"mirrors"

The Long Barn in East Sussex looks as if it has nestled in the Wealds for centuries. Owners and developers Max and Judi Erde had a mission to prove the viability of recreating vernacular architecture in a new sustainable modern living environment. With larch cladding (being more sustainable and easier to work than oak), and warmed via an air source heat pump, the home further features sustainable wall finishes, on the basis that those details contribute 7% of a building’s embodied carbon.Thus, Armourcoat’s innovative Clay Lime Plaster, which has low embodied carbon and produces zero emissions, has been applied throughout the two storey Wealdon style barn.The ethos behind The Long Barn was to mirror and replicate the historic aesthetic, but to utilise modern, sustainable solutions as far as possible to minimise its environmental impact. With its combination of natural minerals, longevity, eco- friendliness, ease of application and choice of finishes, I was more than happy to use Armourcoat’s Clay Lime Plaster. "The fact that we could choose different pigments and finishes to give colour and tone to the interior was an added bonus- I don’t need to decorate again!" Max Erde 

La Villa has more than 18 double and 12 single rooms. The interior design of each is unique and was furnished with every amenity. Stylish settings and painstakingly selected interiors establish a very intimate atmosphere. 22 bathrooms were completely renovated and furnished with fittings and accessories from KEUCO. Ease of use for the guest was a top criteria in the selection of the products.The IXMO shower fittings are more than merely a visual treat: multiple functions are combined in the smallest of spaces. Two-way stop and diverter valve, hose connection and hand shower bracket are all integrated in only one module. So the number of items on the wall can be reduced to a bare minimum. With a diameter or edge length of only 90 mm and a depth of only 80 mm, the visible parts are impressively inconspicuous. And the special thing is that all modules have the same dimensions.With their flawless chrome-plated finishes, the MOLL COLLECTION fittings add timeless elegance to the washbasin area. Embodying perfect design and quality, the purity of their exteriors and ease of use leave nothing to be desired. Cosmetic mirror and tissue box stand ready for daily care needs. The low-key KEUCO accessories in the shower and toilet areas present a picture of perfection. Opulent reflections sparkle in the deep lustre of the special chrome finishes 

The Four Seasons Kuwait on the Burj Alshaya waterfrontboasts over 300 rooms and suites - the embodimentof opulence inside and out. This prestigious hotel,which blends motifs from traditional Middle Easternarchitecture into an airy contemporary space, wasdesigned to be the most luxurious in Kuwait, sonaturally, it required a specialist ironmongery solution.Having worked on many of the Four Seasons projectsworldwide, Allgood was initially brought in by leadarchitect, Gensler to support the development of theironmongery schedule. When Yabu Pushelberg wasappointed as interior designer, Allgood was selectedas their natural partner following many previouscollaborations on similarly large and complex projects.The showpiece of the £1 million ironmongery project isthe bespoke brass pull handle on each of the 3.6 metrehighinternal doors. Finished in a warm bronze designedto patinate over time, with a hammered texture, thesepull handles required months of consultation andprototyping, as well as a customised manufacturingprocess in Allgood’s Birmingham factory.On March 22nd, Four Seasons Kuwait won secondplace in the International category of the RIBA-GAISpecification Awards 2019. The judges commented:“This entry is of an extremely high standard. Thehardware compliments the building fabric perfectly- in the simplicity of design and universal finish. Thehotel design is well mirrored by the hardware in itsappearance and theme.”

North City Operation Depot is a dedicated staff-only depot facility will comprise of an office and welfare building with briefing rooms, training rooms, office accommodation, a serviced canteen, locker rooms, shower facilities, laundry facilities and drying room. The depot is to provide high quality facilities to enable staff to operate more safely, efficiently, and essentially so the City Council meets its climate action targets, based in Ballymun, Dublin.The client requested for leisure lockers with rolled carcases which helps with keeping the lockers dust free, with the measurements to be 1450mm high, 450mm wide and 500mm deep with the colour mixed between Fundermax and Poleyrey. The colours are mixed with wood effect and beige laminate. Within the lockers they decided to have shelves and internal dividers, additionally, in changing rooms they requested shelves, mirrors and drying racks which are 600mm deep, 2450mm long and 2000mm high powder coated in ‘Ice’.Within the leisure lockers they decided to go with was KitLock KL1200 which can keep the staff belonging secure within the lockers. The seat stands which were cladded with beige laminate, additionally having seat slats made with Fundermax wood effect.It was great working with Purcell Construction LTD on the project and wish North City Operation Depot much success in the future.If you have a similar project or need some information on the products, contact us today at 01284 530 427.

Tower 12 takes its name from both the number of floors it spans and the fact it was the twelfth building in Spinningfields, Manchester.Due to the area being dominated by commercial developments, often inhabited by financial industry tenants, the Spinningfields area has been dubbed the “Canary Wharf of the North”. Located in the heart of this bustling district, Tower 12’s design offers a unique, holistic, and modern work environment.This vibrant area, furnishing both residents and office workers with entertainment, bars, and restaurants, also features and celebrates the local heritage with the Peoples History Museum located just across the river. This is mirrored with Tower 12 whose façade emanates the industrial heritage of the area but whose function retains modern refinement.Flexible Business Interiors created the terrace spaces on Tower 12 using the pedestal paving system, which is comprised of our specifically designed paving pedestals and porcelain tiles.The overall project design is enhanced by the seamless transitioning from indoor to outdoor spaces: achieved using Ryno’s simply adjusted RP-FR non-combustible paving pedestals.The porcelain tiles, in the shade Argento from the Quadro range, punctuated the space with their elegant, contemporary finish. This paving choice created a stain-resistant, slip-proof, and non-combustible surface ready to face the test of time. 

Nestled within the heart of Nottingham’s Island Quarter, Cleaver & Wake has emerged as a culinary gem that pays homage to the past while embracing the present, with born and raised Masterchef winner in 2018, Laurance Henry is the perfect fit for this stand out restaurant. Beyond the tantalizing dishes and enchanting ambiance, one remarkable detail stands out – the bespoke pull handles that adorn its entrance. These handles are more than mere functional tools; they embody the very essence of the buildings design philosophy.A Fusion of Heritage and ModernityCleaver & Wake, the latest sensation to grace the Island Quarter, has embarked on a journey to encapsulate the spirit of Victorian lace dressmakers who once tread upon the very grounds it now stands upon. In tribute to the two historic figures who lent their names to the establishment, the interior architecture and design studio, Macaulay Sinclair, embarked on an artistic endeavour to meld history and modernity.The result is an exquisite interplay between timeless elegance and contemporary sophistication. Every inch of Cleaver & Wake’s interior space whispers stories of yesteryears, harmonizing Victorian aesthetics with a contemporary twist. And at the heart of this artistic fusion lie our bespoke pull handles – an artistic endeavour that connects past and present.Designing with PurposeThe bespoke pull handles of Cleaver & Wake serve as more than just conduits to enter the restaurant; they are a tangible embodiment of the restaurant’s narrative. Just as the restaurant’s name pays tribute to Victorian dressmakers, these handles reflect the dedication to craft and attention to detail that defined the era.The design process of these handles was a meticulous procedure . Every curve, every contour, and every detail was envisioned with the overarching architectural theme in mind. The handles’ shape, inspired by the graceful lines of Victorian attire, mirrors the curvature and symmetry seen in lace patterns, subtly weaving the essence of Cleaver & Wake’s heritage into its very architecture.Craftsmanship and SymbolismThe craftsmanship behind our pull handles is a testament to the commitment to authenticity and uniqueness. They exude a sense of timeless beauty that only skilled artisans can create. Each pull handle tells a story of the past while offering a tactile connection to the present – an embodiment of the Cleaver & Wake experience itself.As patrons grasp these handles, they’re not just opening a door; they’re traversing a portal through time and design, from the elegance of Victorian craftsmanship to the modern-day finesse of Cleaver & Wake’s culinary offerings.A Final FlourishCleaver & Wake’s bespoke pull handles transcend mere functionality; they embody a narrative that seamlessly connects history with contemporary sophistication. They are more than an invitation to enter; they are the first touchpoint that introduces guests to the captivating journey within.Just as the Victorian lace dressmakers of yore painstakingly wove intricate patterns, Cleaver & Wake’s design team, inspired by their legacy, has woven a masterpiece in architectural storytelling. With the unveiling of these bespoke pull handles, Cleaver & Wake beckons all to step into an enchanting world where heritage and modernity intertwine in the most elegant of ways.So, as you find yourself at the entrance of Cleaver & Wake, pause for a moment before grasping those handles. Let your fingers trace the lines that mirror a bygone era and a thriving present, a testament to the art of design and the stories that architecture can tell.

Specialist floor levelling compounds and adhesives from F. Ball have been used to install a mixture of hard-wearing, stylish textile and vinyl floorcoverings at Hampton School in South West London. Starting in the sixth form areas, flooring contractors made a feature of the long and narrow atrium by mirroring the footprint of the mezzanine floor overlooking the breakout area onto the floor below, using a 50/50-split of Calgary Cement and Grey Forbo Flotex carpets.To achieve this, the old fibre-bonded carpet in the 250m2 room was first removed, revealing a sound, dry, concrete subfloor, which was primed using diluted Stopgap P131 general purpose primer before the application of Stopgap Green Bag levelling compound. Once the levelling compound had cured, Styccobond F44 acrylic adhesive was used to secure the PVC-backed carpet. Over in the maths’ corridor, contractors had to remove fibre-bonded carpet tiles affixed to wooden parquet blocks, leaving behind old bitumen adhesive residues. To prepare the subfloor, Stopgap 1200 Pro levelling compound was applied. Once cured, Stopgap F77 waterproof surface membrane was applied as a moisture test had indicated the presence of excess subfloor moisture, with relative humidity levels exceeding the 75% threshold for the project to progress without a moisture management solution.Next, Stopgap P141 primer was used to promote the adhesion of a subsequently applied second layer of Stopgap 1200 Pro. Finally, the 100m2 area was finished with wood-effect luxury vinyl tiles. 

Crossley Webb Contracts Ltd have specialised in providing exceptional quality interior refurbishments and fit-outs for the past 16 years. They were tasked to fully refurbish 14 hotel rooms and bathrooms located at the Bannatyne Hotel Durham. They required a product that was quick to install but equally had a desirable look.CWC specified Bushboard Nuance wall panels, Bushboard’s Nuance is a unique wall panelling system that is 100% waterproof, extrusion free and can be installed in a matter of hours offering a wide choice of stunning designs and textures to create any bathroom the client wishes.OBSERVATIONS‘Bushboard were recommended to CWC through a regular client and after thoroughly researching the product we decided to use it due to it’s practicality.It is the ideal product for refurbishment and fit-out projects as working to tight deadlines means we need to have the flexibility for quick installation. Nuance meets this requirement perfectly.’Bushboard panels can be tailored and installed in a matter of hours. In Bushboard’s time trials, Nuance was up to six times faster to install than traditional tiles. For a project Nuance is perfect to cut down the disruption.OUTCOMECWC specified Driftwood, this decor is printed in life-like proportion and enhanced by a realistic texture, mirroring the beauty of real wood.‘We loved working with the product and our clients think the overall finish looks outstanding. The product is hard wearing and easy to install, along with a great modern and stylish look.We will definitely use Nuance panels again on future projects.’For more information about the Bushboard products, request a RIBA CPD,

Middlesborough CouncilPAS 68 Counter Terror plantersStreet furniture | Street PlantersConcrete bollards | HVMTownscape has successfully tendered to Middlesbrough Council for the supply of PAS 68 Counter Terror planters.Thirty-two Toledo PAS 68 Planters and one hundred and six PAS 68 bollards have been supplied to create strong and robust hostile vehicle mitigation around the Town Hall and Central Square area of the city.The new line of defence is not in response to any specific threat. Centre Square is one of the region’s biggest open civic spaces and the new security measure mirrors those seen in town and city centres across the country in recent years following attacks on domestic soil and abroad.Cllr Dennis McCabe, the executive member for environment, said Centre Square played host to many public events attracting large audiences.He added:“In common with public spaces up and down the country, security arrangements remain under constant review in the wake of high-profile incidents both at home and abroad.“The CT planters will ensure that unwanted vehicles are unable to enter Centre Square, to protect those attending events or simply enjoying a stroll in the open air.”The hardwearing steel, timber, and concrete planters were chosen for their high quality and durable finish.For more details of how we can help with your PAS68 Counter Terror requirements, please get in touch.

Altro is at the birth of a new designIssueTwenty-five years since its last refurbishment, the maternity Delivery Suite at the Royal Cornwall Hospital was in need of a revamp. The new facility has been created to ensure mothers, babies and families have a home-fromhome experience, but in a clinical and psychologically safe environment. The maternity Delivery Suite comprises of nine delivery rooms and also includes a high dependency unit. With these very high traffic areas, robust, yet good looking interior design products were a must.ApproachThe team wanted to bring an essence of Cornwall into the space to evoke the calming influence of the sea and the natural world, but needed a solution with proven clinical credentials in safety, hygiene and maintenance.“Every staff member in the maternity department was asked to submit their ideas for the new space, their vision, both practically and visually,” said Zoe Nelson, Acute Maternity Matron at the hospital. “Our Estates Department Manager, Duncan Clift, recommended Altro, because he has used them before in the hospital with great success and trusts their products.”SolutionThe Royal Cornwall Hospital chose Altro Wood and Altro Pisces safety floors in colours to represent sand. For the walls, they selected Altro Whiterock Satins in ocean hues to mirror the sea, and Altro Fortis Titanium wall protection in Pearl and Battleship to replicate rocks. Altro Whiterock Digiclad (Custom) was used to portray wall art of Cornish ocean scenes. The result is a beautiful environment that promotes a relaxing birthing experience for mother and baby.

This showroom is not your average showroom. As well as being a place to showcase their bathroom products, it’s also used as a meeting place for architects and designers alike to come together to share and exchange knowledge and insights. The Roca Gallery, London, also hosts exhibitions and events around a variety of topics including architecture, design, and sustainability.Roca is a bathroom manufacturer and supplier that originally started out selling cast iron radiators in 1917. The first Roca Gallery was opened in 2009 in Barcelona and is what they call their ‘commitment to society’ providing a ‘brand experience’ like no other. Other galleries around the world include Madrid, Lisbon, Shanghai and Beijing – with each one individually designed to suit the cultural and historic surroundings.The Roca London Gallery was designed by Zaha Hadid Architects and is full of rich history and innovative culture throughout it’s 1100m2 floor space. A prominent theme of the design is the movement of water with ripples on the façade and a sculpted interior. There’s over 200 unique concrete panels and 1209 bespoke porcelain floor tiles which meant that our access panels also needed to be bespoke to compliment this design.Our concealed frame doors, Arriva & Innova were essential to the design, in order to create a smooth, undisturbed flow throughout the space. The doors also feature bespoke designs, such as curved cut-outs in the doors for the handle, mirroring the curved design that can be seen across the project. The Via access panels were also required to be bespoke, with some needing to be abstract shapes, while others had to fit with the curvature of the wall.

Project: Ayr Academy, ScotlandProduct: OranitArchitect: BDP, GlasgowInstaller: Linear Projects, GlasgowAyr Academy, Scotland. BDP Architects (August 2017) Photos by Graeme DuncanSpecification:Oranit 7-501 Panels in Yellow PineQuantity:138m2  Oranit panels in PEFC Certified Yellow Pine were installed in rafts to the ceiling of the atrium space at the Ayr Academy campus which opened to students in September 2017.Shiluvit by Oranit was specified for it’s ease of design and installation as well as the stunning effect of slatted natural timber. The panels were installed in 12 rafts of 16 panels suspended at a slight angle to mirror the tilt and dimension of the true ceiling.The 6-year secondary school has state of the art classroom facilities for an engaging and high-tech learning experience as well as professional quality all-weather sports pitches as well as fitness, and dance suites which are available to the wider community. The school has followed suit from other local colleges and universities by including informal social and learning spaces in the atrium.The new campus is a huge step-forward from the previous historic 1880’s school and is inspiring enthusiasm and pride in all of it’s staff and students.In addition to the Oranit panels, LSA supplied Linear ribs to support the acoustics in the open plan main plaza of the school. The central drum clad in natural Oak ribs is a functional focal point of the space, housing a learning resource centre inside and hosting a computer classroom and social space on top.

During the hotel’s modernisation, interior designer and architect Manfred Ronstedt successfully created a pleasant living environment, through carefully chosen interiors. Here, usability for guests was not to be forgotten. The accessories and fittings from KEUCO impress by perfectly uniting design with stylish comfort. Gleaming chrome finishes underscore the noble ambience of the refined interior architecture of the hotel.This 4-star business hotel of the Best Western Group is situated directly at Lake Neuchâtel, not far from the historical city centre of Neuchâtel. With the natural materials and gentle colours, the unique location and the wonderful natural setting of the area acted as inspiration for the design of the high quality furnishings in the rooms and suites. Wood and colours such as sand, truffle, gold and brown dominate the room design. Whilst selecting the products, Manfred Ronstedt of Ronstedt hotel concepts placed strong emphasis on the timeless elegance: "The accessories and fittings from KEUCO harmonise perfectly with the design concept of the hotel rooms – a modern ambience of well-being.“The exclusive bathroom furnishings include generously-sized showers, and some also have a bath tub. Some rooms also offer a separate WC. Ample space for setting things down at the washbasin and carefully selected KEUCO accessories from the Moll collection allow things to be comfortably organised. The straight lines and sensuous curves of the fittings harmonise perfectly with the inviting furnishings. A cosmetic mirror and a large towel holder as well as a noble sponge wire basket and handholds in the wet area underscore the comfort and high-quality touch of each bathroom. A large head shower and the additional hand shower transform showering into a spa-like experience.

In July 2022, Medspace was awarded the FF&E package for the New University of Bristol Dental School.Working closely with the University and construction company Kier, Medspace were tasked to design, manufacture and install bespoke Reception Desks, 119 Dental Bays, Worktops, Roller Racking and HTM71 Storage as well as fit Group 2 items such as hooks, mirrors, grab rails and soap dispensers.Once again, cleanliness, clever design and functionality were paramount in the successful execution of the project. The existing building spanned six floors and hosted a series of challenging shaped rooms and obstacles to overcome. Working alongside the Kier design and site teams, Medspace worked to fit all bespoke items within the existing fabric of the building, producing more than 160 designs to meet the exact needs of the university staff and students. The communication between the design and the installation team played a huge part in ensuring that the highest level of finish was achieved with weekly meetings held to iron out issues before they got to site. This high standard is immediately apparent as you enter the building and view the 'centre piece' main reception desk, which features a solid surface desk with whitewashed birch panelling, surrounded by a fully bespoke structure featuring fully integrated services, matching the same birch finish to compliment the integral desk.The £27million purpose-built facility near Bristol Temple Meads train station was successfully opened in 2023 following extensive renovations. Medspace is proud to have been part of creating this exciting upgrade for students and staff, incorporating bespoke design and the latest equipment spread across 7,300 square meters of space.

Rainscreen cladding specialists Metalline are the first to use an innovative stone textured finish on their range of CWCT certified Unity rainscreen cladding panels. The finish, which to the naked eye looks like stone is a perfect substitute for natural stone cladding panels and offers a range of cost saving benefits. The use of aluminum also offers the architect more design options. Metalline, who have worked closely with contractors Alumet on a number of capital projects in London presented their new finish to the design team and outlined the huge cost savings that could be achieved by specifying their aluminium Unity rainscreen panel with the new stone textured PPC applied. The external façade when completed will feature over 3000 panels, both flat and curved in stone white and include fittings and bracketry for a unitized system. This ability to mirror a natural finish on aluminium Unity rainscreen panels has led to a number of interesting approaches from developers looking to enhance the external envelope of their project. Metalline’s expertise in fascia finishes extends beyond Polyester Powder Coating applications. Taking advantage of the latest research and development into anodised finishes has seen Metalline engaged by a number of leading architects and contractors to advise and supply fabricated aluminium with an anodised finish whose colour is guaranteed for the life cycle of a building. Available in a full range of Anolok anodising finishes, specifiers are now able to enhance the aesthetic look and feel of a building’s façade in a choice of colours including Natural Silver, Bronzes from light to dark, Regency Gold 1 & 2, Black and specialist Anolok anodising II Blue-Grey and Stone-Grey finishes. The Metalline range of Unity rainscreen panels and Ultima insulated panels are made from solid aluminium and use an A1 rated non – combustible insulation core on their insulated panels to help meet the latest requirements in fire safety.

THE PROJECTFloral Court is a mixed-use development featuring a high-quality residential, retail and restaurant space located in London’s Covent Garden. The project has created a new public walkway between Floral Street and King Street, providing increased footfall levels that provide a vital link to the retail and restaurant units in the development.THE PRODUCTThe mailboxes used in the Floral Court project are situated in internal lobby areas that residents pass through to access their apartment. Each bank of mailboxes is fitted into a bespoke timber frame with an internal steel frame support that ensures multiple mailboxes are securely installed in their respective locations.The chosen mailbox model for this development is the NW2 product, an item that is particularly popular with clients looking for a mailbox that has a minimalist design finish and where mail is to be both delivered and retrieved through the front face. This project uses a lateral variation of the NW2 mailbox, which allows for A4 sized flexible mail to be deposited and securely stored in the post box. The lateral type of post box typically features a shorter depth and larger width, which is ideal for installation areas that are relatively narrow.To reflect the number of residences that they service, the mailboxes are in a variety of different configurations across the site.Each post box has been engraved with corresponding residence numbers during the manufacturing process. To allow for a clean finish on the mailbox, the client opted for the engraving to be the same colour as the mailboxes themselves. Being used with the NW2 product, which has been specifically designed to have minimal features, this is the ideal mailbox and engraving combination for a sleek designer look.The mailbox is engraved with the font family ‘Calisto MT’, which is used in other locations on the site. This ensures a consistent mirroring of fonts used throughout the Floral Court development.

A bespoke timber side sliding sectional garage door by Rundum Meir has proved to be the perfect fit for a private collector of classic 1950s Humber cars.After moving into the period property around six years ago, the owner was keen to redevelop the unloved garage to create a space for housing his collection of mark IV B Humber Super Snipe cars. Having purchased and maintained four of these specific models over the past 15 years, he wanted to ensure the new garage would reflect the beauty of the vehicles as well as mirror the period architecture of his 1910-built home.The vehicles are now housed in a garage accessed via an automated timber side sliding sectional door, featuring glass apertures, designed, manufactured and installed by Rundum Meir UK. The six-section door spans 4m to provide easy access to the garage and painted in a high quality black finish to achieve a period look.The homeowner said: “We’re delighted with our new garage and thankful to Rundum Meir for the sliding doors which have made the dream a reality. When we started on the project we researched numerous garage door types, but we struggled to find one that was out of the ordinary, automated and available in the stable-door style we sought.“Danesch and the team at Rundum Meir were fantastic. Following an initial visit to our home, they helped us explore the options within our available budget and the door that they proposed was perfect. With the windows, it is great to be able to see our Super Snipes in all their glory with ease."The side sliding sectional door installed here demonstrates how Rundum Meir is able to develop a bespoke solution for most applications. All its doors are designed in the UK, hand crafted in Germany and assembled back in the UK prior to installation.

We are delighted to have recently worked in partnership with Ashby Facilities in Pelsall to deliver a range of high quality aesthetically pleasing and robust bathroom products for eight purpose built mental health bungalows at St Peter's Gardens, Stafford.Ashby Facilities approached TYDE in order to help provide them with a washroom solution for a newbuild development consisting of eight bungalows. The brief we received detailed the extensive requirements which was for a number of high quality, damage resistant anti-ligature sanitaryware products that were to be installed for their resident's safety. It was imperative that the solution we suggested was aesthetically pleasing and not look too overly 'clinical'.Our suggested solution was the installation of a number of products from our Dudley Resan® range. These products are tested and manufactured to the highest standards and offer a perfect alternative to stainless steel. Resan® products are uniquely engineered from an advanced polymer resin material which is shatterproof, exceptionally hard wearing and chemical resistant, making it the perfect solution for mental health institutes.  The TYDE team looked at the entire range and presented all suitable options. The Resan® standard height pan with blue rim was chosen along with the Resan® infra-red basin, Resan® shelf and matching Resan® mirror to complete the look.   Jamie Cooper, Operations Director of Ashby commented, "Our main aim was to provide a safe environment for the residents, so the anti-ligature features were essential. We also wanted the bathrooms to suit the style of the bungalows and many of the alternatives we looked at were dated and not suitable. When we saw the Resan® products from TYDE we knew we had the right products to meet our requirements. We are very satisfied with the products TYDE recommended; so much so that we are already looking at working with them again on other projects as they always deliver top quality products that are not only good to look at and use but more importantly are fit for purpose".