Inex December 2019

ISSUE

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Maysa Lyndon 342 Swindon Rd Cheltenham GL51 9JZ

lyndon.co.uk

Showroom 7 Clerkenwell Rd London EC1M 5RN sales@lyndon.co.uk

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I N E X ISSUE

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DECEMBER 2019

As the new year approaches, we’re all anticipating brand-new innovations within the interiors industry; whether it be colours or new trends and inspiration. To conclude the year; we’ve looked at one trend that’s been prominent within the sector for quite some time; both from an architectural and interior viewpoint – biophilic design. This style of design has long been popular within both residential and commercial premises; whether it’s the operability of the environment, reducing stress levels through space configuration, decorative embellishment or organic-inspired hues that evoke the natural landscape.

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WELCOME TO

On page 55, we’ve talked to Farrow & Ball’s Colour Consultant Patrick O’Donnell about taking inspiration from the natural world. Following the company’s recent collaborative product launch with the Natural History Museum for its Colour by Nature collection, O’Donnell explains how the world-renowned paint brand accumulates style inspiration from natural settings.

Elsewhere, on page 28, Inex explores a high-profile collaboration between multi-awardwinning Designer Kelly Hoppen and The Netherlands-based manufacturer of wood flooring and tiles, Hakwood. In this feature, Inex questions both Hoppen and Hakwood Owner, Mark Hak, about the drive behind their alliance.

©Paul Mellia

Meanwhile, on page 46, we explore the work of another interior heavyweight, Patricia Urquiola. A first in her career, the Spanish Designer has given life to a new generation of Sanlorenzo yachts.

Finally, on behalf of the team at Inex, I’d like to wish all our readers a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year. I hope you enjoy this edition. Don’t forget, you can also access all of Inex’s features and product inspiration at your fingertips via the magazine’s state-of-the-art app. To download your version free of charge, simply search ‘Inex-online’ on the App Store or Google Play.

Cover: Inex follows the remarkable story of Paul Mellia, the Pop Artist who lost his sight six years ago due to a rare illness.

See page 07.

Editorial: Rebecca Kemp rebecca@crossplatformmedia.co.uk Digital Advertising: Sam Ball sam@crossplatformmedia.co.uk Jim Moore jim@crossplatformmedia.co.uk Print Design Manager: Jack Witcomb jack@crossplatformmedia.co.uk

Rebecca

Download the INEX app for iPhone, iPad and Android. Search 'Inex-online'.

Rebecca Kemp rebecca@crossplatformmedia.co.uk

Terms and Conditions:

Digital Design Manager: David Perry david@crossplatformmedia.co.uk Production Assistant: Philip Coyle philip@crossplatformmedia.co.uk Accounts: Jackie Dearman jackie@crossplatformmedia.co.uk Publisher: Sam Ball sam@crossplatformmedia.co.uk

No responsibility will be taken for drawings, photography or literary contributions during transmission or in the editor’s hands. In the absence of an agreement the copyright of all contributions, literacy, photographics or artistic belongs to Cross Platform Media. The publisher accepts no responsibility in respect of advertisements appearing in the magazine and the opinions expressed in editorial material or otherwise do not necessarily represent the view of the publisher. The publisher does not accept any liability of any loss arising from the late appearence or non publication of any advertisement.

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Publisher: Cross Platform Media Barham Court, Teston, Maidstone, Kent ME18 5BZ Tel: 01622 232 725

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CONTENTS DECEMBER 2019

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EXPOSE

INSPIRE

FLOORS, WALLS & CEILINGS

Inex follows the story of Paul Mellia, the Pop Artist who lost his sight six years ago due to a rare illness. Having regained his eyesight, Mellia has returned to the art world once again with a series of sought-after paintings.

One beauty brand in Shanghai has transformed from a corner-street retail brand into a first-class luxurious salon thanks to STUDIO DOTCOF’s interpretation of relaxation and serenity in the built environment.

Designer Kelly Hoppen MBE has teamed up with Hakwood.

In this issue, Inex talks to Hoppen and Hakwood Owner Mark Hak to find out more about their collaboration.

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EXRATED

IN FOCUS: YACHT DESIGN

SURFACES & FINISHES

TK Studio Co’s development plans for Thailand’s Nong Fab LNG Receiving Terminal marries industrial aesthetics with nature and has been shortlisted for 2019’s World Architecture Festival.

This year, at the Cannes Yachting Festival, worldrenowned Designer Patricia Urquiola unveiled a new collaboration with shipbuilding company Sanlorenzo.

With biophilia on the rise, Inex talks to Farrow & Ball’s Colour Consultant Patrick O’Donnell about how the paint brand takes inspiration from the natural environment.

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INSIGHT

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

A Grade A office building in Bristol, Trinity Quay is undergoing an extensive refurbishment programme with high-quality, modern washrooms from Sylan to deliver timeless elegance.

Inex talks to Hasan and Husain Roomi, Founders of awardwinning design firm H2R Design. Here, they discuss the inspiration behind the opulent interiors of the Al Alamein Hotel in North Egypt.

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Inex rounds up the latest innovative products and high-performance solutions entering the interior design marketplace.

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GLO S S A perfect choice for almost every location!

12 Hay Hill, Mayfair, London, W1J 8NR, United Kingdom

T 0162 253 4041 E info@itcnaturalluxuryflooring.com W www.itcnaturalluxuryflooring.com

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SEEING THE ART WORLD THROUGH NEW EYES

Al l i mage s: ©Paul Me lli a

One of the UK’s most talented and gifted pop artists of his generation – who went blind six years ago following a mysterious illness – has regained his eyesight and returned to the art world to paint again.

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preview of his new art collection – ICONS the first since his diagnosis and subsequent blindness – went on display in London recently and all 24 pieces in the collection sold out within the hour. It was thought within the art world that the Pop Artist Paul Mellia would never draw or paint again after losing his sight in 2013 to a rare brain illness.

It has taken the reclusive artist three years from regaining his sight back in 2016 to produce the current collection of eclectic work, all of which have been snapped up by private art collectors and fans.

Londoner Paul first shot to fame for his 3D super-realism paintings of Marvel Comic’s superhero characters. He is one of a handful of artists in the world uniquely privileged and allowed to paint and reproduce the superhero characters of Marvel.

Celebrity fans and collectors of his artwork include Rap Star Drake, Pop Stars Seal and Mariah Carey, F1 heiress Tamara Ecclestone, Motley Crue’s Tommy Lee, Former US First Lady Nancy Reagan, the late Princess Diana and TV Chat Show Host Jonathan Ross, to name but a few.

Paul, who is Dyslexic, lost sight in both of his eyes in 2013, following a traumatic year that also saw his long-term partner diagnosed with breast cancer and his own battle with skin cancer.

Being blind at the age of 55 was devastating, but for Paul it was the worst kind or torment and torture in equal measure as an artist.

“I felt hopeless; my life was just turned upside down.

Being dyslexic, my process of communication has always been visual to paint and to draw. Suddenly, the realisation hit me that not only could I not see anything, but I couldn’t see what I wanted to draw or paint.

The realisation that the only thing I knew and which was my entire life, my whole world had collapsed around me. It was simply the most terrifying thing that has ever happened to me,” Paul recalls.

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“Suddenly, the realisation hit me that not only could I not see anything, but I couldn’t see what I wanted to draw or paint. ” – Paul Mellia, Pop Artist

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It was during this time that a private commission Paul had undertaken entitled Suicide Watch was to have a profound and real resonance to his own situation. It was a private commission for one of Paul’s clients, but for that moment, he regressed into the feeling and emotions that had first inspired him to paint the powerful image and subliminal message that pulsed through the painting.

He saw numerous specialists over a period of a year who were baffled by his condition and loss of sight, before an eminent Surgeon Dr Nadeem Aly at Moorfields in St George’s Hospital, London, finally made the acute diagnosis.

Paul was suffering from a rare condition called Peri-Sylvain Micro haemorrhage where the brain stops communicating with the eyes, followed by a second diagnosis a year later of Convergence Spasm.

Once the condition was diagnosed, it allowed Dr Aly to start a programme of treatment and a series of exercises and rehabilitation programme. Paul made the slow and gradual steps of rehabilitation which resulted in him slowly retraining his brain and his eyes to see again. After almost two years of wearing a black eye patch over his one eye and then reversing the process, Paul was able to start slow progress of recovery in his sight. In 2016, after three agonising years of recovery and rehabilitation, slowly but surely Paul’s eyes returned to near-normal vision “Gradually, my sight returned in phases of just light, then blurred shadows and slowly, certain objects came back into focus but then I saw three of everything. It was like my brain was tricking me into what I was seeing.”

Throughout 2017, Paul returned to the studio each day with excitement and passion that he hadn’t felt since graduating. His passion for painting and drawing had taken on a new lease of life.

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“When I returned to the studio, it was a little daunting at first, and it took me a while to adjust my eyes because of the level of concentration required in painting and drawing.

But one day, it was like someone had turned the light back on in the room, and it felt exhilarating to be able to see and paint again. At the time, I remember feeling like ‘wow I am painting and drawing even better than before’, it was like I had been given a second chance. It was such a profound experience to have gone blind and then to be able to see again. I cannot tell you how emotional that feeling was and still is when I recount that moment.”

One of the themes of Paul’s recent collection, MUSIC ICONS, is of particular relevance as it is a unique collection of seven paintings of legendary music icons, including the late George Michael, David Bowie, Jimi Hendrix, John Lennon, Bob Marley, Prince and Mick Jagger.

They are of particular significance to Paul as it was their music and songs that he listened to whilst battling his illness.

“Music was my inspiration and my redemption, listening to these iconic music legends saved my soul and my life. In the darkest days of my depression, those songs were the difference between whether I continued my life or decided to end it all. Songs, much like art, create and convey emotion, a picture or a painting can convey a 1000 words and songs are the same.

The art world is eagerly awaiting the next phase of Paul Mellia’s collection. Although Paul isn’t giving much away, he has revealed that it will be “introspective and autobiographical” and he is already well advanced into his second collection.

A limited edition of 15 artist proofs of each of the seven music icons are available to the public for a limited period. paulmellia.com

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“...It was like someone had turned the light back on in the room, and it felt exhilarating to be able to see and paint again” – Paul Mellia, Pop Artist

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A ‘NAT BEA IN SHA

Located on the crossroad in Sha Beauty hair salo an extensive ren STUDIO

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FACT FILE: DESIGN TEAM:

Xi Chen, Rong Li, Lan Lan

LOCATION: Yushan Road, Pudong District, Shanghai, China

GFA: 170m2 COMPLETION: 2019 PHOTOGRAPHER: Sa Xiao

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o expand its horizons, the Natural Beauty salon sought to transform its retail premises into an official beauty salon. Mainly serving female customers and selling premium skincare products, the high-class salon also conducts skin test and skincare treatment; therefore, the new, revised space required a superior level of privacy.

Tasked with the extensive transformation, STUDIO DOTCOF’s first priority was the challenge of creating a quiet, private and relaxed environment inside a busy street frontage space. As a result, the firm created a series of cave-like spaces in various sizes and materials – corresponding to the required levels of privacy for each area. Elsewhere, the generous ceiling height of the building offered STUDIO DOTCOF an opportunity to expand the existing mezzanine area, and a consulting room was added adjacent to the reception area, for skin testing use – per Natural Beauty’s requirements. Furthermore, the mezzanine, sited above the consulting room, has evolved into a communal lounge platform.

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Natural Beauty’s reception area greets its customers with an organic theme.

Described by STUDIO DOTCOF as a “mountain cave”, this space is tall and full of different openings and natural light. To accentuate the natural theme further, the firm also designed and applied vertical wood battens to the reception area to emphasise the tall spatial characteristic. Customers walking into this tall space – by passing through a lower bulkhead from the street – will feel a spiritual uplift.

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Meet and greet

Taking in the view

Deeper in the building, customers are guided through a darker wood corridor, known by STUDIO DOTCOF as a “water tunnel cave”, enclosed in creamy white travertine stones.

This is the area where customers wait before and after entering the rooms for luxury skincare regimes. Here, the floor slabs are designed as platforms that appear to be floating on water. STUDIO DOTCOF has opted for a pure tone of colour for the flooring, while the light is controlled to diffuse from different positions. The vision for STUDIO DOTCOF here was an image of floating islands on the water, with purified colours and diffused lighting to offer customers a sense of serenity and eradicate the noise and fatigue from the outside world.

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First-class luxury

The treatment rooms themselves are enclosed with real wood panels – warm and cosy. These rooms are the smallest in size and also designed to the cave-like theme that runs throughout. Concealed cabinets have been integrated into the walls to store the skincare products and equipment, offering a clean and clinical aesthetic.

Real, natural materials, such as stone and wood, have been used for each area. Through the organisation of space and organic materials, STUDIO DOTCOF has delivered a tranquil experience for customers of the Natural Beauty salon. studio-dotcof.com

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The treatment rooms themselves are enclosed with real wood panels...These rooms are the smallest in size and also designed to the cave-like theme that runs throughout.

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KELLY HOPPEN X HAKWOOD: WHEN TWO WORLDS COLLIDE Last month, the Netherlands-based manufacturer of wood flooring and tiles, Hakwood, teamed up with multi-award-winning Designer Kelly Hoppen MBE. To find out more about their collaboration, Inex spoke to both Hoppen and Hakwood’s Owner, Mark Hak, to discover more about their interior alliance.

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What were the reasons for your collaboration with Hakwood?

KH: I’ve always been incredibly passionate about wooden floors and was so excited when the opportunity to work with Hakwood arose. Designing the collection was a fantastic way to be able to create something new; the tiles have been designed by me but have been crafted in order to give the customer control of the overall layout.

What were the reasons behind your collaboration with Kelly Hoppen?

MH: At Hakwood, we collaborate with architects and designers; creating bespoke solutions for their specific projects. What makes the collaboration with Kelly Hoppen so unique is that the tiles will be part of our collection and available for every project.

“This collection encapsulates my ethos of balance and contrast” – Kelly Hoppen

What was the inspiration behind the collection?

KH: I wanted this collection to encompass the luxurious simplicity that is evident throughout my design work and be a feature for any home. I wanted to give customers the freedom to get creative and make the tiles their own; the floor tiles come in four colourways and can be laid in a square, grid or ‘V’ formation to make them unique to you.

A cluster of tiles on the wall next to a mirror is a fantastic way to make a room look bigger and a feature wall covered in tiles or a runner behind a fireplace is a sure way to make a statement. I can’t wait to see the different designs people come up with!

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How have you reflected your style within this collection?

KH: This collection encapsulates my ethos of balance and contrast; the range features beautiful inlays of brass and silver which are contrasted with deeper tones of black and great or lighter hues of white and cream, all of which are divine. It also features subtle geometric patterns which are able to create incredible volume and room within a space; they’ve also always been a trademark in my designs which was key to this collection.

MH: Featuring in the collection will be six stunning interchangeable tile designs:

Line

The Line tile sits in the collection as the perfect foundation for any interior, whether it be on the walls or floors. Featuring linear metal dashes set upon neutral, colour-washed wood; the minimalist Line tile plays with depth and texture, and perfectly embodies Kelly Hoppen’s signature aesthetic of simplicity, balance and style.

Cube

The Cube tile offers a truly understated elegance.

Bold yet accessible, the Cube subtly combines natural and industrial tones with four metal corner cubes set against a backdrop of the finest wood, all of which can be interchanged.

Signature

The Signature tile honours the brand dedication to detail, authenticity and originality. The striking, Art Deco-inspired style of the Signature tile plays with illusion, structure and shadow, designed to make an impact and create a beautifully dramatic statement floor or wall.

Grid

The Grid tile features a canvas of beautiful vertical strips, in varying dimensions, the colours of which can be combined to create a bespoke statement surface for each customer.

V Tile

In a nod to the traditional herringbone pattern, the V tile combines diagonal slats into a unique jigsaw to create a stunning, bespoke V-shape. With each tile featuring two or more complementary shades, this abstract tile really draws the eye and allows for endless possibilities.

Square

The Square sits within the collection as a beautiful, contemporary optical illusion that explores the sumptuous aesthetics and architecture of squares. With the capacity to mix these classic colours, the interior possibilities of the Square are endless.

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Can you describe the clientele this collection targets?

KH: This collection is for people who want to make their mark on a house’s style but don’t want to spend excessive time or money searching for the right accents. The collection allows you to combine custom textures, colours, shapes and patterns to achieve a signature statement with minimal effort or expense.

For the same reason, it’s a fantastic option for commercial locations that want to add a real feature to high-traffic areas; think a hotel lobby or apartment building entryway.

The tiles have an immediate wow factor that will give a great impression and make your building memorable.

How important was it to you to make this range interchangeable?

KH: So important – the collection is so unique because it’s interchangeable and offers the customer the power to be creative! While people may immediately assume that tiles belong on the floor, this doesn’t have to be the case; tiles can be a fantastic way to elevate a wall through runners and features using both horizontal and vertical lines. hakwood.com/en/products/ tiles-kelly-hoppen/

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A HARMONISED JUXTAPOSITION BETWEEN INDUSTRY AND NATURE TK Studio Co, a Bangkok-based firm specialising in landscape architecture, has announced development plans for the new Nong Fab LNG Receiving Terminal terrain, located near Amphoe Mueang Rayong, Thailand.

All images: ©TK S tudio

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he expansive 29.7-hectare site includes 21.6 hectares of land to be used as a receiving terminal, for storage and regasification processes, while an additional 8.1 hectares of land is designated as an office zone.

Validating the firm’s innovative and sustainable approach, and to environmental design, the Nong Fab LNG Receiving Terminal project has been shortlisted by the World Architecture Festival, with winners in several categories to be announced in Amsterdam this month.

An industrial oasis

The client, PTT LNG Company, is a subsidiary of PTT Public Company, Thailand’s largest energy production company accounting for approximately 70% of the nation’s overall power supply.

The new world-class receiving terminal and industrial plant was conceived in response to increased demand for energy consumption in Thailand, and the multifunctional office complex will include facilities to accommodate conferences and outdoor seminars.

Greenspace and environmental innovation characterise the site design plan. In addition to striking a delicate balance between functional, state-ofthe-art architecture and a wide variety of ecosystems, the expansive site will predominantly run on renewable energy generated through wind and solar power.

At the core of the 8.1-hectare office zone, a large glass dome will house a climatic atrium. The atrium will be highlighted by a large waterfall, providing a zenful aesthetic while functionally contributing to water circulation throughout the site, as well as to the generation of moisture for cloud forest plant communities. A living green roof will harbour animal habitats and provide an additional layer of insulation to the site’s functional architecture below.

Built to TREES standards (Thai’s Rating of Energy and Environmental Sustainability), the climatic atrium will seamlessly connect the site’s functional architecture to the surrounding external environment, which includes abundant landscaped grounds and forested areas. The external grounds will feature a large retention pond stocked with filtered runoff water collected from throughout the site. The retention pond will contribute to the sustainment of the site’s forested areas and surrounding ecosystems, while also contributing to increased carbon sequestration.

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Ecological challenges

Attainment of equilibrium between topography, hydrology, vegetation and a project’s end users resides at the core of TK Studio’s landscape design philosophy, regardless of the scale of a given project. User requirements and site activities dictate design concept development, which includes elaborate research on environmental issues and collaborations with experts in a variety of fields. The receiving terminal project provides the firm with a unique opportunity to apply its landscape design principles to the harmonisation of industrial development and nature, creating an environmental win-win situation that balances social interaction with ecosystem diversification, while also restoring neglected natural habitats.

“We have also introduced a zero-waste scheme within the design concept that will serve to reduce energy consumption and minimise generated waste,” explains Tawatchai Kobkaikit, Managing Director of TK Studio Co. “Excess chilled water from regasification processes will also be repurposed to support a controlled atrium climate conducive to 23 species of temperate plant communities.”

The term ‘Nong Fab’ is a Thai expression referring to swampy terrain featuring an abundance of a hardwood shrub known as ‘Fab’.

The land acquired for the new terminal project was partially filled and levelled, leaving very little of the swamp area, and virtually no Fab. From the outset of the project, the TK Studio team focused on reversing that process, studying historical remote sensing data to find ways to optimise existing natural drainage, restore the damaged swamp, reintroduce Fab and implement a full-blown reforestation programme.

As a result, the project will reintroduce endangered indigenous vegetation amongst 200 native plant species, while nurturing forests and ecosystems optimally selected for their compatibility with the site’s environmental conditions and intended uses. tkstudio.co.th

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PATRICIA URQUIOLA MAKES WAVES IN DISCERNING YACHTING INDUSTRY

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Her first time working in the world of yachting, Patricia Urquiola has given life to the new entry-level SD line project which debuted at the Cannes Yachting Festival this year.

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he ability to embrace new ideas, all the while remaining faithful to their heritage, the courage to dare to push beyond their limits when it comes to innovative solutions, have led shipbuilding company Sanlorenzo to start a new and prestigious partnership.

Continuing along the same path that for years has linked it closely to the world of design, the company has entrusted Patricia Urquiola with the interior design of the new SD96 yacht.

Massimo Perotti, Chairman at Sanlorenzo, explained: “I chose Patricia because I wanted to add a more feminine touch to the interiors in Sanlorenzo yachts,

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something which until now had been foreign to the nautical world. And today, she is the most sought-after woman in global design thanks to her ability to combine beauty and comfort. All done with a touch of irony and almost poetic sensitivity, with love for all that is glocal and great respect for the hard work of the artisans.�

Best in its field, Sanlorenzo has involved such noteworthy names as Dordoni Architetti, Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel and Piero Lissoni (Art Director of the company since 2018), in the interior design of yachts, thanks to which it has added new visions allowing it to rethink the concept of space on 4 8

board, an established asset of Sanlorenzo, through innovations and new stylistic features.

And as Sanlorenzo is one of the main yacht and superyacht production yards in the world, the decision was made to start a new project, the SD96, the result of tireless research and attention to the importance of liveability on board.

Thanks to the vision of Perotti, Sanlorenzo once again innovates and rethinks the style of nautical design. The motivation came from the idea of new scenarios through the introduction of the concept of transforming spaces to enrich the experience of those who live on the boat.

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“Our starting point for this collaboration... was doubtlessly the sea” – Patricia Urquiola

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Future-proofing SD96’s interiors

The concept of flexibility and modularity, which defines the SD96 project, decided the flow of the interior spaces designed

by Patricia Urquiola.

In bringing her vision on board, Urquiola laid out the interior of the SD96 with transformability taking centre stage – making for a boat capable of evolving and continuously adapting to the needs of those who live on it.

A flowing space in which the distinctive style of the Spanish Architect and Designer blossoms and blooms, combining a minimalist approach with a mix of carefully selected materials that summon forth thoughts of the sea.

“Our starting point for this collaboration with Sanlorenzo was doubtlessly the sea, a great source of inspiration for the whole development of the concept and; therefore, the interior of the yacht. The materials, shapes and colours evoke the marine world, creating a flowing and elegant space full of natural hues,” commented Urquiola.

In a balance between severity and irony, between an industrial and artisan approach, Urquiola creates different styles and furnishings via her search for material sensibility and attention to detail that makes SD96’s interiors warm and welcoming yet with a modern, sophisticated and elegant look, meaning we can enjoy these spaces as a symbol of both past and present.

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A guided tour

The principal living area located on the main deck, characterised by cannulated oak panelled walls and parquet flooring, is a true example of the concept of modularity; it’s function can in fact be increased by setting up, if necessary, a dining table for 10 people, cleverly folded away inside a bench in front of the sofa.

We then move on to the central staircase, in bronzed steel and wood and enclosed in a travertine shell, it is designed to reach the other two bridges, and is a focal and iconic point that connects all the floors and also serves to divide the areas via a metal mesh screen.

Moving on to the upper deck, we find the sky lounge, with fully opening windows that can be used as a living room, dining area or cinema thanks to modular furniture.

The uniformity of finishes between interior and exterior, such as the parquet floor with a biscuit pattern creates a unique environment with the flybridge, which can also be used as a lounge or outdoor dining area thanks to the coffee table which can be converted to a dining table, if desired.

The principle of flexibility returns to the lower deck where the living room can be totally transformed by closing a system of sliding panels, creating a VIP cabin with a bathroom.

On the same level, there are also two guest cabins, while the owner’s cabin is located on the main deck.

Much wider than those offered on yachts of similar sizes, it has large windows that, together with a glass wall, create a feeling of uniformity with the surrounding environment.

The travertine bathroom with ribbed glass walls coupled with a bronzed mirror amplifies this feeling in a game of pleasant reflections.

With SD96, Sanlorenzo once again shows its ability to respond to the needs of a constantly evolving market, through a lot of careful research and innovation. patriciaurquiola.com

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Following the launch of Farrow & Ball’s collaboration with the Natural History Museum for its Colour by Nature collection, Inex caught up with the established paint brand’s International Brand Ambassador Patrick O’Donnell to find out more about taking inspiration from organic elements.

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hen we designed our new Colour by Nature collection in collaboration with the Natural History Museum, we did so with the awareness that the world of interior design was undergoing two fundamental shifts: one, towards a greater confidence in using stronger, bolder and deeper colours, and two, towards a renewed effort to embrace all the natural world has to offer in our indoor lives.

In fact, the two colour families that have had the greatest renaissance over the last couple of years have been green and pink – and how welcome this is; especially green with its innate associations of nature.

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INTERIORS AND THE NATURAL WORLD

Farrow & Ball, Crimson Red No.W93 Estate Emulsion.

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Green is an excellent allrounder, having the ability to be gloriously soothing, but also to bridge the gap from interior to exterior. From the relaxing capabilities of soft eau de nil all the way through to the sheer drama of the deepest forest greens bordering on black, it’s a tremendously versatile family of colours.

In a space that’s lucky enough to look out onto a garden, green is a winning choice. Tying the outdoors and indoors together is a job for a beautiful mid-tone green that picks up on the verdant hues outside, while adding soft furnishings in red – green’s opposite on the colour wheel, and as such a natural partner – creates a beautiful contrast.

To keep the space thematically linked to nature, try layering earthy tones of green in natural materials such as linens and textured wools. Brown furniture, strategically placed throughout the space, creates balance, scale and harmony.

That’s not to say, of course, that nature is in any way confined to greens and browns – all you have to do is look around you. Summer borders crammed with perennials are especially rich pickings for inspiration, featuring hues ranging from magenta pinks and petrol blues to clear soft whites and butter yellows. Even in autumn, inspiration abounds, with burnt oranges, soft tobacco browns and cardinal reds all sitting happily against each other.

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Farrow & Ball, Sap Green No.W56 Estate Emulsion.

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Farrow & Ball, Duck Green No.W55 Estate Emulsion.

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Farrow & Ball, Ash Grey No.W9 Estate Emulsion.

There are no limits to pursuing the colours of nature in the home, but as with every consideration when decorating a space, we have to consider the use of the room and – perhaps most importantly – its lighting. Natural light, while a blessing, can be an especially tricky consideration, as we know that the way a colour reacts to an eastfacing room can be dramatically different to that of a colour in a west-facing room.

Wallpaper also helps us to capture the spirit of the outdoors in our own spaces, whether with literal or more figurative representations.

The beautiful repeats of Arts and Crafts motifs from the late 19th century, peaceful pastoral scenes, floral prints of varying sizes and styles – they all offer beautifully subtle means of embodying the outdoors, indoors.

But despite our newly rediscovered love of colour and pattern, there will always be a place for neutral tones and beautiful simplicity in nature-inspired schemes. Clean, Scandinavianinspired interiors call for a palette of soft whites and greys, softened by natural touches of handcrafted wood, soft animal hides, rich Mongolian lamb throws and caramel-toned tweed blankets.

Texture is another key player in creating an interior that convincingly embodies the charms of the outdoors. Beyond bringing in accents of wood and stone, the many varied textures of nature can be embraced in a more abstract way, through touches of reflective gloss, smooth chalky matt, or even sumptuously tactile wallpaper prints.

Finally, as with everything we bring into the home, the impact our decorating materials have on the planet is firmly at the forefront of many minds. What better way to create interiors that feel intrinsically linked to nature than embracing earth-friendly, responsibly made formulas, or low-impact recycled pieces? farrow-ball.com

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– Patrick O’Donnell, Colour Consultant at Farrow & Ball

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“Summer borders crammed with perennials are especially rich pickings for inspiration”

Farrow & Ball, Imperial Purple No.W40 Estate Emulsion.

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TIMELESS BEAUTY FOR TRINITY QUAY Trinity Quay in Bristol is a modern Grade A office building comprising high-quality office space over the ground and six upper floors.

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he building is currently undertaking a programme of major refurbishment with ISG awarded the contract to carry out the works.

Michael Laird Architects, based in Edinburgh, has specified Sylan for the washrooms that were being overhauled. Knowing that the washrooms needed to look sleek and sophisticated for the new refurbishment, Sylan Veneer was the natural material finish.

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Each Sylan washroom is truly unique and built to clients’ exact specifications.

Here, the vision of timeless elegance was brought to life through the use of European oak real wood veneer. With invisible fixings and 44mm-thick doors, Michael Laird Architects knew that no detail – no matter how small – would be overlooked.

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female washrooms were updated.

As well as the flush-fronted washroom cubicles, coordinating Veneer duct panelling was also supplied to the WCs, urinals and wash hand basin walls to ensure that continuity was carried out across the whole area.

Sylan’s standard 11 beautiful Veneers are all sourced from responsible and sustainable forests and certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). Sylan is currently in the process of manufacturing the second phase of the project. The beauty of being an engineered veneer means that Sylan can be specified for different areas of a project at different times and still be matched to perfection. sylan-washrooms.uk

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THE ROOMI BROTHERS: THE INTERIOR INDUSTRY’S DYNAMIC DUO

Founded by Hasan and Husain Roomi in 2012 – a pair of dynamic UKborn brothers with a Middle Eastern background – H2R design is an awardwinning, young, progressive London- and Dubai-based design firm creating some of the hottest commercial and hospitality spaces across continents. The brothers continue to welcome new members to the team, and the firm is growing exponentially, elevating their design offering in the region and beyond.

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2R Design’s work has been recognised with high commendation by several international and regional award institutions. In 2018, the boutique firm received ‘F&B Interior Design Concept of the Year’ and ‘Design of the Year’ for Two Café by the UAE-based Identity Magazine. H2R Design has also been recognised by other organisations including Design Middle East and Commercial Interior Design awards.

Here, the artistic brothers talk to Inex about one of their most recent projects, the Al Alamein Hotel, in North Egypt.

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What was the design inspiration for the Al Alamein Hotel?

Hasan: The inspiration for the hotel was ‘refurbished retro’ – modern interiors, nodding back to the glory days of the 1960s when the resort first opened. We aimed to rejuvenate the guest experience with a careful renovation by retaining the utmost respect for the heritage of the site but maximising and amplifying bay views. We blended vintage charm with a contemporary style and aimed to evoke a sense of nostalgia to the golden age of Egyptian music and cinema.

What makes this hospitality space stand out?

Husain: The immensely rich Egyptian heritage and stunning sea views make this property incomparable to others. The crucial historical role the hotel has played since it opened, having hosted many famous Egyptian guests, also exudes an iconic symbolism.

What was the most challenging part of the design for this project?

Hasan: The resort was fully occupied when the project commenced, and no accurate as-built drawings existed of the site, which had undergone many ad-hoc architectural renovations. The structure was unclear until the demo started at the end of the season.

This meant we had to continually adapt the design almost daily to suit discoveries on site.

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What is the design highlight of the hotel?

You have applied a retrothemed makeover. Why? Husain: The absolute focal point of the re-imagined experience was to amplify visions of the water, opening up spaces and vistas as much as architecturally possible and using the interior treatments to frame and emphasise the view. We intended to re-create the guest experience through the revitalisation of the public spaces, activation of external areas and restoration of the guest room interiors as well as transitional spaces in between.

The retro-themed makeover nods back to the 1960s when the hotel first opened.

Which is your favourite area of the hotel and why?

Husain: The lobby lounge – as it frames the stunning sea views.

Do you work in a sustainable way?

Hasan: Yes. We used all local suppliers, contractors and manufacturers to reduce our carbon footprint.

Which design materials and techniques did you use?

Hasan: A lot of natural whitewashed timber and elements reflecting the coastal region. We also opted for fabrics and upholstery suitable for the beach environment and colours to complement the natural landscape (muted blues, light greys, offwhites and accents of deep blue to reflect the everchanging colour of the sea). Metal was used as an accent to add elegance to joinery and furniture elements.

Lighting also played a significant role – taking the hotel from a dayto-night scenario and creating a welcoming and intimate ambience that instantly makes guests feel at ease. Ultimately, we achieved a blend of vintage charm and contemporary elegance. h2rdesign.com I N E X

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Product Spotlight

This month’s selection of innovative new products not to be missed.

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GLOSS: FLOORING INNOVATION AWARDWINNING CARPET

Style design and quality are the hallmarks of ITC Natural Luxury Flooring, setting standards with stunning products.

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loss (as illustrated) is a 2019 Flooring Innovation awardwinning carpet, for fibre development. This superlative hand-woven cut pile in a modified 100% engineered polyester has the appearance of a highly desirable viscose but without the performance shortcomings associated with viscose carpets; providing a carpet that gives ultimate luxurious appearance and a superb underfoot feel without compromising any performance. With a Luxury Class 5 rating and a Cfl-S1 fire certification, together with the practicalities of being easy to clean, Gloss is suitable

for residential and hospitality use where the ‘wow’ factor is required.

Gloss is available in seven modern colours and is 5m wide.

Riverline is a fine example of craftsmanship, achieving its high-definition, textured cable rib design, by using a combination of 6- and 2-ply 100% New Zealand wool. Riverline is an excellent choice for residential and general commercial locations, and the six clean colours will appeal to those seeking a wool carpet that delivers on performance and good looks. Riverline is available in a 5m width.

itcnaturalluxuryflooring.com info@itcnaturalluxuryflooring.com 01622 534041

CREATE THE PERFECT CONTRAST IN THE KITCHEN WITH CALACATTA

KELLER KITCHENS’ COUNTRYSIDE CHARM

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Richmond has been developed using a premium de-lustred nylon yarn, to create a wool-like appearance and feel. The dense, tight construction gives a fine pin-point finish, and a Class 33 certification makes it perfect for use in residential and corporate hospitality locations. Richmond is available in 4 and 5m widths and 11 contemporary colours.

A made-to-measure rug service is offered on all our broadloom ranges.

New from Keller is a brand-new model which gives kitchens a touch of Rustic Charm. The countryside style can be crafted by pairing natural-looking woodeffect doors and drawers with a stone worktop. This creates a contrast by selecting muted tones across a few other cabinet fronts. For a more exclusive feel, homeowners can mix up the Melamine shaker-style doors by opting for real wood cabinetry for some units, and pairing them with another of Keller’s five stains for the other door fronts. The cabinetry is also available in nine colours from the Master collection and 14 colours from the Comfort collection.

The Königstone ethos is helping homeowners feel at home by creating the perfect surface. The fantastic portfolio of worktops keeps homes up-to-date with the latest modern trends by offering a range of colours and textures, including the Calacatta worktop. The neutral colouring lends itself to perfectly complement any coloured cabinetry, whether dark or light, handles or handleless. The darker-coloured veining adds a stunning contrast to the paler tone of the solid worktop providing the appearance of natural marble, with the added benefits of an engineered material. The Calacatta colour is offered as part of Königstone’s KönigQuartz range and is incredibly strong with a high heat-, stain- and scratch-resistance surface.

kellerkitchens.com +31 0165 594 450 info@kellerkitchens.com

konigstone.co.uk 0333 577 2903 info@konigstone.co.uk

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BLANCO UK’S NEW QUATRUS SINK FOR MAXIMUM BOWL AND CABINET SPACE

New to the popular Pescara tap family is the XL pulldown model, combining high functionality with an elegant, modern design.

Standing taller than average at 500mm high and with a slim 46mm tap body, Pescara Pull Down XL features a graceful spout that rotates a full 360˚ and includes a pull-out spray with an integrated rocker switch to easily adjust the water flow from a powerful needle spray to a straight aerated stream, offering a convenient way of rinsing and cleaning at the sink space.

The Pescara Pull Down XL is available in a highquality, polished chrome finish and is backed by a five-year warranty on working parts and one-year warranty on the finish.

BLANCO’s stunning new stainless steel QUATRUS sink showcases the company’s well-known intelligent design capability. The modern rectangular bowl of the sink offers plenty of space for all the user’s culinary and utility needs while leaving lots of free space within the cabinet. The large sink space is also perfect for today’s clever taps; it can be fitted with boiling-water taps and filter taps to provide an optimal functioning kitchen. Available in two different sizes, BLANCO QUATRUS 550-U and the slightly larger BLANCO QUATRUS 700-U, the sink design is the perfect complement in any kitchen scheme.

0161 436 6280 franke.co.uk info.uk@franke.com

01923 635200 blanco.co.uk info@blanco.co.uk

KWC’S ZOE RANGE EXUDES FORM AND FUNCTION

Multi-award-winning luxury Swiss brand KWC prides itself on the design and manufacture of ‘products of perfection’, such as in its contemporarystyled Zoe sink and tap range. Exuding form and function, Zoe sinks are available in four sizes and combine minimalist design with ergonomic details including ghost overflow and discreet square waste operated by an elegantly polished push-button. They can be undermounted into a range of work surface materials or achieve a pure, streamlined aesthetic in stainless steel. Sculpturally designed, swan neck taps complete the offer with a choice of ZOE Pull-Out and Touch-Light Pro tap with push-button functionality, discreet LED illumination and KWC’s jetclean technology.

KITCHEN WORKTOPS ENHANCED WITH OSMO UK

A Brighton couple was looking for a product that would refresh their heavily worn, wooden worktops in the kitchen. With a brand-new worktop out of the question, they chose Osmo UK to provide a high-quality, durable finish that would give the surface a new lease of life.

A recommendation from their carpenter led to the couple choosing TopOil from Osmo UK, a microporous natural hardwax-oil finish known for its durability and hardwearing nature. TopOil is almost odourless, contains no biocides or preservatives and will not crack, flake, peel or blister. The finish achieved with Osmo TopOil ensures the worktop is impervious to a wide range of liquids.

0161 436 6280 kwctaps.co.uk ks-kwcsales.uk@franke.com

osmouk.com 01296 481220 7 3

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FRANKE’S NEW PESCARA XL PULL DOWN TAP

THE GEBERIT WASHROOM

RESHAPING THE HOTEL GUESTROOM

As the trend for selling experiences and creating an escapism for hotel guests continues, so too does the value of creating a unique, positive guest experience to help build stronger memories and ensure guests keep coming back.

In the latest White Paper report from Geberit, we explore the latest trends and the challenges they collectively pose as they shape the way in which designers approach hotel washroom projects.

Download the latest White Paper report from Geberit at geberit.co.uk/science