Inex September 2019

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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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As further evidence emerges surrounding the importance of placing a focus on wellbeing in interiors design, more building owners, homeowners and restauranteurs are opening up to the benefits of designing interiors that evoke natural environments.

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Certainly, sustainability is a crucial protagonist in these schemes with materials such as deep-knotted wood, previously loved furnishings and accessories, and nature-inspired recycled plastic elements that summon images of emerald-green rolling fields, deep-blue oceans and cloud-embellished summer skies. As a sustainability champion, Interface is well-versed in the world of biophilic design. The global commercial flooring manufacturer is famously known within the industry for incorporating organic forms, hues and textures within its man-made carpet tiles, and has been spearheading the biophilia movement within commercial settings for a number of years. It’s no surprise, then, that when it came to designing a new office space for the biophilic-backer, it would be a showstopper. Turn to page 57 of this month’s issue to take a tour around Interface’s new Birmingham HQ. Of course, Interface isn’t the only design house switching on to the advantages of this 21stcentury method of design. London-based Interior Designer, Sustainability and Wellbeing Expert Elina Grigoriou is another patron of the movement. With a strong belief that style and sustainability can seamlessly go hand in hand, Elina has talked to us about how she believes the spaces we design can improve our lives. Learn more about Elina’s ethos in our Insight feature on page 54.

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: The 675 chair’s design has received 15 unique modern-day interpretations See page 23.

Rebecca

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

Rebecca Kemp rebecca@crossplatformmedia.co.uk Follow us on Twitter: @INEXonline

Editorial: Rebecca Kemp rebecca@crossplatformmedia.co.uk Hannah Woodger hannah@crossplatformmedia.co.uk Digital Advertising: Sam Ball sam@crossplatformmedia.co.uk Ryan Mitchell ryan@crossplatformmedia.co.uk Print Design Manager: Jack Witcomb jack@crossplatformmedia.co.uk

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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 SEPTEMBER 2019

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IN FOCUS: CLUB DESIGN

AUDIO VISUAL

EXPOSE

Discover how one Muscovite bar took inspiration from cultural and artistic movements to entice its clientele.

Amalgamating modern-day technology with an opulent Grade II Listed home in Central London is no mean feat. Inex looks at how one smart home integrated the old with the new.

15 designers have been invited to pay homage to British Furniture Designer Robin Day. As a result, the 675 chair’s design has received 15 unique modern-day interpretations.

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FURNITURE

DOORS & JOINERY

EXRATED

In this article, Tom Potts gives Inex an insight into the design process at luxury furniture manufacturer Lyndon, revealing the procedure the company’s brand-new Nevez collection underwent prior to its launch.

Inex takes a look at a crisp new-build development that has employed a variety of high-quality Vicaima doors within the site’s 40 properties.

Pascale Girardin has been commissioned to create a showstopping sculpture to hang within the open-air atrium of the Four Seasons Hotel, Montreal.

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INSPIRE

INSIGHT

WELLBEING & SUSTAINABILITY

An opulent interior resides in London’s affluent Kensington in Fettle’s design for Chucs Café. Taking inspiration from the luxury of the Amalfi coast, Chucs’ Kensington branch is the essence of Italian design.

Following the launch of her ‘Wellbeing in Interiors: Philosophy’ book, Elina Grigoriou talks to Inex about the importance and value of wellbeing and sustainability.

Biophilia heavyweight, Interface, has taken biophilic design to the next level in the form of its new UK headquarters.

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DECOREX PREVIEW

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

Known for attracting some of the globe’s leading names in luxury interiors, Decorex celebrates its 42nd birthday this year. Learn about what’s on offer at this year’s show.

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INEX rounds up the latest innovative products and high-performance solutions entering into the interior design market.

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Aesthetically sound acoustic panels

Email: enquiries@soundtect.com Phone: 0203 040 2939 I N E X

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RUSSIAN STANDARD Monoloko Design, a Russian design firm espousing the latest in stylistic trends and leading-edge technology, is proud to announce the completion of the Galaxy Bar and Bottle Shop redesign.

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CLIENT: Zagovor Brewery LOCATION: Moscow ARCHITECT: Maxim Kashin

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AREA: 75m2 BUDGET: €50,000 PHOTOGRAPHER:

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KEY: 1: Common space, 2: Beer display, 3: Bar counter, 4: Leisure zone for clients, 5: Cold room, 6: Hall in front of staff room, 7: Storage, 8: utility service room, 9: WC

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et in a Neoclassic Moscow building, the craft beer brewery’s new azure monochrome interior and geometric forms embody the philosophical elements of Russian Cosmism and ‘Suprematism’ – an abstract art movement dedicated to pure artistic feeling and basic geometric forms. The result is an atmosphere that fosters a sense of freedom and imagination.

The firm’s idea was to create a pure, bright monochrome space that facilitates a release of the mind and the expansion of human perceptions; as if walking onto a nonobjective art canvas.

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The concept was to create an imaginative open space

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Redefining imagination

The philosophy and superiority of colour over human perception was the driving force behind the creation of the space. It has been designed to free the minds of its patrons, where perceptual sets can intervene to influence people’s perceptions and the way that they interact with their surrounding environment.

The brightness and clarity of the bar’s monochrome interior is other-worldly, conjuring perceptions of a clear and open space, devoid of colour influences typically attributable to the power of man and nature.

Reflecting the ideology of Russian avant-garde Artist and Art Theorist Kazimir Malevich, Monoloko has combined the space’s monochrome colour scheme with the fundamental principles of Suprematism – an abstract art movement dedicated to pure artistic feeling and basic geometric forms.

The concept was to create an imaginative open space where light sources and colour alters visual perceptions of the bar’s three-dimensional geometric furnishings, defined as ‘Suprematist’ in composition and mono-material in implementation.

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A celestial sphere

Layered over the space’s bright blue hue, Monoloko endeavoured to create a heavenly atmosphere resembling a limitless universe through the creation of a spatial light installation, consisting of flexible neon light enveloped in a polyurethane shell.

The resulting effect is the perception of a nonobjective free space, where patrons can take a step back from their traditional views of time and substance. monoloko.ru

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SOMETHING OLD, SOMETHING NEW A Central London home, bursting with highperformance AV technology, and a fully integrated home automation system, has earnt Environ, a top accolade from CEDIA in the 2018 EMEA Awards. The London-based integrator won the ‘Best Integrated Home £340,000 and over’ category for its user-focused design and exceptional technical knowledge.

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he extensive brief was to turn a large family house, featuring a wine cellar, fitness room, music room and two home cinemas into a fully-integrated smart home. The user interface needed to be tailored to meet the needs of the whole family, which included several children and a live-in nanny, as well as providing some specific control functionality for staff. The client was a real technophile who wanted to distribute AV throughout the living space along with integrated control of all core systems, including lighting, HVAC and security.

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Although he primarily wanted the technology to blend with the interiors, he also requested that some systems should be showcased.

The project came with a number of challenges.

As part of a larger modernisation project, the integrator was required to work in close partnership with a number of other contractors to ensure seamless integration with the stunning decor.

Also, as a Grade II Listed building, where space is at a premium, careful thought had to be given to some of the product fixings and placement.

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A significant aspect of the project was the provision of professional standard AV across the property. Speaker and TV points have been fitted in all the rooms, along with Samsung smart TVs, Bowers & Wilkins stylish bookshelf speakers in each of the main living areas and bedrooms, and CAT (California Audio Technology) in-ceiling speakers in the leisure rooms.

4K video distribution is enabled through Crestron’s DigitalMedia platform and audio using Kramer’s Sierra audio matrix.

The first media room also doubles as a living area, so a projection screen was not a viable option. The owner was keen to make a design statement and chose handcrafted Italian Sonus Faber Aida speakers and a 75” Samsung 4K TV. The brief for the second media room, which is intended to be a family room, was to create an immersive gaming environment.

A Barco Orion projector has been installed along with Triad in-wall speakers and an enormous 123” Stewart Luxus Model A ElectriScreen – a motorised, retractable screen for discreet storage. A third relaxation area uses CAT floorstanding speakers to create a visual impact. In each case, apart from the showcase speakers, the technology has been fitted, where possible, within bespoke joinery to minimise the impact on the interior design.

All the main systems in the home, including entertainment, lights and climate, have been integrated through a Crestron CP3 backbone and are controlled using the Crestron app on iPads located throughout the residence. Any iPad in the house can be set to control any of the rooms. The client had a specific request that the user interface should be identical to one he had seen in a luxury hotel. The integrator was able to build and programme an exact replica to match his specific requirements.

The client wanted each family member to have the ability to set up and easily activate their own room preferences. The app has been programmed so that each user has the option to save 15 global presets for each room encompassing lights, media source, home entertainment equipment, blinds and temperature. In addition, each person can save three lighting presets for each room according to their chosen activity or mood. Dedicated sources for each family member means that they can start watching a film in one location and then seamlessly change to a different one. Additionally, each user profile is password-protected to ensure privacy at all times.

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The lighting system is highly complex and comprises hundreds of circuits combined in one Lutron HomeWorks QS system. Simple control is enabled through Lutron keypads, positioned in each room, with the option to turn on/off or adjust individual lights, as well as access custom preset scenes through the iPad interface. The blinds can also be opened and closed using the Lutron keypads; either one by one or as a group within a room.

As the majority of the windows have motorised shades, there is a large amount of control equipment to conceal. To minimise impact, careful consideration has been given to the location of the apparatus; given space was limited.

Furthermore, as the property is Grade II Listed, the windows were not ideally suited to roller blinds.

Working in conjunction with a blind specialist, the integrator developed a solution where the blinds have been installed upside down and appear from floor boxes.

As a luxurious home in a prestigious location, security was a high priority for the client. The BPT entry control system can be accessed via the iPad enabling the family topermit entry to visitors from wherever they are in the house. They can view the images from the CCTV cameras from the iPad to check activity around the perimeter of the house.

Moreover, should there be a fire or security issue, the AV is automatically muted, and pre-programmed lighting scenes are activated.

This was a complex brief which required detailed project management and coordination with other trades. All home automation systems are seamlessly integrated within the stylish interiors of this beautiful home with simple, personalised control for every occupant. The discerning client can also enjoy high-performance audio visual, along with his family, in every corner of his home. cedia.org 2 1

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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

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MODERN MAKEOVER FOR A BRITISH CLASSIC 15 leading designers from the world of textile design were invited to pay tribute to one of Britain’s greatest designers by customising Robin Day’s iconic 675 chair.

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nitiated by Case Furniture, in partnership with Heal’s and the Robin and Lucienne Day Foundation, the project – entitled ‘A Day to Remember’ – has helped to improve the future of young British designers by supporting the educational work of the foundation through an exhibition display and live online auction.

The bespoke designs, alongside the launch of two new fabric ranges by Case, formed part of a three-week window display and in-store presentation at Heal’s flagship store on Tottenham Court Road, London, in August.

Confirmed participants included: Eleanor Pritchard, Donna Wilson, Charlene Mullen, Cristian Zuzunaga, Wallace & Sewell, Eley Kishimoto, Hannah Waldron, Beatrice Larkin, Catherine MacGruer, Darkroom, Bill Amberg Studio, Stitch by Stitch, Margo Selby, David Irwin and Christopher Farr.

About Robin Day

Robin Day was one of the most acclaimed British furniture designers of the 20th century, whose outstanding body of work made a major contribution to global design. With his wife, Textile Designer Lucienne Day, he pioneered a new modern idiom which transformed British design after World War II. Robin Day helped shape the Post-War furniture industry by introducing new materials such as plywood and polypropylene to bring contemporary design to the wider public at affordable prices. He was convinced that good design could improve the quality of people’s lives.

In 2014, Case launched an authentic new production of Robin Day’s 675 chair, originally designed in 1952. The continuing success of the chair lies in its elegant minimalist design which perfectly marries functionality, engineering as well as style. casefurniture.com

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THE CREATIVITY AND PASSION BEHIND LYNDON

Behind every elegant piece of furniture is a great designer and that’s no different at Lyndon.

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Tom Potts is based in the Cheltenham factory and is responsible for designing and developing new products for the Lyndon portfolio

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om Potts, 27, who is based in the Cheltenham factory, is responsible for designing and developing new products for the portfolio, something which he revels in.

“Having the opportunity to be creative on a daily basis has always been an ambition of mine since a young age. I find the challenge of designing new products and maximising efficiency through manufacture very rewarding, especially when working alongside talented people,” Tom explains.

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At Lyndon, Tom’s role involves assessing and reviewing current collections for potential opportunities, forming a brief and reference research, followed by conceptual sketch work and 3D CAD models.

“A visual mock-up is built for aesthetic reference, which allows us to refine the visual element of the product. Once this is established, it is then a case of developing manufacturing processes to enable the product to flow through the factory, before engineering the product 3 0

to withstand industry standard requirements. Once all of this is completed, we then move on to marketing and applying the finishing touches ready for a product release.”

However, it’s not just Tom that’s responsible for the elegance that each piece of Lyndon’s furniture exudes, as he explains: “We have a great design team at Lyndon; working hard to constantly develop our approach to design and expand upon our knowledge to create pieces of furniture that

the company will be proud to showcase in the collection is a passion we all share.

“It’s not just the design team either, everyone in the Lyndon family has an equally important role in the process of completing a piece of furniture, from the upholsterers to the sanders and delivery team, they all play a part in making our designs a reality.

“Our current portfolio is especially strong, and we have some very exciting additions in development. The new Nevez range is one that I am especially

proud of as we have been able to maintain the original vision. Sometimes as product development evolves, details of the design can sometimes be sacrificed in order to achieve completion.

“Fortunately, this was not the case with Nevez, which I believe showcases the strength of Lyndon’s brand and heritage and our restless pursuit of excellence.”

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Nevez maintains a clean, uncluttered aesthetic

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. bossdesign.com/lyndon I N E X

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ADDED DIMENSION BROUGHT TO NEWBUILD DEVELOPMENT

The village of Bramcote in Nottinghamshire has been a popular place for homeowners with discerning taste since Victorian times, so it’s little wonder that it’s now attracting fresh interest for 21st-century living with the select Baxter Green development by William May.

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nvisioned by internationally-recognised Leonard Design Architects and set in the former gardens of Grade II Listed St. John’s College, Baxter Green introduces outstanding low-density luxury housing surrounded by tranquil countryside. Once complete, Baxter Green will have 40 residential properties varying in sizes from apartments to five-bedroom houses, with ample-sized living space and all fitted with Vicaima quality interior doors.

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Long-established and regional house-builder William May Developments has used Vicaima’s Dekordor 3D finished doors throughout, alternating within particular house types, between a textured grey face with horizontal decorative grooves and a rich dark cedar finish.

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Dekordor 3D adds a new dimension to interior design, with highly attractive horizontal grained textured laminates in a range of ontrend and contemporary colour tones. This durable range can be further enhanced, with the addition of glass panel doors, face grooving or even metallic inlays to create individual statements for apartments or traditional homes. All of the Dekordor 3D collection comes in a choice of cores and can be supplied with added performance including fire doors which are compliant with the most rigorous fire door regulations, acoustics and security doors where required as part of a complete door and door frame kit. vicaima.com 3 3

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The recent arrival of the Four Seasons Hotel Montreal, located in the vibrant heart of the Golden Square Mile, is transforming the city’s hospitality and entertainment offering. In line with the Four Seasons’ ethos of designing carefully curated spaces, the luxury hospitality brand commissioned acclaimed Montreal Artist Pascale Girardin to create an original site-specific sculpture for the newly opened Four Seasons Hotel Montreal.

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uspended in the hotel’s open-air atrium, the sculpture, entitled Contemplation, is a centrepiece, evoking nature in the very heart of the luxury establishment.

The work speaks not only to the artistry that is so richly alive in Montreal, but also to the core values of the Four Seasons brand: detailed craftsmanship, enriching human stories, colourful detail and connection to place.

Made of lightweight aluminium, the all-white installation with gilded accents of 24-karat gold is made up of over 90 floral suspensions ranging from

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30cm to 1m in diameter.

These garlands cascade through the atrium from the 17th to the 18th floor, evoking the cycles of nature – the blossoms of spring flowers, the movement of petals adrift on a summer breeze, the spill of autumnal leaves and the lightness of falling snow.

Contemplation’s organic form creates an elegant counterpoint to the hotel’s linear architecture. At once ephemeral and eternal, this captivating focal point is destined to delight residents and guests of the Four Seasons Hotel Montreal for many years to come.

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About Pascale Girardin

For more than 20 years, Pascale Girardin has been navigating between the world of ceramics, visual arts and design, instilling her unique vision upon the art objects, tableware and architectural installations that she creates. Inspired by the expression of pure forms, her art discreetly highlights our fundamental relationship to the world in which we live. Whether suspended, adorning a wall or floating in the water, her works recall the omnipresence and organic structure of nature.

Contemplation, is a centrepiece, evoking nature in the very heart of the luxury establishment

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Originally trained as a painter, Pascale Girardin’s interest in both art and science led her to study biology (Université de Montréal), design (Certificate in Digital Technologies, Concordia University) ceramics (Centre de Céramique Bonsecours) and visual arts (BFA Concordia University). With the goal of enhancing her ability to conduct thoughtful research and to continue nourishing her work, Girardin is a recent graduate (MA) of the Université du Québec à Montréal.

Her work as a Visual Artist and Designer has earned her several awards and distinctions, including the Pierre-Pagé Prize and grants from the Canada Council for the Arts and the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec. Pascale Girardin’s work complements the architecture of many luxury establishments around the world, including Nobu Broadway, the Four Seasons Montreal, Saks Fifth Avenue, Clement Restaurant in New York, Four Seasons Private Residences in Pudong, the Printemps Paris and the Al Badia Golf Club in Dubai. pascalegirardin.com

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Made of lightweight aluminium, the all-white installation is made up of over 90 floral suspensions

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| Armourcoat Acoustic® Plaster System |

Exceptional Acoustics Armourcoat’s new Acoustic Plaster System offers a seamless mineral finish over large expanses to optimise the acoustics of interior spaces.

Applied to ceilings at The Minster Building for architects BuckleyGrayYeoman.

• Class ‘A’ NRC • Topcoat incorporates 70% recycled marble • Basecoat incorporates 85% recycled glass • Class ‘O’ fire-rated • Zero VOCs

Photography: © Jonathan Banks

www.armourcoat.com

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A TASTE OF ITALY

Fettle, the LA- and London-based design studio, has designed Chucs CafÊ Kensington, the first in a series of all-daydining destinations situated in some of London’s most desirable neighbourhoods.

Chucs will serve up authentic Italian classics alongside international favourites to both locals and tourists alike.

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hucs has four existing London outposts – in Mayfair, Westbourne Grove, Harrods and the Serpentine – and Chucs Café Kensington, located on London’s Old Brompton Road, marks the group’s first foray into casual dining. The timeless and elegant interiors of Chucs Café Kensington are inspired by the splendour and effortless glamour of

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1950s Italy. A sumptuous colour palette evokes the spirit of the Amalfi coast, with details and finishes reminiscent of luxury sporting endeavours, from yachts and classic Italian sports cars to the everlasting elegance of a vintage train carriage.

The interior of the cafe is fresh and inviting, creating an environment that is welcoming during the day whilst remaining warm and intimate during evening service.

The signature feature of the space is a curved, marble-topped bar with an angled oak under-counter, which features elegant brass detailing.

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Above the bar hang three oversized burnished brass and opal glass pendants.

While, the timber-framed back bar includes ribbed antique mirror panels with timber and brass shelving.

What’s more, Fettle has also designed a series of bespoke bar stools – upholstered in pink leather with a fluted black base – that sit in front of the counter.

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Marine and automobile inspiration

The walls of Chucs CafĂŠ Kensington are clad in oak panelling with a reddish stain, similar in tone to the teak used in classic car dashboards and on the decks of yachts. At low level, panelling is tongue and groove whilst above dado height, the timber includes I N E X

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inset panels of antique mirror and Pierre Frey’s Yangzi Ocean wallpaper. Artwork curated by Nicholas Campbell of Narcissus Arts is hung from antique mirror panels and includes works by Stuart Cantor and Slim Aarons. At high level, the timber panelling is inset with hand-painted high-gloss blue-painted timber panels. The high-level 5 0

panels include additional artworks, as well as a series of black-and-white photographs.

A dark-stained, original face timber floor in the main space transitions into a bespoke patterned marble floor in front of the bar, which continues to the rear of the room. Fettle has used a mix of black, white, pink and yellow marble to create this pattern, which refers back to the main colour palette.

The ceiling throughout the space is clad in high-gloss, hand-painted, off-white timber tongue and groove panelling, and includes two

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large feature antique brass and prismatic glass pendants with a dome shape and petal edge detail. Other lighting within the space is created with burnished brass picture lights and Ralph Lauren brass and glass rod wall lights sourced from Visual Comfort.

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Fettle has also designed freestanding banquettes for Chucs CafĂŠ Kensington, that sit on either side of the room. These are upholstered in a striking petrol blue

leather and sit alongside bespoke marble tabletops with chamfered corners and timber edge detail.

Alongside the banquettes sit bespoke armchairs, inspired by classic Italian dining chairs, upholstered in a pale-yellow, textured fabric.

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booth banquettes. These incorporate the same petrol blue leather used in the front of the space, with an additional touch of luxury added by a pale blue velvet on the back. Between each pair of booth seats, a curved brass and ribbed glass screen has been introduced to create a feeling of privacy for diners.

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Chucs CafÊ Kensington also benefits from a large outdoor terrace – a sizable space which wraps around the building and doubles the number of restaurant covers. The facade is painted in powder blue while existing windows and doors have been repainted in a navy-blue high gloss.

Fettle has also introduced traditional Victorian awnings to the exterior.

In addition to the awnings, Fettle has introduced an internallyilluminated curved antique brass over-door sign that is fret-cut in the shape of the Chucs flag logo, as well as creating an internally-illuminated menu box. The final element of signage is a bespoke gold leaf-painted window sign commissioned by the finishes company.

The outdoor terrace features a new timber deck in a warm reddish tone, reminiscent of the teak decking used in yacht design. To align with the building’s existing architecture, Fettle has designed a traditional tile pattern.

However, to update this design, the team selected a vibrant colour palette of blue, white, yellow and pink tiles, creating a colourful feature area.

Ceramic heaters and burnished brass wall lights on the terrace allow the space to be used yearround. Outdoor benches with loose blue seat pads feature brightly-coloured scatter cushions. The benches are paired with Brebant Maison J. Gatti rattan dining chairs clad with a blue and white weave. fettle-design.co.uk

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BOTH OF BEST WORLDS A London-based Interior Designer, Sustainability and Wellbeing Expert, and now Author, Elina Grigoriou passionately believes that style and sustainability can be mutually inclusive.

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n today’s increasingly environmentally conscious society, switched on designers and those who want to create spaces we can thrive in have one word at the forefront of their considerations – wellbeing.

We spoke to Elina about what wellbeing really means, why it’s important, and how we can improve our lives through the spaces we design, with wellbeing in mind.

What is wellbeing and why is it important today?

Wellbeing is a state of ‘being’. It is a choice we make and not something that can be given to us from someone or something.

For us to be able to make this choice, we rely on being in ‘comfort’.

Comfortable emotionally, mentally and physically.

This is where interiors come into play, and we see how they affect us. It is an issue that has been side-lined progressively over the decades, and now we are addressing this by purposefully creating spaces that support human flourishing.

How does sustainability relate to wellbeing?

Wellbeing is one of the three pillars of sustainability, so vital to being able to achieve I N E X

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sustainability. The other two pillars are the environment and economy/value. If we aim for a sustainable result in a decision, then it needs to consider the environment it is hosted in, the society it is delivered by and the economy that allows it to transact.

Recently, decisions have only considered economic returns. An economy can only be as strong as the society that uses it, and society can only be as strong as the environment that hosts it.

What drives you to pursue wellbeing and educate other designers on its value in practice?

My drive? I just want to help people. What is more important than helping others to live in a happy way, to flourish and find themselves?

In the process, this also includes me. We are all connected; everything in life is connected. By educating other designers and architects, we get more opportunities for happiness to exist in this world, and we all benefit.

We live inside buildings around 80% of our lives, so there is a lot of impact from them onto people. Designers have a key position in projects: they can influence and direct the objectives of an interior and can drive

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constant improvements in the product and material industries too. By sharing my knowledge, I hope designers become aware about the choice of direction they have available and how exactly they can integrate things.

How can designers approach the pursuit of wellbeing in their designs for success in today’s industry?

It’s about taking simple steps. One every day, no matter how small or

large, just keep on moving forward. The intention behind designers’ work is what makes the biggest difference on the result.

Making sure the intention is clearly for the happiness and wellbeing of occupants is all you need really, the rest are answers to this!

The bottom line? A designer who designs for wellbeing is a successful designer, as fundamentally, who doesn’t want a space that will not only allow but enable an occupant to be well?

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Where can designers find more in-depth insights from you?

I go into much more depth on this in my recent book, ‘Wellbeing in Interiors: Philosophy’, design and value in practice: http://bit.ly/2EIJGz2.

It has been my intent by writing the book to help all designers to adopt the wellbeing understanding and steadily integrate it into their practice. grigoriou.co.uk I N E X

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BRINGING BIOPHILIA HOME Interface is passionate about creating workplaces which are both beautifully designed and positively impact the wellbeing of the people who use them. The opening of the company’s new UK headquarters in Birmingham was a perfect opportunity to bring this approach to life to create a truly collaborative, living workplace.

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he Greenhouse, situated on the 10th floor of the Colmore Building, needed to be a space to not only inspire Interface’s talented team but also to act as a shared hub for customers and stakeholders from across the country.

Finding the right location for Interface’s new UK home was crucial to bringing the manufacturer’s vision to life. As the UK’s first ‘biophilic city’ and one steeped in manufacturing history, Birmingham provided an ideal setting to represent the company’s commitment to wellbeing and production 5 7

expertise. The city’s central location also makes the headquarters easily accessible to customers and colleagues.

The Greenhouse is Interface’s first location in Europe to bring its family of carbon-neutral products together, from carpet tile to luxury vinyl tile (LVT) and nora rubber flooring.

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On entering the office, the eye is immediately drawn to a beautiful wisteria tree which sits in the centre of the open-plan kitchen area.

Its form is also reflected in the flooring through a custom-made 50m2 nora rubber inlay, which clearly demonstrates the versatility of the range.

Alternating textures and patterns across the office take people on a journey through shared working areas, breakout zones, more traditional workspaces and meeting rooms.

Mandy Leeming, Interface Design & Development Manager EMEA, commented: “The design of our UK headquarters had to be a showstopper. We wanted to get the balance right between creating a beautiful, healthy working space, but one which was also functional, suiting all styles of working at the same time.

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“The office needed to be explorative and immersive, encouraging colleagues and customers to move fluidly from individual and team working areas, to relaxing social spaces. We couldn’t be happier with the overall design we’ve achieved, which embodies Interface’s commitment to creating positive spaces.”

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“The office needed to be explorative and immersive, encouraging colleagues and customers to move fluidly from individual and team working areas, to relaxing social spaces. We couldn’t be happier with the overall design we’ve achieved, which embodies Interface’s commitment to creating positive spaces. We’re excited to see colleagues and customers across the country coming together and making use of this incredible new co-working office.”

Interface has drawn on its family of products to create the dynamic flooring across the workspace. The manufacturer’s latest carpet tile range, Ice Breaker, is just one way that biophilic design is incorporated into the space. This collection mimics the effect of scratched ice, and the etched lines of the surface create an organic geometry that moves fluidly across the floor.

Human Connections, a range which invokes the natural cues we seek in our busy lives, is used in the space to encourage people to come together and reconnect. It takes inspiration from the squares and piazzas found in European cities which are homes to communities and are spaces where people meet to spend time together.

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Interface’s LVT ranges seamlessly integrate with the carpet tile to create pathways through high traffic areas, while also reconnecting people with nature through the principles of biophilic design.

The space isn’t just beautifully designed, it is the embodiment of Interface’s commitment to its ‘Climate Take Back Mission’, a pledge to help reverse the effects of climate change.

All the products in the Greenhouse are carbonneutral throughout their whole lifecycle. Interface has also worked together with British manufacturers and furniture suppliers with similar sustainability credentials to help complete the workplace.

Alongside the new UK headquarters in Birmingham, Interface is opening a new EMEA design centre, called The Mill at Dean Clough and has invested in its Clerkenwell showroom in London to create a more open space for customers to visit and experience its range of products. interface.com I N E X

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WHAT’S ON AT DECOREX 2019 Decorex International will make its debut at Olympia, London, this year, from 6 to 9th October, marking an exciting new chapter in the show’s 42-year history.

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ffering a showcase of the very latest in high-end design, an exceptional speaking programme and highly anticipated curated exhibitions, the annual gathering attracts the leading names in luxury interiors from across the world.

Visitors can discover the new collections and commission bespoke pieces from over 400 established brands and upand-coming makers. Displayed will be a variety of designs from hand-painted wallpapers and bespoke furniture, to conceptual lighting and printed

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fabrics. Exhibitors include Arte International, Beaumont & Fletcher, Dedar, Devon & Devon, Ferreira de Sá, Lincrusta, Nicholas Haslam, Officine Gullo, Rose Uniacke, The Rug Company, Thibaut, Vaughan, V&A Interiors and Villaverde.

New for 2019 is Design Encounter, a boundary-pushing collaboration that takes visitors on an immersive and personalised journey, curated

by Architect John Allsopp. The selected designers include Natalia Miyar, who specialises in luxury residential projects 6 8

worldwide. Joining her is Sam Todhunter, whose residential projects are recognised the world over for their fusion of luxurious eclecticism and glamorous twists on traditional design. Sella Concept, a specialist in retail, hospitality and office interiors that has worked on spaces for clients including Google and Netflix also takes part, as does the multidisciplinary Run for the Hills – the creative design house whose interiors include Musician Ellie Goulding’s home, Kricket White City and the new Tivoli

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cinema, bar and cafe in Bath.

Zachary Pulman Design Studio, a specialist in leisure hospitality – including the emerging trend of socialising and boasts clients such as Nike, Puma and Swingers – will also design a space. Also, in the line-up is an exciting new practice ‘These White Walls’, which has recently completed its first project, an elegant design for acclaimed Chef Ollie Dabbous’ Mayfair restaurant, Hide.

Decorex continues to celebrate luxury British craft and applied arts through ‘Future Heritage’, an exhibition of some of the best emerging talents in the UK with new work created especially for the show. Through the Future Heritage initiative, back for its sixth edition, the

Decorex community is offered the opportunity to discover and support collectable artists and designers. Renowned Applied Arts and Design Critic and Curator, Corinne Julius, has selected 15 designer-makers, who work across a diverse range of media – from metal and glass to ceramics and digital. Among those selected are Ceramicist, Alice Walton, Silversmith Hazel Thorn and Glass Artist Celia Dawson.

Decorex will continue to nurture new talent with ‘Foundation’, a platform for the next generation of designermakers of contemporary, bespoke furnishings. Foundation offers stands to craft design businesses in their infancy, featuring six companies 6 9

and makers that have been operating for fewer than five years, from varying disciplines, offering bespoke products of exceptional craftsmanship.

Participating are Designer and Artist Amy Collins, product design brand Iluka London, Kevin Stamper Furniture, Laurent Peacock Design, Glass Maker Michèle Oberdieck Glass and ceramics brand Unit89.

Other highlights will include an array of experiential feature areas that will see makers transform areas of the show floor into live workshops, as well the VIP Lounge, in association with House & Garden, designed by Harding & Read, offering visitors a space to meet and reflect. decorex.com I N E X

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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

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Product Spotlight

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

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METHVEN DELIVERS STYLE AND EFFICIENCY IN MANCHESTER When Squid Inc, the company behind the Art Deco-themed interiors of Bespoke’s Hotel Gotham in Manchester, was approached to help design a New York City-inspired hotel, Designer Oliver Redfern jumped at the chance to be involved.

Methven’s Designer Kaha shower valve and Krome shower fittings in black were the perfect addition to the en-suites, and fitted in with the overall look of the hotel which was designed to pay homage to the ‘Golden Age of New York City’.

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ocated next to the Townhouse Hotel on Portland Street, which is also managed

by Hotel Gotham, the new boutique hotel will allow guests to explore the city of Manchester and all it has to offer, from the Northern Quarter to The Lowry. Hotel Brooklyn will feature 191 rooms, a Brooklyn Heights rooftop bar, which offers impressive views of the city, and a fabulous Runyon’s restaurant, which was inspired by the short stories and plays of the famous Broadway Writer, Damon Runyon. The hotel will also include a dedicated events space that can accommodate over 200 people.

Speaking of the design, Oliver Redfern, Interior Designer at Squid Inc, said: “A quirky angled layout enforces the bold urban feel of the bedrooms, providing guests with a fantastic view into the vibrant city outside. While the use of tactile materials from plywood to concrete, soft leather and rich brass offer a palette of simplicity and ensure a sensory aesthetic. The unique en-suite offers a room with a view, with a full-length partly obscured window letting light from the bedroom through to the pod whilst providing a unique connection for the guests. Terrazzo-style tiles are used on the walls within the shower enclosure and flooring,

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adding a sense of warmth and luxury against the timeless plain white wall tiles and black brassware.

“Hotel Brooklyn will be an edgy urban destination hotel, and it was important for the brassware and shower systems to reflect this. When it came to planning the bathrooms, we opted for the Methven Black Krome collection as it was an excellent fit to the monotone palette of the unique angular en-suite pods. A striking contemporary design was crucial when designing the en-suites; however, it was also important that the shower performed well and delivered an invigorating experience, whilst being water-efficient due to highusage.”

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functionality with form, features advanced Airstream shower spray, mixing air with water to create a softer, lighter and voluminous shower experience.

These were teamed with the Kaha shower valve with thermostatic control to maintain a safe and consistent water temperature. To complement the Black Krome collection and give the perfect finishing touch, Oliver opted for the Methven Breeze wallmounted basin mixer, which has a solid single lever for flow and temperature control, helping to maximise the surrounding space.

Striking the perfect balance of leadingedge water technology and enduring style, Methven holds three worldwide patents for its showering technology. In a commitment to conserving energy and water to protect the environment, Methven’s innovative technologies ensure greater water efficiency and most importantly for the user without compromising the spray performance.

Simon Cornelius, Head of Marketing at Methven UK, said: “We pride ourselves on our innovative award-winning designs and patented showering technology and we were delighted to work with Squid Inc on the en-suite design of the new Hotel Brooklyn in Manchester.

“We’ve seen a big move away from chrome towards statement shower finishes in the last few years, and the latest trend to make a big impact in the bathroom sector is matte black.” methven.com/uk/specifiers 0800 195 1602 specifier@uk.methven.com

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PROCOLOR FROM VITRA TILES – DESIGN YOUR PROJECTS IN COLOUR

The ProColor range from VitrA Tiles comprises contemporary and attractive colour options for today’s designers and specifiers.

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his range is ideally suited to the architectural specification market because it contains 38 RAL colours of fully-vitrified tiles, providing modularity and consistency for designers.

The RAL system is used in architecture, construction and industry, so its use in this range allows for standardisation of colour, including coordination and contrast where required.

Importantly, RAL colours in tiling allow architects and designers to coordinate

colours throughout their residential and commercial projects and to build innovative and creative use of colour into their designs right through to implementation.

ProColor includes all the most commonly used colours from white through different shades of green, red, greige, blue, lilac, brown and black. Tiles are available in a choice of modular sizes from 2.5 x 2.5 through to 30 x 60. All sizes, except 30 x 30 and 30 x 60, come in gloss, as well as a matt finish, and are in a non-slip format.

The full range is available for immediate delivery from stock via VitrA Tiles’ distribution network.

“Our competence to produce RAL colours is a big advantage that we can offer to UK specifiers,” says Ken Aston, UK & Ireland Sales

Manager at VitrA Tiles. “The fact that we can offer the entire range of ProColor tiles, without the worry of extended delivery times is also a major benefit for our UK customers. RAL colours on a 38-strong range of fully-vitrified tiles in a choice of nine different size options, all available to the UK market for immediate delivery – that is the ProColor proposition for the UK market.” vitra.co.uk 01235 750990

BLANCO TO SPONSOR STUDENT FOR KITCHEN DESIGN COURSE

AMTICO EXPANDS FLAGSHIP SIGNATURE COLLECTION

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

0121 745 0800 info@amtico.com amtico.com/commercial

As part of BLANCO’s commitment to innovation, the premium kitchen sink and tap brand is helping to develop new and inspirational kitchen designers. The company is looking to sponsor an FDA Kitchen Design student on the threeyear course at Bucks New University in partnership with TKET (The Kitchen Education Trust). Since the inception of the kitchen design course in 2016, BLANCO has sponsored two students and has gone on to support the first graduate in her continued development beyond the course.

The scholarship is designed to encourage those interested in kitchen design to gain the relevant skills and qualifications to be successful.

Amtico has expanded its flagship Signature collection of luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) with the addition of 54 new products.

The collection now consists of 92 woods, 74 stones and 51 abstracts that have been carefully divided into complementing colour palettes. To complement the collection, Amtico has also introduced 23 pre-designed Signature laying patterns that will help architects, designers and specifiers create truly aspirational spaces. Signature products are manufactured with a 1mm wear layer, the thickest wear layer of any LVT on the market. Furthermore, the tiles can also be teamed with an acoustic backing layer to minimise noise transference.

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TURNING OCEAN POLLUTION INTO A SOUND SOLUTION

Did you know that every year, eight million metric tons of plastics enter our ocean on top of the estimated 150 million metric tons that currently circulate our marine environments?

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hether by errant plastic bags or plastic straws winding their way into gutters or large amounts of mismanaged plastic waste streaming from rapidly growing economies, that’s equivalent to emptying a refuse lorry full of plastic into the ocean every minute of every day for an entire year. And that much plastic is bound to have an impact on ocean ecosystems.

But did you also know that noise pollution is the primary cause of a reduction in productivity and can contribute to stress and illness, which can also contribute to absenteeism and continuous turnover of staff?

The typical noise level in an open-plan office is 65 dB and, shockingly, that’s only 30 dB less than a lawnmower. And background noise, even at low levels, has been found to increase stress levels and undermine shortterm memory, reading comprehension and willingness to engage with others.

Workers have been seen to be 60% less productive in a noisy office – which is a worrying statistic to any business owner.

But what does this have to do with ocean pollution? Well, Soundtect has devised a solution to tackle both.

The working world currently seems to have a love-hate relationship with open-plan offices, most of which centres around noise, but the open-plan office concept is highly successful for several reasons. It is cost-effective, allows room for expansion and changing team

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dynamics, creates more working collaboration, reducing the need for separate meetings. It creates a ‘buzzy atmosphere’ enhancing the office culture and enjoyment at work.

Every business wants more happy workers as they influence an organisation’s success and performance.

So, here’s the conundrum – the open-plan concept is the right solution for increasing engagement and creating happier, more productive employees, but the noise by-product affects individuals, driving them to grab their headphones and retreat into their own world, or even work from home.

So, considering acoustics at the planning stage is essential when embarking on an office refurbishment.

The great news is, acoustic improvement products are no longer boring and hidden, they’re stylish, colourful and are used in a variety of applications; meeting pods, 7 4

partitions and decorative forms such as wall panels and ceiling enhancements.

Soundtect specialises in the manufacture of many different solutions which can be tailored to be as funky as you like to complement any office design theme.

And while the damage plastic causes is a hot topic, noise pollution is too.

Soundtect is proud of its environmental credentials – its products use over 70% recycled polyester.

The products are a thirdgeneration product which began life first as a plastic PET bottle, then recycled into exhibition carpets before the polyester fibres are re-used again, being woven into superior quality high-performance acoustic felt used for their solutions.

So the solution is straightforward; to improve the cognitive performance of your team in an openplan office environment, more consideration needs to be given to noise dynamics and how you can reduce them with effective acoustic solutions. As you are also buying into the sustainable solution offered

by Soundtect, you are also lessening office pollution at the same time. soundtect.com 0845 548 0518 enquiries@soundtect.com

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Königstone has appointed Dan Snaith as its new Regional Sales Manager.

Having started in the KBB industry over 15 years ago, Dan joins the team with plenty of experience in sales from his position with a components supplier and then at Rotpunkt kitchens. In his previous role, Dan was responsible for selling kitchens and knowing every aspect of them, including worktops that were often made by Königstone. He became familiar with the brand and then, after some time away from the industry, was delighted to hear about the chance to become a part of the worktop manufacturer’s team.

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KÖNIGSTONE EXPANDS TEAM WITH REGIONAL SALES MANAGER

LYNDON ANNOUNCES MAYSA COLLECTION

The timeless luxury and craftsmanship for which Lyndon is known can no better be seen than in Maysa, an elegant soft seating and coffee table collection. Its inviting and elegant form has been designed with all the hallmarks of a classic Lyndon product, elegance, detail and tradition.

Its upholstery eludes a softness which has been designed to contrast against the angular slim-line timber frame. Its generously proportioned arms, combined with panels and seams that flow around the body, accentuate the curvature and overall rotundness of the body of Maysa, creating a form that commands attention in any room.

info@konigstone.co.uk konigstone.co.uk 01536 713020

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

CITY CHIC KITCHEN FROM KELLER

BENIF INTERIOR FILM FIT FOR BANNATYNE HEALTH CLUBS

Keller’s City Chic kitchen has been designed to give homes the popular urban, elegant look; with the flexibility to accommodate whatever size family.

The handleless GL2000 model gives a sleek and seamless appearance, creating a harmonious blend between cabinetry, appliances and worktops. The wood patterned doors offer the kitchen a warm feel and contrast with trendy chic black accessories such as sinks, taps and black shelving; while the white marble worktop here brings the whole look together. Whether homeowners want to extend their kitchen island with a worktop that connects with their wall cabinetry or have a separate working area, there are plenty of opportunities to mix and match the units.

Bannatyne Health Clubs is the largest independent chain of health clubs in the UK. The company wanted to refurbish its lockers, countertops, bars, washroom walls and doors instead of scrapping them. Benif Interior Film from David Clouting provided the perfect solution. Manufactured by LG Hausys, Benif is a self-adhesive, architectural film that can be quickly and easily applied to almost any interior surface. Specialist contractor T6 used a range of Benif Interior Film designs and finishes to cover the surfaces, including ceramic tiled walls. The refurbishment, part of an ongoing roll out across the clubs, was achieved without any major operational disruption to the business.

kellerkitchens.com +31 (0)1642 85106 info@kellerkitchens.com

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A/W19 TRENDS FROM STYLE LIBRARY CONTRACT As the design season begins, we are pleased to share the latest trends from Style Library Contract.

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ome to nine of the best British interior brands, Style Library Contract understands that creating contract interiors that captivate clientele is becoming ever more important.

Architectural layers from Frone Optimum

Architectural influences are becoming forever more embedded in the world of contract interiors, delivering aesthetic appeal and unrivalled performance.

Structured design, layered patterns and smart textures elevate spaces with a sense of serenity.

“Optimum, the latest collection from FR One features 10 considered multi-purpose, upholstery, curtains and drapery and sheer collections. The uncomplicated and refined simplicity of this collection together with its FR rating, sound absorption and dim-out attributes makes it the perfect fit for our Architectural Layers trend,” explains Carolyn Mitchell, Group Contracts Sales Director.

Harlequin Momentum presents Boutique Chic

Successfully capturing the essence of the world’s most sophisticated boutique hotels, the latest additions to the Momentum collection from Harlequin are stunning and evocative.

Wallpapers, drapes and upholstery fabrics have been created in a compelling colour palette representing the tones and hues of the natural world.

Claire Greenfield, Lead Design at Harlequin, said: “This collection has been developed to bring the often-unnoticed colours of the natural world. Urban silhouettes have been mixed with microscopic closeups of rock formations, honeycomb and butterfly wings and given a luxurious twist. As our lives are becoming increasingly fast-paced, we wanted to step back for a moment to appreciate the elegance and serenity of our surroundings.”

Discover both of the new collections online. You can also explore the latest Harlequin and FR One collections in person at this year’s Sleep & Eat show (stand C70 and B72). stylelibrarycontract.com 01895 221050 I N E X

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JAMES LATHAM AND HI-MACS CAST A POSITIVE LIGHT ON MENTAL ILLNESS Two 5m-tall interactive sculptures, designed by multi-awardwinning British Designer, Steuart Padwick, were erected in King’s Cross for this year’s Designjunction event as part of London Design Festival.

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he giant cuboid figures have been created in support of mental health anti-stigma initiative, Time to Change, and have been formed using Douglas Fir to convey warmth and humanity, using offsite construction technologies. However, it is the imposing, interactive ‘concrete’ blocks – representing their ‘emotional burdens’ – that truly bring these dramatic, public art spectacles to life. These cubes have been manufactured from HI-MACS natural acrylic stone (in colour G555 Steel Concrete), supplied by main UK distributor, James Latham and fabricated

by Preston-based We Are Limitless Limited (WALL).

When a visitor approaches one of the figures, a proximity sensor is triggered and the ‘burden’ appears to crack, releasing a glow of light. Then, because the sculpture’s burden has been reduced by engaging with the visitor approaching them, it begins to talk, emitting poignant, uplifting phrases, which have been written and recorded by an eclectic group of poets, writers and mental health ambassadors – all reminding us that, through communication, the weight so many of us carry can be lessened.

As a key sponsor and supporter of the project, James Latham encouraged people to post images of themselves interacting with the figures across its various social media platforms using (#makeitlathams), with a prize of an exclusive, bespoke HI-MACS seat, designed by Steuart Padwick, for the best one.

Extensively used in architectural projects of all kinds, HI-MACS solid surfaces offer a robust, smooth, non-porous and visually seamless surface which can be backlit and thermoformed to give a striking appearance.

Commenting on his material selection, Steuart Padwick said: “I wanted a quality material that was easy to work with, looked like concrete, could be machined to let light

through and was outdoorfriendly, and James Latham recommended HI-MACS, which has proved to be the perfect solution.”

Stuart Devoil, Group Head of Marketing at James Latham, commented: “This has been a unique project to be involved with and one with such a positive message. As one of the UK’s most recognised suppliers of cutting-edge materials to designers and architects, this was an ideal platform to showcase this innovative and versatile product.”

Mariana Fredes of LG Hausys commented: “With a long track record of working closely together as distributor and manufacturer, James Latham and LG Hausys are regularly involved in design events across Europe.

We are delighted to work together again, this time providing the signature ‘concrete’ blocks, made from our natural acrylic stone HI-MACS, for Steuart Padwick’s thought-provoking installation.”

For details on HI-MACS or James Latham’s full product portfolio, contact your local James Latham branch or showroom. lathamtimber.co.uk info@lathamtimber.co.uk 0207 288 6417 7 7

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Discover our extensive fabric collection at www.extex.co.uk

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