"reception desk"

The Lift 109 viewpoint designed by Ralph Appelbaum Associates has opened within the rebuilt chimney of Battersea Power Station in London. We manufactured and installed a concrete reception desk for the Lift 109 Experience reception area which is located in the Power Station’s magnificent Art Deco Turbine Hall A.Living Concrete team used an innovative concrete application technique to create custom-built reception desk for our client Beck Interiors. MicroConcrete fluted tiles in Willow Green colour were cladded onto MDF frame, seamlessly achieving a very complex and detailed design. Hand cast and hand polished oval shape concrete worktops in Ivory were assembled onsite. By using the best of modern technology, we have created a modern and robust design that demonstrates how concrete can be both good looking and functional.

Project: Design and manufacture of 2 reception desks and browser in GRC cast and sprayed concrete with brass finishes for ROMO GROUP. Materials used: Hand cast and sprayed GRFC concrete in Silk Mist finished with brass detailing. For Romo’s flagship store in London’s Chelsea Design Centre, the Living Concrete team were faced with the challenge of converting complicated geometrical designs into two precast reception desks and a browser. The single casts were made offsite, with each being over four meters long. They were treated and sealed to make them stain proof.

Project: Bespoke concrete-cladded reception desk for a workspace in South London. Client: K2 SPACE / Glenstone Materials: Large BTX Concrete 3D panels (overlays) in Mist colour and Smooth finish. The panels were cladded over a hard wood carcass. To create an impressive raw industrial look, we used special large format BTX concrete precast 3D panels that were made to K2 Space’s specific design and carefully assembled and finished by our team on site. The results speak for themselves in this stylish modern office space where this stunning 6m long and 1.2 m tall reception desk takes centre stage.

Eastcheap Court has been newly re-designed by Trehearne Architects and Fletcher Preist, to provide best-in-class office space within a smart controlled environment.We manufactured and installed a precast concrete reception desk for the newly redesigned reception area. The desk was constructed from two large precast sections, and we used our special eco mix of glass fibre-reinforced concrete for this project. It was created in a White Smooth finish and was had-polished and assembled onsite. We also added LED lighting strips to provide evenly distributed lighting around the area. It was a successful build that the client was very happy with.

As part of a redevelopment at Coventry University, the Faculty of Arts and Humanities was transformed to feature a hyper studio designed for cross-disciplinary projects and new reception area.First of three, this new reception desk was assembled and finished by our team on site. Large precast polished concrete sections in Silk Mist finish were carefully fitted with a geometrically shaped Corian surround. We also added LED lighting strips to provide evenly distributed lighting around the area. We used our unique eco BTX ultra high performance concrete mix technology which helps to give our products the durability and performance they need.

Goat Yard, formerly a Victorian Warehouse building named Albion House, underwent comprehensive refurbishment to offer grade A office accommodation, totalling 30,484 sq ft. Refurbished by West 1, a leading high-end office fit-out Contractors, the building boasts a newly reconfigured reception area. The Living Concrete team were commissioned to cast and install a custom-build concrete reception desk.Spanning 3m long, the single cast was made offsite, without any joints and finished in Mist Pitted finish to resemble a real, cast in-situ concrete. Laminated grey joinery and black Forbo rubber-lined worktop completed the look.

The Assembly Rooms is a new office block development on a site of a former 1870’s cinema situated on Werter Road, just off Putney High Street.Living Concrete team used an innovative concrete application technique to create ultra-sleek custom-built reception desk for Morgan Cox at Assembly Rooms. A special mix of spray concrete in Mist colour was applied onsite to MDF frame, seamlessly achieving a very complex and detailed design.In addition two large planter units with sitting benches were constructed and finished in the same style.

Web developers, Mission Communications, were looking to make a positive impact on visitors to their West End offices. Stainless steel specialists, GEC Anderson ,were asked to provide the stainless steel elements, comprising surface, side-panels and shelf components that formed part of the main reception counter. With some imaginative use of lighting as well as glass panes, the result was very creative but also highly professional looking. Behind the main counter were some other stainless steel worktops as well as sinks that formed part of the office tea point and catering facilities.GEC Anderson’s usual EN 1.4301 grade brushed satin stainless steel was used throughout.

Eikon Design has successfully undertaken a major renovation of the Spirit AeroSystems main reception area, creating a stylish, energised space that integrates perfectly with the new corporate branding on its recently completed, world-class £28m Aerospace Innovation Centre.Spirit AeroSystems is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of Aerostructures for commercial airplanes, defence platforms, and business and regional jets. Eikon Design won the contract to design and project manage the reception area renovation.From the start, the designer felt that the refurbished reception area needed to reflect the dynamism and vitality projected by the Innovation Centre. The designers first thoughts were that they had to explore ways of using quality lighting and natural daylight on surfaces to create an impressive, engaging experience for visitors.The colour scheme - The designer Susan Anderson chose a neutral colour scheme that would reflect that used on the exterior of the Aerospace Innovation Centre, which was predominantly silver and grey. Surfaces – HARMONY pre-fixed slatted acoustic felt . Susan wanted to bring the reception area to life with surfaces that had different textures, depending on the light available and where the visitor stood in the room. After researching the market, Susan chose the Harmony ribbed-felt wall acoustic panels which Saxen sourced from the manufacturers, Soundtect. They were the perfect solution – grey fibre slats on a black acoustic sheet, as they had the structure, texture and colour she was looking for. Plus they were hypoallergenic and non-toxic, with up to 1.0 NRC (noise reduction co-efficient) – and a totally sustainable addition to the project, having been manufactured third-generation from recycled PET.The PET (polyethylene terephthalate) bottles are first recycled into exhibition carpets and then, at the end of their short second life, converted again into highly efficient acoustic felt by carefully re-layering the fibres to use as the core for this impressive, elegant, ribbed acoustic treatment.The Harmony panels are manufactured with fireproofing built-in, because the original carpet fibres were already fireproof so this critical safety component is integral to the product and not simply sprayed on. The Cause was responsible for fitting all the ribbed Harmony wall panels.The wooden wall panels behind the reception desk were dated, so the designer decided to repurpose them.- they were prepped, base coat applied and sprayed with two beautiful tones of metallic silver by Scottish Architectural Spray painters. Visual contrast was provided by prepped and coated matt white wall areas. LightingHaving found the perfect panelling, the designer had to consider the lighting and the role it would play. She worked with Seren Lighting, using a combination of existing products and bespoke lighting in ways which were both innovative and functional – using light to define spaces and surfaces. Depending on the way they were lit – whether artificial light, natural light or a mixture of both – the texture on the Harmony panels created subtly different moods. Also, as there is a fair amount of daylight flooding into the reception, the atmosphere of the whole space changed with the passing of time and the amount of daylight with both the ribbed and silver metallic panels creating different atmospheres depending on where you stood. All the lights installed in the project follow ‘circular economy’ principles and can be cost-effectively maintained and serviced – parts can be replaced with no need to throw the whole light away and buy a new one. The reception deskFor most of the day in summer and for short periods in winter, the reception area is flooded with natural light from two sides, so lighting the reception desk workstation needed a careful response.The workstation was located behind the reception desk, so using standard lighting methods would have detracted from the overall impression and been unnecessary for long periods. In developing the solution, the designer followed the basic principle, ‘put light where you want it, when you need it’. So an LED ultra-effect strip in diffuse profile was used under the top surface of the reception desk which threw a subtle light onto where the receptionist was working on the computer. The receptionist can switch this strip on or off as appropriate.The Cause remodelled and reformatted the reception desk to the design, which involved removing the angled elements and large posts, and replacing them with a concealed door. They also fitted the reception desk surface with a stylish, matt, dark-grey laminate, installing the lighting, graphic panel and ribbed panelling to the front. The panelling’s flexibility ensured a perfect fit around the curve in the reception desk.The reception desk skirting was painted the same colour as the staircase handrail.The Wing LightsThese were designed to develop the Wing Lights from first principle. The Wing Lights deliver light upwards, so it bounces off the various surfaces to enhance the textures and reflective differences. They also project a visual link to the ‘star’ element of the Spirit AeroSystems logo and took several attempts to create the final geometric shape. However, the Wing Lights now act as dramatic focal point within the space, capturing the essence of Spirit AeroSystems’ business and the designers overall design vision.CeilingThe existing suspended ceiling was off-white in colour, and looked rather tired so it was spray-painted with a dark metallic silver, which transformed the appearance of the ceiling and changed the whole look of the reception area. Lighting the upper-level walkwayThere were issues with uneven wall surfaces on the upper-level walkway. The solution was to apply architecturally inspired Harmony, lit by dramatic custom-made LEDs, to create the total effect – an utterly stunning, modern wall. The lights used were twin gimbal heads – round lights that can swivel in two directions. These were specially adapted from standard lights in the Seren range. The twin gimbal heads were installed in false pockets, clad with ribbed-felt. They provide functional lighting to the walkway, while adding a dramatic effect on the wall panelling.Finally, a pelmet was constructed to conceal a new LED Cob profile, allowing it to wash diffused light between the ribbed features of the Harmony panelling.The panels above the pelmet were spray-painted silver – the same colour as the ceiling – to give a much more dramatic effect.Other features…The wooden bannister handrail was stripped back and layered with different metallic colours to give a changing surface effect with different shadows and highlights. It was then coated in a high-gloss lacquer. This introduced an accent of colour, which also reflected the company’s corporate colours.StructuresDominating the reception area are two high columns, one of which contains a lift. Given the solidity and simplicity of the shapes, the designer decided on a lighting solution that would create an architectural feel, so she used beam-controlled light bars at the top of the structures to project a subtle wash down the full length of the columns.Carpets and furnitureThe existing carpet tiles were removed and upgraded. They were colour coordinated with the new, striking Italian Quadrifoglio furniture, sourced through Saxen. This furniture was the cornerstone of the designers vision vision, and its style, shape, colours and textures tie the space together.ConclusionThe success of the project was very much down to careful planning, creative thought and good people working together. Products used: Freestyle. Harmony

Stopgap 1200 Pro levelling compound and F46 pressure sensitive acrylic adhesive have led the way in refurbishing floors at Heythrop Park, near Chipping Norton in Oxfordshire, following its acquisition by Warner Leisure Hotels, as part of a four-year, £40 million renovation.Flooring contractors were commissioned to install a range of floorcoverings throughout the site’s public areas, including in the 300-year-old, Grade II-listed manor house, which is set in a 440-acre country estate, as well as the adjoining hotel complex.The project included work in the reception, two ground-floor theatres, bar, restaurant and lounge areas, as well as connecting staircases and corridors, in the modern part of the hotel.Stopgap 1200 Pro high-performance levelling compound was used to raise subfloor levels so that LVT floorcoverings and inlaid carpet would sit perfectly flush with previously installed ceramic tiles, with areas divided by custom-made CAT brass edging strips. Stopgap Micro Rapid fast-setting, fast-drying floor finishing compound was used to address minor subfloor imperfections.Stopgap 1200 Pro was also used to create a perfectly smooth surface for grey loose-lay Forbo Coral carpet tiles in the entranceway of the reception, where heavy-duty made-to-measure Newhay grid entrance well matting was installed.Behind the reception desk, Plusfloor concrete-effect luxury vinyl tiles were installed with Styccobond F46 pressure sensitive adhesive, which provides a high bond strength that increases as it is trafficked, as well as strong initial tack, meaning that tiles or planks won’t move around while working. The indefinite open time offered by the product negates the risk of late placement, another advantage when there’s complex designs and patterns.Contractors installed bespoke Brintons carpet in a small seating area on one side of the reception and in front of the entrances to the larger of the hotel’s two ground-floor theatres and Late Lounge Bar, as well as on the steps and accessibility ramp leading from the reception to the 120m2 area, using a dual bond system. This involved using Styccobond F3 to create a permanent bond between carpet and underlay, with the Styccobond F40 providing a peelable bond between the underlay and subfloor.In the theatre, where guests can enjoy live music, drama and comedy performances, Stopgap 1200 Pro was used to patch repair existing subfloors, including where stanchions had been removed, before installing custom-made dark black and blue Newhay carpet.Bespoke Newhay carpet was also installed in the Late Lounge Theatre, which was also furnished with an Amtico wood-effect LVT dancefloor adhered with Styccobond F46. Styccobond F46 was used to install Harlequin Standfast high-performance vinyl sheet on both of the theatres’ stages.Amtico Signature basketweave, wood-effect LVTs were installed in the Late Lounge Bar up to seating areas with bespoke Newhay carpet and ceramic tiles around the bar, as well as on the steps leading to the Late Lounge Theatre. A feature was created in the centre of the room with a large area of herringbone wood-effect LVTs and a border of Amtico Signature Cirrus Twilight grey planks.Similarly, in the first floor ‘Pub and Kitchen’, Karndean ‘Van Gogh’ salvaged wood-effect LVTs were installed up to the bar area, where a border was created using Karndean ‘riven slate’ grey ‘Knight Tiles’, and areas with tables and chairs, where Alternative Flooring ‘Anywhere Rope’ natural carpet was installed. The LVTs were installed up to ceramic tiles around the bar and seating areas with bespoke Newhay carpet.Plusfloor wood floorcoverings were installed on the main staircase leading from the reception to the first and second floors, extending onto the first floor landing and lounge area, using Styccobond B95.Where there were steps in the areas being renovated, including the main staircase, Stycco Flex rapid-curing, flexible tube adhesive was used to affix custom-made CAT brass stair nosings.

True Potential celebrate a contemporary new look for their headquarters in Newcastle upon Tyne. Created by Ward Robinson Design, the smart and agile workspace provides mixed work settings including desks, quiet areas and collaboration zones. EGGER woodgrain reproduction H3430 ST22 White Aland Pine was used throughout the project in matching laminate, door size laminate, MFC and ABS edging. The hard-wearing properties of EGGER laminate make it the ideal choice for collaboration zone bench seating, reception counters and internal doors. The versatile material allows for creative elements such as the curved features and logo routering.EGGER's matching material offer means that desks, case goods and decorative slats could be fabricated in cost effective MFC, removing the additional labour of bonding laminate without altering the design concept. Matching ABS edging gives a uniform finish to all of the furniture elements.

The challengeThe old hand dryers had burnt out and were extremely noisy. The washrooms are located close to the reception desk and they often caused background noise problems for staff and visitors.“Choosing a product that was both quiet and eco-friendly, I had reservations about performance, however this was unwarranted. Superb dryer at a bargain price to match.” Emma Davis - Fleet & Facilities, ASE Plc Who are ASE Plc?ASE are a global company specialising in the automotive industry, with head offices in Manchester, UK. They operate in over 50 international markets providing specific motor trade accountancy, professional services and retail performance data. There are approx. 50 staff working in this location, but they have a worldwide team of over 220 peopleThe solutionThis Quiet Mark approved unit with blade technology is one of the quietest in its class. You can turn off the heater element to further decrease the energy use and running costs.Model: Dryflow ViperDry time range: 15 – 20 secondsRated power: 600W – 2000W (4 settings available)Guarantee length: 3 yearsThe results“The noise has dramatically reduced into the reception area and it is now as quiet as is should be.The new models selected are much less powerful and more eco-friendly, however the end result is just as good, dry hands all round. In fact, we just purchased another one”Emma Davis - Fleet & Facilities, ASE Plc

To complement the atrium’s strong linear aesthetic the architect specified INTRAform DM Low Profile entrance matting in silver finish. In a striking design statement, the entrance mat is rotated from square, creating an angular extension of matting towards the reception desk. This unique positioning helps to both guide visitors towards reception whilst simultaneously orientating itself towards the main traffic flow of the building.

THE PROJECTWe start 2018 with a case study that is truly the epitome of ingenuity and design! What a privilege to be involved in Gas Holders.King’s Cross is inextricably linked to London’s industrial past. The telescopic gasholder was invented in 1824 and provided the storage needed to meet the demand of an ever-expanding city.The interlocking gasholder triplets were built and revised between 1860 and 1880 and now, some 150 years later, they are once again responding innovatively to The Capital’s ever increasing population. Architects Wilkinson Eyre have produced a truly stunning and extraordinary development.Luxury apartments designed by Jonathan Tuckey Design have designed internal beauty that benefit from a Regent’s canal waterside location, breath-taking communal roof gardens, and an array of amenities elegantly furnished and dressed by London interior designers No12 Studio. Amenities include spa and gym, residents lounge and a sophisticated entertainment suite including private dining and catering kitchen, a 14 person screening room, with an adjacent elegant games room, for use before or after the show.The Gasholders lobby displays extraordinary attention to detail in its integration of the building’s industrial heritage with contemporary design and style. A 24-hour concierge team operates from a bespoke desk made in natural stone, while polished concrete floors with brass inlay, a sweeping spiral staircase and feature light sculpture introduce guests to the drama of the interior. It also houses the bespoke brass mailboxes painstakingly developed and created by our Innovation team.THE PRODUCTBack in 2014, we were approached by Wilkinson Eyre Architects to create a curved bank of mailboxes with particular emphasis on the hinge and finish, the overall requirement for a suitably stunning yet functional solution.Houston Cox Central were awarded The Triplets contract to design, manufacture and install all specialist joinery, which included the solid brass bespoke mailboxes that formed an integral part of the reception area. The joinery design presented its challenges, working within a cylindrical building with zero design tolerance. All the joinery interfaced (between panels, doorsets, wardrobe and vanity units) with each other to form an integral part of each living space. As on previous projects, we worked closely with Houston Cox Central over many months to ensure the clients brief was met. The bespoke designed mailboxes aligned with full height panels following the curved atrium wall within the ground floor reception area. The unique design of the brass mailbox doors with robust solid continuous brass hinges are very fitting for this iconic building. Houston Cox Central are delighted with the end result, having completed the installation late 2017.

The reception area had to set the tone for the rest of the building so we designed the bespoke Corian reception desk to mirror the angular lines of the unique feature staircases in the building’s central atrium. The new washrooms feature our full height Alto toilet cubicles, specified with a real wood walnut veneer finish. We designed the bespoke white Corian trough-style vanity units with an integral handbag shelf, back-painted glass splashbacks and Tego hinged mirror units. In the basement staff shower and changing area, our SGL Forza lockers provide staff with a durable, secure storage facility.

The striking interior was designed by LaVita Style and features Perlata providing a rich, yet elegant finish to the walls in the reception area and corridors. The design uses light and shade to reveal subtle textures and tones resonating a calm and reassuring atmosphere. Working to a soft colour palette the use of additional custom ArmourFX Granite polished plaster panels to the front desk creates a stunning first impression.Lucy Walker, interior designer at Lavita Style Ltd comments “We chose Armourcoat for this project for their specialist expertise and creativity and were absolutely delighted with the end results. We wanted to create a striking yet welcoming reception and waiting area and this was achieved through Perlata’s beautiful finish in a range of tones and colours. Armourcoat realised our vision throughout the whole design process and delivered seamlessly. I would certainly choose Armourcoat for any future projects”The new dental practice, White & Co is part of the innovative redevelopment work to convert the Grade II* listed legendary landmark into a unique blend of residential, commercial, and cultural spaces. Armourcoat has also been specified in various other projects within this exciting development including the Boiler House and Switch House West where Armourcoat Tactite was applied within various bathrooms, ensuites and powder rooms and Embassy Gardens which included Armourcoat Koncrete finishes to entrance areas and columnsClient: White & Co, Battersea Power Station, London Designer: La Vita Style @lavitastyleltd Contractor: Apollo Interiors Photography: Mark Bolton @markboltonphoto

Washroom designed, manufactured and installed new washrooms and fitted out the reception area for the new Trampoline and Play Park at Sutton Sports Village. The team specified a vivid shade of orange throughout the centre including on the Forte SGL cubicles, Concerto SGL duct panels, SGL vanities and HPL reception desk. With accessibility a key consideration, Washroom installed two different sized washroom cubicles; one with half-height doors for younger children, disabled toilets with outwards opening doors and ensured the pilasters provided a colour contrast to the cubicle doors to assist any partially sighted visitors to the centre.

As part of our involvement in this project we supplied a bespoke reception desk and a variety of fire-rated door-sets.

The team at Canal were approached by the client and design team at Collins Construction to manufacture an impressive bespoke staircase for the WD40 European headquarters. The client requested a feature staircase that connected three floors and reception desk inside the main central building. The technical sales team at Canal worked closely with the client to address the finer details including building regulations, existing constraints, structurals, logistics and overall aesthetics. The client requested the staircase to be manufactured in mild steel with a raw oiled finish to blend with their brand identity. .

Combining beauty, functionality and longevity to create a unique custom design reception desk made from Corian® Solid Surface.

EGGER decors help transform a Georgian property into a high end hotel development for Best Western Plus.H3342 ST28 Sepia Gladstone Oak features in all 28 bedrooms. This decor is part of EGGER’s Feelwood collection giving the texture of real wood by using synchronised pore technology.To create a consistent finish H3342 ST28 Sepia Gladstone Oak is used in the public areas, including matching XL laminate for the curved feature reception desk. Uni colours U708 ST9 Light Grey and U741 ST9 Lava Grey feature on accent pieces of furniture to complement the interior.Jacqueline Summers said, "EGGER offers a fantastic selection of great value contemporary decors across a number of formats. This gave us the ability to use their decors across the hotel to give a balanced and relaxing interior with a consistent finish."

By opting for an ecodesign approach, where the purity of whites enhances the beauty of the woodgrain effect, the women's clothing brand ‘Camaïeu’ wanted to create bright and contemporary spaces in which the shopper would experience both comfort and well-being. Made using Panoprey melamine-faced board, the ‘Blanc Menuires’ brings light to the store while ‘Chêne lavé’ has been selected for the furniture and fixtures, the reception desk and changing rooms, in order to instill a sense of comfort.

Armourcoat polished plaster wall finishes feature within the major office refurbishment of Twenty Old Bailey by architects BuckleyGrayYeoman for global asset manager Blackstone. Located opposite the famous criminal courts in the City of London, the building has undergone a comprehensive modernisation program to create over 22,000m2 of contemporary office space. A reconfigured atrium has also been created which links the new facades to the east and west of the building and allows natural light to flood the interior.Throughout the atrium over 700m2 of Armourcoat KonCrete polished plaster has been expertly hand applied by Armourcoat and includes a recessed logo by the entrance. KonCrete is an urban range of polished plaster colours and finishes designed for contemporary projects. The range offers a wealth of design options to achieve a distinctive modern look including distressed effects or recessed shutter markings. Additionally, Armourcoat SMG was applied to the reception desk front and lift lobbies. SMG is a super luxury Armourcoat polished plaster finish with the appearance of a seamless high gloss lacquer effect. It provides an opulent decorative effect offering great light reflection to create an inviting and spacious interior. Photography: © Dirk Lindner

Architect: MEDA ArchitectureInstaller: DV McCollProduct: Oranit ShiluvitLSA Projects Ltd are proud to share with you one of our latest Volvo Showroom projects. Since 2015 Volvo have been refurbishing their UK showrooms under a masterplan by MEDA Architects who have kindly specified Shiluvit panels. So far LSA Projects have supplied to almost 20 showrooms with many more to come.The specification for the Volvo showrooms is American Red Oak in the 7-501A format which has 20mm wide and 45mm deep blades at 50mm centres. This panel type allows for 60% open area meaning that installations with 20mm of LSA Black acoustic lining achieve acoustic class A; perfect for busy car showrooms and workshops.Each showroom uses Shiluvit panels as a feature above the main reception desk following through above the waiting areas, meeting rooms, and offices. The warmth of the Oak panels makes for a great contrast against the clean white interior of the showrooms.

Custom 3D Gustafs walls were designed and created especially for the Weir Group HQ at 1 West Regent Street in Glasgow.The two 35m long feature walls on both the 9th and 10th floors of the building are constructed of bespoke 3D facetted panels with integrated doorways, seating, and a reception desk.Gustafs panels were specified for their A2-s1,d0 resistance to fire, retaining their structure and producing minimal smoke and spread of flame. Gustafs' 100 year history of carpentry and working with wood enabled them to create the 3D wall to the exact specifications of the architect to be installed perfectly by Giotto.LSA Projects also supplied standard flat acoustic ceiling panels and linear ribs to the scheme to give acoustic control in the open plan meeting room area.