The magnificent Grade II listed Georgian Cuckney House on the Welbeck Estate, one of the UK's largest and historically important country estates, has been given a complete interior makeover by Rachel McLane Ltd as part of a substantial renovation project.
Yorkshire-based Rachel McLane Ltd, one of the country's leading interior designers, formed part of the team that has just completed the two-year project to convert the vacant Cuckney House into luxury 15-bedroom holiday and event accommodation.
The 15,000-acre Welbeck Estate on the Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire border near Sherwood Forest has a history that can be traced back nearly 900 years and is run by The Welbeck Estates Company.
The early Georgian Cuckney House was purchased by the 4th Duke of Portland in 1844 and was once home to the 6th Duke and Duchess of Portland while repairs were carried out to Welbeck Abbey in 1901 and was used as a set for the feature film Testament of Youth, Vera Brittain's coming-of-age story during World War I.
As a prominent historical House on the Estate, it has been thoroughly but sensitively transformed during the substantial renovation project to provide a single high-spec property for extended holiday and event-related stays.
Its 15 bedrooms include family suites and a bridal suite, allowing the House to sleep more than 30 people, and it has three reception rooms, including a 28-seat dining room and a 40-seat function room. There is a large, well-appointed kitchen, games room, snug, butler's pantry, and outside there is a large terrace with two BBQs and a wood-fired pizza oven, a walled kitchen garden and a tennis court.
The transformation of Cuckney House is part of the long-term Welbeck Project to re-purpose and breathe new life into the Estate's collection of historic buildings.
"Welbeck Estate already owns eight self-catered holiday cottages but wanted to develop Cuckney House to accommodate guests of the Hazel Gap Wedding venue, which is based on the estate, and for longer extended family stays, including big birthday celebrations, small wedding receptions, self-catering holidays and corporate events," said Rachel, who started work there in the pre-Covid winter of 2019 with initial meetings.
"The entire project was managed by the Welbeck Estate, which made it run like clockwork as the Estate has incredibly skilled teams across different departments. The Estates team clearly care very much about their work, and it was a real privilege to work with them on this project which went from concept stage through to building completion."
Working closely alongside the Estate team, Rachel McLane Ltd was part of the design team that helped see through internal and external structural design changes that included a reconfiguration of the walls on the first and second floors, complete re-roofing, insulation throughout, refurbishment of all flooring, including reinstated parquet flooring, and the raising of the ceiling height in the top floor rooms, as well as electrical drawings, lighting designs, colour scheme and fabrics.
"We were able to respect Cuckney House's listed status while giving each room its own identity and personality, reflecting the original use of the building as a Manor House. The design intent was to make Cuckney House feel like it had evolved rather than an overly designed modern interior. The overall look is eclectic and traditional, with a contemporary twist suited to today's living expectations," added Rachel, who headed up her own team of specialists, all of whom have worked on Cuckney House at some point in the project, including three procurers, five designers and finance manager.
The interior design also features a new art collection that the Rachel McLane team procured to make it look like the collection had evolved.
"We worked with the Estate's collections team on scans of artwork from the collections and also with a commercial art gallery, mixing traditional and contemporary artwork on the walls and around the rooms."
An added feel of the area's landscape also comes from the work of Kyra Cane, a ceramic artist who rents a studio from the Welbeck Estate and whose work is on display in the House.
The restoration of Cuckney House has also been emphatically sustainable with the provision of electric car charging points, renewable energy heat sources, and solar panels. In place of energy-consuming kettles in each room, each floor was designed with a communal coffee and tea pod.
Nigel Porter, Property & Rural Estates Director, said, "For me, the interior design and the quality of the craftsmanship stand out. But of course, it is the backdrop of the Welbeck Estate and all that it offers here on the Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire border that adds that magical quality and sets it apart."
Rachel McLane Ltd has won and been a finalist in numerous awards, including the Northern Design Awards Best Hotel Interior Design 2020, for their interior design work on the Bike & Boot Hotel in Scarborough.
About Rachel McLane Limited
Rachel McLane Ltd offers a full design service that interprets a client’s brief and delivers their project on time, on budget, and as envisaged. Every client and every project is different, so how we get there is entirely up to the client. Not every project requires internal spaces reconfiguring; not every client has an architect or project manager. However, as a general rule, their project process offers: Feasibility Study – narrowing down your options; Concept Design – sketched visuals of how your space might look; Design Detailing – producing drawings & plans for trades; Purchasing – new, bespoke or repurposed; Fit-Out.
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Designing a luxury hotel in one of the most vibrant metropolises means creating functional environments with a refined design, finding solutions capable of ensuring guests the best conditions of comfort, with a focus on sustainability.
It is with these premises in mind that for the Nobu Hotel Shoreditch, in London, the modular flooring Frammenti was chosen, made of oak from well-managed and responsible forests.
Thanks to its extraordinary versatility, Frammenti is the perfect solution for every type of environment. The geometric design of the modular floor, which makes it resemble an abstract, contemporary mosaic, is reminiscent of the creative flow and dynamism of the metropolis.
The customised finish was realised by Foglie d'Oro to indulge the creative intuition of the designer and contribute to building the aesthetic identity of the spaces of a luxury hotel, whose attention to detail is one of its most distinctive aspects.
The ability to create customised floors, starting from the designer's drawing and the client's needs, is one of the reasons why Foglie d'Oro is chosen by architects and interior designers all over the world.
Would you like to choose a Foglie d'Oro floor or realise your own customised solution in both finish and format? Discover more here.
About Foglie d’Oro
Foglie d’Oro is Europe’s leading manufacturer of sophisticated design wood floors, XL wide planks, and American walnut floors. Based in Italy, the company has been chosen by A&D to work on turnkey projects for over 50 years, developing a reputation for excellence all around the world.
Rachel McLane Ltd has given a stunning new contemporary look and environmental focus to the interior design of the restaurant at The Hertsmere, Elstree, called Script: Restaurant and Bar. The full-scale refurbishment forms part of The Hertsmere's ambitious plans to progressively become the home of family golf in Hertfordshire and North-West London.
A challenging, picturesque 18-hole golf course in the middle of the Hertfordshire countryside, The Hertsmere has recently installed a new high-tech, state-of-the-art 26-bay golf driving range, and opened a golf academy which is ground-breaking in its approach focused on customer outcomes. Built about ten years ago, the clubhouse provides facilities to serve food and drink in a restaurant setting which can also be used by golfers and for public gatherings. Award-winning interior design consultancy Rachel McLane Ltd started work on the interior design concepts behind the new-look restaurant about 18 months ago.
"One of the main things that stood out to us about The Hertsmere was the setting of the course and clubhouse, which are amazing and exceptionally beautiful; the course and the driving range have real character and are of a high quality, which we wanted to capture and reflect in our designs. The clubhouse is quite literally that, a place for everyone to meet and socialise and talk over their game with friends, families and children. We wanted to add a bit of a 'wow' factor to help match the very high standards of the rest of The Hertsmere."
Stuart Ritchie, the business's director, said: "The Hertsmere is a leisure business which owns a golf course, an award winning driving range and now an amazing restaurant which has been separately branded Script: Restaurant and Bar. We wanted to create our own narrative with our ‘fresh approach to golf’ and to give everyone the opportunity to get involved with golf and enjoy our facilities, hence our standalone restaurant in the centre of the facility."
"Our restaurant is key to this and we wanted it to be welcoming, accessible and appealing as well as reflecting our high standards and the importance we attach to our surroundings. Rachel McLane Ltd has created a stunning space where I hope people will enjoy spending time, be that for a bite to eat after a game of golf, or as a get together of family and friends for a meal. We felt that 'Script: Restaurant and Bar' was the perfect name for the restaurant as it combines the idea of us setting our daily changing menu of locally sourced ingredients – which, just like a fantastic script, provides the foundations for an outstanding experience. We are looking forward to welcoming customers to enjoy the new stylish design, stunning views and great menu."
North Yorkshire-based Rachel and her team of interior designers have created a concept that draws on the importance of landscape, countryside and environmental sustainability, without detracting from the view of the course. "The Hertsmere has a vision to help make golf more sustainable, minimising waste, the use of water, chemicals and fertilisers, and to develop an environment that has a positive impact on local wildlife and supports the wellbeing of its community."
"The course has a network of public footpaths and trails across its 160 acres. We felt there needed to be a real sense of how rural and parklike The Hertsmere is and to reference environmental and sustainability aspects in the designs - not just in the design look, but also in the materials we used. Whilst the new look of the interior is one that has been very carefully considered with contemporary lighting and seating, we didn't want it to overpower the positive details of the building, including the views out over the golf course."
A dominating sloped timber ceiling has now been painted over and a flattened bulkhead area created on the ceiling helps to break up the room into zones. A custom bespoke tree-like structure forms a new centrepiece to the room and is constructed from solid oak, and littered with random lights to break up the mass of ceiling.
An innovative, subtle tiered effect seating system has created booths on a raised deck at the rear where people can look across the curved dining booths by the central tree-form which in turn looks over the lower sofa-type seating at the front window. This was all done to ensure uninterrupted views of the course. A mix of timber seating and upholstered booths separated by fret-cut screens break up the room further to create the sense of different areas within one larger space. The fret-cut detailing is also applied to the glazing using The Hertsmere logo, which must be one of the best now in use in the world of golf. The colour palette is one of subtle tones with punches of colour based on The Hertsmere's branding.
The UK’s market leader in luxury vinyl flooring, Karndean Designflooring, has introduced a comfortable human scale experience to an uncompromisingly modern office building with a soft industrial style bespoke floor that compliments the large open plan space and reflects its iconic cityscape views.
With an unrivalled panorama across the city, Argyll’s Nova North offers a prestigious office environment in the heart of London’s Victoria. Looking to re-imagine part of the building to provide high end office and co-working spaces, Argyll opted for a clean minimalist look with a focus on acoustic benefits.
Karndean partnered with interior designer Emma Turner to create a high-end coworking space and lounge area in what was previously an underused bar area on the double height mezzanine 11th floor. Combining the practicality of Karndean LooseLay with the versatility of its Opus gluedown range, the bespoke floor balances the industrial nature of the building with timeless elegance and ensures that the updated interior is instantly understandable so customers can easily identify how to best use and navigate the space.
Fleur Carson, commercial sales director at Karndean Designflooring, said: "Karndean flooring is a perfect choice for busy workplaces. With an authentic look of stone flooring but without any of the downsides, Karndean offers a tough surface for high traffic areas that’s undemanding when it comes to maintenance. Its consistent thickness makes it eminently suitable for bespoke designs, either by blending complementary stone designs as at Nova North or even combining wood and stone designs alongside each other."
“As part of the project proposal, our design service graphically conceptualised the flooring within the interior, simulating every detail of the user experience so that the client could visualise the end result. By specifying a combination of gluedown and loose lay formats, we have been able to provide the triple benefits of a practical durable surface, bespoke design and superior acoustic benefits.”
With a paired back scheme in shades of warm grey and natural biophilic elements in tune with the building and its locality, the bespoke floor features a clean look of poured concrete alongside a statement 3D tile effect.
Emma Turner explained: “It was clear that the design of the 10th and 11th mezzanine floors had to start and finish with the spectacular views across central London. It was important that the interior should not distract from what lies outside the windows but feel at one with the skyline. This defined how the space was split into different activity zones, how we orientated seating and also set the colour palette.”
The multi-dimensional pattern of Cubix from Karndean’s Kaleidoscope range has been created with three shades of grey from the Opus range, Mico, Luna and Ombra. These striking geometric lines has brought the coworking area to life, introducing interest and depth to balance the clean angles of the bold contemporary building.
Sitting alongside this working zone, Quebec from the Karndean LooseLay range creates a restful seating area and walkway to the board room at the rear of the mezzanine. Opting for extra-large scale tiles (1000mm x 1000mm) in a block pattern has resulted in a seamless poured concrete effect that’s highly realistic.
With sustainability high on the agenda, many of the existing features were repurposed and upcycled within the new design. The large back bar has been remodelled as a kitchenette, painted in charcoal grey to harmonize with the black industrial staircase, while some of the lighting has been reused and other joinery reinvented within co-working stations.
The durability of Karndean flooring is integral to meeting the project’s sustainability targets. Using a loose lay format along the main walkway, where wear and tear is heaviest, is an effective strategy as each tile can be relifted and replaced if necessary, thus reducing waste over the lifespan of the interior.
Emma concluded: “The floor was the key element for the mezzanine level. We are delighted how the Cubix introduces a sense of fun and breaks up the huge floor space with an interesting pattern yet also links together all the elements of the colour palette without overpowering the overall effect. The mezzanine floor now feels comfortable despite being a large open area and the more time you spend there, the calmer and more positive you feel.”
About Karndean Designflooring
Karndean Designflooring is a global supplier of commercial and residential luxury vinyl tile flooring. We’re an industry leader in flooring design, offering a wide range of colours, textures and finishes, helping you to create unique looks guaranteed to last.
A home is more than just a physical structure; it is a living sanctuary that evolves alongside its residents' ever-changing lifestyles. Recognising this profound truth, the perceptive owners of a plot of land in Kuala Lumpur embarked on a quest to create a haven that would adapt to their evolving needs and desires. Retired and in their 50s, they turned to Nu Infinity with a clear vision: to construct a communal block adjacent to their existing home, seamlessly integrating the old and the new.
With the future in mind, the owners sought a personalised touch that would set their new space apart from their current abode. They desired a slightly smaller area, meticulously tailored to their lifestyle and preferences. The architectural plan encompassed a secondary kitchen and a spacious study area on the upper floor, with the potential to transform into a luxurious bedroom complete with an attached bathroom, ample wardrobe space, and a convenient makeup table. Entrusting their dreams to Nu Infinity, they embarked on an extraordinary collaboration.
As avid art collectors with refined taste, the owners prioritised an environment that exuded sophistication and individuality. They envisioned a space that would not conform to generic standards but would instead showcase their cherished art collection while maintaining a harmonious and tasteful ambiance. A particularly striking element in their brief was the request for a signature staircase that would gracefully complement the breathtaking full-height glass window, providing an unobstructed view of the mesmerising surroundings.
Impressed by Nu Infinity's portfolio, the couple's daughter warmly recommended their services and graciously introduced them to her parents. The designers at Nu Infinity were captivated by the project's potential, as the owners welcomed new ideas and gave them creative freedom to interpret and advise on the best solutions to bring their practical requirements to life. Stepping onto the construction site, still in its skeletal form, the designers envisioned transformative changes that would not only meet but surpass the clients' expectations, adding immense value to their home. The element of surprise became a vital component in delivering an exceptional outcome.
Initially destined for the current kitchen area, the dining table took on a bold new position overlooking a tranquil swimming pool, framed by generous folding door openings. To establish a seamless flow between the living and dining areas, the kitchen was relocated to the center of the communal block. While serving its primary function as a kitchen, the space transcended mere practicality. The designers crafted the upper part to feature a captivating preserved moss aquarium, a testament to the harmonious fusion of nature and design.
Creating a serene retreat that catered to the needs of a retired couple while seamlessly integrating with the existing house posed an exhilarating challenge. The concept of interchangeable spaces, guided by the designers' vision of a functional and progressive home, presented an enticing opportunity for innovation. Adjacent to the kitchen, an area was thoughtfully planned to be sealed off and transformed into a dedicated wet kitchen in the future, ensuring optimal functionality. Every inch of space was meticulously crafted to ensure optimal proportions and a well-defined hierarchy of usage, guaranteeing a harmonious flow throughout the home.
At Nu Infinity, leaving a lasting impression lies at the heart of their design approach. They take immense pride in their unconventional use of elements, such as preserved moss, which introduces a touch of nature and texture to this project. The seamless integration of different materials, including the striking high-ceiling wall, the warm wood veneer, and the sleek marble, embodies the core essence of their design philosophy.
Thrilled with the remarkable transformation, the clients eagerly anticipate growing old in their newly re-imagined space. In this inspiring case study, Nu Infinity successfully transcended the boundaries of architecture and design, crafting a home that not only meets the evolving needs of its inhabitants but also stands as a testament to the art of adaptability. As the homeowners' lifestyles change with each passing year, their sanctuary will evolve in harmony, becoming a true reflection of their ever-transforming journey through life.
About Nu Infinity
Purveyor of luxury interiors for private, retail, hospitality and F&B clients. Nu Infinity is headed by experienced Designers, Interior Designers and Builders, where we enrich the way you live, work and play through passionate, inspiring and professional approaches. We recognize good design adds value to the economy and quality of life. We involve design disciplines in problem solving situations. We consciously evolve our design ideas to cater to the changing times and to the different briefs.
Formerly named the Beehive, MGI were asked to reimagine this historic traditional pub situated in the popular Liverpool One area to ensure its continued survival for years to come. The brief was to create a premium high end pub offer with a quality range of beers and an extensive cocktail list. The site was imagined to act as a hybrid offering coffee and patisserie to shoppers through the day before transforming into a vibrant night time venue in the evenings.
The name change was inspired in homage to the Futurist on lime street which had been demolished in recent years and nods to that building’s art deco design and life as a cinema from the 1930’s through to the 1980’s and is reflected in the choices of bric a brac, light fittings and tin tiling utilised throughout the interior. MGI proposed a design that retained and enhanced a number of the original features of the original building such as the bar servery and backfitting, paired with new features and finishes designed and specified to a high level to create a luxurious feel to the site.
The use of Victorian wall tiling, timber panelling and velvet upholstery and drapes, along with the liberal application of black and polished brass creates an inviting yet intimate space that welcomes its guests in a warm embrace. Highly decorative booths were formed to the rear of the site to offer areas of privacy or seclusion to small parties and are expected to be one of the most popular areas of the pub.
Due to the site's long and narrow footprint, natural lighting was previously an issue to the pub. To combat this MGI proposed the strip out and replacement of the entire ground floor shopfront with new full height glazed bi-fold doors allowing light to flood into the front of the site. Natural light was further brought into the rear of the site through the reinstatement of a previously covered over glazed roof. Despite the use of dark finishes throughout, the site now feels light and airy through the day.
Further structural works were proposed in order to maximise available trade space including opening up beneath the existing staircase and completely stripping out the existing catering kitchen and WC facilities at the rear.
About MGI Partners
MGI Partners are an award-winning Interior design practice with decades of experience within the hospitality and commercial sectors. Our talented team have honed their skills and specialist industry knowledge to provide beautiful, commercially viable design solutions that meet our client`s specific brief and can be delivered no matter how challenging the project or budget spend is.
Art is at the heart of Rachel McLane Ltd's interior designs for the new high quality Eden Valley farm barns conversion of the Flakebridge Estate.
The major interior design project has an array of traditionally constructed stone and slate barns, cattle byers and dairy into a stone hospitality centre and holiday cottages which are now open at Appleby-in-Westmorland, Cumbria.
The main old barn has been transformed into the hospitality centre for the new facility with a drawing-room, bar and breakfast room, shooting/gun room and a large commercial kitchen. An adjacent barn houses a billiards room and wine cellar. Seven stone cottages have also been converted from the former farm buildings and come with their own bespoke kitchens and en-suite bathrooms.
Rachel McLane Ltd worked from the architect’s planning drawings at an early stage to incorporate their vision into the internal detailing including all the internal finishes, electrical and lighting positions and spatial arrangements. Rachel McLane Ltd sourced all fixtures and fittings, including bespoke joinery, lighting and furniture.
As part of the project Pickering-based Rachel McLane Ltd's award-winning design team have created a unique and original look for the development after commissioning an abstract acrylic/multi-media painting by fine artist and founder of Red Dog Glass Design, Sally Coulden.
"I'm a big admirer of Sally and her art and have wanted to work with her for some time now," said Rachel, whose business has won and been finalist in numerous awards including the Northern Design Awards Best Hotel Interior Design 2020 for their work on the Bike & Boot Hotel in Scarborough.
"The farming history, stone and timber structure of the barn and the cottages with the addition of Sally’s artwork gave us the perfect opportunity to create a unique and beautiful design which compliments the surrounding landscape of the farm.
She visited the estate as part of the preparation and to fuel her inspiration for the original painting. Having found a great view which she felt captured the essence of the landscape she spent several days sketching, taking photographs and getting to know the environment before heading back to her studio to start work on the painting." - Rachel McLane
The end result is a 2m x 1.5m abstract painting on canvas, which now hangs in the main barn and reflects the rural, family nature of the estate, with found objects from the surrounding fields, including foliage and pheasant feathers.
"It was a leap of faith on Rachel's part as we hadn’t worked together before but it has been such a brilliant partnership throughout the process. In addition to the original painting, Red Dog Glass Design has created a contemporary art glass panel which sits behind the aga in the main breakfast room, the design for which has taken specific features from the original painting." - Sally Coulden
Rachel McLane Ltd was part of a project team led by LHL Group, architects, quantity and building surveyors, and GEM Construction, both of York.
LHL Group's managing director Richard Hampshire said, "We were able to incorporate Rachel into the full design team at an early stage, so this has made the integration of architectural and interior design so much easier and has avoided any design clashes at the outset, and ensured that we were all working to budgetary constraints.
Working in old buildings is always challenging but every project meeting has been well spirited and any problems were countered with solutions in the quest to meet the brief and it is clear to me that we had a team all working to one goal. The unique Rachel McLane Ltd flare shines through."
Giles Bilton, of Morgan Bilton, who acted as land and estate agent on the property for the owner Flakebridge Estate said, "This was a lovely courtyard of old farm buildings which were once part of a tenanted farm within the Flakebrigde Estate. We were able to purchase the land and old farm buildings in the knowledge that the tenant farmer was soon to retire.
The seven cottages of this first phase sleep 24 people, with five two-bedroomed and two one-bedroomed cottages, but the eventual plan is to sleep at least 34 including a new as-yet-to-be built five-bedroom home. Low Barn is available to book as individual cottages, or the entire complex."
Rachel McLane Ltd offers a full design service that interprets a client’s brief and delivers their project on time, on budget, and as envisaged. Rachel’s attitude is not to be overly precious; interior design is not about her forcing her ideas onto clients and their customers. Instead, it is about creating something that works for them and enhances their business. It is about producing the best solution they can for the budget – and that does not mean holding back on quality or design. Good design does not have to cost the earth.
Built on a legacy of sporting excellence, Anthology Stratford Mill offers luxury canalside accommodation within a thriving new East London community just a stone’s throw from the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
When property developer Lifestory Group was looking to construct a complex of apartments in this vibrant location, the aim was to create a functional and aesthetically pleasing scheme that reflected the locality’s industrial past and provided desirable accommodation that would support health and wellbeing long into the future.
The contemporary exterior is complemented by a comfortable interior that offers a clean minimalist canvas on which residents can express their individuality. A soft natural colour scheme and wood design flooring are balanced by bolder industrial style elements for a relaxing atmosphere that provides a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of life.
Bill Haworth, development manager at Lifestory Group, explained: “Externally the engineered stone and aluminium window frames fits in well with the style of other developments around the Olympic Park. Internally we wanted to provide generous living spaces with plenty of light that would connect residents to the local environment and a neutral design that they can put their own stamp on.”
While floor to ceiling windows let natural light flood in and offer panoramic views, a neutral colour scheme creates a gently soothing space. Dark aluminium internal window frames, mid-grey kitchen units and black metallic elements provide a bolder contrast to the softer finishes.
Across the open plan kitchen and living rooms, the light tones and straight grain detailing of Texas White Ash from the Korlok range introduces a fresh biophilic element and a crisp, clean finish.
Bill said: “The Texas White Ash flooring effectively balances the darker features around the home, giving our customers a stylish look and durable hygienic surface. Being a multi-level residential development, the rigid core format conveniently provides good acoustic benefits without the need for further subfloor layers. The click-locking mechanism also meant that installation was quick and simple which helped us meet project deadlines.
“When choosing suppliers we aim to use those with a proven low environmental impact. The Korlok range has an Environmental Product Declaration which is one of the frequent qualifications we look for to achieve our targets.”
The Korlok range presents a wide selection of wood and stone designs with a rigid core construction and pre-attached acoustic foam backing for effective sound reduction without the need for a separate underlay. This reduces the transmission of ambient noise to the floor below by 21dB. Suitable for installation over uneven subfloors or floors that are still drying out, its 5G click-locking structure means each plank simply clicks into place. The floor can be completed with a colour matched scotia or skirting board for a professional finish.
For increased flexibility over multiple subfloor conditions, the Van Gogh multi-format collection offers a range of rigid core wood designs in both full sized and smaller herringbone planks as well as matching gluedown planks, providing the option to continue a single flooring design throughout any interior.
Increasingly, sustainability is an important factor when it comes to specifying for new developments. Produced to ISO 14001 Environmental Standard and ISO 9001 Quality Standard, Karndean flooring not only offers the stunning aesthetics of natural materials and the practical benefits of luxury vinyl but also offers a healthy product that improves indoor environmental quality and contributes to a greener built environment.
Product used: Korlok Texas White Ash RKP8105
About Karndean
We travel the world in our quest to bring you exceptional floors that inspire and delight. From the ancient forests of Europe, to the remote Australian outback and beyond, we seek out expressive and intriguing forms in the natural world to influence our unique floor designs. By combining these original features with cutting edge design, we create simply beautiful floors that you’ll love for a lifetime.
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With subtle visual cues to divide different spaces using a combination of warm-toned and geometric floor designs, Karndean Design flooring served up the perfect flooring choice as part of the new-look Aberdeen Altens Hotel based in the beautiful Scottish Highlands.
Located just outside the city, the owners of this popular hotel appointed architect and design consultants ICA to redesign the restaurant and bar areas, creating a high-quality dining experience for guests staying in its 216 bedrooms and its many daily visitors.
The brief was to design a flexible open-plan catering and social space which would reflect the stunning landscape and history of the locality, appealing to discerning hotel guests as well as local residents and businesses.
Rebranded as Coast and Keg, the hotel’s three restaurants and bar have been combined into a new open-plan space, increasing capacity and creating an adaptable entertaining space with both formal and casual dining options.
Fleur Carson, commercial sales director of Karndean Designflooring, said; “Using different flooring designs across the large open plan area has created zones which can be used for a variety of functions such as dining, socialising or working.
“In accordance with current social distancing requirements, the design offers the flexibility to implement temporary one-way navigation and for furniture and buffet services to be adjusted as required, enabling the hotel to guarantee a safe and high-quality service.”
Karndean’s Lime Washed Oak was selected across the seating areas to introduce a natural element with interesting textures and a contemporary sun-bleached driftwood appearance.
Fleur added: “Using both straight lay and herringbone laying patterns, the flooring has been laid in zones to create an intimate and welcoming atmosphere.”
In the bar area, the serving zone is highlighted with the traditional geometric pattern of Lansdown from Karndean’s Heritage Collection to help guests understand they are in a different space. This adaptation of a classic monochrome tiled floor, in Laurel colourway, adds a sense of fun and balances the stark industrial features, connecting the contemporary design to the nearby historic city.
Lauren Hughes-Glass, associate at ICA, said: “Coast and Keg was designed with specific customers in mind, from locals to the various hotel guests. The customer had to feel relaxed and at home with careful definition of spaces to create some intimate private space alongside places for larger groups to eat, rest, drink and have fun.”
The new design combines traditional Scottish features with contemporary design for a welcoming residential ambience. The sociable open plan layout features an industrial-inspired décor and cool grey colour palette paired with black metallic elements such as shelving, lighting and seating while modern technology such as a self-order app offers the convenience of digital service.
Lauren explained: “The calming colour tones and natural finishes helped to generate a classic contemporary and relaxed atmosphere.”
Kris Manship, general manager of The Aberdeen Altens Hotel, said: “Our new, multi-faceted dining environment really reflects the diversity of our guests and represents a major advancement in our food and beverage offering. We’re delighted with the final result, which perfectly suits business and family visitors as well as groups of friends.”
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C.P. Hart delivered superior quality bathroom schemes for London’s iconic Grade II listed Centre Point, formerly a 1960s office building. Located on Tottenham Court Road, this landmark 34-storey tower development has been transformed into 82 high-end residential apartments.
The Specification
C.P. Hart worked in close partnership with Conran & Partners as they managed the planning and completion of the shell and core, interior design and complete apartment fit-outs. Drawing from its long-standing relationships with Europe’s most highly regarded bathroom manufacturers, C.P. Hart supplied vanity units and sanitaryware from Dornbracht, paired with the brand’s Lulu brassware range in Platinum Matt finish; WCs from Duravit and Vola; freestanding baths from Bette; and Bleu de Savoie marble stone walls.
The team also supplied a comprehensive range of products for the building’s accessible rooms, providing specialist advice to ensure the highest possible level of comfort for any user.
The Result
One of the most exciting developments in London, Centre Point has breathed life into Tottenham Court Road. The individualistic and cleverly designed bathrooms complement the bold and imaginative residential scheme that Centre Point has become. All parties involved have been delighted by the bathroom product selection, certainly a factor in attracting instant attention from potential new owners.
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