Belgian furniture brand, Bulo, and sister company, Bosq, launches innovative WoodSaver Technology at Clerkenwell Design Week. Talks and workshops will take place at the show enabling architects and designers to explore new sustainable options for projects with a high level of sustainability criteria.
Book tickets: – Workshop Tickets – Woodsaver Talk @ Design Fields
Bulo, renowned for its dedication to sustainability and cutting-edge designs, is delighted to introduce WoodSaver to the UK market. This milestone launch heralds a momentous occasion, as it sets the stage for a transformative and sustainable future in the UK furniture industry.
WoodSaver is a revolutionary technology that offers a sustainable solution to reduce waste in veneer production. This groundbreaking development will take centre stage during the highly anticipated Clerkenwell Design Week, presented with their UK Clerkenwell-based partner and distributor, Welltek.
WoodSaver utilises an inventive finger-joint technique that reconnects small pieces of veneer, allowing the utilisation of short pieces to produce standard panels. This reduces waste and preserves the value of veneer that is typically lost during the recycling process. With a barely visible finger joint after sanding, WoodSaver offers an unmatched level of craftsmanship and sustainability in veneer production.
Bulo and Bosq are committed to playing a significant role in shaping a sustainable future. They have adopted a fresh perspective on raw materials, choosing more sustainable alternatives. Bosq sources a high proportion of its raw materials from within a 30-kilometre radius of Mechelen. This conscious decision brings them closer to nature and reduces the environmental impact caused by long-distance transportation.
Bert Leysen, a representative of Bulo, explains: “Previously, wood was sourced from Germany, America, Ecuador, or the Ardennes. However, we questioned why we needed to go so far and looked for local alternatives. Our shift in perspective has made a significant difference for the next generation.”
WoodSaver has captivated the design world in Belgium with its ability to combat the significant waste generated during veneer production. Veneer production waste in the furniture industry is a growing concern, and recent research sheds light on its impact. It is vital for the furniture industry to actively work towards implementing more sustainable waste reduction strategies whilst being mindful of the world’s increasingly limited resources. Bulo seeks to revolutionise the industry by implementing WoodSaver technology, paving the way towards a more sustainable future.
“As a young entrepreneur and the third generation of a family business, I recognise the need to be more economical with resources. Thanks to the WoodSaver technique, we achieve an efficiency gain of approximately 20% on our raw materials. It is our vision to creatively focus more on circularity in the future.” – Louis Busschop, Director.
Clerkenwell Design Week provides the perfect platform for Bulo to showcase its WoodSaver technology to design enthusiasts, industry professionals, and the media. Attendees will have the opportunity to witness firsthand the craftsmanship and ingenuity of WoodSaver in action.
– WoodSaver Technology for Sustainable Veneer Production (CDW Talk) 22nd May 1pm-2pm Design Fields, EC1R 0WX
– Belgium Beers & WoodSaver Workshop 21st and 22nd May 3pm-4pm 26 Seward St, Clerkenwell, EC1V 3PA
For more information about WoodSaver and Bulo’s commitment to sustainability, please visit Bulo.com or Welltek.co.
About Bulo
With a strong emphasis on design and innovation, Belgian brand Bulo creates furniture that enhances the quality of both work and living spaces. Bulo’s collection includes iconic pieces such as the Monica chair, by Gensler, a soft lounge chair with a solid wooden structure and a ‘draped’ upholstered soft shell resting on it; Mr Walter, a tribute to the original file pedestal from founder Walter Busschop in 1963; and Senses Workstation, a unique solution to configure clusters of desks whilst supporting an organic work environment. Bulo’s WOODSAVER®, is a groundbreaking sustainable technology which reduces waste in veneer production.
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Fittings manufacturer Dornbracht is enhancing its spa applications by adding Aquahalo, a sculptural experience shower modelled on a classic crystal chandelier. The product from designer Michael Neumayr offers unique experiences in line with the “Follow Your Bliss” guiding principle: Three effective flow modes, including a spot for light and water integrated into the ceiling, provide meditative and invigorating moments of happiness in everyday life.
Aquahalo is a water sculpture with character, in a ring-shaped design that becomes the central element in every bathroom. Attached at four points, it circles a central spot for light and water embedded in the ceiling. Designer Michael Neumayr based his concept on the Gustavian style, a Swedish trend inspired by antiquity and French neoclassicism at the time of King Ludwig XVI. “My original inspiration was a chandelier that hung in my parent’s dining room”, explains Neumayr. He continues: “The glint of the lead crystal and the way in which it reflected the light always reminded me of sparkling water as a child. In this respect, Aquahalo is a contemporary, minimalist interpretation of a Gustavian candlestick.”
The product is available in five finishes, polished and brushed versions of Chrome and Champagne (22kt Gold), as well as Matte Black. Three different flow modes, together with an integrated light, ensure unique water experiences: With Aqua Circle Rain, the water falls from the ring like a soft cone, creating a relaxing and meditative effect. Tempest Rain is like an invigorating shower of rain, coming from every direction. The gentle drops fall seemingly without pressure and bring clarity as well as energy. Diamond Rain, on the other hand, combines water and light into a crystal-clear stream that is both comforting and aesthetically pleasing. All three flow modes create moments of recovery for the body and soul, allowing a welcome time-out from hectic, everyday events.
The “Follow Your Bliss” guiding concept is both a message and a promise. Users are invited to go along with their own wishes and needs – and discover which of the environmental elements are most suited to them. Materials and textures, fragrances, sounds, colours, and light play a crucial role here, but most importantly is the presentation of the water. Aquahalo is designed for wellbeing – and contributes to an appreciably better quality of life.
About Dornbracht UK & Ireland
Dornbracht, with headquarters in Iserlohn, Germany, is a leading specialist for superior designer fittings and accessories for bathrooms, spas and kitchens. The company was founded in 1950 and today is internationally renowned among architects, designers and luxury consumers for its product portfolio in more than 125 markets. As an ultra-luxury brand, Dornbracht prides itself on its innovative technology and “Made in Germany” manufacturing standards which are made possible by state-of-the-art production technologies and highly qualified employees. The brand is driven by its clearly defined Design Principles which ensure every product will remain timeless and relevant for generations to come, characteristics for which Dornbracht has achieved worldwide recognition.
Global design and BIM software provider Vectorworks, Inc., part of the Nemetschek Group, has released its fourth update to the Vectorworks 2024 product line, granting customers access to AI and virtual reality (VR) technologies through two brand new tools. Additionally, the latest version update features an integration with L-Acoustics – leaders in sound-reinforcement technology and the Vectorworks Partner Network’s first platinum audio industry member – along with several other enhancements to provide faster design workflows from start to finish.
“This latest software update showcases our unwavering dedication to equipping our customers with cutting-edge technology to elevate their design processes,” said Vectorworks Senior Director of Rendering and Research Dave Donley. “By introducing these tools, we are taking a significant step forward in leveraging the power of AI and VR to enable users to explore their design concepts faster and with greater detail. We believe these features will assist our users in securing more work and ensure they can deliver projects with the highest level of precision and creativity.”
Combining the power of Vectorworks with the speed of AI powered by Stable Diffusion, customers have the limitless potential of AI at their fingertips with the new AI Visualizer. Directly available within the Vectorworks interface, this experimental tool uses Vectorworks Cloud Services for a zero-install, uninterrupted workflow to quickly ideate illustrative concepts or create refined images using Vectorworks models from text prompts at any design stage. Designers can amplify their ability to explore options and ideas faster, allowing more time to focus on their design concepts and win more work. Vectorworks’ AI Visualizer is processed on Vectorworks Cloud Services, ensuring that individual hardware limitations do not impact performance. Users can continue working on their designs uninterrupted while images are generated and private information is protected.
Vectorworks customers can now also use VR technology in their design workflows with the help of Vectorworks Odyssey, the virtual reality application based on Unity developed for Meta Quest 2 and beyond. With the app, designers and all stakeholders can experience immersive VR models with a bird’s-eye view and virtual walkthrough modes, helping them to gain better context and provide quick and thorough feedback on projects, especially during the early design phases.
Using Apple’s Room Plan framework, the Room Plan feature in Vectorworks Nomad is now even more advantageous, allowing customers to quickly and more easily create accurate 3D models directly from the iOS app. The new capability to scan multiple rooms and seamlessly combine them into a single model, plus the added support for round and slanted walls, provides significant time savings when surveying existing building or site conditions. Customers will also find a new intuitive and direct workflow in the desktop app for importing files from Nomad and Vectorworks Cloud Services. With a menu command directly in Vectorworks, files from 3D scans can be easily found and imported straight into design layers.
Furthermore, new advanced rendering technology in the Redshift Progressive Mode feature provides immediate feedback when finetuning 3D views directly in design layers.
In a continued commitment to delivering designers with first-class BIM collaboration capabilities, Update 4 makes sharing work with project stakeholders easier than ever. With the latest Information Delivery Specification (IDS) feature, customers can quickly validate project information, ensuring compliance with local and project requirements. A modern BIM Collaboration Format (BCF) interface makes issue management workflows a breeze, with support for seamless switching between server-based and file-based BCF Managers. Plus, IFC file export makes collaboration more effective by supporting sophisticated IFC assemblies and multiple buildings, along with certified quality of geometry and data, georeferenced positioning, and optimized file sizes.
Additionally, Update 4 includes increased flexibility, improved documentation, and customization capabilities for the recently implemented Cabinet tool.
For entertainment industry professionals looking to prioritize their audio design workflows, Vectorworks 2024 Update 4 brings a new integration with L-Acoustics that allows Spotlight customers to export their models to Soundvision. The geometry of Vectorworks objects can be simplified to export lightweight and responsive models into Soundvision. This simplification saves valuable time and streamlines the design process.
“We are committed to offering sound designers a seamless and efficient workflow,” explains Maxime Démurger, Application Design Engineer at L-Acoustics, who led the integration project. “Attaining platinum partner status through this Soundvision integration is the first step in a long-term partnership that will offer more interoperability between our tools and provide more precise 3D sound modeling.”
Customers from all areas of the entertainment industry will experience increased efficiency when creating custom reports with extensive and intuitive Equipment List worksheets that integrate data displayed on the Equipment List. With the new Equipment Summary Key feature, users can adjust the alignment and scale of individual equipment objects, thus enabling better control over their reports.
Professionals in the Landscape industry will benefit from the introduction of two new modes of the Hardscape tool, Site Model Contour Labels and new Site Model Contour Label workflows. The Style Pick-up and Convert modes of the Hardscape tool allow users to create a smart Hardscape object from a selected shape using the active settings from the hardscape, similar to the Plant, Landscape Area, and Irrigation tools. This saves time and provides workflow consistency. The Site Model Contour Labels feature offers superior control of the “Add contour labels” tool, allowing users to place custom labels in preferred units with fractional and decimal precision. Customers can now easily meet their drawing standards, confidently labeling contours and achieving neat and effortlessly placed labels at the intersections.
This update is available to download for all currently released English language-based versions of Vectorworks 2024 and is immediately accessible to subscription and Vectorworks Service Select customers. To install the update, select “Check for Updates” from the Vectorworks menu (Mac) or the Help menu (Windows).
Unleash your creative potential and unlock limitless design possibilities with a free 7-day trial of Vectorworks Design Suite. Visit the Public Roadmap to stay up to date on the future of Vectorworks, leave feedback on upcoming changes, or suggest something new.
About Vectorworks
Exceptional design demands exceptional tools – a platform built to deliver absolute creative expression and maximum efficiency. Vectorworks believe your design software should offer the freedom to follow your imagination wherever it may lead you, to seamlessly share your vision at any phase, and to easily interpret the information needed to make the smartest decisions every time.
Vispring, the renowned British luxury bed maker, has announced the opening of its newest showroom in London’s iconic Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour. The 844 sq. ft showroom, on the third floor of the South Dome, is Vispring’s second London space dedicated to helping customers achieve high-quality sleep through its exceptional mattresses and sleep solutions.
Inspired by the store concept of its Regent Street flagship, the new showroom offers inspiration, allowing visitors to experience Vispring’s luxury beds and wide range of customisation options to suit individual needs. Additionally, with sleep experts on hand in-store, visitors can rest assured that they will find the perfect product to meet their requirements.
Paying homage to the interiors of the flagship store with the same wood panelling and oak finishes but with its own identity in the new setting, the showroom will more specifically focus on design and fabric choices, with doors open from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm Monday to Friday.
On stepping into the showroom, visitors are invited to discover Vispring’s array of luxury beds and mattresses, including the Herald Mattress paired with the Helios Headboard on a High Divan, which features a subtle yet innovative storage solution thanks to built-in Conti standard draws. The stylish monochrome fabrics look, which was first introduced last year, can be found on the Kingsbridge Mattress and Ceto Headboard in Nordic Anthracite fabric. Also on display is the Sublime Mattress, alongside the Lennox Headboard in the dramatic Aubrey fabric in Storm by Wemyss, as well as the Signatory mattress with High Divan in Ogee’s linen and classical Eccleston Headboard.
Martin Gill, Managing Director at Vispring, says: “We are delighted to expand to another London location and bring our luxury bed offering and unparalleled commitment to craftsmanship to a wider audience. Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour is an inspiration hub for design, and we look forward to helping visitors improve the quality of their sleep and experience our products in person.”
As the pioneering brand that introduced individual mattress pocket springs to the market, Vispring’s beds have been hand-selected for the luxury suites of the world’s finest ships and hotels. Since its inception, Vispring has grown into a globally renowned luxury brand, with retailers in over 50 countries throughout the UK, Europe, Asia, North America and beyond.
The opening of the Chelsea Harbour showroom is the latest phase in the brand’s continued growth, marking a new and exciting chapter for Vispring in the UK.
About Vispring Ltd
Vispring is one of the world’s leading luxury bed brands, manufacturing in the UK since 1901. Based in Plymouth since 1970, Vispring sells to 59 countries globally and is the benchmark for handmade, bespoke, high-quality beds made using only the finest natural materials. With values of excellence and craftsmanship at its core, Vispring epitomises a distinctly British form of elegance. Their beds combine technical prowess with a bespoke approach worthy of the finest tailoring and are the international standard for comfort and sophistication. Vispring has graced the first-class cabins of legendary ocean liners – including Titanic – the suites of the world’s most luxurious hotels, including The Dorchester; and on board a Princess Yacht or Gulfstream Jet.
ERA is a mix of evolution and revolution. It’s where technology meets design and where heritage meets modernity.
And it’s where glass is used extensively for the first time to create a striking, unified aesthetic that is beautiful, contemporary and fits perfectly into a modern kitchen.
When David Fisher, Chief Design Consultant to AGA, was asked to consider how a new, disruptive and mould-breaking cooker from AGA might look and feel, he responded with the tantalising question: why not a glass AGA?
David says: “The use of glass lends ERA a liquid quality as the sleek black glass cascades down from the top. The design is clean, cohesive and beautiful while also functionally brilliantly capable. It is modern and progressive while also faithful to a heritage stretching back more than 100 years.”
With a design, then, that is both discreet and striking, this exceptional, unexpected cooker has a natural place in today’s kitchen.
Each element of ERA – including the pristine lines of the glass-fronted oven doors and the ergonomically designed handles – has been carefully considered to create an appliance with premium design values, honest, hard-working materials and a quietly assertive aesthetic.
With engaging tactility and mindful detailing, life with ERA from AGA offers the best of both worlds – from a quick weeknight dinner through to the meditative practice that helps us unwind.
ERA offers an all-in-one solution. It takes a sensory approach to cooking, with every feature touch-screen controlled. There are details so cleverly designed they go unnoticed, but it is these touches that ensure you get the very best from the ingredients you choose to cook.
On top there is an induction hob beside a cast-iron hotplate. Alongside a fan oven, ERA also has two cast-iron ovens which cook using radiant heat. This offers an intuitive, kind-to-food way of cooking. It’s natural and elemental.
We think of it as akin to sunshine through a window. It’s a warm and penetrating heat made possible due to the thermal properties of cast iron. Food cooked this way tastes better because it has been treated gently. Radiant heat cooking is an effective, efficient and effortless way to roast, bake, grill, steam, fry and slow-cook and to get the most succulent, nutritious dishes.
ERA, then, is a cook’s cooker, created to fit seamlessly into your kitchen and to effortlessly integrate into your life.
Expect the unexpected with ERA. The new glass AGA.
About Middleby Residential Luxury and Premium Brands
AGA is part of Middleby Residential, a collection of premier international consumer brands dedicated to manufacturing and distributing many of the best-known and loved kitchen appliances in the world. Middleby is a world leader in developing advanced innovation and solutions for commercial, residential, and industrial foodservice. The company is proud to connect with communities through philanthropic engagement, sustainable initiatives and more. Middleby’s aim is to set the standard for tomorrow, with a goal of serving excellence in everything we do.
Karndean Designflooring, the UK’s leading supplier of luxury vinyl flooring, has signed up to The AntiGreenwash Charter, demonstrating its commitment to the development of a greener built environment. Its Karndean EvolveTM strategy and Sustainability Report 2023 outlines how it is working to create a better future with a promise to think differently, act decisively, and create real change.
Fleur Carson, managing director at Karndean Designflooring, said: “Fifty years ago, Karndean was founded on innovation, bold action and a pioneering spirit. Today we are still guided by these ideals because the future demands change. Tackling key environmental challenges has become a major consideration in the construction industry over recent years. But as we come to understand the difficult transition we need to make towards a more sustainable future, transparency is key to maintaining the trust our customers have in our business.
“So we are proud to be the first flooring manufacturer to sign up to The Anti-Greenwash Charter. As a signatory, we are clearly stating our intention to keep our marketing fair with product claims that have been independently substantiated. We know that great things can be achieved when we take a collaborative approach so we are calling on others in the flooring industry to join us and stand together as part of this Charter, to provide transparency and confidence to specifiers.”
Established in 2023 to promote responsible marketing practices, The Anti-Greenwash Charter emphasises the need for accountability and fairness in all aspects of marketing.
Charlie Martin, co-founder and CEO of The Anti-Greenwash Charter, said: “Through this Charter, we are creating a framework that enables the truth of an organisation’s claims to be made visible, and to enable customers to see which organisations are open about their claims so they can be confident that they are supporting those who share their vision for a more sustainable future. By signing up to the Charter, Karndean is pledging to ensure its marketing practices are robust, honest and verifiable.”
Fleur added: “We are inspired by the beauty of nature and believe it is the duty of us all to ensure that the natural world is protected for future generations, which is why we are committed to taking real and meaningful steps towards cutting our environmental impact. Today we have released our first Karndean EvolveTM sustainability report which establishes a 2022 baseline for our greenhouse gas emissions and sets out our ambitious plan to reduce these by at least 50% by 2030. This will be evidenced by science-based targets, established in line with the Business Ambition for 1.5°C campaign.”
The Karndean EvolveTM Strategy highlights the work the business is currently undertaking to reduce its environmental impact and sets out how the principles of sustainability are being integrated across its global operations. Embedding the notion of continual improvement, the strategy looks at progress and future actions in six key focus areas: confronting climate change, individual health and wellbeing, sustainable resource use, inclusion and diversity, supply chain transparency and education.
Confronting climate change through increased energy efficiency and renewable energy, Karndean sets out its action plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from sources it controls directly, indirect sources and third party sources. The plan includes a commitment to invest further in solar power across its property portfolio, while a new UK warehouse currently in construction is expected to meet requirements for BREEAM Excellent accreditation.
Taking steps towards a more sustainable use of resources and a circular economy, Karndean reports that up to 300 tonnes of unused product offcuts each year is recycled into street furniture such as traffic cones, while the backing layer of its products contains up to 50% recycled material from production waste.
Through a philosophy of openness, inclusion and engagement, Karndean is proving that established businesses can become future pioneers to lead the way towards a more transparent and sustainable flooring industry.
For further information on the Karndean EvolveTM Strategy and Sustainability Report 2023, click here.
About Karndean Designflooring
Karndean 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 create unique looks that are both stylish and practical; guaranteed to last. We see flooring differently. 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, we seek out expressive and intriguing forms in the natural world to influence our unique floor designs. By combining original features with cutting edge design, we create beautiful floors that bring your vision to life and take our clients on an endless journey of design discovery.
In an exclusive collaboration with Lutron, Focus SB has created an extensive line of accessories finished to pair with its distinctive Alisse Keypads.
Showcased by Lutron at Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) and at Decorex in 2022, the high quality, innovative Alisse Keypad accessories range was displayed by Focus SB at Decorex 2023 and captured the attention of interior designers visiting the adjacent Lutron stand, where visitors could experience high-end design lighting control and shading systems solutions. The ‘Alisse accessories by Focus SB’ range offers a sophisticated finish palette from the Lutron Signature Metal Collection and is exclusive to the Alisse family of luxury wall controls.
The complementary range of Alisse accessories include power sockets and data outlets finished in-house by Focus SB. ‘Alisse accessories by Focus SB’ are handcrafted in a selection of Lutron’s Signature Metal finishes including Aged Brass, Aged Bronze, Brushed Brass, Satin Nickel and Bright Chrome finishes, creating the perfect complement to Alisse Keypads, and can be ordered directly from Focus SB.
Focus SB creates desirable faceplate and light switch designs and finishes using a blend of traditional artisan crafts combined with cutting-edge technology, complemented by years of in-house experience and investment in sustainable manufacturing processes and technology. All components are manufactured and expertly finished in-house across the company’s three sites in East Sussex.
The Alisse accessories engineering process sees solid naval brass ingots machined into blanks before faceplate apertures are precision machined using cutting edge technology for exact component fit. The faceplate, including edges, are pre-finished for a flawless final finish. Specially turned ‘stepped head’ screws are manufactured for a perfectly flush fit on installation.
Focus SB’s head of strategic partnerships, Duncan Ray said: “It has always been important to offer our clients different solutions for continuity of finish. Working closely with other manufacturers and suppliers to deliver this vision is key and we are delighted to collaborate with Lutron on finishes for this second exciting product range, following the successful launch of the Palladiom Bespoke Metals collection for Lutron Homeworks QS Wired Palladiom.”
Mr Ray continued: “The new suite of ‘Alisse accessories by Focus SB’ is available to complement the Alisse family of wall controls and further demonstrates Focus SB as the partner of choice by high end brands specified in global luxury construction”.
Download the brochure at Focus SB’s website and contact the company for further information.
About Focus SB Ltd
Established for over 40 years in East Sussex, Focus SB’s award winning in-house manufacturing and metal finishing expertise presents designers with a comprehensive collection of switches, sockets and components complemented by bespoke project services. Quality faceplate styles made from the finest solid brass and durable stainless steel offer striking solutions for high-end hospitality, prime residential, heritage and commercial interiors. Working closely with design consultants, control system companies and fire and security specialists, Focus SB’s unrivalled ability to match metal finishes across its collection, coupled with custom finish options, sees the company’s products specified for world class projects internationally.
Deborah Franklin, Design Manager and Special Projects Manager at Skopos Fabrics, has given her insights into the industry. With more than 50 years of specialist design and manufacturing experience, Skopos provides high-quality flame-retardant fabrics and soft furnishings to the contract market.
Offering full-service (design, measure, make-up and install), or fabric-only options, Skopos specialises in innovative flame-retardant fabrics which lead the way in the contract sector. Fabrics meet the requirements of various sectors with attributes, such as antimicrobial, acoustic, soil and stain-resist and new recycled fabrics. With a Bespoke design and colour matching service Skopos can provide customers with the opportunity to create unique statement solutions.
Defining signature styles of flagship hotels and cruise-liners, working with key brands within the commercial sector, Skopos prides itself in leading the way in fabric innovation.
Skopos was started in the early 70’s by Art College students, Stephen Battye and David Richards. Skopos began by hand-printing Greek inspired geometric designs onto lengths of cotton fabric. It wasn’t until a couple of years later, when joined by a third partner, Bernard Thomas that the company decided upon the name Skopos, roughly meaning ‘design’ or ‘range’ in Greek.
In the mid’ 70s the company started making up curtains and in the late 70’s developed a process to produce fabrics that were flame retardant, initially, specifically for the healthcare market. The first export market for the company was the Middle East, with project teams wanting to specify British product.
In the 80s Skopos explored the retail sector. Roll ends and small leftover quantities were sold here to ensure nothing was wasted. Until 2015 Skopos wet-printed fabrics on site at Providence Mills. Now printing takes place down the road, all via the transfer print method.
Skopos’ fabrics, and expertly made soft furnishings, provide the finishing touch to interior design projects across the globe. Providing flagship schemes for hotels, cruise-liners and a vast array of commercial environments, Skopos are the leaders in textile design, bringing new ideas and innovations into interiors. Designs are not limited to collection fabrics. With the offer of Bespoke Design, the Skopos team are ready to create something new and unique for brands that like to stand out. Designers can specify Skopos fabrics with the knowledge that style comes hand in hand with quality: beautiful fabrics that meet stringent technical requirements and soft furnishings produced by a skilled team of craftsmen.
Innovations within textile design, production and supply, mean that fabrics are a key part of the interior architecture of any space. Designers can knit together schemes knowing that they have on-hand knowledge including acoustic properties, light reflective values, thermal properties etc…to make informed decisions when creating schemes. All Skopos products are flame retardant as standard, without the need for extra treatments. The contract fabrics sector is ever-evolving and an exciting and key part of the design industry. Skopos’ purpose is to assist the role of the specifier, offering design and colour, enabling the creation of beautiful and functional interiors.
Our next day sampling service is a core tool for designers. Fabrics are tactile and therefore mood-boards with textures and surfaces are a key precursor to decision making or confirming any fabrics or soft-furnishings order. We provide designers with key tools, including sample books and cards or swatches for their library and via our website we allow fabric swatch downloads or the tools to visualise patterns and designs on 3D models…. a bit of a try before you buy idea. Our website also provides designers with downloads of ready-made surfaces that can be adopted straight into AutoCad or other 3D modelling software models.
In 2023 Skopos achieved Carbon Neutral status as an organisation, recognising the business’ commitment to supporting our environment. A lot of effort has been made to reduce carbon emission and set achievable goals for the future, offsetting any remaining emissions, to assist worthwhile environmental projects in the UK and overseas. Everything is measured. Every journey, whether person or product, is recorded, to ensure we are realising those efforts for a cleaner future. Alongside Skopos’ wider sustainability drive we are focussing on new recycled product, as a key part of the portfolio ongoing. New recycled fabrics, which re-engineer waste products are a key part to our portfolio. Skopos also make an effort to utlise local suppliers to minimise the carbon footprint of their products. Skopos is an ISO 9001 company, focussed on delivering the best for its customers.
Customers are increasingly aware of sustainability, but also the need to create designs which can be owned by a brand. There are a huge variety of textures being requested. Customers are also keener than ever to understand the architectural qualities of fabrics. Elements which are a consideration in the interior architecture of a room. Colours are a little braver with straight neutrals becoming warmer and used alongside stronger yet muted tones.
We are also seeing an increased use of bolder, brighter colours and the injection of more pattern, with brands striving to reinforce their identities.
There are some exciting trends running side by side at the moment. The maximalist look is still very much apparent, with an abundance of textures and layers in a room filled with colour and the contrast of dark and light. Texture is a big part of the finishing touches. Higher piles with a natural woolly look sit alongside metallics, velvets, woods and stone. Biophilia is still very relevant, bringing the outdoors in, goes hand in hand with sustainability. Shapes in print are often irregular and organic, yet bold and confident.
We are working on an exciting new project for later in the year, with the idea that we are virtually inviting the specifier to have a peek into the Skopos studio, to choose from a special library of prints for a variety of end uses.
The SBID Industry partnership gives us access to a broader scope of people in the industry. Designers who have previously concentrated on more domestic projects are branching into commercial challenges, rather than limiting their talents. We are ready to take the challenge and embrace SBID members and work with them to realise their visions.
About Skopos Fabrics Ltd
Skopos has over 50 year’s experience of supplying innovative statement fabrics and soft furnishings into flagship hotels, marine interiors and other commercial spaces. Working globally with designers and specifiers, the Skopos brand thrives on innovation. Skopos fabrics deliver on style but also meet the needs of customers looking for technical assurance and key attributes, such as acoustic options, impervious upholstery fabrics, antimicrobial and blackout; providing a fabric-only, or made-to-measure and installation service. Accredited as a Carbon Neutral organisation in 2023, sustainable operations go hand in hand with the development of new recycled products and the use of local suppliers.
Bring the beauty of spring into your home with Katharine Pooley Spring Accessory Edit. The Alia Vase introduces a vibrant burst of colour, brightening any space.
Drawing inspiration from the Mediterranean Coast, sculptural coral home accents evoke a sense of sophistication and serenity within the home.
The Etched Vase, formed from smoke-hued glass offers a contemporary edge, and the handcrafted wicker trays and candle hurricanes are fantastic new additions, perfect for al fresco entertaining.
About Katharine Pooley London
Recently named ‘British Interior Designer of the Decade’, ‘International Designer of the Year in Asia’ and ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’ Katharine Pooley has in a short space of time become one of Europe’s leading designers. Her portfolio encompasses a multitude of interior styles and architectural genres and her design ethos is one of luxurious eclecticism. No two projects are ever alike, but they are universally beautiful and timeless.
Offering a one-stop solution for sanitaryware and surfaces that turn an average golf club into a luxurious sports and leisure retreat, RAK Ceramics has helped transform the Cambridge Country Club into a health and wellness destination, as part of a multi-million-pound development.
Partnering with interior architect May Fawzy of MF Studio, RAK Ceramics supplied surfaces and sanitaryware for use throughout the newly built Country Club. Making first impressions count, large format Calacatta Gold tiles feature in the venue’s main entrance and reception area.
“The selection of finishes was meticulously aligned with the original brief, emphasizing the creation of a premium space for club users,” explains Fawzy. “We carefully handpicked materials and textures that not only met our aesthetic aspirations but also embodied enduring quality.”
RAK Ceramics surfaces feature throughout the location, from the RAK Revive floor tiles in the lavish spa and shower rooms and nature-inspired flooring in the bar and restaurant to RAK Detroit metallic finish tiles in the pool area and changing rooms and porcelain flooring and countertops in the golf shop.
Sanitaryware from the leading brand also features, with the designer collection RAK-Petit floorstanding washbasins featuring in the WCs and the public bathrooms all finished with RAK-Precious basins teamed with matt black brassware. “Our objective was to source products that seamlessly merged aesthetics with durability,” continues Fawzy. “We pursued a minimalist design infused with a touch of opulence, a quest that led us to the exquisite offerings within the RAK Ceramics collection.”
Commenting on the finished project, the club’s General Manager, Ben Evans, says: “The new club was created for the Cambourne community, which until now has lacked anything like it in terms of leisure facilities. It’s quickly become a go-to lifestyle destination for our members and their families.”
About RAK Ceramics Ltd
RAK Ceramics products feature in some of the most iconic buildings in the world. Known for a wide product range and the ability to produce bespoke solutions for both small and large scale projects, RAK Ceramics enable clients to bring their ideas to life. They respect, inspire, improve and deliver; today, tomorrow, no matter the ambition, no matter the challenge, RAK Ceramics take care of all the details, so you don’t have to. Their passion and expertise combined with a careful attention to detail means they can provide you with a range of integrated ceramics solutions, allowing you freedom to be creative and plenty of room for imagination.
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