"soft furnishings"

Good acoustics, like high quality thermal insulation, is one of the most important considerations for house builders and architects. This is because of high density living and, in particular, the popularity of sold floors. For example, one of the latest trends are concrete floors. The problem is further exacerbated by the desire for large areas of glass and the absence of soft furnishings, such as curtains and carpets. The result of all this is that absorption of sound is difficult creating an unpleasant environment. One solution is to line the ceilings with cost effective and high performance Troldtekt acoustic panels.

Arlo & Jacob is a contemporary furniture brand steeped in a history of British craftsmanship. When the team at Path Design were designing the new Bristol showroom, it was important that the flooring complemented the bright modern feel of the store and reflected the innovative nature and premium quality of Arlo & Jacob’s soft furnishings. For a retail setting that needs to stand up to a high number of visitors each week, Karndean Designflooring was the preferred choice, bringing both authentic style and a hard-wearing surface that is easy to maintain and will look great for years to come.

A major housing provider wanted their new workspace to reflect its corporate and environmental ethos. Vtec's premium wood-slatted system, SupaSlat, was used in the ceiling design. The beauty of the system was it supported the client's green initiatives, as FSC® Certified (FSC® 160047) wood was used. Vtec's SupaSlat system addressed the need for sustainable measures. The beautiful light-coloured grain complimented the sophisticated soft furnishes infusing warmth and vitality to the space. Read more to explore how the Lift and Shift system enabled accessible locations into the T-24 ceiling grid.

The hotel is full of rooms flooded with light and exceptional design ideas from the interior architects of JOI-Design.The hotel has its own beach on the Baltic Sea and 124 rooms with a view of nature. It is the blend of wonderful design, cosy comfort and leisurely simplicity in particular which makes the furnishings so special. Strong colours and maritime details in the rooms are contrasted with soft tones in the bathrooms. At ARBOREA they believe in sustainability and quality – just as KEUCO does with bathroom furnishings. KEUCO fittings, accessories, and cosmetic mirrors accentuate the high quality bathroom design. Here, the focus is on guest comfort: KEUCO’s IXMO_solo fittings in the shower combine single-lever mixer with hose connection in only one element on the wall, so they are easy and self-explanatory to use. And for all your care and well-being needs, the iLook_move cosmetic mirror from KEUCO leaves nothing to be desired. The iLook_move is known for its solid design and versatile use, because its arm is very flexible. With a simple motion of the hand the height, distance, and vertical and horizontal angle can be set to the ideal position.In places such as hotel bathrooms, its special hinge technology makes it the perfect furnishing for frequent and heavy use.KEUCO’s COLLECTION MOLL series of accessories features softly rounded lines and corners, combined with rectilinear shapes. These design attributes can be found throughout the entire series. The organic and the formal fuse into one.On the single-lever mixers of the IXMO_solo fittings in the shower and the PLAN fittings at the washbasin KEUCO added an individual touch: They are decorated with an engraved ARBOREA logo.

St Gemma’s Hospice regularly host seated exercise classes, lunches and other activities in their main hall. They noticed there was a lot of echo and sound reflection within the room, this was leading to verbal communication breaking down and leaving residents feeling isolated.Hearing loss is a common issue among elderly citizens, combined with a room with poor acoustics, this issue can be amplified significantly and have a detrimental effect on their mental & physical well-being.Hear the difference the Still Note raft panels made to the acoustics in our YouTube video.It takes our brains 35% more effort to interpret information through poor audio, this can lead to a slower response to stimuli over time.Reflection is where soundwaves emitted from a source hit a solid object such as hard wood flooring or a brick wall & bounce back into the room in several directions. Large rooms with a lack of soft surfaces such as soft furnishings or carpet are especially susceptible to this phenomenon which is what St Gemma’s Hospice were experiencing.Absorptive Acoustic PanelsBy installing absorptive Still Note acoustic panels on the walls & hanging them from the roof we were able to reduce the reflection of soundwaves, completely transforming the soundscape & the room aesthetics.So what did St. Gemma’s have to say about the results?"Just wanted to say a big thanksfor getting this work over the line – the difference it has made is incredible! We had Community MDT yesterday with a full room and everyone commented on the significant improvement to the sound – people could clearly hear what was being said and the sound no longer bounces around or drifts away. The positive difference is also very noticeable when there are only a few people in the room."We have also had some super patient feedback from the Thai Chi group yesterday – “Normally I struggle and can’t hear a thing that is said, and today I heard everything – it’s brilliant”.

The development of Canary Wharf has forever changed the skyline of London, turning the ramshackle Docklands area into one of the world’s most prestigious business districts. With a stunning mix of exquisite materials and superior finishes, this stylish office could be assumed to be the interior of a luxurious resort. Vtec’s dark wood Supaslat slatted ceiling beautifully complements the soft carpets and elegant furnishings. Designed for a seamless installation experience and easy integration of lighting, our Supaslat ceilings complete the sleek and sophisticated interior, echoing the superb quality of the building and the overall estate. Explore how SupaSlat was the perfect option in this office design and the ways we helped to make the installation process easy.

Established in 1890, Headingley Stadium has been a Leeds landmark for 130 years. Unlike traditional oval stadiums, Headingley has two adjacent grounds—the Headingley Cricket Ground and the Headingley Rugby Stadium. Dividing the two is a new corporate hospitality space, with panoramic views of each field. Completed in 2019, the hospitality space boasts eight event suites, 12 meeting rooms, and 36 hotel rooms, designed to be a world-class venue and corporate destination.“Raft was chosen for the space because of its sleek aesthetic and effectiveness in open-plan environments.”Interior designers SpaceInvader worked alongside Caddick Construction, tackling the project with a blend of functionality, flexibility, and aspiration. Finding the balance between timeless corporate design and practical event space meant incorporating design elements that perform a dual purpose. A feature of the building, the Emerald Suite functions as a versatile event space; easily configured to be a theater one night and a dinner and dance hall the next. Due to the 500-person capacity and spatial flexibility, the acoustics had to be perfect. Originally SpaceInvader were investigating an off-the-shelf product, however, when unimpressed with the offering, Autex were brought on to create a bespoke solution.While the acoustics were a priority, SpaceInvader wanted a treatment that could double as a design feature. A custom Frontier™ Acoustic Raft system was designed and installed as 40 mm slats; equal parts Flatiron and Savoye used to create a banded salt-and-pepper ceiling feature. Raft was chosen for the space because of its sleek aesthetic and effectiveness in open-plan environments. The compressed polyester outer shell absorbs high frequencies, while the calculated air gap in the centre absorbs lower frequencies. Spread across the expanse of the space, the Raft system controls the reverb and echo that would otherwise be exacerbated by the parallel glass walls. Completed on time and within budget, the finished space tastes of subtle elegance with rich, warm accents. The soft furnishings and tasteful luxury are matched with acoustic comfort, successfully creating space for people to eat, drink, and celebrate in the company of others.

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 

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.

High-quality and durable KEUCO bathroom fittings in the Waldkliniken Eisenberg in Thuringia.A hospital with a quality of stay at a five star level - the Waldkliniken Eisenberg in Thuringia is changing the German hospital landscape with their new concept. And that quite visibly: "Future was built" with the spectacular new building. The round floor plan of the new building offers each patient a view into the nature from their bed - a central aspect of the design. Every patient from all health insurance categories is welcome. Of the 246 patient beds, only 13 are for private patients.In addition to a new care concept and an outstanding special design, the patients and guests in Eisenberg also receive first-class furnished rooms: The soft, natural colours used for the interior decoration radiates tranquillity and cosiness.Regarding the furnishing of the bathrooms, value was set on durable quality and the decision was made to use complete KEUCO bathroom furnishings. So everything matches perfectly. Fittings, accessories, light and cosmetic mirrors, washbasins and washbasin boards from KEUCO convince with their strong design and easy handling. The IXMO fittings in the shower and on the washbasin are custom-made: As a special highlight, they feature an oak leaf, the Eisenberg logo.The new building was designed by the world-famous Milanese architect Matteo Thun. "Only who dares to do something new and crosses borders, can experience new knowledge". This is Matteo Thun's driving force. Together with the managing director of the Waldkliniken Eisenberg, David-Ruben Thies, Matteo Thun developed this exceptional architecture for his first hospital building, which is completely focused on the patient or guest.Matteo Thun worked closely with the architectural office HDR for the combination of form and function, design and the requirements of a modern clinic. The new building of the Waldkliniken Eisenberg offers patients and guests a harmonious environment for their treatment and recovery phase in the midst of the most beautiful Thuringian landscape.The bathrooms are all completely equipped with KEUCO products and offer the patient or guest a pleasant stay rounded-off with small special features. The movable arm of the iLook_move cosmetic mirror is very flexible. Height, distance from the face, tilt and lateral angle can be optimally adjusted at a single grip. Offers storage space and is easy to clean: the KEUCO washbasin with a washbasin board.

With its direct Rhine location, the Radisson Blu Hotel in Cologne's Deutz district is a popular area for tourists and trade fair visitors alike. From their vantage point in the hotel, guests also have a view of the most famous landmark of the city: Cologne Cathedral. Setting out from the designer hotel, it is only a few minutes' walk over the Hohenzollern bridge, with all its affixed padlocks, to the city centre.Together with the German magazine Wohnidee and other highly trained specialists, the interior architects from the agency JOI-Design, prop. Peter Joehnk and Corinna Kretschmar-Joehnk, designed exclusive suites for the hotel. Design highlights and special materials were brought together to create a modern atmosphere for the guests. Carefully selected products from KEUCO give the premium bathroom furnishings in the “Urban Retro” suite a very special touch.The interplay between the soft forms and straight contours of EDITION 400 integrates harmoniously into the surroundings of the premium furnishings of the room. A soft oval characterises the face of the washbasin fitting and the bathroom accessories, whose brilliant chrome finishes highlight them effectively. Decoration together with the finest in functionality can be seen in the free-standing porcelain accessories of EDITION 11. And for perfect illumination of the face, there is the light mirror from EDITION 400. The secret: A special light-conducting material transmits the light of the LED to the surface. The lights can be dimmed with the sensor controls, allowing the luminous colour to be adjusted to any setting. The mirror also has an integrated heater, so fogged mirrors are a thing of the past. The illuminated cosmetic mirror is perfect for taking a closer look. The adjustable luminous colour and flexible height settings allow guests to adapt the mirror exactly to meet their needs.In the shower the hotel guest is free to choose between three outlets. The innovative IXMO fitting from KEUCO combines several functions in the smallest of spaces.Three-way diverter valve, wall outlet and hand shower bracket are all integrated into one module. With the help of the thermostat each guest can adjust the optimum temperature for the head shower, waterfall shower or hand shower. One of the great advantages of IXMO is that the placement of the modules can be chosen individually, meaning that, due to the optimum positioning, the stopcock valve can be operated before even stepping into the shower.A versatile shower system with a minimalistic appearance. What’s special about IXMO is that all modules have the same dimensions. Their excellent design can't fail to impress, regardless whether round or rectangular. With a diameter or edge length of only 90 mm and a depth of only 80 mm they present themselves to the guest with a uniform appearance, and offer the best freedom of movement in the shower.

In a picture-perfect setting, Atlas Concorde's concrete-effect porcelain tiles give the Hotel Garden Park in the Vinschgau Valley an elegant, contemporary look. Learn moreIn a modern space with a refined flavor, Atlas Concorde's concrete-effect porcelain tiles help to bring out the elegance and relaxing ambiance of Hotel Garden Park.In a perfect blend of minimalist esthetics and the elegance of sophisticated contemporary apartments, the Hotel Garden Park in the heart of the Vinschgau Valley presents itself to guests with a simple style and a great attention to detail.A key focus when designing the rooms was the choice of surfaces, colors, and furnishings that best represent the atmosphere of comfort and rest typical of the facility. Atlas Concorde's concrete-effect porcelain tiles were therefore the ideal solution for furnishing various areas of the hotel, giving them a refined look and bold visual impact.Floor and wall tiles with a troweled concrete effect and soft touch enliven the bathrooms of the rooms through a neutral nuance capable of conveying a style with a strong identity and creating an atmosphere that is both intimate and relaxing. Combined with the dark wood of the furniture, the concrete effect makes the bathroom a corner that evokes the beauty of craftsmanship, an expression of value and attention to detail.The hotel's dining room also speaks a modern and elegant language thanks to concrete-effect ceramic surfaces that give free expression to a setting where it’s easy to feel at ease. Floors that recall the strength of concrete feature a smooth, continuous look for bright interiors and relaxing atmospheres where even the minimalism of the furnishings helps to give the flooring a simple, refined look.The decisive character of the concrete-effect porcelain tiles and the neutral tones of their palette combine in the wellness area of the hotel, where the technical performance of the material and the esthetic research coexist without compromise in ceramic solutions that achieve new levels of excellence. Using different formats, the concrete-effect porcelain tiles have made the space dedicated to relaxation an environment able to satisfy modernity and classicism, minimalism and comfort, design and functionality, all characteristics of a contemporary style but that also represent essential elements for the construction of a spa.Thanks also to the anti-slip 120x120 cm format and to the 20 mm thickness specific for exteriors, the concrete-look porcelain tile solutions of Atlas Concorde have contributed to the creation of a total look with a powerful visual impact both in the flooring of the hotel’s terraces and in its outdoor spaces.The versatility of the concrete effect speaks a modern language in any kind of environment, opening up multiple avenues for design.

The result of the first project of this type is a house with an organic, soft design - the furnishings minimalistic, high-quality and modern. The house consists of triple-shelled walls that are filled with insulating mass. With the help of a giant 3D printer, the concrete mass was applied layer by layer. And within only a few months, a single-family house with 160 m² of living space was created.Nothing was to be missing from the house with its furnishings; the aim was to emphasise the high-quality and special style of the building. The concrete layers were to remain visible inside and out - reduced, clean and yet expressive in its style. This claim runs consistently through all rooms of the house. The bathrooms are equipped with KEUCO IXMO fittings in the shower and on the bathtub. The minimalistic fitting elements blend into the futuristic image, restrained yet strong in design. The shiny chrome finish, reflect a brilliant contrast to the dark tiles in the shower.Aligning with the principle of the house "without corners and edges", round cover plates were chosen for the fittings.  The accessories at the washbasin and WC also fulfil the credo of the design concept: EDITION 400 with its round form language is filigree and the accessories are high-quality eye-catchers. They enhance the bathroom with their understatement.What once started as a pilot project could influence building in the future and also offer installation and plumbing companies with completely new challenges.The materials and fittings of the bathrooms were chosen to match the special wall texture. "Without corners and edges", the EDITION 400 accessories from KEUCO perfectly fit to the motto, as does the KEUCO IXMO bath mixer with round cover plates.In addition to numerous accessories for the toilet and washbasin area, the EDITION 400 range also includes many hooks and towel rails. The accessories are very filigree in design and nicely round-off the bathroom design in a discrete and elegant way.  The IXMO fittings in the shower are not only outstanding in terms of design, but also from a technical point of view: the water quantity and temperature are regulated via the single-lever mixer. The shower holder integrates a diverter, where you can choose between a large overhead shower and a hand shower. Two in one: The KEUCO free-standing accessory for the toilet area is the flexible solution for a toilet paper holder and toilet brush set. Thanks to the large base plate, it is particularly stable.  

Hamburg architect Jan Störmer's design of The Fontenay luxury hotel is an homage to the Hanseatic city. The sculptural and organic circle-shaped architecture successfully achieves a balance between the urban character of the city and its natural surroundings. Situated directly on the Alster, it is an island of tranquillity in the middle of Hamburg. The exquisite structure makes it possible to experience the Hanseatic slogan "modern classic" first hand: an open-minded outlook together with a cosmopolitan lifestyle, but with a marked penchant for the classical.  Because of the way the bright, curvy and light-flooded architecture is designed, all 130 rooms and suits face outward, and many offer a view of the Alster. The interior design of the guest rooms by Christian Meinert of the architectural firm Aukett + Heese in Berlin employs perfectly coordinated colours that harmonise wonderfully with the surrounding waterside park landscape. Light beige tones, green onyx walls, warm white nuances, and turquoise and royal blue accents faithfully mirror the natural surroundings. In the hotel bathrooms, light natural stone is used. Here, too, the products and materials chosen with special care ensure an overall impression of refinement and complete harmony. The furnishings, which include KEUCO cosmetic mirrors, stools and accessories with brushed nickel finish, are ideal – a perfect synthesis of the classical and the modern – simply a "modern classic". The refined and matt shine of nickel, its extreme durability, and its solid value are what makes this finish so special and attractive, and the first choice in The Fontenay hotel. Particularly in a hotel, the bathroom furnishings must always meet the high expectations of guests and management. Lasting brilliance is guaranteed by the first rate "made in Germany" workmanship and the strict controls on quality.  Because of the careful attention given to the choice of products, time spent in the bathroom is a special experience for every hotel guest. For beauty care, the illuminated cosmetic mirror is a coveted utensil, and the bathroom stool with wooden seat invites you to stay a bit longer. With their pronounced design the accessories round off the bathroom setting perfectly. The Fontenay hotel in Hamburg is an architectural masterpiece par excellence. The meticulously thought-through concept and the stylish attention to detail resonate consistently throughout the entire premises. With their brushed nickel finish, KEUCO's accessories are the perfect complement and emphasize the exclusive and modern character of the bathrooms even more.  

For many, living in a glorious rural location in a contemporary, minimalist home is the dream. The clean lines, open plan spaces and large expanses of glass to let the outside views and natural light flood in. Danny Reilly, his wife and their children were able to make that dream a reality.Easy on the eye but hard on the earHowever, polished concrete floors, stone kitchen surfaces, floor to ceiling glass and other hard materials, reverberate sound. Add lively children to the mix and the unwanted noise was spoiling the family’s enjoyment of contemporary living.Soft furnishings like cushions, rugs and carpets can help deaden sound to a limited extent but were not what the family wanted. Fortunately, Danny is the Manging Director of market leading Reilly Ceilings and knew exactly what do to get the acoustics in the family home under control.Luckily Danny knew what he had to doDanny Reilly, “As soon as we moved in, we discovered the noise was unbearable – not all of it made by my precious children – and immediately set about retro-fitting Rockfon® Mono® Acoustic.”Mono Acoustic is a discreet, seamless acoustic ceiling which suited the minimalist aesthetic of this family’s home. Its seamless surface looks like plasterboard but has built-in Class A sound absorption to prevent unwanted noise. The installation in this project was a straightforward two stage process: stone wall panels were directly fixed to the existing plasterboard ceiling followed by a smooth acoustic render sprayed onto the panel surface, ready for decoration. Industry recognition and accreditationsRockfon Specification Manager, Deirdre Mulvaney, “Happily for the Reilly family, Danny had the knowledge to solve poor acoustics in this open plan environment. Mono Acoustic is used in high end restaurants, offices and other spaces to provide amazing acoustic control and is a practical solution for the residential sector, too. It has Quiet Mark accreditation which consumers might recognise as attributed to low-noise electrical appliances including some brands of washing machine and kettle. It is also Bronze level Cradle to Cradle Certified® and can contribute to LEED, BREAM and WELL Building Standards.”A versatile seamless acoustic product Mono can be used on ceilings, walls or to create bespoke islands. It can be curved, easily transitioned into plasterboard or integrated into existing mouldings. The system achieves Class A sound absorption and Class A2 fire protection whilst delivering greater than 99% light diffusion.In common with other Rockfon acoustic systems, Mono is made with a core of naturally occurring, non-hygroscopic stone wool, which is virtually non-combustible and provides no sustenance to harmful micro-organisms. It also embodies high humidity resistance and is impervious to most environmental pressures. Danny again, “Using Rockfon Mono, we were able to keep the minimalist features of the house and the results in terms of sound reverberation are unbelievable. We have another two children now and I honestly think that might not be the case if we hadn't sorted out the unwanted noise!”    

A lot of walking is done throughout a hospital, and when Region Zealand was to build Copenhagen's new psychiatric hospital, Denmarks most modern of its kind, it opted to supply 30,000m2 of the hospital's total area of 44,000m2 with the most modern and long-lasting flooring available. The flooring is environmentally friendly and provides outstanding durable floors made up of a 6-7 mm thick polyurethane. The total 30,000m2 area included patient rooms, walking and living areas, kitchens and canteens and more than 5,000m2 of walking areas. The floor systems used as finishes on this project were SofTop SLR and SofTop Comfort SL. Both were hard wearing self smoothing polyurethane systems which can be installed quickly to a very high standard. The SofTop Comfort SL involves an initial flexible membrane prior to the self smoothing topping being applied. This provides the bounce in the finish which make for comfortable walking and sound reducing properties.

HTA Architects designed the Next Wave scheme to renovate the seafront and public realm surrounding the Grade 1 listed modernist De La Warr pavilion. The CABE Seachange Funded project which aims to make the area a more attractive place for residents and visitors to Bexhill, and a catalyst for economic regeneration of this seaside resort.When Bexhill on Sea needed a new barrier for the seafront promenade, Architectural Street Furnishings (ASF) was contacted to look at the project.For harsh coastal environments, ASF would typically advise the use of cast iron products, however the client brief requested the barrier was constructed from aluminium, in a design that was sympathetic to the architecture of the De La Warr pavilion.Aluminium is not renowned for being particularly durable in coastal environments. To ensure the barrier would withstand the environmental conditions over time, ASF had the aluminium hard anodised.The anodising process involved the immersion of aluminium in a bath of sulphuric acid (an electrolyte) and running a low voltage electrical current through the bath. Normal anodising results in a thin coating of aluminium oxide (rust) on the surface of the material, hard anodising is achieved by cooling the solution to freezing temperature and increasing the amount of electric current that is passed through the bath.Hard anodising produces a much thicker coating of aluminium oxide, rendering the finished material only a few hardness points below diamond and protecting it against harsh environments such as the salt at the coast.The client agreed the simple clean lines of the design and a machined aluminium cap was added to finish off the modern and stylish barrier.The finished result is a low maintenance, minimalist seafront barrier that will not pitt or corrode over time. The use of anodised aluminium enabled the client's brief to be matched without the need for compromise.

Black, modern fittings and accessories made by KEUCO in the Design Hotel Le Méridien, Hamburg. KEUCO offers an exclusive black-brushed finish which cannot be underquoted. The matt fittings and accessories are a result of a PVD process that guarantees a surface that is extremely insensitive with a luscious tone of colour and a very high grade of hardness.

For the construction of a large villa of soft and natural colours in the countryside near Bologna, various Atlas Concorde floor and wall-tiles collections were used. Stone and wood effect porcelain stoneware tiles highlight the volumes and geometries in interior design by coordinating with outdoor floors that surround the home. Atlas Concorde floor and wall tiles offer interesting cues and ideas for home furnishing.The private dwelling, divided into two separate blocks, is at the heart of a lusciously green and bright garden rich in walkways made from the Trust stone effect outdoor floor collection. Indoor floors alternate the Axi wood effect porcelain stoneware and stone effect Advance collections. For the bathroom was used wall tiles, a cladding that combines expressive power with practicality, the Ewall collection, inspired by the look of spatula spread cement. Prestigious materials throughout the kitchen. The kitchen of the villa is enriched with style thanks to the Atlas Concorde porcelain stoneware and wall tiles. The tiles distinguish themselves for impeccable aesthetics and decorative character, guaranteeing numerous advantages, such as easy cleaning and maintenance. The low porosity makes the kitchen wall tiles resistant to humidity, stains, mildew and bacteria, and make them perfect for creating the kitchen backsplash, which needs to have other specific requirements, such as ease of cleaning, resistance to stain and resistance to heat. Bathroom tiles in a hose of great aesthetical impact. The bathroom wall tiles of the villa are covered in tiles from the Ewall collection by Atlas Concorde. Inspired to spatula-worked cement, the surface is enhanced by a delicate structuring and reflections of light, for a tremendous aesthetic and visual impact. Atlas Concorde ceramic tiles also guarantee easy cleaning and maintenance when used as a wall tile in showers, where they carefully highlight the elegance of every detail.Safe living outdoor. The surfaces immediately surrounding the villa created using the Trust porcelain stoneware collection give life to outdoor floors that combine the naturalness of stone with resistance to heavy footfall and adverse weather conditions, durability and safety. Outdoor floors in 2 cm thickness are also perfect as patio or terrazzo tiles, to experience the outdoor living of the house in total freedom.

Located on the iconic Berawa waterfront, the Atlas Beach Fest in Bali is decorated with contemporary charm thanks to stone-effect porcelain tiles from Atlas Concorde. Explore the project.From solariums that seem to float on the water to the show beach bars featured in the club, the luxurious beach club's choice of style comes across as sophisticated, with a clear multi-ethnic feel. In this heavenly setting, the stone-effect tiles of Atlas Concorde used to decorate the floors in several areas of the beach club add a touch of Made in Italy to the building. The area adjacent to the beach consisting of swimming pools, bars and relaxation areas thus takes on an allure with a timeless appeal. Inspired by split quartzites, or metamorphic stones composed almost entirely of quartz and small amounts of other minerals, stone-effect floor tiles retain all the natural roughness of the original material. Porcelain tiles evoke this trait by offering a surface with a strong, earthy appearance that is easy to clean and pleasing to the touch. Used in four different shades ranging from warm, intense nuances to grey tones inspired by the colour of the original natural stones, Atlas Concorde surfaces adorn the spaces of the beach club with highly accurate details. An attention to detail was critical both for the look and for the design itself. In fact, Atlas Concorde tiles are the ideal solution for those seeking design and technical functionality in spaces intended for public use. The resistance to foot traffic, the healthy nature of the material and the anti-slip properties of Atlas Concorde surfaces have made the beach club spaces an oasis of beauty and superior technical performance. With just the right mix of eye-catching visuals and technical properties, stone-effect porcelain tiles offer Atlas Beach Fest guests a relaxing moment of hospitality and safety. The decision to use stone-effect surfaces also tied in perfectly with the theme of the entire venue, creating a stylistic mix capable of combining eastern elements and the luxury of fashionable Mediterranean locales. And so it is that wood, stone, and soft fabrics typical of Spanish beach clubs coexist with the inevitable Indonesian canopy beds and furnishings with an eastern flavour. Atlas Concorde's stone-effect porcelain tiles helped to boost all the stylistic components included in the architectural design thanks to a material with a natural flavour.

Background Opened in 1955, Stinchcombe Village Hall has been at the heart of the community in the Gloucestershire village for decades, and it continues to thrive thanks to the dedication of a group of local residents and regular users. An active programme ensures the hall is regularly used for a whole host of activities, classes, clubs, and events for residents, maintaining its original mission to provide a facility that supports physical and mental wellbeing, training and recreation.The committee works hard to ensure the village hall’s facilities are maintained to a high standard. The hall features dimmable lighting, a stage with seating area, kitchen; and toilets accessible to disabled users, plus another meeting room known as the ‘Committee Room.Over the years Stinchcombe Village Hall has benefited from various upgrading projects, including in recent times improved heating and energy efficient lighting throughout. However, the committee are constantly looking at how they can improve things further, including acoustics.ProblemCharlie Oakhill, Chairman of Stinchcombe Village Hall, approached acoustic specialists Sound Reduction Systems (SRS) to explore the potential for reducing excessive reverberation within the hall during use. The committee had taken the initiative prior to contacting SRS by completing and submitting SRS’s online 3 Step Estimator Form.They wanted to take action to make the hall more acoustically comfortable during regular activities. Users often found it difficult to hear speech and music easily because of the high levels of ambient noise that developed, particularly during performances and busy activities.SolutionUpon receiving key information about Stinchcombe Village Hall, including the dimensions, surface finishes and photographs of the ceiling and walls, SRS were able to input this data into their Sonata acoustic modelling software. This was able to evaluate the existing acoustic performance of the room and specify exactly how much Sonata Class A sound absorption would be required to solve the issue.The Stinchcombe Village Hall committee were then presented with a report detailing predicted before and after performance and a budget estimate for the treatment. Once this had been approved, the next step was for an SRS technical advisor to visit the hall and carry out a dimensional survey to confirm the specification and quote.SRS Sonata Aurio absorbers are a practical and cost effective way to control reverberation inside buildings like this village hall where there are a lot of hard surfaces. The panels comprise a technical, non-shedding, acoustic foam with an acoustically transparent fabric finish to the face and sides. They are easy and quick to install and can be directly bonded to walls and ceilings, and because they are robust, they are perfect for gyms, sports halls or anywhere where ball strikes may occur.Results The site survey was carried out by SRS Director, Alex Docherty. He said:“The presence of hard, acoustically reflective surfaces and lack of soft furnishings was creating a high level of reverberation and echo. This was creating an environment that wasn’t ideal for many activities undertaken within the hall and making speech intelligibility particularly poor. Once the details of the hall had been entered into the SRS computer prediction programme, it showed an estimated mid-frequency reverberation time (Tmf) of 3.73s – way higher than the recommended value of <1.5s for a room of this usage.”After the quotation was approved by the committee, approximately 52m2 of class A Sonata Aurio acoustic panels were installed to the walls and ceiling within the hall, with fantastic results.Client feedbackFollowing completion of the installation, Charlie Oakhill, Chairman of Stinchcombe Village Hall commented:“Thank you for completing the acoustics promptly and a very tidy job. The panels have made a tremendous difference in our hall and I am sure we will get a lot of positive feedback from our users.“Jed the installer did a great job and left everything neat and tidy, he is a credit to SRS. Thanks again and finally we are happy to speak to any potential customers and also happy if they want to come and have a look and a listen.”Products used·       Sonata Aurio panels

Artform Urban provides colourful external furniture elements to a new state-of-the-art Children and Young Peoples' Mental Health Service (CYPMHS) inpatient unit for West Yorkshire. Based at the St Mary’s Hospital site in Armley, Leeds, the five-year project led by Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust opened in January 2022. The new facility comprises a 16-bed general adolescent ward and a 6-bed psychiatric intensive care unit all supported by an expert team to offer a range of therapies and support. The building wraps around central courtyards to provide dedicated access to garden spaces at all times. In total there are 4 separate outdoor spaces all have been furnished by Artform Urban Furniture. The primary products specified by Ares Landscape Architects are the Loop range of street furniture; including curving loop benches, conical picnic sets, and Hop Op 500 stools. The products are ideally suited to CAMHS units due to the minimal design and lack of any removable fixtures. The Loop range is formed of rotationally moulded Polyurethane which creates a soft and flexible surface with no sharp edges - this was a key factor in why these products were chosen. The Loop range is also lightweight and can be easily positioned and secured in place using hidden fixtures or alternatively filled with sand or water to be self-weighted units that can be moved as and when required.A bespoke element has been introduced with circular sheets of HPL (High-Pressure Laminate) being added as table toppers to achieve a tamper-proof finish. HPL is manufactured by combining sheets of recycled paper with a binding resin under high pressure - achieving a robust weather-resistant material ideal for external environments.The playful design and inviting colours create a positive and calming atmosphere encouraging time to be spent outside in the fresh air. In the larger garden space, several Stone benches have been installed - in various finishes. The pebble-like design sits naturally in the leafy garden and creates an impromptu social space.In order to facilitate client timings, Artform provided an installation service as well as advice/ guidance during out-of-usual operational hours between Christmas and New Year.For the final installations - Full coordination with the management team was required at Red Kite View as it was now a live site. It was imperative there was no interruption to the patient’s routines while the products were moved through the building and installed.The building was designed in collaboration with clinicians and young people who all contributed their ideas, hopes, and aspirations for care. They also helped to decide on the name ‘Red Kite View’ as nature is strongly associated with mental wellbeing and rehabilitation.

Medspace Solutions was delighted to be awarded the package to redesign and refurbish the Psychological and Mental Health Services (PAMHS) Department on Level 6 of Great Ormond Street Hospital. Great Ormond Street Hospital is a children’s hospital in London and a part of Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust. The project was installed on behalf of Logan Construction and contained a large amount of bespoke furniture, HTM63 and HTM71 cabinetry and Reception Desks.The Medspace team carried out the design work in March and April of 2023, collaborating closely with Day Architectural and artist Giles Round to ensure the successful integration of design elements. The aim was to create functional, aesthetically pleasing, and therapeutic spaces for mental health services.Patient safety was a primary consideration on this project, with many fixtures incorporating anti-ligature handles and fittings. The installation needed a balance of strength and safety whilst retaining a welcoming and calming environment.A lot of thought had been put into creating the department, geometric shapes and bold colours were particularly important on this project and all play their role to relax and reassure patients. To achieve the artistic vision for this unique project Medspace worked closely with trusted supplier Formica® using their flagship Younique® product. Younique® has allowed Medspace to incorporate patterns directly onto the laminate panels used in the construction of the furniture. This creates a long-lasting hard-wearing surface, resistant to vandalism and colour fade.Another interesting design feature is the backlit cloud panel. Giles Round’s cloud design is featured throughout the department and Medspace incorporated this by fabricating it using translucent Corian® solid surface material. This was then backlit using LED’s creating a soft and relaxing feature in each of the 8 bedroom areas.Installation took place between August and October 2023, and our Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment Package included supplying a functional and stylish reception desk and furnishing and designing the laundry room, kitchen, activity room, bedroom, lounge, study, washroom, dirty utility, teen zone and a quiet space.During the installation, two things were paramount – maintaining cleanliness in a hospital environment and ensuring no patients or their families were disturbed by the work. Our team worked closely with the hospital to ensure there were no issues during the installation period, and we kept disruption to an absolute minimum for everyone, including the staff.The finished design is a massive improvement for the department, and it is now a much more modern department that is fit for purpose and more pleasant for treating the patients who come in.

ASF were approached to repair, renovate, refurbish and where necessary remake and replace the ironwork elements of a grade 2 listed stair baluster at the Hannover Buildings, Manchester. Initially a complete baluster rail was brought into the ASF pattern shop and used as a template to make a complete new pattern for the balusters that needed fully replacing. Following a thorough survey of the staircase, totalling 16 flights in 2 blocks over a number of floors, component repairs were also completed so that we could carry out modular replacements where possible, thus retaining as much of the original stair baluster as possible. All replacement parts, including complete baluster castings, were made from 100% recycled cast iron

ASF 650 Trough Bollards were chosen for the service entrance / players entrance of Anfield Football Ground. As there would be coaches and HGV access to that part of the ground the 'Boston' version of the ASF 650 was chosen, which offers a lid that is rated to H20 (US) loading standards. The ASF 5002 stainless steel bollard was chosen to be housed in the trough

An impressive version pedestrian guardrail using the machine topped ASF 5008 bollard as posts, and solid bar stainless steel vertical infill panels to create the guardrail. This system is made to order, and as such can be set up to host any combination of post and panel or hand railing. Contrasting polish finish can be used on the bollards to show the machined top as more of a feature. Posts can be reinforced to make them ram raid resistant.

ASF were approached by artists Lucy Strachan and Fred Baier who had produced conceptual drawings of laser cut tree grilles. Alongside these drawings was a brief that the guards should fit with invisible fixings into the ASF 303 cast iron tree grille. ASF took these concepts forward and produced a set of tree guards that met the needs of both the artistic concept and the required practical applications. The guards were first laser profiled and then rolled to the desired diameter. The guard halves then had to be hand fettled and blended so the pattern carried perfectly through 360 degrees.

ASF were approached by Bradford Metropolitan Borough Council to manufacture railings to design drawings that they had completed. Firstly the drawings required turning form design drawings into working documents, so ASF produced a full set of cut drawings and GA's as well 3D models for approval purposes. The panels were individually hand made and hand polished and fitted to site by a third party (also identified by ASF). Polishing was carried out to 2k standards which dramatically decreases the risk of discoloration. The outcome is a great looking but extremely robust and long lasting, design led utilitarian railing for a busy city centre area

The clinking of glasses, the chatter of patrons and the selected music are all essential to a vibrant dining experience. This experience is, other than that of the food, is one of balance that is often found tipping towards the more noise-related end of the scale. An enjoyable experience does not include people having to raise their voices above one another, or by missing out on a conversation because they cannot hear. This effect is called the Lombard effect, or ‘Café effect’ where groups unconsciously raise their voices over others so that they can listen to. This effect continues to happen until the room reaches a dreadful cacophony.There is now greater access to online reviews that can be brought up in seconds on your smartphone. There are even Crowdsourcing apps (check out SoundPrint) that allows the user to measure the loudness (in decibels) and categorise how loud it is. You will also find those food critics discussing how ‘noisy’ a restaurant is, as over time they have cranked up the volume. Potential customers now have these ‘tools’ to help avoid eateries that do not match what they want as an experience, and this could be potentially your restaurant(s)!When it comes to noise and sound, this is your ‘acoustic environment’. When Bluebell got hold of iKoustic to see how a new and thriving restaurant could create a better acoustic environment, we walked them through what is possible, and the path to dimming the cacophony.Noise in Restaurants.In open-plan restaurants like Bluebell, designers are creating a living, breathing space. These feature kitchens that blend into dining areas and have high ceilings that expose the ducting of air conditioning with light fixtures that extend the reach of the room. They are also made up of hard-finished furnishing and surfaces to appeal to the current boom in minimalism. Not only this, but the hard furnishings are easy to clean, another area of management for making sure your restaurant is in tip-top shape. But, what these mean for your acoustic environment is far less manageable without professional input and a series of effective resolutions in place. There has been a rise in studies of noise, music, taste and experience in hospitality in recent years; it is a complete sensory experience combined with social interaction. It is our vision, hearing, taste and smells that all become excited. The rise in noise found in restaurants has steadily grown year on year. On some occasions, these measurements have been found at damaging levels to our sensitive ears, let alone at levels that are comforting for allowing conversation; an essential part of the social element of dining out. The Guardian has found that“The dB levels at many restaurants far exceed this pleasant thrum [between 55-65dB]. The average sound level recorded in UK restaurants on Soundprint, taken between 6pm and 9pm, is 79dB. “I’m sure many of those are above 80, and I’m sure some are above 85,” says Scott. “It’s really loud for conversation.” In 2017, the UK charity Action on Hearing Loss (AoHL) found that noise levels in some well-known chains, such as Patisserie Valerie, topped 90dB on busy evenings. That’s the equivalent of munching your croissant next to a lawnmower or motorbike.”and if you are finding these kinds of levels at your restaurant, these would most definitely land complaints and critiques pointing this out.There are possible connections between the sound intensity and the drinking of alcohol, but when combining this with food, it comes up as the second most common complaint in restaurants. Different intensities in background noise may even affect what you taste. PRI’s study on the impact of sound on taste highlights the following.“Researchers asked participants to eat chips and cookies while listening to white noise at either high or low volumes, or in silence. They found that the eaters perceived saltiness and sweetness as less intense when they ate the food in the presence of loud background noise, in contrast to when they ate it with quieter or no background noise.”The fascinating part of what we are beginning to discover is that there are certain foods that taste best or worse at specific sound intensities, with the aviation industry tailoring their meals to match the loud roar of jet engines, to the average dB levels of restaurants revamping their menu for the different intensities. Reverberant spaces are open and reflective. They allow everyone’s conversation, the clanging of pots and pans in kitchens and the background music to all meld together as intrusive background noise. It is the introduction of more absorptive surfaces that help to control this ‘bouncing around’ and reinforcement of perceived amplitude of the sound. Acoustics Today has highlighted that“The higher the average absorption coefficient, the more sound will be absorbed by the room surfaces. So, if a restaurant is to offer a quiet, subdued environment, where people can talk quietly, it is important to use larger amounts of sound-absorbing material on the available ceiling and wall areas. If a venue is to have a more “energetic” feel, less sound-absorbing material should be used, but that material should be used in strategically placed areas that have the potential to get louder than others”. It is not that that whole room would require absorptive materials; this would not create a vibrant balance and would be more like dining in an anechoic chamber! The aim is to place them evenly across walls and ceiling so that there is a more even surfacing that will absorb the sound energy.As we mentioned, it is about the balance of what you want for your restaurant’s atmosphere and experience. These will determine the amount of internal acoustic treatment you will need to create it. BluebellBluebell has had a successful start with their food, but after receiving a few reviews about the noise at their restaurant, especially on busy evenings, they got in contact with iKoustic. With an open-plan dining space made up of glass partitions, hard finished walls and floor – this resulted in a very challenging and reflective environment. Both at lunchtimes and evenings, the noise reverberated and caused massive disruptions to the conversation of others.The team at Bluebell wanted a complete design that would complement their current interior design and colour scheme, so we needed to work together on finding a solution that would do so. We went to visit them to present our Note™ range on-site to show them the possibilities of not only matching their surface colours but also their light fixtures and cooling fans. We brought along our ‘mood-board’ to collaboratively choose the right tone and mood of the room by comparing these internal features with our available options!MeasureWe took a simple projection of estimated reverb time by using a modelling of the room. These take what is called the ‘absorption coefficients’ of the surfaces, how absorbant a surface is in other words and calculates an estimated reverb time. This reverb time is how long it takes the sound to decay. You can discover more about reverberation by pressing on our icon below.Dimensions of the spaceLength – 8.1mWidth – 4.9mHeight – 4m (top of pitch) 2.4m (bottom of the pitch.)Estimated Reverberation CalculationsFrom these dimensions, our calculations were estimated at a reverberation time of 3.3 seconds, much too high for a restaurant with receiving even modest levels of speech intelligibility. We would usually aim between 0.8 – 1.2 seconds. We proposed that at least 17.3m2 of Class A sound absorption would be needed to be at the levels between 0.8 – 1.2 seconds. This would need applying across the wall and ceilings space for best coverage.LookTo present our proposed finished look, we provided them with our visualisation service. 2D drawings would help display the layout of our Hexagonal Soft Note™ panels wrapped in Camira Cara Fabric. The choice of using Hexagonal cuts in various sizes and colours not only creates a visually stimulating space, but the shaping also allows more space to add sound absorption in these areas, just as bees do with its honeycomb structure.From the measurements, we then created a 3D scale of the room with its current colour scheme and implemented our approved Note designs with the addition of Soft Note™ Pro on the ceiling, evenly spaced. In this process, we include all fixtures and furniture that we closely match to assure best representation.Hexagonal Soft Note™ x 18 (various sizes)Soft Note™ Pro x 20All ceilings panels were evenly spaced to provide the best performance possible, and this is important when reducing reverberation as there is more available absorptive surfaces.FeelOur installation team installed the panels as direct adhesive fixing so as not the impose on the room or interfere with the fixtures. The Hexagonal shaping in these colour gradients created an off-beat style of imagery but at no time feeling out of place. The different sizing and placement also allowed various shapes to appear from the original wall which we think creates a stimulating visual.The texture of the Hexagonal Soft Note™ panels comes from the Camira Cara Fabric wrap, and this gives them more depth instead of a solid colour wrap. An approach that both us and the team at Bluebell love.The final sound was vastly improved and the ‘feel’ of the room was undoubtedly more controlled, we now await those reviews after a busy period from customers that congratulate them on the improved acoustics of the room!

Solid cast bar bronze posts for mounting signs. Can be in a range of bronzes, brasses and gunmetals. Finished self coloured, polished or waxed and toned. A range of heights and diameters are available

ASF were approached to manufacture and supply a quayside post and rail system for the old docks on Birkenhead, as part of a regeneration project. The client didn't want the traditional curved cast iron post option, nor the usual version of the same but in stainless steel.ASF worked with the client to agree a design that combines a robust steel panel, bolt fixed to the dockside with a large diameter stainless steel handrail on top. Sections were both straight and curved and panels were bespoke manufactured for each section of the dock.The outcome is a striking, cranked quayside panel system that has the clean straight lines of a contemporary product but still works remarkably well in this regenerated industrial landscape

ASF had been manufacturing a whole range of products for Blackburn Centre via Capita Blackburn, using a whole range of material - granite for seating and architectural elements, timber, granite and stainless steel seating, stainless steel and granite bollards etc etc. ASF were then approached to work on a bespoke post and panel design for a rising and curving site along a roadside, designed to form a definite but aesthetically pleasing barrier. Working on drawings initially supplied by the client, ASF's pattern makers made the tooling for the posts and successfully produced test castings of them. The posts are manufactured in 100% recycled cast iron and in isolation automatically meet 3kN loading.The panel designs were a product of multi agency teamwork to come up with a design that complimented the posts but were also pleasing in isolation.

ASF Manufactured these stunning stainless steel pedestrian guardrails for the Princess Street area of Swansea.Posts manufactured from the ASF 5008 Bollard offer a 114mm diameter upright with a solid machined top. The upright has a satin finish whilst the top is left as machine finished which gives a bright polished look.Panels are from stainless steel tube and uprights from solid stainless steel bar, making this product look great but also be low maintenance, robust and long lasting.

ASF were commissioned to help design a range of cast iron products for the Llanelli Millennium Park seafront and visually impressive viewing towers. ASF adapted the popular ASF 211 quayside post and centrifugally galvanised it, a process that offers a finish that is expected to last 50 years with no maintenance. Grade 316L rails were used in conjunction with the cast iron posts. The outcome was a stunning combination of the earthy and organic look of cast iron with the clean cut edges of bright polished stainless steel - the project still looks great after 15 years.

Part of an 1885 Ashlar Dressed Bridge widening and strengthening scheme, the listed Victorian Parapet required uplifting, repairing and refitting. ASF's unique position of having our own on site foundry, pattern shop, casting engineers and metallurgists meant we could complete this task using traditional techniques whilst managing to retain about 75% of the original damaged parapet railing.

ASF worked with AECOM and Barhale Construction for the new fish pass and viewing platform at Mid Calder, Livingstone. A standard base plate version of the ASF Buckden 2 Rail post was used, manufactured in 100% recycled cast iron, for the fish pass itself offering a safety barrier for Scottish Water and fish pass technicians when accessing the riverside area. A bespoke version of the posts were manufactured for the viewing platform that were supplied as a panel post with vertical infill bars so that the public can view the fish pass. A matching lockable gate with vertical infill was also manufactured to link the viewing platform and the fish pass itself.