisions about the workplace (moving or refurbishment) were generally finance executives. If we needed any more proof, it is once again clear from those on our panel that not only are the decision makers changing, but also their focus has moved away from the purely financial to a people-centric approach. Clearly a building remains a financial asset, therefore making a decision about any grand interior design project has to be balanced with the value of the building. However, what is clear from Bruntwood’s Neo was that they believed giving up a valuable revenue earning space to what is in essence a lounge scheme was a strategic risk worth taking. Neo’s full occupancy and happy clients suggest that they got it very right.
If you start to get a feel that they are happier, then they are more productive… countless people come to me and tell me they can get more done
Review | MixInspired
Mix 180 January 2018 | 75
Preview | Surface Design Show
SURFACE WITH A SMILE
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urface Design Show returns to London’s Business Design Centre (6–8 February), showcasing the newest and best surfaces the design industry has to offer. Connecting innovative and exciting materials with an audience of architects, specifiers and designers, SDS is the only event in the UK that focuses solely on interior and exterior surfaces. For more than 10 years the show has been the place where industry people immerse themselves in the latest materials for the built environment, gain new insights and network with like-minded designers, architects and suppliers. From exquisite handcrafted surfaces to the latest technological advances in architectural lighting, over 170 exhibitors will highlight the very best in surface design. Returning exhibitors include V4 Wood Flooring, Rimex Metals and Grestec Tiles – whilst new exhibitors include Bolton Textiles, Daedalian Glass and SoundSpace. Surface Design Show 2018 will once again have a packed programme of events all designed to inspire and engage. The Opening Night Debate, organised in association with the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and New London Architecture (NLA), will highlight the issues facing young Londoners as they seek to become homeowners. RIBA President Ben Derbyshire will lead a panel of experts debating the topic, ‘A crisis for the next generation – is London just for the wealthy?’ Peter Murray, Chairman & Co-Founder of NLA, will chair the event, which takes place on Tuesday evening. The ever-popular PechaKucha Evening – hosted by Phil Coffey of Coffey Architects takes place on Wednesday evening. An informal and fun presentation of inspirational slides, the confirmed line-up includes Hannah Corlett, David Kohn and Jessica Reynolds. The show will have a focus on the Residential and Transport sectors. TV Presenter Naomi Cleaver will host ‘Every dream home: materiality and the democracy of ideas’, with speakers Giacomo Ribolla of Johnson Ribolla, Carl Turner from Carl Turner Architects and Meriel Scott from Precious McBane. Surface Spotlight Live, which debuted in 2016, is an exciting opportunity for architects and designers to discover the newest and best materials in the industry. Trend expert Sally Angharad, Treniq – an international interiors network – and Colour Hive, who forecast trends and colours, will collectively curate the 2018 display. Debuting in 2017, Stone Gallery reflects the rapidly growing stone market in the UK and the important relationship between stone and surface design. Officially supported by Stone Federation GB, the first Stone Gallery attracted exhibitors from Europe and beyond, all looking to link up with the international architects and designers who make London the worlds’ design hub.
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Above left: BluePrint ceramics Stand 202 Above: FINSA Stand 210 Below: Damzer UK Stand 216
Preview | Surface Design Show
Above left and above: Pintark by LOCO Design - Stand 370 Far left: James Lathham Stand 208 Left: Soundtech Stand 168
Now in its fifth year, Light School, presented by The Light Collective and supported by the Institution of Lighting Professionals, is the home of architectural lighting and allows architects and designers to touch, compare and learn about innovative lighting and technology products. Confirmed exhibitors include Optelma, Evans Turner, Applelec, F-Light and Pixalux. The Surface Design Awards celebrate amazing examples of progressive design and the use of innovative surfaces in projects both in the UK and internationally. The finalists of this year’s Surface Design Awards have been announced, unveiling some of the best projects from across the globe that feature innovative and exciting materials and surfaces. The shortlist of impressive projects ranges from internationally renowned museums to personal residential projects. The judging panel was co-chaired by Tina Norden, of Conran and Partners, and Ab Rogers of Ab Rogers Design. The judges included Jenny Jones of Studio Jenny Jones, Sacha Leong of Studioilse, Constantina Tsoutsikou of HBA London, Jo Littlefair of Goddard Littlefair, Howard Sullivan of Your Studio and Nir Gilad of Nous Design. 30 projects have been named as finalists, with awards to be given out across 11 categories. Each project was judged on a range of criteria including the type of surface, the use of materials and the aesthetic design. 13 of the shortlisted projects are from the UK, eight of those from London. International finalists include five projects from China, four from Portugal as well as entries from India, Belgium, Lithuania, Taiwan, Hungary, Canada and Italy. Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony – hosted by our very own Mick Jordan – at the show on Thursday 8 February, with the coveted supreme winner also being unveiled.
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Review | Mixology North17 Projects
Northern Lights There’s been an incredible quantity, quality and variety of projects arriving at our door over the past 12 months. Last year there really did feel as though something was really happening – that there was a genuine shift when it came to the size, prestige and design quality of the projects heading our way. While London (as it does!) continued to make the majority of the architectural and design headlines, our heads were turned by the grand schemes and developments taking place outside the capital – in the likes of Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Newcastle and Birmingham. If we take Greater Manchester as a perfect example, there has been a fantastic variety of work for us design journalists to purr over – ranging from forward-thinking public sector projects, through to grand corporate HQ’s, funky co-working spaces, beautiful public space schemes and transformational refurbs, both in the worlds of workplace and hospitality. Mixology North17’s awards entries proved this point perfectly – but don’ take our word for it, have a look for yourselves…
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SMALL COMMERCIAL INTERIORS PROJECT (SUB 15,000 sq ft) 1. 74, Crown House, Sheffield 74 enjoyed this project immensely as it gave them the opportunity to create a high-end student environment and push the boundaries of the norm in student accommodation with a series of stunning communal spaces. 74 wanted to further bridge the gap between hospitality and co-working.
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2. Absolute Commercial Interiors, Engage, Leeds The open-plan Lux desking embraces the creative working environment that Engage have adopted. Bright colours, collaboration spaces and quirky features truly make this one of the most exciting offices in Leeds. Artificial grass flooring and auditorium seating sit alongside different spaces to suit different modes of work.
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3. AWW, BBC, Hull As partner of the City of Culture 2017, the BBC commissioned AWW to modernise the ground floor of their Hull studios. The upgrading of the internal and public spaces required longevity in design and delivery of long-term functionality, providing a distinctive entrance and reception for BBC Radio Humberside.
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4. Aztec Interiors, Avenue HQ, Liverpool Designed to impress, the space is unique and versatile yet functional and comfortable; a place where businesses can make great things happen. This is now the most popular collaborative space in Liverpool, with studio space completely let within weeks.
5. Bridge Architects, 111 Piccadilly, Manchester The project encompasses the partial refurbishment of this existing 1960’s office building at reception, first and third floor levels, including whole building staircases, WC’s and common parts. Existing spaces have been transformed to provide a new reception, lounge, meeting rooms, informal meeting areas, with coworking and serviced office suites. 6. ege carpets, Jaywing, Sheffield Gently guided by interior architecture specialists from 93ft and ege carpets, Jaywing changed their original perception of tiles being the ideal solution when renovating the new office space as part of a bigger rejuvenation of the Sheffield area, opting instead for broadloom. The major advantage of choosing broadloom is the custom design possibility, offering a tailor-made pattern, underlining the rustic and industrial neighborhood in both colour and pattern. 7. FWP Rheged Petrol Filling Station, Penrith The filling station at Rheged underwent a huge transformation in a very short space of time, due to the tight deadline set by the client. Remodelling the space allowed for an improved retail area, which enabled the client to showcase and ultimately sell more delicious homemade food. 8. HLM, InterContinental Hotel, Park Lane Basement Office, London The existing basement car park at the InterContinental Hotel was transformed into high quality office accommodation. The challenge was to create a light, dynamic and inspiring place to work from the existing layout and position. This was overcome by introducing natural elements in the finishes, materials and imagery. 9. NoChintz, Sleeper, Stockport The brief was to create a modern working environment with key zoned areas, dynamic spaces and smart
working solutions. NoChintz were challenged to create bespoke units to store and display the infinite coffee table books the teams have collected over the years, in particular the many back-issues of magazines, all with a subtle nod to the building's history. 10. SpaceInvader, Hilson Moran, Manchester The first WELL accredited workplace in the North of England, the project was a partnership with Hilson Moran to relocate and design their new offices in Manchester. 11. SpaceInvader, Penketh, Manchester Penketh approached SpaceInvader in November 2016 to design a new home for their sales team. The project saw the implementation of an agile workspace, whilst providing a unique space to showcase their products. 12. Spatial Office Environments, Spatial HQ, Altrincham The new showroom in Altrincham is a beautiful, understated work of art. It successfully exhibits a multitude of fit-out and furniture solutions in one subtly elegant and cohesive scheme. The design quality and innovation on display is outstanding. 13. RFD Interior Architecture, RRADAR The Beacon, Hull With a CEO who says he is going to ‘break the law and succeed’, RFD knew this would be an interesting project. Graffiti, bonsai garden rooms, putting green, swings...RFD has implemented a unique project for rapidly growing tech-based law firm, Rradar. 14. Ultimate (Commercial Interiors), Skipton Building Society, Silsden As one of the largest employers in Skipton, the Society has a genuine commitment to the town and its economy by using local suppliers. The concept for The Atrium was borne out of their desire to create an enhanced working environment for their staff, introducing breakout spaces and collaborative working zones.
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Review |
COLOUR COMPOSITIONS Harmonious and balanced or challenging and unexpected, explore colour and form with each individual floor composition. Colour Compositions - a new collection of carpet planks, offered in 75 colour choices.
T +44 (0)1942 612777 www.millikencarpet.com 80 | Mix 180 January 2018
Review |
Artwork by Ditty Ketting Netherlands, b.1952 Untitled 375, Courtesy of Rocket Gallery, London
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Review | Mixology North17 Projects
MEDIUM COMMERCIAL INTERIORS PROJECT (15,000 - 50,000 sq ft) 1
1. Aztec Interiors, Griffiths & Armour, Liverpool Aztec’s fit-out for Griffiths & Armour is both stand-out and professional. But while Aztec appreciates the aesthetic pill of a truly special fit-out, they understand that success is measured on the bottom line. This project is no exception; productivity increased dramatically within weeks, while HR reported an influx of applications. 2. BDP, PwC, Leeds The PwC Leeds office provides a dynamic and vibrant workplace for its staff with a new business approach and exciting interior landscape. The scheme captures the forwardthinking movement of the business, with greater occupancy efficiency, better communication across all staff levels and a wider variety of workplace settings. 3. Bridge Architects, Whitehouse, Wilderspool Bridge Architects were responsible for the complete interior refurbishment of the Whitehouse, to provide serviced office accommodation and communal areas. The scope included detail design and concepts for repositioning and re-branding of the Bruntwood offer to customers.
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4. Contents Design, Formica European HQ, Newcastle Contents Design's interior scheme for Formica’s new European HQ is a truly holistic approach to interior design. Contents Design used Formica’s product range across the scheme to create a living exhibit of Formica product, which transforms the workplace for both staff and visitor.
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5. HLM, Derwent House, Mott MacDonald, Sheffield HLM were approached by Mott MacDonald to re-locate their Sheffield office and create a landmark space. The new facility provides contemporary office space, mixing natural elements with clean lines and quality furniture. The feature central shared area opens out, creating a 'community hall' social space for clients and staff. 6. OBI Property, Myerson Solicitors LLP, Altrincham OBI Property enabled Myerson’s team to come together under one roof for the first time. OBI designed the space specifically to encourage collaboration and integration, to enhance and complement the Myerson company values and to provide a flexible environment to bring out the best in the team. 7. Paragon Interiors Group, PKF Cooper Parry, Blythe Valley The only ‘bull’ you’ll see from ‘rebel accountants’ PKF Cooper Parry is the giant pink one in reception. On a mission to ‘Disrupt, Lead and Make Life Count’, their brief was simple – ‘think of an accountant’s office and do the opposite’. Welcome to a brave new world – welcome to ‘Parrydise’.
8. Powell Office Style, Midland Metro Alliance, Birmingham A stunning transformation of offices within an iconic Grade II tower block in Birmingham city centre has created a vibrant, inclusive, productive and efficient new home for Midland Metro Alliance. Space has been cleverly zoned into work, collaborative and socialising areas, with an intuitive navigation between each, which supports communication and concentration. The space is used by both remote and office based workers, while the design assists integration and respect. 9. Saracen Interiors, Sirius Minerals, Scarborough Saracen Interiors delivered the impressive fit-out and refurbishment of Sirius Minerals' new company headquarters. The project included the installation of suspended ceilings, flooring, furniture, a kitchen and breakout areas, collaborative working spaces and a new reception layout, complete with a bespoke reception desk and living wall. 10. Smith Brothers, Waters Informatics, Romania With the size of their workforce doubling, Waters Corporation asked Smith Brothers to design their new Informatics facility in Romania. Close observation and collaboration with the local team resulted in a truly flexible and inspiring workplace that caters for the software developer's way of working.
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Review | Mixology North17 Projects
MEDIUM COMMERCIAL INTERIORS PROJECT (15,000 - 50,000 sq ft) 11. SoVibrant, Bruntwood Platform, Leeds SoVibrant were delighted to be able to support Bruntwood with the exciting development of ‘Platform’ – the former ‘City House’ landmark building in Leeds, with the creation of a new concept for their serviced office and co-working offering. In an extremely competitive market, the creation of an innovative space was critical to attracting all types of businesses. 12. SpaceInvader, SkyBet, Leeds SpaceInvader was tasked with helping Sky Betting and Gaming design and develop their new flagship digital office in Leeds. The company’s success had meant an increase in recruitment, putting a major strain on their existing office space.
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13. tp bennett, DLA Piper, Manchester DLA Piper’s new Manchester office, which includes a professional client suite and an office floor, balances the firm’s need for privacy in the legal sector with a contemporary and progressive working environment. The final design is about inclusivity, enabling the whole team to interact more. 14. Ward Robinson, NBS, The Old Post Office, Newcastle A new lease of life has been breathed into this iconic listed building, preserving its use for the future and making it fit for purpose as the headquarters of digitally focused organisation, NBS. The result is an inspiring and exciting environment with a diverse mix of agile work settings. 15. Ward Robinson, True Potential LLP, Newcastle To accommodate the client's meteoric growth and bring the individual parts of the business together with a consistent brand aesthetic, this scheme was developed to balance the demands of the visiting London City client base while being the employer of choice, holding onto their business ethos of 'Simple, effective, unique'.
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Review |
MAKING SPACES INTO PLACES www.forbo-flooring.co.uk/spheraevolution
creating better environments
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Review | Mixology North17 Projects
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(50,00 SQ FT) 1. AECOM, Bristol-Myers Squibb Business Services, Chester Bristol-Myers Squibb Chester provides high knowledge-based capabilities and services across multiple disciplines. The workplace drives a culture and working environment that benefits patients and enables people to connect; driving faster problem solving and decision making. 2. 74, Elgin Place, Glasgow Originally designed as a hotel, the scheme was adapted by 74 to create a student accommodation like no other. A journey is created over seven floors of amenity, through a stunning atrium, culminating in a roof terrace overlooking the Victorian skyline. The interior design draws influence from Glasgow’s industrial past. 3. BDP, The Bright Building, Manchester The vision was to create a community that thrives on open innovation; an exceptional place where great ideas can come to life through openness and collaboration. A place that stirs curiosity; where the ground floor belongs to the wider MSP community, visitors and the casual passer-by for pleasure, collaboration and meetings. 4. Bridge Architects, Neo, Manchester Bridge Architects were responsible for the complete exterior and interior refurbishment of the former Bank
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House building on Charlotte Street, Manchester. A complete re-think of a 1970’s office block, the building has been completely re-imagined and transformed into a flexible and contemporary workplace. 5. CPMG Architects, Biosciences Discovery, Nottingham The impressive scheme complemented the elegant and sustainable intention for the project, in which the laboratories blended seamlessly with the offices and meeting rooms for the client. The laboratories are a strong and striking facility with an underlining scientific element, which showcase the design to each different end user.
6. Fairhursts Design Group, Thales Innovation Centre, Crawley The project was an internal development of an existing office shell into one of Thales’ primary headquarters. This multifunctional development includes high-spec laboratories, a restaurant and a customer suite and innovation centre, with space to both work and relax. 7. Heatons Office Interiors with AEW Architects, Stockport Homes Group HQ, Stockport The scheme involves a complete furniture installation of UK manufacturers, to provide an exciting and interesting enviroment for staff and public alike for a company with a
social conscience. Bringing together staff from various sites, the furniture solutions cleverly mediate the challenges that this presented. 8. KKA Interiors, True Student, Glasgow A truly creative and collaborative approach was taken by KKA Interiors' client, True, when developing this flagship student accommodation in Glasgow. KKA was instrumental in developing not just the brand but the physical manifestation of its core value. 9. SoVibrant, Co-Operative Bank HQ, Manchester SoVibrant has worked with The
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9 Co-Operative Bank for several years during difficult financial and reputational challenges as well as separation from the Co-Op Group. Having worked in partnership with the Bank to understand the strategic objectives and target operating model, SoVibrant has been instrumental in the alignment of this with the future estate strategy and design of Balloon Street – the Bank’s new HQ. 10. tp bennett, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, Manchester tp bennett has implemented a bold new design at Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer’s Global Centre at One New Bailey. The flexible design rejects the
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traditional legal office blueprint to offer a more progressive and agile working environment that encourages collaboration and supports its staff. 11. TSK, EQ4, AJ Bell’s HQ, Salford TSK was asked to create a new HQ for AJ Bell to provide the best possible environment for employees and to support business growth and priorities. Challenges included in-situ tenants, no noise from 6am- 6pm and remaining true to AJ Bell’s guiding principles throughout. The result is a workplace that puts employee wellbeing at the heart of everything – and a delighted client!
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Review | Mixology North17 Projects
PUBLIC SECTOR INTERIORS PROJECT
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4 1. CPMG Architects, Teesside Library, Teesside The Teesside Library refurbishment provides a variety of collaborative environments to encourage innovative use and thinking. The concept is to ‘bring the outside in’ as an antidote to the stark exposed concrete structure. This is achieved through a seasonal palette of colours, which contribute towards an engaging and fun social environment. 2. CPMG Architects, Loughborough STEM, Loughborough The new build for the Loughborough University STEM building was designed to be a student focused learning environment that would
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6 4. CPMG Architects, DSU Campus Centre, Leicester The Campus Centre has been refurbished to create a state-of-theart new home for DSU, improving the student experience. The ground floor features Milly Lane’s cafe and DSU shops. Level 1 includes more welcoming student services and extra breakout space for students to study, chat and relax. 5. Heckmondwike, University of Chester, Chester The University of Chester required the refurbishment of its flooring in the main teaching and communal areas to inspire and attract the next generation of students. Colour was important in
this project, which led to the choice of Heckmondwike's Array and Broadrib carpets in complementary shades to reflect the University’s branding. 6. KKA Interiors, Student Union Spaces for Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool KKA Interiors was asked to create a radically new image for the Student Union through the formation of a series of highly flexible 'pic 'n’ mix' Hub Spaces at LJMU. The scheme draws heavily on Liverpool’s rich heritage of creative art and music, pop-up café culture and great public parks, overlaid with a heavy dose of inspired student engagement.
Review |
PerfectSense Topmatt Laminate: A luxury matt surface, designed to look good for longer. www.egger.com/laminate
Look good for longer with our award winning PerfectSense Topmatt laminate. Velvet to the touch, this smooth surface is anti-fingerprint and micro scratch-resistant giving a premium, on trend matt finish. Ideal for horizontal surfaces in high-traďŹƒc areas, the hard-wearing laminate is well suited to kitchens, oďŹƒces and hotels. Available in nine decors with matching PerfectSense Matt MDF lacquered boards and edging. Featured decor: U961 PT Graphite Grey.
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Review | Mixology North17 Projects
HOTEL INTERIORS PROJECT
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1. DV8 Designs, The Stanneylands, Wilmslow The Stanneylands involved the redevelopment of the entire historic mansion house and grounds. The creative overhaul transformed the rebrand to bring out the 'Best of British', adding a subtle touch of contemporary country charm and enhancing its timeless elegance to complement the original historic charm. 2. KONCEPT Interior Design, Novotel Canary Wharf, London
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Novotel Canary Wharf is a stylish 39-storey hotel, which boasts 313 rooms and 26 individually designed suites. The hoel also comprises a state-of-the-art gym and pool, nine fully equipped meeting rooms, a contemporary restaurant, bar and roof terrace – complete with panoramic views across London. 3. NoChintz, The Masons Arms Hotel, Louth The whole hotel has been given a contemporary twist on an art deco design, with dark colours, soft velvets,
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brass and marble echoing its elegant past and complementing its original features. Geometry has been used as a consistent theme throughout, juxtaposed by soft planting, bringing an air of luxury. 4. NoChintz, Lews Castle, Stornoway NoChintz has been working with Natural Retreats to bring the unique Lews Castle back to life as a notable hospitality destination. With fabrics woven on the island, British and Scandinavian furniture brands were
paired to deliver a contemporary yet appropriate vision for this Scottish castle. 5. SpaceInvader, Bruntwood Hall, Stockport The Oddfellows Group appointed SpaceInvader in 2015 to design its new hotel in Cheadle, Stockport. The 19th century mansion had never been used as a hotel before but has now been transformed into a 22-bedroom boutique hotel complete with six suites, a destination restaurant, cocktail bar, event space and spa.
JOURNEY Review |
2017 OUR
Showroom Explore new creative ideas and furniture
OUR Work
Delivering workplace projects month after month
OUR
Award Winning Team We are delighted to have won Furniture Provider of the year, and our team made it possible
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Review | Mixology North17 Projects
LEISURE INTERIOR PROJECT
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3 2 1. Absolute Commercial Interiors, Legends Club, Leeds United, Leeds The combination of leather banquette seating, white honed marble tables, quartz serving counter and bespoke joinery provide the Legends Club suite with a new lease of life. The transformation of the space has modernised the club's hospitality facilities and revolutionised the match day experience. 2. Absolute Commercial Interiors, The Man Behind the Curtain, Leeds The brand new restaurant venue has been developed by Absolute in a disused basement space and features Stucco and Stucco polished concrete walls, Lapacida porcelain floor tiles, Italian book match marble surfaces and a full Charvet kitchen suite, made to order and imported from France. 3. Fasciato Architects, Artisan RV Restaurant & Bar, Blackburn Fasciato Architects transformed an
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8 existing hotel restaurant into a standalone contemporary restaurant and bar with private dining, roof terrace and outdoor covered dining. They worked closely with their client to develop a concept, resulting in a cool and fresh dining and drinking experience. 4. Fuse, Victoria Gate Casino, Leeds Some five years, 300 drawings and over 25,000 emails later, Victoria Gate opened as one of only eight ‘large' casinos permitted in the UK. The size of 18 tennis courts and at a cost of £30m, the casino, its two bars and restaurant have created more than 200 jobs in the Leeds city region.
9 5. FWP, Galloways Cafe, Morecambe The new facility for Galloways in Morecambe is designed to aid the visually impaired. Using various innovative designs, the hub has had a fantastic impact on Galloways' clients and has changed their lives through the support and advice they are now able to offer. 6. FWP, Everton Football Club, Liverpool The corporate hospitality areas at Everton FC have undergone a major remodel and refurbishment to create a quality fine dining environment for directors and guests. The new interiors have greatly improved the
experience customers receive on match days and has increased the numbers using Everton’s hospitality. 7. KSS, Anfield Main Stand Fan Experience Areas, Liverpool KSS’ designs for the new Main Stand at Anfield celebrate Liverpool FC fans and their unique passion for the club and city. The redevelopment has propelled the club into the 21st century, setting the benchmark for a new stadium experience. Oh Salah! 8. OBI Property, Junkyard Golf Club, Manchester Junkyard Golf Club has taken crazy golf to a whole new level. They feature at least two nine-hole crazy golf
courses, snack food and drinks at each venue, set-off by a highly energetic environment of colour, sound and lighting. The new Manchester venue attracts 3,000 players a week. 9. The Design Practice by UBER, House of Evelyn, Manchester The Design Practice by UBER has masterminded a destination luxury beauty salon in the heart of Manchester. The property integrates the latest technology alongside indulgent design features. Climate controlled zones protect the acoustics of the salon. Mood lighting, temperature controls and bespoke surfaces create a premium ambience for visiting clients.
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Review | Mixology North17
HEART AND SOUL With a sophisticated winter theme, a full fairground inside and breathtaking acrobats performing from Manchester Central’s ceiling, guests at Mixology North 17 were more spoilt than the ambassador’s Ferrero Rocher munching friends! Even superstar DJ Craig Charles, who brought his awesome Funk & Soul show to Mixology North, couldn’t prise some guests out of the Dodgems or Waltzer, although the dancefloor remained heaving – especially once the cocktails and fizz took hold! The multiple award winners on the night were Bridge Architects and Milliken, who both scooped a brace of gongs on our 10th anniversary. This was by far in a way the largest Mixology North to date, with numbers up from 670 last year to an incredible 950, while we’re also delighted to report that we received record numbers of awards entries and, in our humbled opinion, the highest standard of entries we’ve ever placed in front of our expert judging panel. Thank you to all our guests, our sponsors, to all those companies who entered the awards and to everyone who gave their support, time, efforts and no little talent to help raise the Mixology North bar even further!
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Review |
Drumback Task Chair Design: Martin Ballendat
Your Seating Companion. Proud winner of the „Mixology task furniture product of the year 2017“ award. For more information contact us at 07769 88 33 35 or visit www.viasit.co.uk
Review | Mixology North17
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The judges thought that Drumback by Viasit was the perfect chair in the perfect price bracket. It was agreed that the comfort of Drumback is exceptional – as are its standards on sustainability and innovation. Congratulations Viasit!
Viasit – Drumback
PRODUCT OF THE YEAR - TASK FURNITURE
The judges were incredibly impressed with the terrific finishes of EGGER’s PerfectSense Top Matt Laminate entry, along with the range of colours that are offered. The judges commented further, stating how PerfectSense not only looks robust, but is perfect for an active workplace. Congratulations on the win EGGER!
Congratulations Milliken! The judges agreed that Colour Compositions by Milliken was a very strong entry and commented not only on the design originality of the carpet, but also its flexibility and sustainability credentials.
The judges agreed that Milliken have had a fantastic year. They went on to say it is great to see a company putting their money where their mouth is, with serious investment shown. The panel was impressed by the projects that Milliken are winning and the project launches they’ve had over the past year. They are clearly a company that listen to the market.
Milliken Sponsored By Penketh Group
MANUFACTURER OF THE YEAR
PRODUCT OF THE YEAR - SURFACES EGGER UK – PerfectSense Top Matt Laminate Sponsored By Ikon Furniture
PRODUCT OF THE YEAR - FLOORING
Milliken – Colour Compositions Sponsored By Gresham
Aztec Interiors – Avenue HQ Sponsored By Connection The judges were massively impressed with the Avenue HQ project from Aztec Interiors, stating that this was a highly creative project which had been executed fabulously. The judges added that the project had a cool, industrial effect without being cold and unwelcoming.
Patternistas Sponsored By Ultimate (Commercial Interiors) The judges loved the design confidence by the Patternistas – adding that 'they don’t play it safe, which is great to see'. Their designs are not only nicely produced, by they think about why they are being produced – there is intelligence and integrity behind this husband and wife team.
SMALL COMMERCIAL INTERIORS PROJECT OF THE YEAR
Well done ophelis! The judges were very impressed with Sum by ophelis and how it can be uniquely configured into an ideal format for the user Another impressive feature our judges likes was the small footprint of Sum and how flexible it can be, without looking overly-flexible.
ophelis – Sum Sponsored By Camira
PRODUCT OF THE YEAR - LOOSE FURNITURE
PRODUCT DESIGNER/DESIGN TEAM OF THE YEAR
The judges felt that Colebrook Bosson Saunders’ Ollin was a standout winner, with it being a progressive and audacious design in a crowded market. Our judges went on to describe Ollin as brilliantly engineered, good value for money and a future proofing product.
Colebrook Bosson Saunders – Ollin Sponsored By Johnson Tiles
PRODUCT OF THE YEAR - LIGHTING, TECHNOLOGY & INTERIOR ACCESSORIES
MIXOLOGY NORTH 17 WINNERS
The judges were extremely impressed with the Elgin Place project by 74 as they managed to create a winning project within budget. The judges thought that the interiors flowed beautifully, with a variety of functions that have been tied together really well.
HOTEL INTERIORS PROJECT OF THE YEAR Koncept Interior Design– Novotel Canary Wharf Sponsored By hansgrohe
The judges were highly complementary about the end result of the Whitehouse – commenting on how the scheme itself is so contemporary, yet respectful to the traditional building. They agreed that Bridge had done a great job of turning a residential building into a workplace.
LEISURE INTERIORS PROJECT OF THE YEAR
KKS – Anfield Main Stand Fan Experience Areas
The judges felt that the project for Novotel in Canary Wharf had been executed extremely well. The scheme has moved away from the brand standard, with Koncept ID pushing the boundaries of the design, creating a warm feel throughout. The judges agreed that the project was beautifully designed.
74 – Elgin Place, Glasgow Sponsored By Forbo Flooring Systems
Bridge Architects– Whitehouse, Wilderspool Sponsored By Alea Office
The judges were in awe of this project by KKS, commenting how the design has created a great atmosphere and improved the overall experience for the customer. The judges agreed that the finished project is very difficult to create in such a busy hospitality environment, but KKS executed it brilliantly. Congratulations KKS!
LARGE COMMERCIAL INTERIORS PROJECT OF THE YEAR
MEDIUM COMMERCIAL INTERIORS PROJECT OF THE YEAR
The judges identified that Bridge have had an incredibly strong year and admired how understated they were, ensuring consistent quality and care in their work. The judges felt that Bridge's designers respect the space they are designing. Well done Bridge on a second win of the night!
Bridge Architects Sponsored By KI
DESIGN PRACTICE OF THE YEAR
The judges loved the Peaks & Plains scheme, commenting on the impressive financial model of the project. The judges agreed that the project has been given a ‘private sector’ feel to what had been known as a very traditional public sector setting.
BAND Architects – Peaks & Plains Sponsored By Orangebox
PUBLIC SECTOR INTERIORS PROJECT OF THE YEAR
The judges were amazed by Penketh Group and how they are still so relevant today as a 40-year-old company. The judges were clearly impressed by Penketh’s reinvention of themselves and how they are still a popular choice. Their growth over the past year has been fantastic but, as mentioned by the judges, they also have a genuine, caring side about them. A massive well done to Penketh Group!
Penketh Group Sponsored By Colebrook Bosson Saunders
FURNITURE PROVIDER OF THE YEAR
THE PHOTOBOOTH Sponsored by
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Design
your own!
Get Inspired! Create and custom design your USM furniture to fit your workspace using our online configurator.
www.usm.com
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USM U. Schaerer Sons Ltd 49 – 51 Central St London EC1V 8AB 020 7183 3470 180info.uk@usm.com January 2018 | 101
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SELECTIONS Pixel Perfect Pattern at Clark Thomson Brokers Pattern and Pixel carpet tiles from modulyss have been used at the offices of Clark Thomson Insurance Brokers. Specified by Amos Beech, the carpet tiles are fitted throughout the reception, hallway, main office spaces and meeting rooms. Chosen in functional grey colourways, Pixel and Pattern are designed to mix and match. Flora Hogg explained another factor in Amos Beech’s specification: 'The offices of Clark Thomson are busy and we needed to make sure that the flooring not only looked right, but that it was also durable enough to withstand daily use without looking tired quickly.' www.modulyss.com
Clean and Vibrant Carpet with Antron Carpet Fibre INVISTA Antron carpet fibre, featuring in Burmatex Hardron carpet tiles, is providing the offices of Quelfire with a high-performance carpet, whilst also reflecting their corporate identity. Made with Antron Lumena carpet fibre, Hadron carpet tiles provide a unique combination of shade and texture, featuring bursts of accent colour that have been used to good effect by office fit-out specialist, Cheshire Office, as part of the refurbishment of Quelfire’s Sandbach offices. Papaya was selected to represent the client’s corporate orange colour, combinined with the tonal grey of titanium. www.antron.eu
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Dulux Trade Paints the way for Special Needs School When Birkett House School in Leicestershire relocated, it required a robust interior paint scheme. With durability leading the specification process, it was the Diamond Matt and Satin Wood ranges from Dulux Trade that were chosen by Design Consultants, Cantoo. The Dulux Trade Diamond Matt range was specified, including the project’s core colours: Forest Floor 3, Morning Jewel 3 and 4, and Wiltshire White. The tough, water based emulsion paint utilises Diamond Technology, making it 10 times tougher than Vinyl Silk and Vinyl Matt ranges. www.duluxtradepaintexpert.co.uk
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SELECTIONS A First for Automatic Partitioning Recently refurbished, Vodafone’s Manchester office is the first building in the UK to combine two electric moveable walls, delivering an entirely automated system for dividing room space quickly and efficiently. Working with architects, CMI Workplace, and main contractor, Overbury, Style was asked to install a fully automatic Dorma Hüppe Moveo Glazed ComfortDrive moveable wall adjacent to a Skyfold – the fully automatic, vertically rising operable wall, which is housed in the ceiling cavity www.style-partitions.co.uk
Ntgrate Woven Vinyl Takes to the Catwalk Home to the global fashion retailer’s technology teams, the Yoox Net-A-Porter Technology Centre covers 70,000 sq m of office space for 500 staff. The centre was designed by leading architects, Grimshaw, with Ntgrate Gentle woven vinyl tiles forming part of a space that embraces adaptability, flexibility and sustainability and delivering a strong textural aesthetic with excellent wear performance and easy maintenance. In total, 900 sq m of Ntgrate Gentle in Remi was supplied and installed by O’Sullivan Flooring. www.quadmod.com
Verco to the Max The Max Collection has been designed to be a sophisticated, but affordable, task chair, perfectly adapted to the latest working practices. In today’s complex workplace, it’s good to keep things as simple as possible, so Max is easy to specify and simple to use. Max’s minimalist aesthetic is ‘lighter’ in form and feel, reflecting the way we work today and, through a combination of inherent strength and visual transparency, the chair maintains a clarity of thought and simplicity of style demanded in today’s agile workplace. www.verco.co.uk
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The Last Word | Opinion
BALANCE VS FLEXIBILITY Tech entrepreneur Glenn Elliott thinks the workplace is pretty dysfunctional – but to makes things better we need to rethink our relationship with work itself.
It’s dysfunctional that, despite spending most of our best waking hours and youthful years at work, most of us accept it as necessary evil, something that, at best, should be tolerated
Glenn Elliott is a tech entrepreneur, exCEO and expert on employee engagement at Reward Gateway. His book, Build it:The Rebel Playbook for Employee Engagement, is published by Wiley in February. glenn@rebelplaybook.com
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ost people hate their jobs. It’s true. In fact, at any one time, about half of us are looking for a new one – even more at this time of the year. Something about returning to a job you don’t love after the festive break is a real catalyst for change. But I’m one of a global minority of less than one in three people who are engaged at work – people who believe in their organisation’s mission or purpose understand how their role supports that mission, and deeply want their organisation to succeed. Most people just don’t feel like that, with work being somewhere they’d prefer not to be. It’s where the whole narrative of work/life balance comes from 'a balance of nice things against the boredom (or worse) of work' It’s where language like 'compensation' originates – we need to be compensated for the loss of life to work and toil. It’s dysfunctional that, despite spending most of our best waking hours and youthful years at work, most of us accept it as necessary evil, something that, at best, should be tolerated. But surely work should be more? I’ve always believed there is something deeply human about working together with others for a common goal – that without meaningful work, life is rather pointless. But most of the time we think of work as a bad place and doing too much of it as a problem or a disease – it even has a name: workaholic! But, I ask, do we think of Florence Nightingale as having worked too hard? Should she have had more work/life balance? What about a concert pianist or acrobat – should we ask them only to play or practice between 9am and 6pm or otherwise be accused of being an unhealthy workaholic? The dysfunction is also visible in our relationship with the physical workplace. For many of us, the need to be in a particular space has long been eradicated by technology. Thanks to the Cloud, laptops and phones, the technology many of us need for work is in our backpack, pocket or handbag. The workplace has a role in collaboration, sure, but even then, only to collaborate
with those based in the same location – surely limited for any of us working in and across global teams. Despite the rapidly changing needs and opportunities at work, we struggle terribly with the idea of flexibility. We think of flexible working as a benefit or perk to be requested and granted or withdrawn. But flexible working shouldn’t be seen as a benefit to the worker – it should be seen as essential to the organisation. To not fully embrace flexible working means you’re embracing – or at least clinging on to – 'inflexible working'. Inflexible working – the status quo for many – is the idea that your work environment should be static regardless of the needs of your task, role or project. It creates wholly unnecessary and unproductive stresses. Productive stress, up to a point, is good for us – the drive to get a project to a certain stage or the drive to win the deal are productive stresses because good outcomes come from them. Unproductive stresses have no positive results – you want to have your head down to get that contract/tender/code written and you know the best place to get that done is your bedroom/ kitchen/coffee shop/hotel lobby – but your office rules or politics say you have to have to waste four hours of the day battling through commuter traffic to get to a particular location for a particular time. Or you’re an early riser whose best time is 5am – but work only counts if you start at 9am. Old fashioned workplace rules and design are used to mask or excuse a myriad of problems in the relationship we have with work. Being unable to trust staff that you can’t see is not a reason to force your staff to be within eyesight, it’s a reason to re-examine your whole workplace culture, from job design through to communications, management and leadership. Workplace, workspace, whatever we’re calling it now, has a critical role in enabling people to do great work or, more commonly, disabling them from it. But it cannot right the wrongs of a dysfunctional working system by itself – for that we need to fundamentally reevaluate our relationship with work.
T: 0161 402 3340 E: hello@opus-4.com
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This stylish monitor arm, arguably one of the slimmest of its type on the market today, has been awarded FIRA’s prestigious Ergonomic Excellence Award and is now supplied with a 10 year extended warranty.
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