Award-winning and SBID Accredited fit-out specialist Portview, has unveiled its latest creation with the fit-out of an ultra-luxurious health and fitness facility in Southbank Place, London, where residents will be able to enjoy a luxury hotel-standard spa experience within their dynamic city-living environment.
A joint residential development venture between Canary Wharf Group & Qatari Diar, London’s South Bank has been transformed by a unique mixed-use development with the famous Shell Centre Tower at its heart. The super-sleek interior design by SBID Accredited practice, Goddard Littlefair, focuses on creating a serene city oasis where residents can escape to relax, unwind and reinvigorate.
The use of unique and innovative fittings include a light and calming palette of sensitively selected natural materials that have been paired with ambient lighting to create a cocoon-like space within the contemporary wellness facility. Martin Goddard, Co-Founder of Goddard Littlefair said:
“When we started looking at the concept for this amenity we realised that there were very few spa and fitness spaces that addressed a luxury residential development. This gave us many questions that had to be answered. Through extensive research, we recognised that facilities of top luxury hotels had the closest synergy with what we felt residents would want to have access to.”
The 2,000 sqm spa is set across various zones with the guest journey being a key focus of the design layout. To facilitate the needs of users who will want to be energised with a hard-hitting workout, in addition to others who want to relax, the two elements can be accessed separately to heighten the experience.
The spacious reception area acts as a social hub for residents to meet one another, therapists or trainers. One fully equipped gym is available along with two separate studios which can be heated for a hot yoga workout or cooled for a dynamic spin class. The alternative wet and relax route takes residents through plush changing rooms, the gentlemen having a dedicated sauna area while ladies can enjoy their own vitality pool, sauna and steam room.
On the pool deck there is a stunning 25m heated swimming pool, accompanied by a further vitality pool, sauna and steam room, along with social relaxation spaces for residents to enjoy. In addition, calm yet luxurious treatment rooms are available, where selected therapies including beauty treatments can be enjoyed.
A key challenge of the design was the basement location. The design creates an immersive feeling of light and space through carefully concealed architectural lighting that casts warm glows across rich surfaces while decorative lighting provides beautiful accents through the space. The glowing feature lighting in the pool area was crafted by London-based Nulty Bespoke with each glass drop specifically crafted to allude to the flow of water.
Sustainability was a key factor in the design and delivery of the space, with greener fabrics and finishes installed throughout. One such example is that the pool hall area is maintained at a temperature 1C above the pool temperature, which in turn minimises heat and water loss from the considerably large lap pool, while a high-performance water treatment system keeps the water in the pools to an exceptional quality – keeping water and chemical use to a minimum.
The bespoke, exclusive nature of the details of the spa design is evident in many areas. Despite the challenges and rigours of working in a hot and humid environment, tactile luxury has not been ignored. Panels of marine-grade faux leather have been embroidered and stitched by artisans such as Mollie Regan Textiles, with Portview ensuring the detailing of the high-specification design and custom joinery throughout the entire area was converted to reality. Paul Scullion, Contracts Director of Portview, said:
“This project was very demanding in terms of setting out the wall panelling, door frames, stone floors, ceilings and bulkheads to zero tolerance. However, our talented team of in-house architects and designers delivered just that by chasing the millimetres around every corner to ensure we achieved the absolute perfect fit – on time and in budget – It’s hugely rewarding to see it all come together and go together right.”
Providing users with a sense of privacy and exclusivity through cleverly zoning spaces was also key to integrate into the design. One example of this is the use of beautiful custom-made burnished rock crystal screens in the reception area.
Overarchingly timeless and refreshing in its aesthetic appeal, this best-in-class wellness amenity unites form and function to deliver an exceptional spa for this new neighbourhood on London’s Southbank.
About
Portview is a leading fit-out specialist that has been transforming ambitious design concepts into reality since 1975. From humble beginnings as a local contractor helping to restore the Belfast community throughout the Troubles, Portview has evolved into a world leading fit-out specialist, renowned for delivering exquisite interiors for the world’s top brands in the business, retail, stadia and hospitality sectors.
If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here to find out more.
Over the past year, our homes have become a sanctuary, playground, and office all at once. Nights out have become nights in. More than ever before, we have been confronted by the notion of “how does our home make us feel?”. That visceral feeling is at the heart of Timothy Oulton’s captivating furniture designs.
Organised into a spectrum of different energies, the 2021 Collection is designed to imbue a space with a distinctive mood and feeling, from the deep chill of quiet moments alone, to a relaxed hub of family life, to more energising spaces that spark ideas and augment the unbridled joy of life’s celebrations. The Timothy Oulton Collection enriches these experiences through the use of beautiful materials, finishes, forms and craftsmanship techniques which connect deeply through the senses and through stories of meaning.
At the most laidback end of the energy spectrum are those special moments of reconnection, of letting the mind unwind and chilling out with those close to us. These moments nourish us and enrich us. With this in mind, Timothy Oulton’s Noble Souls range helps create a realm of reconnection in any home. New this year, the Sanctuary sofa hugs the body in the softest goose down and natural vegetable-dyed linens, while the epic Icebeam coffee table anchors a room with its mighty reclaimed timber beams topped with ice-like planks of glass.
Enriching the comfortable and relaxed energy of everyday living, the new Whitecliff sofa embodies a casual sophistication in soft Pennines linen, while the Bay Swivel chair is perfect for modern work from home settings, gliding back at the touch of a button for the ultimate comfort while you work.
The Tactile dining table juxtaposes cool, crisp marble with richly textured timber, while the Fibi dining chair takes it cue from modern Japanese design, imbued with a universal elegance that complements any style of dining table. For a more invigorating energy with which to engage the world, the new Iceberg Glow coffee table pairs sleek black steel with glass, casting a mellow yet captivating glow. Transporting the senses to somewhere otherworldly, the Kyron coffee and side table collection is crafted from softly illuminated moonstone, inspired by the famous Chiron comet.
Finally, for sheer unbridled celebration and joy, setting the scene for parties or other occasions, Timothy Oulton unveils exciting new additions to its iconic Art-Deco inspired Rex collection. The new rectangular Rex dining table, handcrafted from over 550 precision-cut glass prisms, together with the Rex coffee table and Rex sideboard, transform any space with a perpetual dance of shimmer and sparkle.
New leather innovations include the Vintage Jet Black, a true black leather distressed by hand to achieve a vintage look and opulent hand feel. Vintage Jet Black is showcased on the super-soft Squidgy sofa, a contemporary, buttoned-up style with bold proportions.
On the inspiration behind the new collection, founder and creative director Tim Oulton says, “This past year, we have all experienced our homes in a completely different way. From home-working and homeschooling to swapping nights out for nights in, ‘home’ became the epicentre of daily life. So the question of how your home makes you feel has become more meaningful than ever. Our ethos has always been rooted in the realisation that we only have one life, so we should elevate every moment to the utmost. Everything we create is about enabling and enriching these moments.”
With over 40 galleries worldwide including a flagship at Bluebird in Chelsea, Timothy Oulton continues to expand its global portfolio. Recently opened stores include Glasgow, Hamburg, L.A., San Francisco, Bangkok, Hong Kong and Barbados. Further openings are planned this year.
The story of Timothy Oulton started back in 1976 with a small antiques shop, owned by Tim’s dad. Profoundly influenced by his love of antiques, his father’s military background, and an inherent affection for British heritage, Tim created an authentic, visionary brand with the deepest integrity and a passion to deliver extraordinary experiences. Handcrafted with only the best traditional techniques and fabrications, each Timothy Oulton piece in the furniture collection is inspired by the past, but reconceived from a modern perspective, producing uniquely authentic collections, which push the boundaries of furniture design.
If you’d like to become an SBID Accredited member, click here to find out more.
The green oak building tradition of the Hogg family forms the inspiration behind Rachel McLane’s crafted designs in the new 40-bedroom Sandburn Hall Hotel in the Yorkshire countryside.
Design-led and built to a country-style specification, the 1,000-acre Sandburn Hall estate was developed by the late Mike Hogg seven miles from York. The new adjoining hotel complements what is already one of North Yorkshire’s leading golf, wedding, events and business venues.
When Pickering-based Rachel McLane was contracted in 2018 to provide her innovative, specialist interior design work for the ambitious new build it was immediately clear that the Hogg family wanted to build on Mike Hogg’s legacy.
“From day one we worked very closely with the client to incorporate the Hogg family firm’s wonderful custom building heritage into the design, bringing that history, the shape, feel and emotion of that green oak frame building structure to the fore,” said Rachel.
“Given the freedom to interpret their brief we have created a design that not only makes the most of the space and enhances the building, but understands and incorporates the Hogg family heritage, interests, and craftsmanship into the final design.”
The new hotel’s centrepiece uses natural green oak beams to frame a triple-height lobby as part of Sandburn Hall Golf Club, Grand Function Room and Tykes restaurant. Hand picked artwork is established on the walls, including photos of green oak frames and black and white prints going around the corridors and rooms. The designs also take some of their inspiration from the local area where York and the East Coast are evident in the natural colours, earthy tones, and real materials including vintage maps depicting the Sandburn Estate.
“In doing so, we were able to fulfil an important part of the brief that the rooms and spaces had to feel individual and not corporate,” added Rachel.
Rachel’s design vision created a unique cohesive feel across all rooms and into the common areas ensuring that the Hogg family connections to nature and craftsman trades were reflected in the room décor. Rachel commented: “The designs merge the traditional and the contemporary and aim to achieve a balance that bridges the core golf, wedding and business customer base.”
The Rachel McLane team’s design expertise is evident throughout the new hotel’s range of 40 double and twin rooms all with dressing areas, including larger family, luxury and accessible rooms, and two luxury suites. They also all come with handcrafted built-in case goods. “We wanted the signature and family rooms to be fun, a bit urban and industrial where the raw richness of exposed brickwork and soft leather combine with cool-toned sawn grey oak flooring and built-in bespoke joinery.”
Well lit, spacious and airy with eclectic pieces of furniture that differentiate between room types, the large windows of these signature and family rooms are of a natural oatmeal palette, soft grey and brick in a modern, fresh design that naturally marry the hand-crafted structure of the building.
Super-king beds and luxury, made in Yorkshire Harrison Spinks mattresses are a feature, and bathrooms are a mix of contemporary and traditional with the emphasis being on quality and timeless design. The hotel’s premier rooms, including the courtyard premier, have been designed with a feel that is classic and calm with raw, untreated materials to give a fresh, bright, light and airy atmosphere. Reclaimed bricks are softened by natural cream and teal curtain fabrics with artisan hand-blocked characteristics. Elements of teal and natural weave have been picked up in soft woven tweeds and the carpet’s muted tones, and the furniture has a comfortable country feel in a calm palette.
“The biggest challenge was the length of time it took from creating the fixtures and fittings specification to fulfiling the initial design with Covid-19 a constant hindrance. We found that not only were some products unavailable, but more than one company had ceased trading.”
Despite the challenges of a long project Rachel says that the team has loved working on Sandburn Hall Hotel: “The client is a pleasure to work for, they appreciate high-quality workmanship, attention to detail, and above all understand the value of design and the difference having a designer on board makes to a project.
“It’s also lovely being local to a project as you feel like you are contributing towards the good of the local area.”
About the Author
Rachel McLane developed a wealth of experience designing for the retail sector for eight years in London and York before setting up her practice, Rachel McLane Ltd specialising in the design of interiors for professional clients with commercial interests.
With growing demand for zero contact bathroom solutions, manufacturers are increasingly introducing new developments for innovative touchless products to deliver the ultimate in hygiene. From basin mixers that activate automatically when they detect a user, to electronic flush plates with movement sensors, and mirrors with lights that are switched on with a simple gesture – Roca offers a range of touchless solutions which provide an extra layer of hygiene and safety within the bathroom. Infrared sensors allow users to activate water flow in taps, flush the WC or control mirror lights without the need for contact, avoiding the spread of viruses and growth of bacteria.
Roca’s range of electronic basin mixers, including the Loft-E range, feature an infrared sensor which activates the water flow when presence is detected and shuts off automatically when presence is no longer detected, avoiding direct hand contact. The lack of contact with the tap improves hygiene and prevents the build-up of droplets and fingerprints on its surface, resulting in a cleaner product for longer. Roca’s electronic basin mixers offer a highly hygienic and effective solution to fight the spread of viruses and bacteria and to reduce the use of water in the home.
Easy installation is guaranteed. The electronic mixers are available in a battery or mains operated system which means they can be installed in any bathroom, regardless of the availability of a power outlet in the area of usage. The battery operated versions are exceptionally durable with alkaline batteries which guarantee over 250,000 uses. A further innovation means both greater safety and more savings – the electronic device stops the water flow after a preset usage time to promote moderate use and prevent unnecessary waste of water.
Mirrors with integrated touchless technology, such as the Prisma Comfort model, allow users to activate functions such as the ambient light or the demister device through movement, which means less direct contact from hands, allowing the glass to remain clean and clear.
The EP-1 and EP-2 electronic operating plates make it possible to activate the toilet flush without touching it. With a stylish, contemporary design and very easy installation, they are automatically activated when moving a hand in front of them, ensuring maximum hygiene and avoiding any contact.
With a backlit surface divided into two stripes which are alternatively activated depending on the type of flush (partial or full), they can be set off by simply bringing the hand closer or by choosing the automatic option in which the toilet is instantly cleaned when the user approaches or when a specific time has passed after its use.
Roca’s Touchless solutions are suitable for both domestic and commercial use, providing an extra layer of safety within every type of bathroom.
About Roca
Roca began in 1917 as a manufacturer of cast iron radiators at its factory in Gavà, near Barcelona. From humble origins, the company has grown into a global business driven by a firm focus on improving the quality of life for its customers. Roca began producing innovate new designs, products and materials to provide the complete bathroom solutio. Today, Roca manufactures at 78 facilities around the world and is active in over 170 markets.
In a particularly turbulent world (enduring an ongoing pandemic) where there is so much uncertainty, striving for wellbeing in our daily lives is all the more important. Our homes now act as a substitute for offices, gyms, entertainment centres and sanctuaries to name but a few of their additional uses. As we’re spending significantly greater time in them overall, it is clear they need to work harder than ever to meet our demands, suit our needs and ease our minds. The question is – can biophilic design really help? Peter Oudejans, director of leading biophilic design studio, Oudejans Interiors shares key insights on the benefits of integrating concepts of biophilia into our interior environments.
Biophilia, simply stated, is the human connection to nature that assists us in attaining wellness in our lives. Have you ever noticed how calm and uplifted you can feel when walking in the woods, strolling along the beach or simply sitting in a park? That’s the ‘Biophilia’ effect. In rural settings, this connection can be more obvious, but as more of us live in densely populated, urban environments, this connection is slowly being lost. That does not mean however, that we are unable to embrace nature’s beauty at home. There are numerous ways to live more meaningful, holistic lives and in practice this is about re-establishing links with nature to create healthy environments for life and work.
“It is the simple core truth that humans need a connection to nature to be content”, according to Sally Coulthard, author of the book Biophilia. It is the notion that humans need to feel connected to their natural environment not only to survive, but also to thrive.
Research undertaken over the past few decades has shown that biophilic design can improve cognitive function, physical health, and psychological well-being with benefits that include:
According to architect Claudia Bonollo of Monamour Natural Design, “our mood and our capacity for communication are influenced by a combination of physical, mental and sensory factors. Therefore, an environment that involves all the senses makes us happier and more receptive,” she says.
Oliver Heath Design, has found that the inclusion of Biophilia to the design process can increase productivity by 8% and rates of wellbeing by up to 13% in an office environment. In healthcare settings, pain medication was shown to be reduced by 22% and in the education setting, rates of learning can be increased by 20-25% where biophilic designs have been incorporated.
And finally, Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing weighs in with “I shall never forget the rapture of fever patients over a bunch of bright-coloured flowers… People say the effect is only on the mind. It is no such thing. The effect is on the body too.”
With regard to interior design, Biophilia is considered more of a lifestyle than a design trend. It can be applied across the entire spectrum of interior styles from contemporary to classic and has a place in all areas of interior design, be it in a residential or commercial setting. Eco design and green architecture are very closely related concepts with a focus on environmentally-friendly design practices that are good for people and planet, just as Biophilia is focused on the wellbeing of humans through their connection to the natural world.
Biophilic design has three key threads that together make a space biophilic:
1. Being in a space that has a direct, physical contact with nature; 2. Being in a space that reminds you of nature through the use of natural items; 3. Being in a space that connects to natural rhythms and outside spaces.
There are numerous key elements of biophilic design which include incorporating a few or all of the following:
Take the example of firelight and candle light, which have slowly decreased in domestic settings as the use of heating (central and otherwise) and of course, electric light, now almost completely dominate in the modern home. Yet the ‘red’ light that emanates from firelight and candlelight plays an important trigger in the body’s preparation for rest and relaxation, making us feel calm and cosy.
In a study by the anthropologist Christopher Lynn, he measured people’s blood pressure and how sociable they felt after watching a log fire on a screen. One group watched with sound, the others no sound. The results found that those that watched with no sound showed little benefit, but those that experienced the audio and visual effects of the fire, had significantly reduced blood pressure, felt more mindful and focused on the present and were increasingly communicative and sociable. [1]
Including such a simple yet multi-sensory element such as a fireplace within the home can make a significant difference to the wellbeing of the individual. Just imagine the other benefits and sensations a real fire provides, such as the soothing radiant heat and comforting wood scent. And this is just one simple addition in the whole armament that nature and Biophilia can provide.
Biophilia is still deemed to be in its infancy within the interior design profession, despite being based on one of the most fundamental connections humans have with their environment. But with the current focus very much on the recovery, both physically and mentally, from a global pandemic, never has there been a better time or more crucial need to draw upon the healing powers of nature to improve our wellbeing.
Interior designer’s approaches to home design should now be looking to design sustainably with nature at its core for the creation healthy, happy homes that are better for people and the planet. After all, it truly is all about creating nature-inspired spaces to support our health and wellbeing.
References:
[1] Lynn C.D. The Psychophysiology of Fireside Relaxation. American Journal of Human Biology 25 (2013). 265-265
Projects photographed are undertaken by Oudejans Interiors Ltd. All photos are credited to photographer Glenn MacKay.
As a leading biophilic design studio, Oudejans Interiors feels it is vital to live more sustainably, in an increasingly connected manner to the natural world. Their motivation for designing spaces is to consciously straddle the line between nature and interior architecture. From creating a living wall to redecorating with natural hues, incorporating biophilia into living spaces is an effective way to restoratively transform them, whilst boosting body and mind.
Nestled deep in the heart of the English countryside, Avalon at Broughton Hall is part of The Broughton Sanctuary in the foothills of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The luxurious wellbeing retreat centre required a calming and harmonious aesthetic with sumptuous sound systems to play a key role in the Art of Being and relaxation.
Avalon, amidst the stunning 3000 acre Broughton Hall Estate in Yorkshire, is a retreat like no other. This special location was designed to serve the mind, body and spirit, creating the freedom for personal development and the pursuit of the inner voyage. This unique building was designed by Cirencester-based architects, Yiangou, with the interior design created by celebrated Opera and Ballet designer, Patrick Kinmonth.
The importance of the building and the way it helps people connect with it and each other during their journey cannot be underestimated. As a result, Patrick Kinmonth stage managed a deluxe and inventive interior for ultimate connectivity and wellness in mind. It is discreet, joyful and functional, combining natural materials, contemporary style and technology in a thoughtful and contextual way.
Sound is a key sense in the Art of Being. Kinmonth understands this well and with the invisibility of the buildings’ technology being an integral part of the specification for Avalon, Patrick chose to deploy Amina invisible speakers throughout. Invisibility is, of course, key in keeping the interior space visually free and uncluttered. After all, a sanctuary is not a sanctuary when you are surrounded by technology. Amina was the logical step to ensure the audio solution fitted with the design concept and did not distract from the visual journey and intention of the spaces.
Not only was invisibility integral, but a sound that filled the space evenly with quality, calmness and control was of equal importance. Avalon is full of large open and empty spaces which is where the Amina speakers came into their own. Sound evenly fills the space and is delivered with aplomb, supporting and nurturing the beautiful Avalon experience.
When it comes to bass, there is only really only one name that stands out above the rest for quality without compromise; Velodyne. Or, more precisely in this case, the Velodyne 15″ Digital Drive plus. Two of these power-house subwoofers are hidden away in descrete, bespoke cabinetry using vents to allow sound and bass pressure into the room. Bringing the Yoga Studio’s Dolby Atmos experience to life with thunderously deep, tight and dynamic bass; whatever the audio application.
Needing high quality, deep and clean bass with an IP65 rating for the swimming pool area brought us to the Artison RCC320 range of subwoofers. Known for their phenomenal ‘Reactance Cancelling’ technology. Allowing them to achieve vibration-free, room-filling bass from a compact in wall unit.
About Redline
Formed in 2001, Redline’s expertise lies in creating custom and discrete audio-visual solutions inline with client requirements. The brands they represent display a daring disregard for industry convention, while incorporating ground-breaking technology and a high attention to detail and superior quality.
The way we view and use our bathrooms has changed in recent years. It is now seen as a place for replenishing and relaxation as homeowners seek to a create more luxurious, spa-style experiences in the home, with dedicated space to unwind from the day and indulge the senses.
With the average female spending at least 29 minutes in this space every day, it’s becoming vital to ensure that bathroom environments are designed to deliver the right atmosphere of luxury and indulgence; redirecting the focus to our personal care and wellbeing rituals to cultivate more accessible wellness experiences without leaving the house.
The shower has become a large part of this wellness-driven, self-care lifestyle and in many homes it now replaces the traditional bath tub; with many showering in the morning to actively start the day or taking a shower in the evening to relax the body and soothe the soul. The ROYAL MIDAS shower light made by KEUCO creates a unique showering experience with the perfect combination of water and light.
The unique shower light concept has a large integrated shower head to create a stunning combination of light and water, providing positive effects on the person showering and offering a bespoke experience depending on the time of day. Single drops of water reflect the light, whilst the water streaming from shower above covers the body – whether refreshing, cooling and invigorating, or warming and relaxing, the shower light is a welcome addition to bathroom interiors for enhancing that at-home wellness experience.
The complete all-in-one shower solution means installation is quick, safe and easy in coordination with a KEUCO shower valve; the KEUCO shower light being autonomously operated via a momentary room switch providing on/off and light adjustment.
The shower light can be set or dimmed between 6500 kelvin (day light) and 2700 kelvin (warm white). This is especially good in winter time, allowing users to have a brighter ‘day light’ shower in the morning with a warming effect to activate the circulatory system. A dimmer, softer light during the evening shower creates a more relaxing ambience; mirroring the appearance of sunset to help stimulate the release of melatonin hormones, encouraging healthy sleep.
About KEUCO
KEUCO GmbH & Co. KG is an internationally active, full provider of premium bathroom furnishings. KEUCO offers a wide range of fittings, accessories, mirror cabinets, lights and mirrors, washbasins and bathroom furniture “made in Germany”. Design and function play a decisive role at KEUCO. The aim of perfectly crafted products is to combine aesthetic forms with sensible functionalities – a claim that is consistently taken into account right from the idea through to the implementation. KEUCO has a long tradition of working together with designers.
SBID Accredited Designer, Portview strive to positively contribute to the creation of legacy-defining spaces that work for people, businesses, communities, owners, and investors. Sustainability is an extension of this and has been driving real change across the construction industry over the last decade. The next ten years will undoubtedly see this ramp up even further as the industry aims to reduce emissions, future-proof projects and slow the rate of climate change.
To reach the ambitious targets set out by The Paris Agreement and the UK Government’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, the way construction and fit-out projects operate is going to have to evolve.
“While governments and clients have a central role to play, construction companies and specialists have the opportunity to lead this process,” says ProZero Environmental and Quality Manager, Lisa Trainor. “As interior fit-out specialists, we can integrate sustainability into our approach while ensuring quality, budget control and delivery.”
Here are some of the lessons that Lisa and the rest of the Portview team have learnt about making the construction industry more sustainable:
Companies of all shapes and sizes want to create sustainable buildings, but the planning and execution involved can be complicated and time intensive. Reaching a BREEAM excellent or outstanding rating relies on implementing sustainable working practices at every stage of a project. This includes resource efficiency, waste management and using the right building materials and techniques, but it also means effectively engaging all stakeholders. By setting out sustainability goals at the start of the process and maintaining an ongoing dialogue, we can ensure clients, architects, and contractors can consider sustainability at every stage. This includes things that can often get overlooked, such as sourcing low VOC products or using electric rather than diesel-fuelled forklifts onsite.
It feels like the whole world has taken a crash-course in sustainability over the last decade, and we have seen a considerable leap in expertise among our industry and clients just within the last five years. There is still a lot of progress to make, and continuing to build in-house capability is critical.
“Clients and investors are increasingly knowledgeable about BREEAM, LEED or WELL. However, they still need practical knowledge and insights into making these goals a reality,” says Lisa. “While expert consultants will always have a role to play, having in-house expertise is increasingly emerging as a key differentiator for clients. They want specialists that can provide value throughout the process, from sourcing materials to issuing commissioning certificates and providing aftercare.”
Sustainability is often still seen as a tick-box, regulatory exercise by many in the construction and fit-out world. And while it is undoubtedly the case that the prospect of increasingly heavy financial penalties is a significant motivating factor, we are finding that a growing number of clients are taking a more positive view. Achieving a BREEAM ‘outstanding’ rating requires additional cost, such as paying to conduct thermographic surveys or making sure that all materials are fully recyclable. But the long-term benefits are likely to be significant in terms of reduced utility costs, future-proofed businesses, increased tenant demand and increased wellbeing for employees and communities. Again, engaging stakeholders early is often critical in elevating sustainability from a regulatory requirement to an exciting opportunity.
The practical challenges of transitioning to a low-carbon economy touch every part of modern life, from the way we heat our homes to the lacquers and glues we use to finish a fit-out. Sustainable design has become a niche market over the last decade, but it will only become more important and mainstream. Companies in the construction and fit-out space also need to start holding their own operations to the same standards their projects are judged by. For example, we’ve pledged to use only low-VOC paints and reduce our carbon footprint by 30% by 2030.
“This is not only an essential part of making sure we practise what we preach,” says Lisa, “it will also help us to attract and retain talent from younger generations who may not currently see the construction and fit-out sector as a potential career choice.”
Choosing the right materials and construction techniques is an integral part of sustainable design and creating local systems that support wellbeing and the environment. On the one hand, this means considering such factors as sun orientation, implementing high-efficiency electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems, as well as using more renewable energy. But it’s also important to be aware of the broader local environment in which our buildings exist. This includes design choices such as using trees, plants, and grasses native to the area or installing stormwater management strategies.
Buildings also play a role in our social systems. A commercial building’s average lifespan is 25-30 years, which presents some challenges for sustainable design. Either these buildings must be made with completely recyclable materials so that they can be cleanly dismantled, or the initial designs need to be flexible enough to accommodate future changes of use. The UK government is encouraging the latter through the introduction of Class E permitted development rights.
There are many other ways that projects can be more sustainable that are unique to their local contexts. For example, we have developed several closed-loop solutions that reduce waste and benefit the local community.
We are part of recycling schemes for Correx, Plasterboard and Armstrong Ceiling tiles. Used materials are collected from our sites and re-manufactured; reducing raw materials, carbon waste and skip space.
We donate waste wood from our projects to a local college’s carpentry department within our local community, providing a new use for materials that would otherwise be destined for landfill. We also work with The Turnaround Project, who have created a workshop out of the wood we’ve donated. We’ve also recently partnered with Tools for Solidarity – who take our old tools, refurbish them and send them to Tasmania and Malawi.
Developing these solutions not only helps to reduce the impact of every job we complete, but it helps to strengthen community relationships, allowing us to lead the sustainability conversation from the front.
Part of what makes the challenges of sustainability so intimidating is their scale. The narrative around the topic is often focused on the bigger picture, and goals like the UK achieving net zero emissions by 2050 can feel daunting. As with any large project, it can be difficult to know where exactly to start. In reality, seemingly small wins can begin to create the momentum for change when taken together. Organisational leadership has a really important role in educating stakeholders and making sure that construction and fit-out companies lead by example and hold themselves to account. Effective education drives changes in behaviour that help contribute to the larger goal of transitioning to a low-carbon economy.
“Although it may seem small, an onsite worker stopping to quickly check whether a paint is low VOC before applying it shows that people are beginning to think differently about the way they work,” says Lisa.
The construction and design industry is at the heart of making our towns and cities more sustainable. By taking a proactive approach to driving change rather than reacting to it, we can help clients create amazing, future-proofed spaces with social and environmental benefits that ripple outwards. We can also help them differentiate themselves in a crowded market and make sustainability the norm.
Discover the latest sustainable products for interior design, here.
Personal Line is the design-led home fitness equipment by SBID Accredited Supplier, Technogym. A premium collection that combines the style of the world-acclaimed designer Antonio Citterio, with Technogym’s experience in the world of fitness and sport as the Official Supplier of the last 8 Olympic Games.
Alongside state of the art biomechanics and digital technologies, Personal Line products are made using refined materials and top-level craftsmanship, conceived to be specified as beautiful furniture pieces in the most inspiring spaces of people’s homes. The line includes the most iconic fitness equipment – Treadmill, Bike, Recline, Elliptical, Kinesis and Power Station – in order to offer people both the option of creating an entire home gym or to integrate their favourite equipment within their living room, bedroom or bathroom.
Personal Line products are now equipped with the newly launched Technogym Live console that allows users to choose personalised training experiences from extensive on-demand training contents including trainer-led session, athletic training routines, outdoor virtual training and endless entertainment options.
These innovative fitness features alongside the design-led nature of the collection makes it the perfect addition to enhance home gyms for aesthetic appeal and intuitive functionality.
Bike Personal is the latest product from Technogym’s Personal Line, it’s at the same time a professional bike, equipped with the most innovative training programs and a design object that can fit perfectly within any interior style. The materials chosen are elegant and refined, such as micro-polished steel and aluminium worked at the highest level of craftsmanship.
Cross Personal is the ideal piece of training equipment, suitable for everyone from beginners to professional athletes. The elliptical movement is smooth and well-suited for burning calories thanks to the combined movement of upper and lower limbs.
Run Personal is a revolutionary treadmill blending state-of-the-art technology with functional design. Highly innovative, it reveals close attention to the use of elegant and prestigious materials. Both performance and functional features are the result of over 30 years of experience that Technogym has acquired by helping 50 million people train across the world, each and every day.
Recline Personal represents the perfect combination of premium design and functionality. Ergonomically, the seat on Recline Personal is highly innovative with both seat and backrest. A blend of ergonomics and design makes Recline Personal the ideal solution for both the home environment and the office.
Technogym® Kinesis Personal is the start of “gentle gymnastics” taking fitness and wellness at home into a new era. As a design object or simply a work of art, Kinesis Personal is an eloquent expression and original piece of design. Perfectly suited to the home environment as well as office spaces, hotels or spas, Kinesis Personal offers 200 exercise possibilities in less than one square metre.
In the wake of the current hi-performance workout and professional training trends, the Power Personal consists of two chic elements: Bench Personal and Rack Personal. Bench Personal is the adjustable professional bench designed to carry out strengthening and toning exercises, characterised by a sophisticated design and top class materials. Rack Personal is the free weight training machine that combines sturdiness, efficiency and a compact design allowing barbells and plates to be supported safely and in style.
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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