"SINK"

Our small bathroom design may only be 160 x 170cm, but for me, it’s perfectly formed in every way. You can reach both arms across and touch either side of the room, but that’s not actually what you immediately notice when you step through the door. Instead, you see a generous frameless skylight flooding the space with natural light, a wall of tactile sage green tiles and the unusual choice of a green sink paired with an off white floating vanity unit. I spent so long considering all the little details – from matching my grout to my silicone, to lining up the tiles perfectly – that size, here, really doesn’t matter.There’s a lot I learnt during the process of designing my own small bathroom design, so I thought I would share all my lessons and top tips in case you’re planning a space of a similar size. We don’t all have huge mansions, bedrooms we can convert into bathrooms or space enough for a roll-top bath and a shower. Most of us are working with tricky layouts and tight floorpans, trying to maximise the space we’ve got. Don’t be disheartened with your small bathroom, there’s a lot you can do to make it feel light, airy, uplifting and inspiring.

Here's how Freedom has transformed Izzy's living space -Why Freedom?Freedom embraces unique features to support independent living scenarios and offers the latest kitchen trends so there’s no need to compromise on style. Key components of safety, style, storage and smart flexibility at the core of the Freedom brand, make it ideal for multi-generational living, including mobility requirements.Meet Izzy Izzy Hussain, is a full-time wheelchair user, who lives in Milton Keynes. Izzy’s new kitchen allows her to host friends and family with ease.  “I now have the freedom to cook what I want, when I want and this new style of kitchen allows me to be independent and spontaneous, which is really important for me.”Izzy’s previous kitchen wasn’t accessible. Izzy reverted to using a camping hot plate and an MDF worktop just so she had the ability to cook.Following Izzy’s spinal injury, Occupational Therapist Zoe Paye provided necessary support and helped oversee the design process and renovation of Izzy’s bungalow. Zoe recommended Adam Thomas, leading accessible design consultant and Tara Neil Kitchen Retailer to offer a tailored design service, including delivery and installation. Izzy’s Kitchen DesignAs part of an early design consultation, a few features were agreed:An Island on two levels with fixed height prep space and induction hob so Izzy can cook and entertain guests at the same time.A pull-out table, doubling up as a place to safely transfer dishes to the island and as additional preparation space.A pantry/tall larder with pull-out drawers providing easy and quick access to dried food and tins.Additional design features:A drinks cabinet as entertaining is a big part of Izzy’s life allowing her to host friends and family with ease. A NEFF Slide&Hide® oven, including heat proof resting shelf which Izzy wanted following good reviews on a Facebook spinal group. Essential storage such as pull down i-move baskets and pull-out pan drawers provide easy access to everyday items, helping Izzy to be independent. A push to open slimline NEFF dishwasher for ease of accessing crockery and kitchen utensils and a hot tap which eliminates the back and forth of filling up a kettle. Finally, a well-equipped utility room incorporating a sink to wash and groom her dogs as well as a handy pull-out dog treat drawer were a must-have for Izzy. Products featured: Freedom Alta Kitchen in gloss pure white with chrome handles. A statement worktop made from Quartzite in aurora pink.Appliances: sink with drainer, integrated hide and slide ovens and induction hob, hot tap, integrated fridge-freezer, slimline dishwasher, feature lighting and flip sockets.The Freedom brand is designed in collaboration with the Adam Thomas Consultancy. Adam is an accessible design consultant and industry expert with over 40 years’ experience. Freedom is available from selected retail partners around the UK.

The Wren Academy sponsored by the Diocese of London and situated in Friern Barnet North London, recently underwent large-scale regeneration.What started out as a refurbishment project, with some new build, soon became a new build academy, with some refurbishment. A total budget of 23 million was used to turn the Academy into a fine example of a 21st century school.Architects Penoyre & Prasad, already praised for their education projects with two RIBA awards, created a unique learning environment for the pupils, who are actively encourage to take ownership of the school. The new building section of the site includes a new entrance, teaching blocks, library and toilet facilities, for which GEC Anderson supplied three special feature wash troughs within the uni-sex toilets.The facilities area has kept with the open air feel in line with the rest of the new build. The anti-bullying concept of a light and airy space, without a door to main washroom area, also promotes maturity and responsibility.The wash troughs in the toilet area created a slight industrial, but professional and clean look. There also offer water saving advantages over a standard sink or basin configuration.Martin Tye, managing director of GEC, said “The academy is a great example of modern design and architecture and for our products to be specified is a great honour and achievement.”“The wash troughs were of particular significance, architecturally, as they were seen to provide the flow and contemporary design that is simply not available with alternative materials” added Martin.

The Project Four stories of retail and office units in the heart of the city forming part of £139m redevelopment.  Quality & sustainability are key features of this building and the construction to BREEAM excellent standards make it one of the most sustainable buildings in the city. Retail units placed on the ground floor and three levels of Grade A office space above believed to be the first in Wolverhampton. The Challenge Within budget limitations produce a Grade A washroom befitting the buildings design and sustainability drivers. Keep the washroom systems off the floor and work above the height of the coving to create an opulent washroom décor. Design a bespoke vanity, concealing the pipework but not the waste and trap plus carry the weight of Solid Surface countertop and bowls.  The SolutionExcelsior Flush 30 Cubicles provide the opulence desired by the client whilst meeting the budgetary requirements of the project. Projected 150mm off the floor with stainless steel legs and ironmongery keep the cubicles clear of the coved flooring. Manufacture hybrid vanity units to carry the weight of the tops and sinks whilst allowing the chrome waste and traps to be a focal point. Delivered inline with our own business sustainability drivers, all of the washroom components are finished in Polyrey. Polyrey have a strong environmental ethos including: The Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), ISO 14001, PEFC, Chain of Custody in line with FSC.                                                               SpecificationProduct Range: Flush 30 HPLDoors: Polyrey N026 Noyer OmbrePilaster: Polyrey G029 Gris TourterellePartition: Polyrey N026 Noyer OmbreIronmongery: Stainless Steel

The responsive service and high standard of craftsmanship offered by stainless steel specialist, GEC Anderson has led to the manufacturer repeating the success of a previous collaboration with a design practice renowned for its expertise in historic buildings: creating a commercial style kitchen within a very confined space in the undercroft to London’s French Protestant Church.  Although it was established in London by Royal Charter five centuries ago in 1550, the French Protestant Church’s current home in Soho Square was designed by Sir Aston Webb and was completed in 1893. The current contract came about partly as the result of an aspiration for improved facilities, able to cater for larger numbers of people and a pressing need to replace the sub-structure’s failing tanking system. Caroe Architecture Ltd. was duly appointed as the lead consultant while Coniston Ltd. was the main contractor for the work.Having worked with GEC Anderson on previous projects such as The Old Deanery in the City of London, Caroe Architecture was confident in seeking the company’s advice on the possibilities for the refit in the very confined space of the barrel-vaulted crypt. GEC responded by conducting a detailed site survey, followed by a ‘templating’, supply and installation contract.  The Project Architect, Alanah Honey, commented: “Not only was the existing, domestic scale kitchen beneath the French Protestant Church not meeting its full needs, but the failure of the old waterproofing measures required the walls to be taken right back to bare brickwork for repair.From previously just providing tea and coffee, the client wanted to move to more of a commercial scale installation, but unfortunately there wasn’t the space or the extract capacity for a full commercial facility, we therefore went for the highest specification we could, calling on the services of GEC Anderson on the basis of our past experience of working with the company.”  “The fit-out has gone very well with GEC installing all of its stainless steel drawer units, shelves and work-surfaces as well as providing a detailed specification for the church to purchase all the appliances direct, to help keep within budget. We are delighted to have been appointed to York Minster this year, having been nominated as Inspecting Architects to a number of other Cathedrals and major churches over the last 10 years. So our work is expanding significantly beyond London and Cambridge – also involving National Trust properties as well as the Oxbridge Colleges – so there is the likelihood for further cooperation with GEC.”   Benedicte Fougier, the President of the Consistory stated, “On the advice of our architects, Caroe Architecture Ltd., we contracted GEC Anderson to design and build a kitchen in our quirky, grade 2* historical building which was no small feat given the many architectural constraints. GEC Anderson has been terrific, coming up with creative ideas and delivering exactly what we needed and more. They have been extremely professional and personable throughout, very engaged with us through constant communication and adjusting their design until the last minute to take into account our needs”. Since its formation in 1962, GEC Anderson has built its reputation for the supply of top end stainless steel sinks and sanitaryware on a combination of innovative design, top quality materials and expert craftsmanship. In addition to the company’s Decimetric system of cabinets, sinks, drainers and other equipment - widely specified for sectors including health and catering - the company’s custom engineered solutions have been selected for some of the country’s top sports, entertainment and leisure destinations. 

A small farm cottage in a Cornish Village has been transformed with a stunning large modern extension and balcony.The team of Camel Glass installers have been heavily involved in this home with the installation of windows, doors and the glass balustrade. This home is situated on the grounds of an old quarry, with views over the valley towards an engine house. The customers wanted to be able to enjoy their view to the maximum and using glass balustrade provides a safe and solid railing. This home is highlighted throughout with copper oxide furnishings, the front door and elements of the kitchen follow this theme while the sink splash back is made from glass petals in a beautiful glass meadow scene. The balcony glass was the last outside job to be done, having to wait for the kitchen counter to be installed through the French doors it was safer to install the glass after this had been carried over the balcony. Now that winter is coming the indoor jobs can be finished off and the home owners can enjoy their newly renovated home! This installer has used POSIglaze base-fix in black. Balcony Seal® has also been used to ensure water can run off the balcony under the channel without causing water ingress. Most balconies and flat roofs are built with a slight pitch to encourage rainwater to drain towards the edge of the roof. In these cases, the balustrade installer needs to allow for drainage points under the channel, to avoid water pooling around the edge of it. The Balcony Seal® system works by subtly raising the channel a few millimeters above the substrate on drain blocks. Notches on the top side of the drain blocks locate into the rebates of the POSIglaze channel, locking it into position before the system is bolt-fixed to the substrate through each block. 

A small farm cottage in a Cornish Village has been transformed with a stunning large modern extension and balcony.The team of Camel Glass installers have been heavily involved in this home with the installation of windows, doors and the glass balustrade. This home is situated on the grounds of an old quarry, with views over the valley towards an engine house. The customers wanted to be able to enjoy their view to the maximum and using glass balustrade provides a safe and solid railing. This home is highlighted throughout with copper oxide furnishings, the front door and elements of the kitchen follow this theme while the sink splash back is made from glass petals in a beautiful glass meadow scene. The balcony glass was the last outside job to be done, having to wait for the kitchen counter to be installed through the French doors it was safer to install the glass after this had been carried over the balcony. Now that winter is coming the indoor jobs can be finished off and the home owners can enjoy their newly renovated home! This installer has used POSIglaze base-fix in black. Balcony Seal® has also been used to ensure water can run off the balcony under the channel without causing water ingress. Most balconies and flat roofs are built with a slight pitch to encourage rainwater to drain towards the edge of the roof. In these cases, the balustrade installer needs to allow for drainage points under the channel, to avoid water pooling around the edge of it. The Balcony Seal® system works by subtly raising the channel a few millimeters above the substrate on drain blocks. Notches on the top side of the drain blocks locate into the rebates of the POSIglaze channel, locking it into position before the system is bolt-fixed to the substrate through each block. 

The Bridge Professional Development Centre, in Bristol, is part of the Bridge Learning Campus (BLC) and provides support and training to a number of educational establishments in the area. Refreshments for staff and visitors are provided by means of a small kitchen, located near the reception area.Some years ago, GEC Anderson stainless steel worktops were specified within the kitchen. Since this time, the kitchen has been in continuous use and has stood up very well against the general wear and tear expected in a busy area such as this. Alterations were recently required to change access and also some of the internal features of the kitchen. Unitary Engineering Services were responsible for making the alterations. In turn, they approached GEC Anderson who had supplied the original worktops. Two additional worktop sections were required and it was necessary to carefully match the existing detailing as well as the outline of the new walls. GEC Anderson surveyed, manufactured, delivered and installed the new worktops.The result provides a great deal more worksurface area and storage space which should now provide the necessary facilities to meet demand for the foreseeable future. A neat and professional solution is always assured with stainless steel worktops.Founded in England in 1962, GEC Anderson has pioneered the development of made-to-measure stainless steel products. Today, the company’s range also includes standard and modular stainless steel options. Products include sinks, worktops, cabinets, shelving, splashbacks, doors and sanitaryware for use in domestic, commercial and specialist environments. All products are manufactured to ISO 9001 and backed by a comprehensive support service from planning and product specification to installation and maintenance.

The Project Joseph Leckie Academy £3.5 million modern new wing received Walsall Council’s planning committee approval in April 2015, and it has been full steam ahead since then. Speller Metcalfe awarded contractor and commenced building the state of the art 21 classroom block in May 2015. The ChallengeThe Architects vision was to create a minimalist washroom décor with flush frontage cubicles and high specification wash stations.The overall finish to be non-fussy and unobtrusive.Cubicles sited below a bulkhead were required to appear to float and all legs and fixing to be hidden.Standard vanity frontages and sinks did not meet the brief, a bespoke wash station was required. The Solution Excelsior Planar 12mm Solid Grade Laminate has proven an excellent choice for the building, the flush frontage provides a seamless finish, and the durability of solid grade laminate panels is perfect for a heavy use environment such as a school. Finished with a ‘P’ section headrail for maximum stability, eradicating any lateral movement provided the rigidity the system needs.The overall aesthetics of the installation is extremely pleasing, the cubicles overall height @ 2100mm on a 50mm leg is a standard height system however having a bulkhead in place has increased the sense of privacy and delivered the opulence of a floor to ceiling enclosure. The 50mm leg is set back inside the cubicle, fixed onto the partition which enhances the seamless finish from the exterior and infers the system is floating.SpecificationProduct Range: Planar 12mm Solid Grade Laminate CubicleDoors: B070 Blanc Megeve )Pilaster: Gris Orage G059Partition: Gris Orage G059Ironmongery: Stainless Steel

The Project Derby Manufacturing University Technical College (UTC) has received planning permission by Derby City Council. BAM Construct UK will build the £8 million centre which has been designed by Maber Architects.The UTC will have capacity for up to 600 young people aged 14 to 19. They will study core GCSE's, A levels and engineering qualifications enhanced by project-based learning, work placements, employer site visits and industry expert lectures. The Challenge Produce a system suitable for use in an open space.Open plan arrangement of Cubicles and Solid Surface Vanities located directly off the corridor.Ensure safety of the user and create an anti-bulling, completely visible space.Standard vanity frontages and sinks did not meet the brief, a bespoke wash station was required. The Solution We are proud to have worked alongside Bam Construction supplying and installing our Skyline Range on the Derby Manufacturing UTC Project.The Skyline Range is the perfect fit in open washroom spaces. With full height doors, pilasters and partitions providing complete privacy, elegance, and discretion for the user.Used within increasingly popular open washroom spaces, these full height cubicles are the perfectly solution in open spaces, unisex washrooms and gender-neutral facilities.The Skyline Range is available in three different specification options to meet both budget and durability requirements.SpecificationProduct Range: Skyline SGLDoors:12mm Compact SGL G059 Gris OragePilaster: Polyrey G003 Gris PerlePartition:Polyrey G003 Gris PerleIronmongery: Satin Anodised Aluminium

Gripsure decking has been used on an office roof terrace in the heart of the City of London’s financial district. Workers in the tall building in Fenchurch Street, home to many corporate offices and company headquarters, can now take time out on a stylish, non-slip decking area.Gripsure supplied 586 of the MOSO® Bamboo X-treme with black Gripsure non-slip inserts and a smooth finish for the project, completed last year. The private roof terrace serves as a ‘breakout area’ for office staff to relax, meet and entertain in an outdoor setting, which has fantastic views over the Thames.The existing timber deck had come to the end of its service life and risks of slips and falls had meant that the terrace area had to be closed. Contractors MJ Ferguson stripped away the old boards and installed 150m sq of MOSO® Bamboo X-treme with Gripsure decking. These sustainable, durable boards are Euroclass B fire rated, providing further peace of mind.Company staff have already been making the most of their new safe, contemporary-looking rooftop terrace, which can be used in all weather conditions.Gripsure have been supplying bamboo decking to the UK market for the past four years as a sustainable alternative to composite and tropical hardwood products. There are thousands of species of bamboo and our decking is made from a giant species, called Moso. This bamboo is a woody perennial, so has more characteristics in common with a timber, rather than a grass. Like grass, however, Moso grows rapidly – up to a metre a day in the height of the season. There has also been a carbon study, which shows that the product is a net carbon sink over its lifespan, even taking into consideration transportation and manufacturing.

Teaming up with Robertson Construction, BOYCO helped transform a sensory room, resource areas, and table spaces for Thomas Bewick School.Project ScopeSituated in the Northeast town of West Denton, Newcastle upon Tyne; Thomas Bewick is a specialist school for autistic children and young people. Catering for just under 300 students aged 3 to 19 years old, with primary to post-secondary teachings, the school supports a range of learning and individual needs. The BOYCO WayBackgroundTo ensure optimal specialist learning and development for their students, the need arose to refurbish the school’s sensory room and resource areas in classrooms.Having worked with Robertson Construction on many jobs previously, they knew they could rely on BOYCO to cater to the specific needs of Thomas Bewick School.Firstly, the school required a resource area which could house a small fridge, sink and worktop space. It had to be simple, easy to clean for health and safety purposes, and be sturdy enough for daily usage. BOYCO’s in-house design team worked with Robertson Construction and the customer to craft a kitchenette that suited their requirements. 16mm ‘Trespa’ The Solid Grade Laminate also provides durability to the worktop; and prevents wear and tear which keeps it looking like new for many years to come. Upstands were also included at the back of the worktops; not only to provide an aesthetically pleasing look but to offer extra wall protection against water splashes from the sink.The same Solid Grade Laminate was used as a tabletop on desks for a computer area. This again adds a layer of additional protection to the fixed furniture and increases its durability despite daily usage. It was finished with a black trim, creating a sleek finish.A refresh of their current sensory room was also requested, leading to bespoke wall and floor padding being chosen. This is to support the children in discovering, exploring, and experiencing their senses in a safe environment, which is of the utmost importance for Thomas Bewick School.Due to the school being a specialist for children and young people with a range of abilities associated with Autistic Spectrum Condition, the padding is a soft lilac colour. This is both calming and tranquil for the pupils due to preventing overstimulation, whilst still promoting creativity and contributing towards safe play in the sensory room.Bespoke ProductsConsiderations were made for the use of Autism-friendly colours for the resource area. BOYCO’s designers opted to use a bespoke soft green tone on the cupboard doors. Keeping the colours muted aids in creating a calming effect which also makes the area secure. This allows the students to focus on learning and feel safe in the classroom area.Locks were incorporated on the cupboard doors that require a key for access. This provides a neat and organised learning environment, whilst also allowing items to be stored securely. For example, the lockable resource areas are great for storing items that should be kept out of reach of children such as cleaning products, preventing accidents. Creating controlled access for teaching and school staff ensures that the school can maintain a safe learning environment, to keep all classroom focus on learning. Project SuccessFollowing the completion of the project, Team BOYCO visited the school We viewed first-hand both the amazing work Thomas Bewick School does in providing a safe teaching environment for students with a range of abilities associated with Autistic Spectrum Condition, and the fantastic, finished product they received. Whilst attending the school, the customer also expressed that they were extremely pleased with the final results.Team BOYCO is proud to have contributed towards the refurbishment of this SEND school, providing long-lasting and suitable solutions for pupils and staff, as well as catering to their needs. Interested in finding out more about the bespoke products BOYCO can offer? Contact us here. If you’d like to learn more about how colours can support different needs in learning environments, read our colour theory blog.

Increased awareness of need for sustainable solutions is causing the construction industry to lean towards wood materials, thus strengthening the position of wooden buildings in the real estate sector.At the Latvian Construction Annual Award 2021 and the Latvian Construction Engineer of the Year 2021 contests, the new regional Customer Center building of Latvijas Valsts Meži was awarded 1st place in the category “Wooden Structures”. The project was developed following the best practices of sustainable buildings, including energy efficiency, material optimisation, and minimising the negative impact on the environment in both the short- and long term.Riga Wood birch plywood was used in various stages of the whole construction process, too. For this project, two Riga Wood birch plywood products were chosen – Riga Decor and Riga Form. Riga Decor is a common choice for interior solutions where functionality shouldn’t overshadow aesthetics. The decorative appearance allows it to be used for the design of furniture and other interior elements. Meanwhile Riga Form, another birch plywood product applied in this project, is among the top choices for concrete shuttering.“For us, this has been a project full of customised solutions – starting from the technical specification to the provided services. Close collaboration between our sales team and customer, as well as mills and the logistics, led to a high-quality end-result,” comments Uģis Ozols, Riga Wood Baltic director. Customer oriented service solutions integrated in the customer’s production line is among top services provided by Riga Wood and Latvijas Finieris team.It’s well known that construction sector accounts for a hefty amount of CO2 emissions, and a wave of urban growth is increasing the global building stock. Construction materials such as concrete, steel and aluminium are among those contributing a notable share of generated emissions globally. Nevertheless, by using smart technologies and shifting one’s way of thinking, constructions can become global CO2 sinks that support climate stabilisation. Wood is the key factor.

Royal Windsor Quay is an exclusive riverfront development of sixteen townhouses, duplexes, apartments and penthouses.Because of the development's exclusivity, the style and quality of the kitchens were considered to be two of the most important features of the homes by developers, Hadley Homes. The aim was to design kitchens that would make a statement and be the focal point of the spaces.Says Jamee Kong, head of design at DesignSpaceLondon: The two townhouses and two penthouses were marketed as the most luxurious of the sixteen properties. A combination of Schiffini's Cinqueterre and One collections were used with a black polished granite worktop. The all black scheme, in a variety of finishes, created a sophisticated and striking look that answered the design brief.To create balance and to add interest, stainless steel appliances by Kuppersbusch were specified and single-piece stainless steel bridge-worktops by GEC Anderson were introduced in the two penthouses. The continuous stainless steel worktops, with deep edge profiles provide an important and bright focal-point to the penthouse kitchens.This was the first project we had worked on for this particular client and as a result of the success, we have been commissioned to work on two further developments, with kitchen installations due to start in the second quarter of 2011.GEC Anderson Managing Director, Martin Tye, comments: Use of high quality stainless steel in luxury kitchens provides a supremely practical yet, visually, stunning solution to worktop requirements and truly sets them apart in terms of form and function.The versatility and design freedom possible with GEC Anderson worktops makes them popular with designers and discerning users. For example, worktops can be produced in one piece and with edge profiles and sink bowl arrangements to meet exact user-requirements. Their unrivalled performance comes free.The bright and reflective stainless steel worktop finish adds light and spaciousness to the kitchen interior, whether used alone or in combination with traditional materials, such as wood and stone.