Inex October 2019

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R E D E F I N I N G C O N T R A C T I N T E R I O R S S T Y L E L I B R A R YC O N T R A C T. C O M

N O T E

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OCTOBER 2019

Hoteliers know all too well how the interior design of a space can influence guest satisfaction, drive repeat bookings and, ultimately, improve their bottom line. Thanks to social media and its web-grown influencers, hotels both in the UK and overseas now have more competition than ever. And, for these discerning Millennial-cum-Gen Z influencers, interior design plays a crucial role in social media collaboration. What’s more, today’s inquisitive social media stars are often drawn to out-of-the-ordinary establishments; hotels with a mysterious past and a story to tell.

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Hotel Liberty in Offenburg, Germany, is just one hotel worthy of prime influencers’ Instagram grids. Declaring an extraordinary history as a 19th-century prison, the establishment has swapped gloomy cells and cotton jumpsuits for Michelin-starred cuisine and designer clothing-clad guests. Amongst the standout features within Hotel Liberty are the AXORfurnished bathrooms. Turn to page 40 to read more about the prison-turned-hotel bathroom scheme.

In keeping with this month’s hotel theme, on page 52, Inex explores another scheme with a very different clientele. Verified as a surfer’s paradise, Guatemala-based Swell exhibits an effortless, laid-back atmosphere with locally sourced materials, thatched-roof bungalows and polished surfaces.

Meanwhile, on page 07, Carolyn Mitchell from Style Library Contract offers her advice on specifying textiles for hotel designs and highlights the seven key points you should consider before presenting moodboard schemes to hoteliers. With an extensive career within the industry, Carolyn is well-informed to provide guidance on fabric selection for a range of professional interiors.

Cover: Guatemala-based hotel, Swell, exhibits an effortless, laid-back atmosphere.

See page 52.

Editorial: Rebecca Kemp rebecca@crossplatformmedia.co.uk Hannah Woodger hannah@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

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.

Rebecca

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

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 OCTOBER 2019

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FABRICS & TEXTILES

EXPOSE

BATHROOMS

British Furniture Maker and Designer Bim Burton and Kaldewei have taken recyclability to the next level with a set of innovative bath chairs; unveiled at this year’s designjunction.

Biophilic titan Oliver Heath is no stranger to the pages of Inex.

This month, he has teamed up with leading sanitaryware brand Geberit to highlight the importance of sensory bathroom schemes.

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SURFACES & FINISHES

EXRATED

With a profusion of materials on the market, it’s often a challenge to see clearly amidst a haze of silk and velvet. Here, Style Library Contract offers some clarity on specifying textiles for hoteliers.

INSPIRE

2019’s Serpentine Gallery, designed by Japanese Architect, Junya Ishigami, has been acquired by Therme Group as part of its ‘Therme Art Program’.

As Brexit approaches, Inex talks to BIID President-Elect and Independent Design Consultant, Lester Bennett, about his predictions for the interiors industry.

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FURNITURE

INSIGHT

SINKS & TAPS

Inex talks to Claire Eagling, Commercial Project Manager at Cosentino UK, about the styles interior designers are following within high-end residential developments.

KI speaks to Inex about the styles, layouts and ergonomically-sound furniture solutions that are trending in the world of workplace design to boost employee productivity, satisfaction and retention.

When Amit Malhotra met Sara Ripamonti, they discovered a gap in the market – high-end aesthetics with economical price tags. The pair’s goal is to source lookalike products, creating luxury-looking yet affordable interior schemes.

Nestled in southwestern Germany, Hotel Liberty has been subject to an extensive metamorphosis. Once a prison and now a luxury hotel, the establishment is adorned with bathroom products

by AXOR.

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CARPETS, RUGS & FLOORCOVERINGS

IN FOCUS: HOTEL DESIGN

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

Polyflor’s LVT solutions have helped Ark Interiors to deliver an aircraft-inspired, 1960s interior theme for the Propeller Bar & Grill at Humberside Airport.

Thatched-roof bungalows, locally sourced materials and the polished concrete finishes of surfer-approved hotel, Swell, make for an Instagrammable setting.

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

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From Ocean Pollution to Noise Solution UK based acoustic solutions manufacturer Soundtect® began 10 years ago when their engineering team launched a pioneering process to recycle the carpets they manufacture for exhibitions into acoustic panels as a third generation product.

Soundtect® has grown into a Worldwide supplier of acoustic solutions with a wide range of products for walls and ceilings which not only reduces noise, but adds positive design features to any indoor space.

Soundtect® Ranges include; 3D Panels, CLASS Ceiling Baffles, CLASS Rafts and Freestyle, a semi-rigid felt used for wall applications, hanging partitions, ceiling rafts... in fact just about anything!

0203 040 2939 Showroom: 3, Albemarle Way, London EC1V 4JB

enquiries@soundtect.com

www.soundtect.com

T E X T I L E S & F A B R I C S

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT FABRICS FOR HOTEL SCHEMES In this article, Inex speaks to Carolyn Mitchell, Group Contract Sales Director for Style Library Contract, for her expert advice on the transformative effects of fabrics and textiles in hotel design.

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s past Chairman and a current member of the British Contract Furnishing Association (BCFA) board, Carolyn is passionate about commercial interiors.

Having studied textile design at university, she started her career at Sanderson almost 30 years ago, so it was no surprise that in 2005 she was asked by Walker Greenbank to set up an international contracts division across its brand portfolio. This has now grown into Style Library Contract, a collection of nine British brands specialising in fabric, wallpaper and paint.

With this wealth of knowledge and experience, Carolyn is well-equipped to share her thoughts on fabrics and textiles and their role in hotel design.

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Ambience is everything

Hotels have long been hubs of activity; with this mind, it is key to think of the ambience you’re trying to create for each space. One hotel will have many varied areas, from the energetic atmosphere of the bar to the serenity of the spa – good design reflects the purpose of the space. The choice of textile fits hand in hand with this, from the warmth of wools to the ever-present opulence of velvets – fabrics infuse feeling to interior schemes.

Listen closely

The acoustic properties of textiles allow you to compose an interior which considers both design and function. Upholstered furniture, wallcoverings, drapes and clever screening all help to modulate unwanted background noise. Tuning spaces with fabric allow for the 8

absorption of sound and balance busy environments like bars and lobby areas. A combination of form and function, beautiful fabrics can easily instil a sense of calmness which makes them an integral design element.

Textures matter

Add interest through textures.

Visibly striking and beautiful to touch, the use of textured effects cannot be underestimated when creating commercial interiors; interiors are immersive, and guests will seek to interact with them.

Consider what kind of experience you want to create for your guest with your choice of fabric. From the smooth velvet seating of the lobby and textured cushions perfectly arranged on their bed to an inspiring wallcovering, tactile interiors make a memorable impression.

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Layer up

There is real skill in building different design elements to create a finished and impressive interior.

Voiles and sheers are particularly good at providing an extra layer of colour and texture as well as being incredibly versatile; allowing light to filter through whilst providing a sense of privacy. Intricate textures and pattern on pattern can be used to great effect in upholstery, drapes and wallcoverings.

First impressions

Injecting bold colour and design into a hospitality space is a trusted technique to create a statement, but it’s worth considering that certain pieces can set the tone for the whole interior. Specifically, upholstery and curtains have a huge impact as they are at eye level, so guests are instantly drawn to them.

Design choice

Each project is different; where one client may ask for the impact of maximalism, another may seek the sophistication of contemporary textures. With this in mind, it’s essential to select a brand that can deliver choice. Expansive collections and a range of design styles from trusted brands ensure a smoother process with no compromise on quality.

Integrity in design

Provenance is valued by hoteliers and their guests, not only does this infuse narrative into the space, but it demonstrates your commitment to design integrity.

Selecting a genuine archive design can enrich the experience whether you’re working on a historical project or wanting to create a specific theme.

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Fit for purpose

Performance is key because an interior design scheme must deliver visually and in practicality.

It’s essential to specify fabrics that meet fire retardant and rub tests so they can withstand busy hospitality environments. Alongside this, consider the care and maintenance regime as this will affect the sustainability of your design scheme.

Evaluate the end use, frequency and the environment. Take care to select fabrics that withstand the level of use and can be cleaned effectively.

Ultimately, pick a supplier that cares about meeting their service promise as much as you do.

You are better placed to create something special when you have confidence in the support you have in place for your client. stylelibrarycontract.com I N E X

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E X P O S E

BIM BURTON AND KALDEWEI TAKE SUSTAINABILITY TO NEXT LEVEL Bim Burton is an innovative modern Furniture Maker and Designer, creating timeless designs with space-saving ideas. Taking this year’s theme of (Re)act at designjunction, Bim and Kaldewei have worked together to create, exclusively for designjunction, a series of recyclable, sustainable unique bath chairs in three different styles. These were showcased within the Installations area, located in Lewis Cubitt Park, Kings Cross, London, throughout designjunction.

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aldewei steel enamel baths are 100% recyclable, made from Kaldewei’s own superior steel enamel and have been ingeniously crafted to Bim’s unique design – creating beautiful designer chairs for designjunction’s visitors to relax in. Designer Bim Burton explains more in our interview.

Why did you want to be part of designjunction?

I was really flattered to be asked to take part in designjunction this year. I was recommended by British Designer Steuart Padwick, the creator of the breathtaking sculpture ‘Head Above Water’, also on show in London. designjunction is one of the best destinations during the London Design Festival (LDF), so obviously, I just couldn’t say no.

Where did the idea to create bath chairs come from?

The theme this year is (Re)act and renew so when designjunction asked me what I would design, I immediately thought of the bath chair as it’s an object which is not only functional but has the chance of a second life. The Kaldewei bath makes a great exterior for seating, and I thought this was relevant today with the theme re-use as well as being great for an outside seating area.

Why is sustainability so important to you?

Sustainability should be important to everyone. Kaldewei’s baths are 100% recyclable; so perfect for this product. During my time as a designer, I have recycled many objects into practical and interesting pieces of furniture.

Why Kaldewei?

Again, this was a recommendation, this time from designjunction. I’ve found Kaldewei to be very enthusiastic when working with their baths. I couldn’t believe how wellmade and strong they are; I would definitely recommend them as a bath for their design and durability alone. Kaldewei were very generous in providing me with the chance to realise my design idea of turning baths into chairs – to reuse baths as seating. Kaldewei provided their steel enamel baths for me to cut and work out different ways to use the parts as chairs. I turned them up, sideways, and discovered how many variations I could make. I am very grateful for them trusting me and my imagination.

How did you find working with steel enamel?

Cutting the steel wasn’t nearly as difficult as I had imagined, cutting the steel with the right tools is very forgiving!

What was the biggest challenge?

In a word – time. There just isn’t enough of it. Time is so precious, I usually have very little of it to bring a project together.

What was the most fun?

I’ve enjoyed working with the challenge of the bath shape and its material, as well as having the freedom to use my creativity bringing to life my design – transforming the baths into bath chairs! kaldewei.com 1 3

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REFUGE AND RECUPERATION: SEEING BATHROOMS AFRESH

What role can bathroom designers play in helping to reduce the impact of stress in today’s society?

In this exclusive piece for Geberit, Oliver Heath, Architectural/Interior Designer and specialist in biophilic design, explores the importance of sensory design in modern bathroom projects.

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t is a fact that we are spending more time indoors – 90% of our lives, to be precise.

So, it stands to reason that the spaces we spend so much of our time in will be having a dramatic impact on how we feel. Furthermore, our ‘always on’, busy lives require us to be in a constant state of alertness, and whilst being alert might have been beneficial for our ancestors – whose survival relied upon awareness of their natural, multi-sensory surroundings – for us, it is more a case of our attention being pulled from one screen to another.

Our indoor, technological ways of living seem to have gone hand-in-hand with increasing levels of stress, and both physical and mental illnesses. Thus, we need to look at the built environment as more than just a

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place that fulfils basic needs of shelter, and consider what might be missing; with roughly 85% of the UK living in urban areas, we inevitably have a reduced connection to nature – something that connects us to each other (and our local environment) whilst helping us to relax and recuperate, by stimulating our senses in a way the built environment alone cannot.

A carbon-centred approach to sustainability has been at the forefront of design for many years.

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However, we are now seeing a rise in more human-centred approaches to sustainable design that considers the health and wellbeing of occupants.

Certification through the WELL Building Standard, Fitwel and the Living Building Challenge are helping to give humancentred design a strong presence and propelling it into industry practice alongside more traditional sustainability certification systems such as BREEAM and LEED.

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Mental wellbeing

Many concepts within these new building standards are practical, focusing on aspects such as healthy air and water quality, but there is also consideration of mental wellbeing and how biophilic design can be used.

Biophilia (meaning love of nature) is a term coined by American Psychologist Edward O Wilson in the 1980s, that has been turned into three core principles for designing the built environment by Professor Stephen Kellert, the ‘godfather of biophilic design’.

Kellert wrote about the positive impact biophilic design can have on the connections between people, place and nature due to our innate attraction to nature and natural processes. It is based on the idea that we all have a genetic connection to the natural world, and that our responses to our environments stem from our evolutionary development and survival.

Terrapin Bright Green has since created its ‘14 Patterns of Biophilic Design,’ a more neuroscientific and psychological take on biophilic design, which looks at what goes on in our heads when we connect with nature and considers how to enhance spaces we occupy with: Nature in the space: designing in direct contact with nature or natural systems, using items such as plants, light, water and fresh air Natural analogues: design strategies that use references to, or representations of, nature, such as natural materials, colours textures, patterns and technologies Nature of the space: mimicking the spatial qualities of natural environments to evoke/enhance human responses – to create spaces that are calming and relaxing but also energising and aspirational.

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Biophilic design features can be seen as the aesthetic language of healthy buildings – immediately suggesting that this is a space where life can thrive and flourish – and, of course, appealing to those seeking ‘Instagrammable’ spaces.

Increasingly, we are seeing that good design is more about how spaces make us feel, both mentally and physically, and less about how they look. Biophilic design gives us the opportunity to create wellbeing spaces with universal appeal, as one thing most of us will have in common is positive experiences in nature.

We are beginning to see more and more of these ‘14 patterns’ being brought into the built environment.

For example, bathrooms – often harsh and sterile with poor acoustics due to hard and cold surfaces – can be transformed into softer and more sensory places of refuge and recuperation. There are many opportunities to use biophilic design to maximise on the potential for the bathroom to be a nurturing sensory space: through the use of soft orientation lighting, odour extraction technology, behind-thewall acoustic measures, textural contrasts in flooring, timber or green walls and planting schemes amongst others, we can create spaces that appeal to all the senses and are reminiscent of the inspirational bathrooms that we might find on our travels.

As designers, we have an exciting opportunity to create bathroom spaces that offer moments of tranquillity and restoration in otherwise hectic urban environments, drawing on the vast body of evidence about the positive effect of sensory stimuli on wellbeing, and our innate desire to connect with nature.

Explore this subject further with Geberit’s new white paper, ‘The Science Behind the Sensory Space’, featuring a foreword from Oliver Heath. Visit www. geberit.co.uk/services/campaigns/ science-behind-the-sensoryspace to download the white paper for free. geberit.co.uk 1 6

B A T H R O O M S

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GLO SS A perfect choice for almost every location!

12 Hay Hill, Mayfair, London, W1J 6DQ, I N EKingdom X A U G U S T United

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

F I N I S H E S & S U R F A C E S

WHAT’S TRENDING IN SURFACING As ever, current surface requirements and trends in new builds are being driven by lifestyles and modern attitudes towards kitchen usage. As the hub of our home, the kitchen is used for more than just cooking and eating these days, and surfaces need to be resilient to heavy usage, writes Claire Eagling, Commercial Project Manager for Cosentino UK.

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owever, with more new homes, or indeed renovations, incorporating open-plan kitchen, dining and living spaces, not only do surfaces need to be hardwearing but also designconscious and able to help visually blend the different zones. The ever-growing rise and reach of social media in addition to traditional channels such as interior magazines and TV shows have made today’s homeowners more design-conscious than ever. The challenge for designers within high-end residential developments continues to be demonstrating an understanding of trends whilst still delivering timeless, neutral spaces to attract a wide range of buyers.

Whites and greys continue to dominate in terms of popularity for kitchen colour palettes, and this is reflected in the surfaces chosen.

Crisp white quartz worktops deliver a premium, quality feel whilst letting accessories, textiles and on-trend brassware do the talking. In highend developments, we are seeing a steady trend for striking marblelook kitchen islands, which offer the luxe look of natural stone with added practical benefits for the homeowner. The incorporation of a drop edge, giving a monolithic look to the island, is another bold and luxurious statement favoured by high-end, one-off projects. We don’t anticipate the demand for surfaces within these neutral colour palettes to change in the near future, as developers are seeking classic choices that will stand the test of time, offering a contemporary blank canvas for potential buyers to work from.

In terms of thicknesses, 20mm continues to be a popular choice for kitchen worktops, delivering a solid, premium feel. Additionally, a 20mm thickness ensures the slabs are lighter and easier to get up to different floors – a key consideration in today’s high-rise residential developments. In premium, one-off developments, we are seeing the trend for designers specifying large-scale single-slab splashbacks to add a wow-factor design statement, whilst matching upstands continue to be a popular

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choice in the majority of high-quality residential new builds. Upstands can help to add a bespoke finishing touch to a kitchen, appealing to detail-conscious homeowners.

We recently published our second Global Kitchens study, a research project undertaken by our insights platform, The Silestone Institute, which confirmed that modern attitudes towards kitchen usage in the UK are driving demand for hardwearing, versatile surfaces in residential homes. The study, titled ‘The Domestic Kitchen in the Globalisation Era’ looked into the function of the kitchen around the world, involving undertaking surveys in eight different countries. The results showed that more and more UK homeowners see the kitchen as a truly multi-functional space at the heart of the home, with 34% of UK participants stating they use the kitchen for activities other than cooking and eating, above the global average of 17.4%.

Therefore, in addition to style points, potential homeowners in the premium market expect quality fixtures and fittings from names they can recognise and rely on, providing peace of mind and easy maintenance that reflects their busy lifestyles. Longevity of products continues to be key – developers and designers are looking for surfacing products that will withstand years of use, and want the peace of mind that comes with branded products that offers warranties.

In high-end residential developments, a portfolio of recognised and coveted brands is a must. This can provide a strong pull to viewers and prospective buyers, with a growing trend for homeowners demanding greater choice when it comes to fixtures and fittings. As such, show homes in these premium developments must demonstrate a considered approach to the interiors and more than ever, showcase a lifestyle, not just a home, to be desired. Surfaces can play a vital role in the delivery of this, adding a quiet touch of quality and demonstrating high standards to discerning potential buyers. cosentino.com/en-gb

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“Developers are seeking classic choices that will stand the test of time�

Claire Eagling, Commercial Project Manager for Cosentino UK

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NEW OWNERSHIP FOR 2019 SERPENTINE PAVILION To mark the second anniversary of its global art initiative ‘Therme Art Program’, Therme Group has announced the acquisition of the 2019 Serpentine Pavilion, designed by Japanese Architect Junya Ishigami.

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he acquisition was announced at the Serpentine Galleries’ Frieze breakfast, on the occasion of the opening of Frieze London. The event featured remarks by Hans Ulrich Obrist, Serpentine Galleries’ Artistic Director, and Mikolaj Sekutowicz, Curator of Therme Art Program and Vice President of Therme Group, who commented: “It has become incredibly important to merge nature and human architecture to overcome the environmental challenges our civilisation is currently facing. As a company, we are actively searching for solutions to challenges in architectural design and city planning through art.

Ishigami’s design for this year’s pavilion responds to these challenges, approaching solutions through the artistic and conceptual freedom provided

by Serpentine Galleries.”

Ishigami’s design for the 2019 Serpentine Pavilion consists of a complex arrangement of slates, forming a single canopy that appears to emerge straight from the earth on which it stands. In keeping with Therme Group’s philosophy to reconnect nature and our built environment, Ishigami’s design highlights the importance of reconsidering the role of architecture; not only as a physical entity but also as a crucial arbiter of culture, connection as well as spirituality.

“Junya Ishigami’s Serpentine Pavilion beautifully articulates the architect’s ‘free space’ philosophy in which he seeks harmony between man-made structures and those that already exist in nature. His gravity-defying ‘slate roof’ has welcomed thousands of visitors to the park this summer to enjoy O C T O B E R

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both the space itself and the many live and experimental performances that are programmed especially for the space as part of our annual Cos x Serpentine Park Nights series. It is exciting to imagine its future life in a new environment,” says Hans Ulrich Obrist, Artistic Director at Serpentine Galleries.

“Therme Group is successfully developing projects that envision sustainable and inclusive cities, contributing to an ongoing dialogue about the global challenges that we face with our built environments. Our collaboration with Serpentine Galleries highlights our ethos and commitment to changing how we plan our cities and the possibilities that arise when we bridge art and architecture,” says Robert C. Hanea, President and Chairman of the Board at Therme Group.

To celebrate its second year in operation, Therme Art Program hosted a special event for partners, supporters and staff at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire. The evening included remarks from Mikolaj Sekutowicz and Robert C. Hanea, who highlighted the programme’s numerous achievements to date.

Key to the work of Therme Art Program is the commissioning of large-scale, long-term art projects for its esteemed thermal baths – challenging the limitations of conventional exhibition spaces and redefining contemporary art viewing. The inaugural commission – an immersive, site-specific artwork courtesy of acclaimed Icelandic Artist Egill Sæbjörnsson – was announced in December 2017. therme.art 2 7

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A POSTBREXIT INDUSTRY As Brexit swiftly approaches, Inex talks to Lester Bennett, BIID PresidentElect and Independent Design Consultant, about what a post-Brexit interiors industry may look like.

What do you feel the consensus is across the industry regarding Brexit?

Having read numerous articles, past and current, from various trade and design industry publications, it would seem that the design industry, in general, overwhelmingly felt the need to remain within the EU. From recent discussions amongst a few designers within the BIID, that view appears not to have changed, and there is certainly a high degree of concern regarding the future post-Brexit.

What are your expectations for the interior design industry post-Brexit?

Having experienced three recessions, I found it took several years to return to some sense of normality, but in each case, we moved forward and prospered. Therefore, I can only assume that it will take a similar period of time to adjust, to something of a different nature from that before, as new markets may emerge and we must adapt and diversify. We should encourage a flexible approach within our practices, enabling us to be prepared to meet future challenges.

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“All in all, whilst it may be a tortuous journey, I believe we have the best designers in the world and an industry that is second-to-none” Lester Bennett, BIID President-Elect

I also think that if import tariffs become restrictive, we may see more home-based industries emerge and hopefully flourish, such as furniture, ceramics and textiles, etc.

All in all, whilst it may be a tortuous journey, I believe we have the best designers in the world and an industry that is second-to-none. I’m sure we will endure, and thrive!

What are your main concerns for the industry after leaving the EU? I read that the British Design Council have figures stating that the UK design industry is worth an incredible £76.9bn to the UK economy, which illustrates our standing is very high. At the British Institute of Interior Design, we have applicants for registered status from designers of many nationalities, as it is recognised as a status of excellence. The UK is considered as the hub of creativity and innovation, driven partly by the current cultural diversity. If we were to lose our

credibility and financial strength, our talent, both homegrown and those from other nations, would look elsewhere to expand their knowledge and careers. So, we have to be careful that our Visas and work permits do not stifle this cultural and creative environment.

Another concern is that European clients may be more reluctant to engage with UK designers as a result of greater travel restrictions and movement of goods, so this may well affect our pipeline of commissions to some degree. Also, the staff of many UK practices consist of designers from all nationalities, many from the EU who currently create a long-term future for themselves here without fear of expiring Visas and permits. The future situation may well lead to them looking to nations other than the UK for employment.

Whilst I think the effect of Brexit on the passage of goods will inevitably slow down transportation times and increase administration and costs, particularly with the imposition of 2 9

tariffs, these issues can be taken into account in advance and legislated for – to a degree – in one’s own project programming.

Overall, it may restrict some choice and take a while for us to adjust, but for the designer, this may not have such a great impact as perhaps we are all expecting.

How Brexit will affect student intake for our universities offering design courses is another concern. This is our future, and the Government has a duty to ensure it does not endanger it.

As I have outlined above, I do have concerns for our industry, but as I have also mentioned, we have endured from a fledgeling industry during the 20th century to the strength we have today, riding several financial rollercoasters and each time we seem to have grown stronger.

However we may feel about Brexit, we should approach it positively because if we don’t, we will fail. biid.org.uk I N E X

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F U R N I T U R E

HOW CURRENT WORKPLACE TRENDS ARE IMPACTING THE OFFICE ENVIRONMENT Trends in the workplace may, like trends in any other market, come and go, but the ones we are currently seeing appear to be here to stay. As the generation gap in the workforce increases, the need to change office designs to cater for this change also develops.

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ere, KI discusses the main trends in the world of workplace design, how they’re implemented and the boost they offer offices as well as their employees.

Active design

One of the most promising trends of recent years is that of ‘active design’. As a result of becoming increasingly conscious of the impact our workplaces have on our wellbeing, organisations are reflecting on how they can support and encourage healthier practices. This must include, yet go beyond wellness programmes in the workplace. The nine principles of ‘active design’ reflect the best ways to implement this trend and the results that can be achieved.

1. Implement daylighting

Access to natural daylight is known to improve mood, alertness and overall wellbeing while helping to regulate circadian rhythms and reduce absenteeism and attrition.

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2. Create a variety of workspaces

Unassigned workstations allow people to get up and move between different settings based on their personal preferences or the task at hand. An office landscape rich in variety and choice will improve productivity and lower stress levels, whilst encouraging movement between spaces.

3. Encourage face-toface communications Face-to-face interaction over electronic communication promotes movement and increases team building. This practice can be as simple as locating employees on one floor, with clear sightlines to one another.

4. Offer healthy food options

Providing healthy snack options, including vending machines, encourages people to move while a central cafe and lounge space promotes interaction during meals and break times. It also provides a much more attractive alternative to eating at a desk.

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An office landscape rich in variety and choice will improve productivity

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5. Encourage movement whilst at work

When it comes to encouraging daily activity, employers are getting more creative. Some now provide walking paths and even encourage walking meetings, which have been shown to increase creativity.

6. Design flexible, open multi-use spaces

Innovative solutions for getting more out of available space will improve wellbeing without adding pressure to real estate costs. A conference room could be turned into a yoga studio or a games room that supports wellness programmes and encourages team building.

7. Inspire people to take the stairs

Make your staircases visually appealing, and people will be subconsciously drawn to them. Well-designed and intentionally located staircases provide an excellent alternative to escalators or lifts. What’s more, minimising the use of lifts has a dramatic effect on reducing energy consumption.

8. Incorporate height-adjustable work surfaces

Perhaps one of the most readily recognisable principles of active design is the use of sit/stand desks. Much research has pointed to ‘oversitting’ as a major contributor to poor metabolic health. This doesn’t have to end at the workstation, it can be carried through to meeting rooms, cafe areas and breakout spaces.

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9. Let’s go outside

Creating an outdoor space, whether a roof terrace or ground space, with plants and comfortable furniture, can allow staff to find good daylight and ventilation.

Wireless technology makes it possible for us to work from anywhere, so take advantage of any available outdoor space by making it inviting and engaging – people will instinctively be drawn to it whenever possible.

Biophilic design

The trend of ‘biophilia’ relates to the hypothesis which states that humans have a deep-seated association to natural environments. Essentially, our brains are hard-wired for nature. An environment with biophilic design makes the most of natural elements including plants, nature sounds, natural light and the use of natural materials such as wood or leather.

Biophilic design has been shown to have economic, health, cultural and environmental benefits.

But it’s not just merely the presence of nature, but the content within the scene, its configuration and associated semantic content.

Research from various fields, including neuroscience and endocrinology, show the crucial role that experiencing nature has on our wellbeing.

In as little time as five to 20 minutes in a biophilic environment, a positive restorative response can be triggered.

These responses include:

A decrease in blood pressure, heart rate and stress hormones An increase in self-esteem and mood Enhanced cognitive function, concentration, memory and attention.

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Ergonomic design

While not a trend as such, this type of office design has paved the way for progressions in wellbeing for employees. Ergonomics focus on working conditions and how they impact staff.

Typically, this refers to equipment and furniture, including sit/stand desks and chairs.

These items of furniture have been designed in a way that promotes movement (and, therefore, increases blood circulation) or encourages correct posture, and subsequently helps to reduce the number of complaints due to aching backs and necks. As a result, employees can concentrate better because they are less likely to be distracted by discomfort. This, in turn, aids productivity and overall staff wellbeing.

However, if employees aren’t given the appropriate instruction on how to use the ergonomic equipment, then the full benefits cannot be reaped, and the results that were hoped for won’t be achieved.

Overall, the workplace trends of today seem to be gathering momentum and are being implemented into offices and workspaces everywhere. However, while they may appear to be simple to implement, it goes without saying that each one still needs careful thought and planning in order to gain the best results. ki.com

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FROM FINANCE TO FINESSE Aflux Design is a design and architectural company that believes in affordable luxury. The firm’s goal is to create luxurious spaces of beauty yet at affordable prices.

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flux Design was founded in 2014 by Amit Malhotra, a jack of all trades – from teaching Japanese to accountancy – and Sara Ripamonti, a master Designer. The duo met in a bar and identified a gap in the market – not everyone can employ high-profile interior designers. Here, Inex talks to the pair about the drive behind the brand.

What’s the concept behind Aflux Design?

SR: A Lot of our clients are

those with big eyes but tight wallets. The aim is to try and ensure that we do our best to give them the look they want, keep expectations realistic and then try to surpass them with both innovative and creative designs.

Tell us about life before starting Aflux Design SR: I studied interior design

at IED in Milan, and following a 10-year stint at luxury interior designer NBB, set up Aflux Design. The main goal was to create spaces to reflect a client’s personality.

We are always super keen to work with clients we gel with immediately; the chemistry is one of the primary elements.

AM: My academic

background is within the economics/finance industries. However, I’ve always had a creative flair and entrepreneurial spirit.

Having taken two years out after university to live in I N E X

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Japan, I was able to nurture my creativity as an English teacher. Shortly after, I worked in finance at EY, which consisted of learning the business models, client service industry and finance – however, I always aimed to work for myself.

I then left to work for a property development company; managing the funds, valuations and dayto-day management of projects in London. It’s there where I really flourished and enjoyed the whole beforeand-after process. Being involved in the construction and costing offered a useful and practical insight into the function and aesthetic costbenefit ratio.

Having met a designer during one of the projects – and having a wide network of friends in London – I managed to work with two of my friends, who trusted me enough to design and build their houses in London. This leap of faith, and eventual success of both projects, is one of the leading factors that pushed me into taking this seriously and making a business out of it. We found a niche in the market, and we wanted to exploit it – a one-stop-shop service that would make a luxurious look accessible to the public. Our cost-saving ideas and close relationship with the clients ensure that we do our best to make this work; hence, the name ‘Aflux’ – ‘affordable luxury designs’.

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What inspired you to become an interior designer?

AM: I’ve been lucky enough to

travel, and I’ve always admired architecture and symmetry from an early age. From Europe to Asia, I have wandered old temples in India to modern buildings in Dubai – I admire balance and attention to detail. An amalgamation of my travel experiences and living in the hub of design – London – I was always inspired to work in this field.

Describe the ‘typical’ Aflux Design clientele SR: The typical client is either

young or a middle-aged family in their 40s who need to consider the design of the space as their children grow older. Aflux Design has created homes in London’s most affluent postcodes from West and Central London to Chelsea, Fulham, Wimbledon and Hyde Park. We work for clients with diverse objectives; for example, one Dulwich-based family had a ‘creative’ personality, whereas, in comparison, a minimal French couple and a client in Porchester Square were after an elegant Art Deco feel. As a practice, Aflux Design loves to pay special attention to guest toilets and children’s spaces – these can become an unexpected talking point of a home.

What is your greatest source of inspiration?

AM: I am always inspired by

new innovations, new suppliers and new products. I am always motivated by the fantastic designs and architecture from London – right on our doorstep! I also strive to keep travelling and perceiving new approaches.

What makes Aflux Design different?

SR: It’s easy for an interior design practice to have an unlimited budget, but the challenge is when a budget comes into play – we create luxury designs for less. aflux.co.uk 3 9

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T A P S & S I N K S

FROM RAGS TO RICHES If these walls could speak; for over 160 years, Offenburg’s prison was a place where no one would have wanted to spend a single night. Baden revolutionaries of 1848 were imprisoned here, as were army deserters and political prisoners later on. But thieves, scammers and murderers also served their sentences in the Grabenallee.

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he prison, built between 1840 and 1845, was in use until 2009. After years of being vacant and following recent renovations, a new spirit has swept through the building’s thick walls. On 30th September 2017, Hotel Liberty opened its doors.

The bathroom fittings of this exclusive jewel in southwestern Germany were manufactured nearby; the developers opting for perfection from the Black Forest with products by AXOR.

Cell to suite

Hotel Manager Marc Aeberhard makes sure that guests in the hotel’s 38 rooms and suites feel comfortable and free. The Swiss-born hotelier specialises in innovative high-end hotel management and has already received multiple international awards for projects around the world.

The concept for the metamorphosis from prison to luxury boutique hotel evolved in years of collaboration. Standout features include a modern glass cube connecting the two wings of the building where Michelin-star Chef Jeremy Biasiol serves haute cuisine with international and regional touches. Hotel guests can also enjoy an excellent glass of wine – for instance, from one of the many award-winning vineyards in the Ortenau region or neighbouring Alsace – while browsing through the library with its more than 3000 books; they can go for a run in the Bürgerpark right outside the door, or stroll through the picturesque old town, with its baroque architecture and halftimbered houses. The interiors of this elegant hotel were created by Knoblauch design studio, based in Markdorf on Lake Constance. Dimly lit cells with hard plank beds have given way to stylishly furnished rooms where guests now slumber on thick, 30cm premium mattresses.

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The building ended its life as a prison in 2009

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The bathroom space has also been elegantly furnished. The moulded mineral bathtubs and washbasins of the AXOR Urquiola collection are a tribute to old-fashioned washtubs – with practical detailing; their lateral slits double as towel holders.

By incorporating a freestanding washtub, Patricia Urquiola has succeeded in creating a bathroom ensemble whose playful details and modern simplicity bridges the past and the present – what could be more appropriate to a historical venue with a new-found purpose?

With this choice, the interior designers have shown a sense of perfection and willingness to experiment.

The Architect and Product Designer Patricia Urquiola is a true master when it comes to mixing styles. The Milanbased Spanish Designer, who has been working with AXOR since 2008, has developed a collection that blends retro and modern elements, creating a unique synthesis. Her objects, which are housed in museums around the world, owe their success to their modern style and sensuous appeal. And she is always good for a surprising detail.

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Patricia Urquiola merges tradition and modernity

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Patricia Urquiola’s tubs and washbasins form a harmonious duet with fittings from the AXOR Citterio E collection. The single-lever washbasin taps, the shower sets and thermostat units, and the floor-standing bathtub taps all have a black chrome special surface finish. These are complemented by bathroom fittings from the AXOR Universal Accessories programme designed by Antonio Citterio. Like Patricia Urquiola, the celebrated Italian Designer Antonio Citterio also merges the classic and the modern in his designs. He balances the proportions of round and rectangular shapes in a way that would have thrilled the Pythagoreans of Ancient Greece. With gently flowing curves and a pleasant feel, the taps offer the level of comfort that guests expect to find in a high-end hotel room.

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Bathroom fittings

by Antonio Citterio provide the perfect balance

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C A R P E T S ,

R U G S

&

F L O O R C O V E R I N G S

F L O O R C O V E R I N G S & R U G S C A R P E T S ,

LVT TAKES OFF AT HUMBERSIDE AIRPORT RESTAURANT Delivering a luxurious and bespoke design, Ark Interiors was able to create a highend bar and restaurant setting for staff and customers to enjoy at The Propeller Bar & Grill, Humberside Airport. Its objective, to provide a nostalgic 1960s aircraft impression in keeping with the history and location, was enhanced with the installation of Polyflor’s Affinity255 in the shades dappled oak, flamed chestnut and seasoned grey oak.

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F L O O R C O V E R I N G S & R U G S C A R P E T S ,

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ffinity was the ideal choice for the project that combines nostalgic features with a contemporary finish. This beautifully engineered collection of high design luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) is developed for heavy traffic environments and is an eclectic mix of authentically reproduced wood plank designs,

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incorporating contemporary and recycled timber patterns. The innovative 2mm gauge allows Affinity to be installed alongside 2mm vinyl sheet flooring, providing a seamless flooring solution that flows throughout any commercial installation.

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Affinity makes the perfect addition, ideal for heavy commercial interiors, the rustic and contemporary timber designs are suited to the leisure sector, developed and presented in a practical, resilient and hygienic product construction.

Encompassing tan and honey tones in a smooth, oak plank pattern, the dappled oak shade enhances any

F L O O R C O V E R I N G S & R U G S C A R P E T S ,

commercial interior; from entrances and boutique cafes to healthcare installations and retail stores. The versatile base colours of seasoned grey oak can be paired with other aged, reclaimed materials for a timehonoured look, or modern woods and concretes for an industrial effect.

With flamed chestnut, although bold in design with dominant knots, the

inclusion of soft yellows, oranges and pale taupe shades within each plank creates a comforting look that works beautifully laid in a design floor.

To further enhance the floorcovering, Affinity255 features a high-quality, cross-linked polyurethane reinforcement providing a low-cost, polish5 1

free maintenance regime. 100% recyclable and achieves BRE A+ certification for major use areas. Making the collection environmentally preferable whilst meeting decorative, practical, budgetary and maintenance objectives. polyflor.com I N E X

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D E S I G N F O C U S :

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LAID-BACK LUXURY

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Swell is a surf and lifestyle boutique hotel that has recently opened its doors in El Paredón, a coastal village that has quickly become the destination of choice for surfing in Guatemala. Nestled upon the untouched volcanic black sand beach of the Guatemalan Pacific Coast, this eight-suite hotel is an inspired “barefoot boho-chic” retreat, elegantly designed for laid-back travellers with discriminating taste.

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rchitect Elan Ibghy and Designer Marie Bonnefond sensitively blend contemporary with rustic, contrasting polished concrete geometry with local craftsmanship, natural wood textures and colourful Guatemalan textiles. The thoughtful spaces and natural materials, animated by hammocks and cosy nooks within a luxurious tropical garden, promote pure relaxation.

The locally inspired thatched palm roof dominating the entrance of the hotel immediately leads guests to enter a stylish indoor-outdoor lounge area of handcrafted wooden sofas and swings around an inviting bar made of locally sourced Guanacaste wood. The contemporary aesthetic of the furniture, designed by the owners themselves and handcrafted by a talented local carpenter, exudes a modern elegance to this central space. The natural textures and exotic touches make for a relaxed, convivial environment where guests can sit back and socialise.

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The combination of an endless authentic black sand beach, untouched tropical landscapes and traditional palm-thatched architecture makes El Paredón possibly one of Guatemala’s most interesting, and least wellknown travel destinations

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Set between a tropical garden and a cosy open lounge area, the guests are greeted by the commanding sight of an impressive 20m turquoise-blue swimming pool surrounded by a natural pine wood deck.

The defining signature architectural feature of the hotel is a series of polished white structural elements that animate one side of the pool’s length, poetically articulating the four swimup suites. Each of the four rooms features its own private pinewood terrace and swim-up platform for exclusive morning wakeup swims and afternoon lounging. These suites offer a contemporary environment of clean, polished concrete interiors and built-in shelves, contrasted by the warmth of local wood furniture and handpicked Guatemalan textiles. All of the rooms enjoy the luxury of their own open-air private bathroom offering a tropical shower under the stars surrounded by lush palms.

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The thatched-roof bungalows – which characterise the other suites – vary in style and amenities to adapt to the traveller’s taste. These locallyinspired structures offer the unique experience of sleeping under a traditional roof of woven palm leaves, cradled by the sound of the ocean waves, and are designed with intimate terrace lounges set within landscaped tropical gardens.

The lush gardens that permeate Swell inspire an oasis-like beach atmosphere, offering a vibrant array of colourful bougainvilleas, hibiscus, lemon trees and a wide variety of palms. Several murals

by Artists Pepallama and Thomas Meissner present a geometric and tropical animation to the hotel’s communal spaces and emphasise the exotic laid-back vibe of the overall environment.

After sunset, the hotel grounds are transformed by its warm, strategically designed lighting.

The woven straw light fixtures, handmade by local artisans and suspended throughout the lounge and restaurant spaces, reflect shimmering shadows in the swimming pool and white polished structures.

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The Swell Nosh Bar nourishes the feelgood vibe with nightly drinks, fresh juices and a variety of tasty food options.

Widely considered to be located in one of the best surf spots in all of Guatemala, guests can rent a board and arrange for private surf lessons directly through the hotel. Afterwards, guests may wish to stretch out and practise yoga in Swell’s Creative Studio, situated under an expansive thatched palm roof structure overlooking the pool, or take a hammock and unwind at Swell’s beachside traditional ‘palapa’.

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For a Guatemalan getaway that balances boho-chic with elegance and design, Swell is the ideal combination of a cosy homelike feeling with the personalised guest attention and service of a boutique hotel.

Swell sits nestled in a small fishing village, with the reputation of offering access to the best surfing in the country, drawing surfers from all over the world. The beach itself is large, and at times, devoid of anyone else in sight. The charming physical landscapes that surround El Paredón offers guests rare opportunities to take part in tours of impressive mangrove forests, salt farms and turtle feeding grounds. To that end, Swell works with a local development NGO, la Choza Chula, to offer access to such tours, all led by local guides.

The combination of an endless authentic black sand beach, untouched tropical landscapes and traditional palm-thatched architecture, makes El Paredón possibly one of Guatemala’s most interesting, and least well-known travel destinations.

Swell is the result of collaborative work between Elan Ibghy, McGill graduate of architecture from Montreal, and Marie Bonnefond, Interior Designer originally from the South of France. This couple’s vision brought them to the beach of Guatemala three years ago, and through one and a half years of construction, have opened the doors of their dream project. swellguatemala.com

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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

S P O T L I G H T P R O D U C T

Product Spotlight

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

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E HARVEY MARIA LAUNCHES ORGANICS DESIGN COLLECTION

Harvey Maria has introduced its new Organics Design collection. Combining a mellow stoneeffect with a square-in-a-square motif, the collection includes eight individual LVTs from a palette of four shades.

ach design uses a seamless shadow detail, which creates a stunning visual contrast between the tile’s inner square and edge.

Organics Design replicates the clean, neutral palette from Harvey Maria’s Organics Stone range – Natural, Portland, Jurassic and Cambrian. Four designs have a dark inner square and a light border, and four have a light inner square and dark border. Laid alternately, the geometric design creates an almost 3D illusion, alternating from light to dark. When a single colour contrast is repeated, the tiles create a mini cube effect. Endless other designs can be created by mixing the plain and patterned tiles, and by combining them with single shade tiles from the Organics Stone range.

Each Organics Design tile measures 30.5 x 30.5cm and the larger Organics Stone tiles measure 30.5 x 45.7cm. All designs have a bevelled edge and can be laid in all settings, including bathrooms and over underfloor heating. harveymaria.com 0330 330 1231 info@harveymaria.com

HAM YARD HOTEL OFFERS A PEACEFUL NIGHT’S SLEEP WITH SELECTAGLAZE

Located in one of the most vibrant parts of London, lies the stunning Ham Yard Hotel. Centred around a pedestrian thoroughfare connecting Great Windmill Street and Denman Street, Ham Yard Hotel has everything guests could want, from an eclectic nightlife of buzzing bars and restaurants to quirky shops and quaint cafes.

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uilt on a plot vacant for a number of years, the site has had a creative past.

During the 1920s, Ham Yard was home to the Hambone Club for writers and musicians.

Numerous plans had been put forward over the years to develop the site, all were rejected until permission was granted for Firmdale Hotels

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to redevelop the area. The company went on to create 91 individually designed hotel bedrooms and 24 apartments, along with a 1950s-style bowling alley, theatre and restaurant.

Although new double-glazed windows were installed throughout the building, the corner of the hotel on Great Windmill Street still suffered high exterior noise levels. 37 openings have been treated in three different unit styles. The secondary glazing was finished in a dark grey colour to match the existing primary windows.

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Acoustic laminated glass was used, which absorbs the external noise levels, to support in creating a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere.

As a testament to the detailed planning throughout the design and build phases, Firmdale’s efforts were rewarded with the hotel gaining a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating. selectaglaze.co.uk 01727 837271 enquiries@selectaglaze.co.uk

S P O T L I G H T

KWC’S ZOE RANGE EXUDES FORM AND FUNCTION

P R O D U C T

Multi-award-winning luxury Swiss brand KWC prides itself in the design and manufacture of ‘products of perfection’, such as in its contemporary-styled 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 PullOut and Touch-Light Pro tap with push-button functionality, discreet LED illumination and KWC’s jetclean technology.

STRENGTH AND STYLE WITH SILGRANIT FROM BLANCO UK

Designed to meet the demand for strong, sturdy and stunning sinks, BLANCO’s SILGRANIT PuraDur portfolio boasts contemporary, trendy styles which are made to last. Made of up to 80% granite, SILGRANIT PuraDur is incredibly strong. The engineered stone-like material is scratch-, heat-, impact-, light- and acidresistant, so all SILGRANIT PuraDur sinks are able to withstand temperatures up to 280°C and do not discolour due to acid or light. With a repellent surface which features the patented Hygienic+Plus protection formula to ensure bacteria and odours are not absorbed, the sinks are hygienic and always germ-free.

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

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

SHOWERWALL PROJECT LAUNCHES NEW BROCHURE

FRANKE OFFERS LUXURIOUS BESPOKE-MADE STAINLESS STEEL WORK SURFACES

Showerwall’s Project bathroom wall panelling brochure has been revamped to highlight the benefits of the system to specifiers for the social housing, student accommodation and care home sectors. The updated brochure, which boasts a contemporary new design, includes helpful graphics that demonstrate how Showerwall’s large-format panels offer installation time- and cost-saving benefits compared to tiling. The hard-wearing panels can be installed in less than a day compared with two days to tile the same space, while materials and labour costs are reduced by up to 80%. The Showerwall Project brochure is available to download from the Showerwall website – www. showerwall.co.uk/downloads.

Franke offers luxury work surfaces in premium stainless steel, precision made to individual requirements.

Offering streamlined aesthetics, the product range provides superior creative scope, with choices of PureSteel and Finesteel, several thicknesses from ultra-slim 4mm, six different finishes including the Franke exclusive PearlFinish and extensive customisation with island units as large as 5m x 1.9m possible in a single, seamless element with upstands, splashbacks and end panels also available.

Work surfaces are available with a choice of 20 sink options from the Franke Centinox, Kubus and Largo ranges and the KWC Zoe and Ono ranges. Any tap from the Franke and KWC ranges can be incorporated, as well as integrated gas burners for a luxury aesthetic.

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

0845 604 7334 info@showerwall.co.uk showerwall.co.uk 8 9

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S P O T L I G H T P R O D U C T

INTERFACE UNVEILS LOOK BOTH WAYS Interface, the worldwide modular flooring company and leader in sustainability, reveals its latest collection, Look Both Ways. The collection offers designers an on-trend concrete and terrazzo flooring aesthetic, with the acoustic, performance benefits of luxury vinyl tile (LVT) and carpet tile.

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reated by Vice President of Product Design Kari Pei and her team, Look Both Ways offers duality with complementary patterns and textures. It includes both hard surfaces and soft materials, and playful and serene designs while balancing mineralbased colours with vibrant hues.

“A celebration of floors, Look Both Ways features designs that provide a smooth transition from hard to soft and coalesce effortlessly,” explains Pei. “The collection’s take on terrazzo and concrete is given new life through its interpretation of carvings and confetti. Look Both Ways features diversity of colour and texture that incites happiness and focus, while absorbing more sound than many alternative flooring offerings. Hard and soft, plush and flat, pattern and solid. This collection offers so many different combinations and is much more than a floor you walk on. It makes you think twice.”

LVT and carpet – a true power couple

Look Both Ways explores the effects of human activity and its interaction with urban landscape materials – pattern, texture and aesthetic. While I N E X

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effective alone, these products coordinate to create dynamic and transformative spaces.

With Interface’s modular flooring system, LVT and carpet can be easily and efficiently installed side-by-side to achieve integrated flooring without transition strips, and all the collection’s products are the same size at 50 x 50cm.

With a variety of patterns, textures and colourways, Look Both Ways allows for endless design combinations with eight products, including four carpet tile and four LVT designs.

The concrete-inspired carpet and LVT designs – such as Step in Time, Step it Up, Step this Way, Walk of Life and Walk About – add a layer of attitude, complementing the liveliness of confetti-inspired Step Aside carpet, Walk the Aisle LVT and Walk on By LVT. In particular, Walk on By offers a youthful lift within the collection, achieving a terrazzo-like aesthetic in both a bright and neutral colour combination.

Look Both Ways provides flexibility in design without the environmental footprint, as the carpet tile is made with recycled nylon. And, like all Interface products, the Look Both Ways collection is carbon-neutral.

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“Marrying purpose and function with design, Look Both Ways creates landscapes that perform and delight in infinite ways,” Pei adds. “The collection brings together unlikely, but striking combinations of materials that draw from both the natural and man-made. Monolithic textures denoting gravity and substance live alongside joyful colour and light-hearted confetti to create the ultimate combination of hard and soft flooring that work together effortlessly.” interface.com/lookbothways interface.uk@interface.com 0800 313 4465

S P O T L I G H T P R O D U C T

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.

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 pinpoint 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. itcnaturalluxuryflooring.com info@itcnaturalluxuryflooring.com 01622 534041

CREATE A DREAM KITCHEN WITH KELLER’S TERRACOTTA DREAMING

LYNDON UNVEILS NEVEZ RANGE

0164 285106 kellerkitchens.com info@kellerkitchens.com

01242 584897 lyndon.co.uk sales@bossdesign.com

Keller’s latest creation, Terracotta Dreaming, offers homeowners the opportunity to enjoy an elegant kitchen with all manner of trendy accessories.

The muted truffle shade offers a calming and relaxed feel; however, with plenty of colour options available from Keller, homeowners can choose a colour that suits their personality, should they desire something more bold and daring. The units can be fitted alongside each other to create a simple galley kitchen, perfect for showing off a kitchen in a smaller area, or fitted together as one big unit to create a kitchen island, ideal for those wanting to make the most of a larger space.

The Nevez range was born from a desire to provide the portfolio with a bench range that offers the traditional Lyndon values with an injection of something a little different. The design ambition was to create a minimalist product which combines proportion, use of materials and details to create an elegant, yet architectural structure. Nevez maintains a clean, uncluttered aesthetic, and after a great deal of time, care and effort from multiple departments, Lyndon has created a product to be proud of. Available in three sizes; 2000, 1700 and 1400mm, Nevez offers American black walnut or oak finishes and black powder-coated legs to provide an exquisite contrast.

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S P O T L I G H T P R O D U C T

AWARD-WINNING ACOUSTICS WITH ELEGANT DESIGN Troldtekt, one of Europe’s largest innovators and manufacturers of wood-wool panelling, has won an ICONIC Award 2019 for its exciting new ‘design solutions’ range.

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anish-manufactured Troldtekt panels are commonly specified throughout the UK and Europe to improve the interior acoustic environment. The new collection has proved so popular it won the ‘Innovative Architecture’ Award at this year’s distinguished German Iconic Awards. Presented by the German Design Council, the awards celebrate visionary architecture and innovative, sustainable products.

Designed by in-house Architect Michael Christensen, the nine new Troldtekt design solutions have two primary features in common. Firstly, they are mass-produced and, therefore, competitively priced. Secondly, they give architects great flexibility and are designed to give ceiling and wall surfaces

a seamless look. Each solution is intended to form a complete acoustic surface, whether large or small.

The range comprises Troldtekt line and Troldtekt line design with perfectly symmetrical vertical lines, Troldtekt tilt line with asymmetrical grooves, Troldtekt curves, Troldtekt tiles, Troldtekt puzzle, threedimensional Troldtekt rhomb, Troldtekt rhomb mini and Troldtekt dots. Troldtekt dots is a fascinating design

NEW COLOURWAYS FOR WOVEN IMAGE RANGE

ALTRO FLOORING SYSTEM GIVES UNIVERSITY A TOUCH OF CLASS

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01978 664255 troldtekt.co.uk info@troldtekt.co.uk

Woven Image has introduced 11 new colours for Airport, its wool-rich upholstery fabric. First released in 2010, Airport has become a popular part of the Woven Image range and, with the addition of directional ontrend hues, it is now available in a total of 23 different colourways. Originally used for task seating, Airport quickly found favour with architects, designers and specifiers, thanks to the simplicity of its weave structure and its combination of tone-on-tone yarn colours in both warp and weft directions, which make it the perfect choice for contemporary commercial environments. It is ideal for high traffic areas such as breakout areas, airport lounges and hospitality environments.

The Altro Ensemble modular flooring system is providing Cardiff University with an attractive, modern and flexible way to create stunning interiors with limitless design options.

Cardiff University has fitted wood-effect Altro Ensemble LVTs in the reception area and ground floor corridors of its Business School, as part of a refurbishment that was designed and managed

by WSP. Altro Ensemble modular flooring system is the next generation of luxury vinyl tiles. From colour blocking to geometric patterns, with a range of plank and tile sizes and textures, Altro Ensemble gives design freedom to create luxurious floors for commercial interior spaces.

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comprising 66 round indentations of varying size, adding a dynamic pattern of circular elements to the entire ceiling or wall surface. Each features its own distinctive pattern and a unique style which, when coupled with colours, offers specifiers huge amounts of flexibility to realise their most creative projects at a competitive cost.

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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

From Ocean Pollution to Noise Solution UK based acoustic solutions manufacturer Soundtect® began 10 years ago when their engineering team launched a pioneering process to recycle the carpets they manufacture for exhibitions into acoustic panels as a third generation product.

Soundtect® has grown into a Worldwide supplier of acoustic solutions with a wide range of products for walls and ceilings which not only reduces noise, but adds positive design features to any indoor space.

Soundtect® Ranges include; 3D Panels, CLASS Ceiling Baffles, CLASS Rafts and Freestyle, a semi-rigid felt used for wall applications, hanging partitions, ceiling rafts... in fact just about anything!

0203 040 2939 Showroom: 3, Albemarle Way, London EC1V 4JB

enquiries@soundtect.com

www.soundtect.com