[New] SPECIFIER

Designed by Yabu Pushelberg to replicate the natural phenomenon of a cirrus – or a cloud forming wispy, filamentous tufted streaks at high altitude – Lasvit’s new screen system features panes of clouded glass affixed to a freestanding vertical rail, giving the impression of layered organic shapes and hues floating in space. The panels are characterised by soft, imperfect radiuses and moody colours, while the wall references the ice crystals that form the cirrus clouds. Its shades also come from nature; the clouds range in colour from white and grey in bright light to dawn-like blues, purples and dusky pinks at sunrise and sunset. The system similarly changes its effect according to the intensity of the lighting. In daylight, the glass components are more transparent, while in the evening, they create a feeling of intimacy. Cirrus can be used as an independent piece as well as an optical divider of interiors, including restaurants, offices and hotel suites. It is also adjustable to individual needs and adapts to a diverse range of interior purposes. www.lasvit.com

Coco Wolf Tamarindo

Designed and developed by Coco Wolf’s co-founder and Creative Director Rebecca Lorimer, the Tamarindo collection takes cues from the Costa Rican town and comprises a range of outdoor furniture pieces, including a two- or three-seater sofa, a modular sofa, armchair and swivel armchair. The series also offers a footstool, daybed and lounger, together with a dining chair, bar stool and drum chair. Rounding out the range are a dining table, coffee table and bistro table in oval, rectangular and round options. “Tamarindo draws inspiration from Costa Rica’s tropical wonderland of jaw-dropping natural scenery, where nature cradles the soul, inspires new adventures and brings people together outside,” says Lorimer. “With organic curved edges that reflect the natural world, these designs add softness to outdoor areas and create a calming sanctuary – a stylish yet relaxing space where people can unwind.” The elegant flowing lines and sweeping curves mimic forms found in nature, with deep-seated sofas, circular swivel chairs, pebbleshaped footstools and well-rounded drum chairs all designed with comfort in mind. As sustainability is at the core of Coco Wolf’s ethos, the collection also features interchanging seat cushions, recycled fabrics and FSC wood as well as natural materials iroko wood, porcelain and stone. “Like our existing collections, Tamarindo pieces can also be made bespoke,” Lorimer explains. “From tailor-made heights and widths to swivel mechanisms and fixed or adjustable bases, the opportunities are endless.” www.cocowolf.co.uk

Case Study

Kettal W Algarve

Kettal has collaborated with AB Concept to supply a range of furniture products to W Algarve in Portugal. The destination’s curved Benagil caves inspired the flowing design of the hotel’s interior spaces, while a colour palette of blues, aquamarines and turquoise nods to the azure sky and surrounding Atlantic Ocean. Fabrics and surfaces reflect the textures of the region, with curated art and lighting telling the story of local traditions and heritage –from ceramics, mosaic and crochet to Moorish costume, fishing livelihoods and the surf culture. Amongst Kettal’s collections on display is Bitta, designed by Rodolfo Dordoni and characterised by a combination of aluminium frames, seats of braided polyester and comfortable cushions. “My aim was to create dense braiding that would still let the air through, reminiscent of the braiding of the ropes used to moor boats – hence the name Bitta, which means ‘mooring’ in Italian,” says Dordoni. “This makes the pieces look lightweight but, at the same time, feel like cosy nests in natural colours.” Also supplied to W Algarve is the Basket outdoor club chair, which is a modern interpretation of the piece first created in the 1950s by Danish designers Nanna and Jørgen Ditzel. The chair comes in an original version crafted from oak and hand-braided wicker, as well as an outdoor version made using artificial fibre and teak to help combat the elements. Patricia Urquiola’s Maia Egg Swing makes an appearance at the property too, boasting a natural lightness with a structure and woven shell in fresh white tones. www.kettal.com

Wood Couture FF&E

The importance of loose Furniture, Fixes & Equipment (FF&E) is often underestimated, but for Wood Couture, the benefits of having an expert manufacturer at the start of the design phase is clear and well advised. Knowing exactly how much the design will cost to implement based on the designer’s vision is the most important benefit of all. Secondly, knowing the availability of materials and fabrics helps control production times and prevents the developer from incurring any delays. Additionally, having a trusted manufacturing facility helps get the job done. Above all, what this methodology ensures is the ability to deliver projects on time, on budget and with the right quality. www.woodcouture.com

Unidrain GlassLine

The GlassLine shower screen features a black frame and 10mm of clear tempered glass available in three sizes: 800-1000mm and a height of 2104mm. Installed without any visible display of fixings, screws, fittings or joins, it can be mounted to the left or right and fits tile thicknesses up to 15mm for walls and 20mm for floors. The screen is lowered into a shower base – located under the bathroom floor – before its black frame is attached to the wall, covering any edges for a smooth finish. The unseen groove-in-thefloor-flange also means the installation of the line drain is both fast and efficient. Enclosed in black powder-coated metal, the interior panel of each screen is treated with Cleantech nano-treatment. www.unidrain.com

LSA International Balcony

Compact urban spaces grounded in nature inform LSA’s Balcony collection. The mouth-blown glass planters borrow their structural, offset shapes from city balconies laden in growth and natural, untamed abundance, with a design that mirrors the stepped levels seen in terraced agricultural landscapes. Biophilia sits at the core of the range; a concept centred around our affinity to engage with the natural world. Each two-part planter is self-watering, using sub-irrigation to deliver water directly to the roots of the plant. A trailing cord carries hydration from the built-in reservoir to the soil, enabling users to grow a variety of indoor plants and embrace biophilic design by improving the environment of interior spaces. www.lsa-international.com

Shaping the Future of Commercial Interiors

With a new name and renewed focus, the UK trade association for the commercial interiors sector gears up for the future.

Embarking on a rebrand is no easy feat, particularly for a respected trade association that has built a loyal community over the past 50 years. But for the BCFA – now known as Commercial Interiors UK – a new identity has helped frame the future, ensuring it can better support its 200+ members who manufacture and supply contract quality furnishing products for the hospitality, marine, workplace, healthcare and education sectors.

Fit For The Future

“The rebrand is not something we approached lightly,” explains Chairwoman Carolyn Mitchell, who has served as a board director for over 20 years. “We had just celebrated 50 years of the BCFA, so it seemed a perfect time to look to the successes of the past, and then forward to the future years, identifying and driving through the change required to be ready for whatever happens next.”

Following consultation with members, Mitchell set up a subcommittee and embarked on an indepth strategic review to assess the effectiveness of the association. “It was important for us to review why the commercial sector needs an association, and how we provide support,” she continues. “We considered how we could be fit for the future, building on the support provided to our members to ensure their future business growth. We realised that as a sector we have to engage the next generation, and to do that we need to be more relevant, inclusive and representative.”

Mitchell describes the process as “incisive, challenging and far-reaching” in which nothing was off limits, not even the association’s name.

A New Identity

Unveiled at the annual luncheon last November, the new name of Commercial Interiors UK was coined to better represent the association. “Communication is a fundamental part of what we do, and our research found that ‘Commercial Interiors UK’ as a name has much greater resonance around the world than the BCFA acronym,” Mitchell explains. “In order to promote our members effectively, it was vital people understood who and what we represent.”

And with a new name comes a new identity. “The visual branding has been created with three key pillars in mind: adaptability, vibrancy, and timelessness,” she continues. “The logo takes inspiration from Bauhaus-inspired letter forms and monograms; we represent a creative industry, so for me it was important to have a brand that is visually engaging.”

Renewed Focus

Though it’s an all-new visual identity, the aims and objectives of the association are more of a progression, building on what has gone before.

“We have three key areas of focus where we can add tangible value to our members and community: knowledge and education, connecting the community, and business support,” Mitchell explains. “Our activity is based on member needs so right now, our priorities include: providing support on sustainability by speeding up the adoption of sustainable practices; access to export markets through a long-term UK plan and funding on trade; ensuring our sector continues to receive government energy support; and developing an education programme to bring new talent into the sector.”

Accreditation for membership will continue to require businesses to prove they operate ethically and sustainably in the UK. In return, members will enjoy even greater support through knowledge and education hubs, ensuring they have a competitive edge in a fast-changing global sector. For 2023 and beyond, there are plans for more forums to connect the community, as well as tailored business support to help members navigate challenges and futureproof their strategy.

Appetite For Change

So how has the rebrand been received amongst members? “Very well,” Mitchell concludes. “There was an appetite for change and an updated brand will help deliver a clearer message to our target audience. We will continue to raise industry issues that are important to the success of our members, their businesses and their clients. Our vision is to create a world with the most inspiring and productive commercial spaces, designed and furnished with exceptional UK product.” www.commercial-interiorsuk.com

Tuuci Ocean Master Mega Max Classic

Tuuci has introduced its largest parasol yet, the Ocean Master Mega Max Classic, in a selection of colours and finishes. Ranging in size from 16-24ft, the parasol allows multiple tables or lounge areas to be covered using a single shade device, with a stainless steel bracketed hub system and stainless steel hinged anchor plate meaning it can withstand wind gusts up to 75mph. A dual Ambia LED light also offers independent dimmable up and down light, while adjustable infra-red heaters pivot to warm those seated beneath the canopy. The system features a micro-switch too, which automatically cuts off the power when the umbrella frame is closed. www.tuuci.com

Oliver Hemming Drama

New to the Oliver Hemming collection for 2023, Drama is a highfidelity stereo Bluetooth speaker combining a classic look and feel with optimum performance. Its 77mm fibreglass cone woofers and twin passive bass drivers are complemented by two 43mm silk dome mid-to-high range tweeters that provide an orchestral sound. Finished in ebony veneer, the speaker also boasts a curved etched stainless steel grille, with its elegant form adding a sculptural focal point to a range of interior spaces. Hidden under the veneer on the top of the system is a wireless charging unit, while rounding out the features are two USB C charging ports as well as the latest Bluetooth 5.1 and Aptx HD from Qualcomm. www.oliverhemming.com

Panaz Meridian

Panaz has unveiled Meridian, a new collection for the hospitality sector comprising signature woven jacquards, as well as plain and sheer draperies. Inspired by themes of geology and natural structures, each of the seven distinctive designs – four organically textured jacquard drapery designs, a matching velvet jacquard upholstery, a wide-width sheer, and a wide-width plain with chintz and matte sides – are reminiscent of organic textures like tree bark, sedimentary stone and petrified leaves. Available in five classic colour stories, Meridian co-ordinates with Panaz’s wider upholstery portfolio, including dual-purpose velvet, Enchant. The range also adheres to fire-retardancy and technical performance standards. www.panaz.com