New UK Distribution Centre to Enhance Support and Stock Availability for Customers in the UK and Ireland Dakota Europe Srl is pleased to announce the official opening of Dakota Group Limited, a new UK distribution centre in Halifax, West Yorkshire. This strategic expansion will strengthen Dakota’s presence in the UK
Education is constantly evolving, and the exciting potential of immersive learning spaces is at the forefront of this transformation. Two UK colleges have taken a bold leap into this future by partnering with WindsorPatania to turn vision into reality. Eastern Education Group, with its state-of-the-art XR Lab, and USP College,
Covering the full spectrum James Latham, one of the UK’s leading independent timber, panel and decorative surface distributors recently provided Valchromat for the refurbishment of the Science Museum’s Wonderlab, its interactive gallery for children. This pioneering MDF was selected as the primary material for a rainbow-themed installation in the gallery’s
Born as a Collaboration between Architect and Creative Director Artur Sharf and Matthew Auerbach, Teyo Specializes in Design, Fabrication and Installation of Rare Natural Stone, Furniture, Brass and Veneer Teyo Products Serve a Wide Range of Developers, Architects, Designers and Private clients. Today marks the official unveiling of Teyo’s brand-new
Caple, as one of the UK’s leading kitchen and bedroom suppliers, is well known, by both the trade and the homeowner, for providing superior spaces. “Our starting point is always how people want to use their spaces and appliances; then we add intelligent design, technology and beautiful finishes. We love
The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation (BiKBBI) has today issued a statement responding to the recently published Government review, Transforming The Construction Workforce, authored by Mark Farmer, CEO of Cast. Farmer, a previous speaker at BiKBBI’s annual conference, has once again highlighted critical issues facing the construction
This new, elegant, industrial style kitchen from Keller merges traditional and bold features and hues. The Bronzite fronts and bronze-framed glass doors with bronze tinted glass combine with the striking, angled Calacatta black worktop to create a calming clean space. Which is perfect for dining, working and socialising in style.
A new, luxury apartment in London’s Westminster has been transformed through a groundbreaking approach blending architecture, colour, design, and music with synaesthesia. Situated in London’s cultural capital, The Aria is a breathtaking penthouse in Westminster’s iconic Chimes building and marks the debut of a pioneering synaesthesia-inspired design led by
A range of Häfele architectural ironmongery has been used in the transformation of 15 Old Bailey into Hyde London City, a new £34.3 million lifestyle hotel developed by OB Capital and operated by Ennismore. Set within a Grade II listed building, Hyde London City blends heritage with bohemian elegance with
Residents and staff at Greenfield, a Retirement Living scheme in Hull, are celebrating the completion of a significant refurbishment project, just in time for the festive season. The £900,000 refurbishment was undertaken by Esh Construction, commissioned by registered social housing provider Riverside. This project is part of Riverside’s broader initiative
New UK Distribution Centre to Enhance Support and Stock Availability for Customers in the UK and Ireland Dakota Europe Srl is pleased to announce the official opening of Dakota Group Limited, a new UK distribution centre in Halifax, West Yorkshire. This strategic expansion will strengthen Dakota’s presence in the UK and Ireland, providing local stock availability and enhanced support to existing customers and distribution partners. Located in a prime logistics hub, Dakota Group Limited will serve wholesale and retail distributors in the building construction, drainage, landscaping, and civil engineering sectors. By ensuring faster delivery times with a broader range of stock readily available in the UK, the new warehouse will help meet growing demand and streamline supply chain operations for UK and Irish customers. “We are excited to establish a dedicated distribution centre in the UK, reinforcing our commitment to supporting our valued partners with reliable stock availability and exceptional service,” said Michele Cipriani on behalf of Dakota Europe Srl. “This expansion marks a significant milestone in our growth strategy and our ongoing dedication to serving the needs of the construction and engineering industries. We are looking forward to establishing new partnerships with agents and distributors in our industry sectors.” Dakota Group Limited will offer a comprehensive range of products, including essential solutions for building and construction professionals. As a market-leading manufacturer, Dakota specialises in Channel Drains and Catch Pits; Levelling and safety systems for floating floors, decks, and patios; Gravel Grids and permeable solutions for Landscaping; Floor and wall tile spacers and levelling systems. We will also be offering, for the first time in the UK, WPC and other products from the Dakota Living range which includes composite decking, fencing and cladding systems in a broad range of stylish finishes and colours. Dakota is dedicated to sustainability, reducing waste and addressing environmental challenges by using recycled and recyclable materials for their products wherever possible. The addition of permeable safety and floating floor systems to help combat the effects of increased rainfall is a proactive approach that could play a significant role in mitigating flooding and improve water management as climate change leads to more extreme weather events. For more information about Dakota Group Limited and its UK operations – please visit dakota.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Education is constantly evolving, and the exciting potential of immersive learning spaces is at the forefront of this transformation. Two UK colleges have taken a bold leap into this future by partnering with WindsorPatania to turn vision into reality. Eastern Education Group, with its state-of-the-art XR Lab, and USP College, with its trailblazing USP Immersive Theatre, both spaces were designed to challenge the norms of traditional teaching and deliver deeply engaging, real-world-ready learning environments. Designing the Future with USP College At USP College, the goal was ambitious: to build a flexible immersive theatre that could seamlessly incorporate VR and provide an experience far beyond conventional classrooms’ limits. In an interview with Dan Pearson, USP College CEO, he quoted saying “we have a vision of what we want the space to be able to do. A strategic vision about… future purpose and ensure we stay ahead of time. We knew that the architects that we chose have to be somebody that deliver, someone that can come and give it the wow factor.” WindsorPatania Architects was the chosen entity and led the charge from day one. “Design information was presented in a format that enabled both the client and building user to easily understand how the physical space was going to be utilised,” said John Blundell (MCIOB) from TJEvers. This early alignment helped everyone involved see the vision. As the Architect Director of this project, my main challenge, as usual, is to keep everything together. All these orders, requests, as well as the budget constraints, the timeline. And we’re really pleased to say that we managed to achieve our great results.” The team tackled key design requirements such as adaptability, future-proofing, and ease of use well before construction. Their early involvement ensured that the physical environment would serve the evolving needs of students and staff alike. Our Development Director, Ryan Windsor notes that when we’re thinking about what we’re doing to the space and how we’re gonna transform it, we often think about assets. We want to create an asset for the College or Universities. We want to inspire the students. James McInroy, USP College Executive Director shared that- “What we’ve done is… provided brand-new facilities which are modern, state-of-the-art, and conducive with the current climate and reflect the external employment environment.” One of the most significant breakthroughs came from how the people involved used VR during the design phase. “The ability of the VR technology to quickly model on ‘Site Survey’ and ‘As Built’ information greatly assisted design change, coordination of M&E services, and installation of FF&E elements,” Blundell added. Despite the project’s technical complexity, the group completed the immersive theatre fit-out in 12 weeks—a testament to Windsor Patania Architects streamlined design and integration process. Chris Murgatroyd, USP College Vice Principal Academic added, “previously, the space was drab, it was old, it was tired, it was slightly depressing to walk into.” WindsorPatania Architects’ task was to come in and build that wow factor. We decided to go for a really minimalistic look for everything, such as old tribunes, the sitting area, the monitor, and we just decided to emphasize the ceiling as the main feature of the space. Dan Pearson commented that -” the transformation was outstanding”. After seeing the complete transformation of the spaces. While Chris Murgatroyd added a compliment as “Now, when we come into the area, it’s engaging, and it’s exciting.” Steven Hendy, USP College CFO, expresses his desire to have an environment that is available to all USP College students. He is proud that the investment has paid off. When you design a beautiful space with a wow factor, you also have to think about how you get to the space from outside. So, in the case of the immersive theatre, we found the opportunity to create feature corridors, like a portal that leads you to a new dimension. As you’re walking into the new space, you feel like something beautiful is going to happen. And as you open the doors and enter, your expectations are fully satisfied as you see a stunning masterpiece bought together by a collaboration of experts with a feature of a delicate and illuminated ceiling which highlights the area. The main aspect of the T-level labs to make them successful as a design was to channel all the requests and the brief from the college itself into a functional layout. Creating Connection with The XR Lab At Eastern Education Group, the vision was clear: build a space that removes the barrier of geography and brings education closer to the real world. The result was the XR Lab—an immersive environment where students don’t just learn about their subjects, but they live them. Learners can use the XR Lab in a wide range of subjects: health, counselling, chemistry, engineering, renewables, maths, logistics, and more. “There are so many examples,” Tom Lloyd shared. Every Friday, our health and applied science students come into study using a specific piece of software that our team has created.” Staff also receive training and hands-on support. “As part of every personal development day, all staff get the chance to work and better understand the capabilities of the XR lab,” Tom Lloyd said. “The XR team are [sic] available to offer significant support to them every time they want to use the new technology.” Designing this space meant considering how students of all learning styles and abilities would interact with the technology. Ethical use, community engagement, and preferred learning styles were all factored into WindsorPatania’s thoughtful and inclusive design approach. “We wanted to create a cutting-edge space that would remove the barrier of geography and close the gap between industry and education,” said Tom Lloyd from Eastern Education Group. The impact has been transformational. “It increases engagement in our experience. It also stimulates excitement to learn and supports knowledge and skill acquisition. The data captured backs this up,” Tom Lloyd added. The immersive nature of the lab boosts student motivation, and early data trends point to better learning outcomes
Covering the full spectrum James Latham, one of the UK’s leading independent timber, panel and decorative surface distributors recently provided Valchromat for the refurbishment of the Science Museum’s Wonderlab, its interactive gallery for children. This pioneering MDF was selected as the primary material for a rainbow-themed installation in the gallery’s ‘Colour Room,’ where its ability to successfully blend aesthetics, durability, and versatility, whilst doing so safely and sustainably, made it a go-to choice. A popular material for leisure, attraction, and retail fit-outs, this project showcases Valchromat’s performance and visual appeal; especially how it gives specifiers and fabricators creative freedom to realise even the most ambitious briefs. Taking a closer look at the project… True colours The Science Museum is one of the UK’s best-loved cultural destinations for adults and children alike, with a focus on inspiring futures and making science accessible for everyone. This overarching goal comes to life in Wonderlab, an interactive hands-on experience developed to ignite scientific curiosity and fuel the imagination. Originally opened in 2016, by 2023 its popular Colour Room, an immersive space designed to communicate the science of colour, was due a refurbishment. A core object of the refresh involved replacing worn fittings with new ones and reinvigorating the space with a vibrant landscape mural, incorporating a prominent rainbow feature that would help show how the colours of the rainbow appear under monochromatic light. Golden opportunity The type of material chosen for the rainbow feature was important. Not only did it need to be structurally robust, able to withstand the rigours of a high-footfall environment and deliver the visual impact stipulated within the design brief, it also had to meet a set of regulatory requirements unique to public attractions. The feature would be subject to constant physical interaction from visitors of all ages, so every aspect of the fit-out has to meet strict safety and sustainability standards, including non-toxicity. Furthermore, it had to be easy to clean to ensure the highest levels of hygiene. It was a delicate balance for the museum’s Spatial & Exhibitions Designer, Laurence Deane, to strike, working with fabricator Hadley Interiors and its long-time distribution partner James Latham. Out of the blue Once the brief had been shared with James Latham’s expert specification team, one material immediately leapt out as a clear front-runner: Valchromat. A pioneering, lightweight MDF panel, available in a wide spectrum of colours, its balance of form and function immediately impressed Laurence who chose seven different shades to faithfully represent a rainbow. His team was also particularly impressed by the consistency of colour running through the entire body of each panel as well as its ultra-smooth finish. Pushing the visual dial even further, to ensure each colour popped, James Latham recommended treating each Valchromat sheet used with pigmented oils from specialist manufacturer Koate. This treatment not only added extra tonal depth and higher contrast, it also protected the feature making it easier to maintain. Simple to work, Valchromat is also a fabricator firm favourite, as it can be cut to almost any shape, from an expansive arch to a tiny tile. Even better, as demonstrated in the rainbow display, Valchromat can be bonded, planed, or sculpted to create 3-D decorative features. With flying colours The results speak for themselves, with visitors seeing this vision in Valchromat as soon as they enter the room. In Laurence’s words, “The Koate-treated Valchromat leaps out as soon as you enter the room, providing an important visual anchor. The vivid, matt tones also perfectly achieve the objective of the piece: demonstrating how colours appear under monochrome light. A huge thanks to James Latham for their consultancy on the project, we look forward to working with them in the future.” James Latham is one of Valchromat’s most trusted distributors, possessing the largest range of the product in the UK. There are over 10 colours to choose from and it’s available in the following board sizes: 2500mm x 1850mm/1250mm, in 8mm, 12mm, 25mm, or 30mm thicknesses. To find out more visit https://www.lathamtimber.co.uk/products/panels/mdf/valchromat. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Born as a Collaboration between Architect and Creative Director Artur Sharf and Matthew Auerbach, Teyo Specializes in Design, Fabrication and Installation of Rare Natural Stone, Furniture, Brass and Veneer Teyo Products Serve a Wide Range of Developers, Architects, Designers and Private clients. Today marks the official unveiling of Teyo’s brand-new 6,554-square-foot showroom and studio, showcasing its furniture and raw natural materials in Miami’s Design District. Teyo specializes in the sourcing, design and fabrication of marble, onyx, travertine and limestone furniture for a wide range of discerning clients around the world. Teyo was born from a collaboration between Matthew Auerbach, founder of Teyo, and creative director, architect and Yodezeen co-founder Artur Sharf, who possess more than 35 years of combined experience in executing complex architectural and interior design projects. From vanities and kitchen collections, to dressers, bathtubs and tables, among Teyo’s signature materials and pieces include: Capriccio bathtub This oval designer bathtub flows into the floor, creating a connection between the bath and the surrounding space. The Capriccio Bathtub is a fusion of aesthetics and functionality. Crafted from Bronze Fantasy marble, its oval shape and straight millings on the fronts contribute to its contemporary allure. The back features a freestanding element made of hot-rolled metal, cleverly and elegantly housing all bath fixtures. Armonia Vanity Unit Teyo’s signature vanity unit features a marble top adorned with Fior di Bosco marble, complemented by a base of rich eucalyptus wood cabinets. The two sinks enhance functionality without compromising on aesthetics. Celestia Dresser The Celesta Dresser is a masterpiece of craftsmanship and ingenuity. Its Bianco Lilac marble frame and black vein accents are distinguished by a pristine white backdrop. The leather sections on the countertop are precisely cut and thoughtfully placed with compartments for watches, ornaments and small accessories. Covered with a layer of glass, these leather segments not only add a textural contrast but also safeguard the dresser’s timeless elegance. Luminosa Kitchen Set Teyo’s Luminosa Kitchen Set is a harmonious blend of natural materials and timeless forms. The set’s most distinctive feature is its round table, which seamlessly extends from the island. Precision-engineered with a robust brass frame and carefully selected onyx, the Luminosa Kitchen is a sophisticated kitchen island, and an intricately crafted intimate dining table from Radica di Noce. Mare Vanity Composed of Fior di Bosco natural marble, the Mare Vanity is played in two dimensions: a monolith with a smooth round sink opening and a rail format. The customization of marble in the form of corrugated stone on the right creates a convenient, concealed storage option for bath accessories, while the sink’s size allows for ergonomic functionality. Alba Vanity The unconventional shape of this vanity unit was dictated by its sharp character centered upon protruding slabs that embody the formidable force of natural elements. Framed in the refined Silver Roots marble, with delicate shades of light gray and copper veins, the Alba Vanity Unit model comprises the uniquely ribbed basin section, which is adjacent to built-in lighting embedded into the marble base. On the left, there are recesses designed for storage, carefully crafted for ergonomic functionality. Camilla Kitchen Collection Meticulous craftsmanship renders modern forms timeless in the Camilla Kitchen. Milled travertine embraces the smooth curves of the kitchen island and backsplash, while smooth travertine graces a trio of hanging cabinets and the island’s workbench, which becomes a cantilevered breakfast bar. Both the countertop and base lighting subtly illuminate the setting, which is framed by natural oak veneer cabinetry. In its refined linework and unified warm palette, Camilla embodies the magnetism of modern design. Poésie outdoor coffee table and fireplace Carved from Rosso Levanto marble, this outdoor fireplace and coffee table radiates with a captivating red hue. The bio fireplace, adorned with dark small stones, provides both visual intrigue and a source of ambient warmth. The entire structure features precision milling. Teyo Brand Story The visionary collaboration between Auerbach and Sharf was developed with the aim of introducing a product capable of interpreting and enhancing the beauty of natural stone while maintaining its natural look, and maximizing its functionality in an innovative and unprecedented way. The concept of Teyo is born from the idea to serve as a new point of reference for architects, interior designers, and developers to help manifest projects of the highest caliber. Headquartered in Miami and working with a global clientele of private homeowners, architects, developers and design world professionals, Teyo cites Michelangelo, Rome and Greece as inspirations for utilizing millennia-old materials that serve as the foundation for high-end architecture and design projects. Teyo founder Matthew Auerbach has worked closely on exclusive projects with architecture and design behemoths Jean Nouvel and Zaha Hadid over his decades of experience. Teyo is founded upon the values of exceptional quality, relentless creativity, uncompromising craft and custom-tailored full service. The brand was conceived by the shared interest in rare materials with a design language following the discovery of artisans and quarries in Italy that uphold high standards of sustainability. Teyo presents a collection of signature pieces, including kitchens, vanities, bathtubs, bookshelves, dining and coffee tables, sideboards, chest of drawers, outdoor fireplaces and various stone textures, which can be customized and imagined by each client. Beyond the collection, Teyo’s in-house contract division can create bespoke items and solutions crafted for large-scale projects. Each of Teyo’s kitchen islands and counters are assembled by hand with dedicated craftsmanship overseen by Teyo’s prolific project managers. Signature Teyo products include Luminosa and Brisa kitchen, Jardin and Alba vanity, and the collection of outdoor coffee tables with fireplaces or ice baskets. “Teyo is built on our obsession with discovering the world’s most irreplicable and rare materials desired by our discerning clients around the world,” says, Artur Sharf, Creative Director of Teyo. “We look forward to infusing Italian raw materials used for millennia into projects of the utmost contemporary and future-forward designs, and to welcoming guests to experience our products firsthand in our showroom.” “We decided to develop our first Teyo collection in collaboration with YODEZEEN, an award-winning
Caple, as one of the UK’s leading kitchen and bedroom suppliers, is well known, by both the trade and the homeowner, for providing superior spaces. “Our starting point is always how people want to use their spaces and appliances; then we add intelligent design, technology and beautiful finishes. We love the details, from spot-on task lighting right down to the last, satisfying (almost-silent) click of the cupboard door.” To further enhance the Caple experience, the website has been updated, as it is regularly, to make it smoother and more intuitive. ‘Where to buy’ The ‘Where to Buy’ section is now easier to find in the navigation bar. Quickly locate your nearest Caple retailer with our easy-to-navigate map and streamlined navigation. Enhanced product comparison The Compare feature helps customers to evaluate products side-by-side, complementing the personalised brochure tool to make decision-making a breeze. FAQs made clearer The revamped FAQs section now provides more detailed answers and an improved layout, helping customers quickly find the information they need. Streamlined navigation The improved navigation ensures key sections, like spare parts and product warrantyregistration, are now simple to locate under the new Service & Support category. Here is a short clip which illustrates the new functionality on the website. For more information on Caple, please visit www.caple.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation (BiKBBI) has today issued a statement responding to the recently published Government review, Transforming The Construction Workforce, authored by Mark Farmer, CEO of Cast. Farmer, a previous speaker at BiKBBI’s annual conference, has once again highlighted critical issues facing the construction industry. The review assesses the effectiveness of the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB). It aims to determine if these boards should continue to exist, and if so, in what form and function. Key Findings: Strategic Recommendations: Operational Recommendations: Governance and Accountability: Conclusion: The review concludes that a transformed ITB model is essential to address the critical workforce challenges facing the construction and engineering construction sectors. The proposed changes aim to create a more competent, productive, and resilient workforce capable of meeting future demands. BiKBBI CEO, Damian Walters, expressed his continuing concern regarding the findings of the review, particularly the ongoing labour shortage that continues to plague the industry. “Despite numerous efforts and initiatives, our industry has yet to resolve the labour shortage issues that threaten our capacity to support future economic and industry growth,” said Walters. “The ageing workforce and the struggle to accommodate new entrants are significant challenges that require immediate and coordinated action.” Walters went on to say: “There is no shortage of interest from the younger generation to take up a career in KBB installation, despite popular belief. There is a misconception that all youth want to do is become TikTok famous, but I can assure you that this is simply not the case. BiKBBI has engaged thousands of education leavers and there is a pipeline of talent waiting for an opportunity. The issue we have is that our part of the industry is dominated by micro-SME’s and these businesses either lack an appetite to take on an apprentice, or more importantly aren’t supported enough to do so. The Apprenticeship Levy and changes to how this can be spent may just unlock the potential, but the Government must stop nodding and start the process of change”. The review’s recommendations for a radical overhaul of the Industry Training Board model is welcomed by BiKBBI, and the institute is committed to working collaboratively with industry stakeholders to implement these changes. “We must modernise our approach to training and workforce development to ensure we can meet the demands of the future,” Walters added. BiKBBI remains dedicated to improving standards and efficiency within the kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom installation sector and will continue to advocate for solutions that address the workforce challenges identified in the review. The full version of Transforming The Construction Workforce, authored by Mark Farmer can be accessed- HERE. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
This new, elegant, industrial style kitchen from Keller merges traditional and bold features and hues. The Bronzite fronts and bronze-framed glass doors with bronze tinted glass combine with the striking, angled Calacatta black worktop to create a calming clean space. Which is perfect for dining, working and socialising in style. Featured on the back wall are cabinets in Keller’s new Fossil Grey Evia Ultra Matt finish nodding to the eternal popularity of grey. Also featured is the new bronze full cabinet width 627 handle. Keller is well known for offering the widest range of colours (2,050 NCS) and finishes in the kitchen furniture market – along with a vast range of cabinet options, all produced by the most sustainable means possible. The company is proud to have been a Carbon Neutral kitchen manufacturer since 2017. For further information, please visit www.kellerkitchens.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A new, luxury apartment in London’s Westminster has been transformed through a groundbreaking approach blending architecture, colour, design, and music with synaesthesia. Situated in London’s cultural capital, The Aria is a breathtaking penthouse in Westminster’s iconic Chimes building and marks the debut of a pioneering synaesthesia-inspired design led by award-winning interior designer, Jo Love. In a design first, Jo Love harnessed her unique synaesthetic ability – where sounds trigger visual perceptions of colour and form – to influence every aspect of the space. To create a holistic and immersive environment, Jo composed a personalised playlist for each room, drawing inspiration from the melodies. For example, the penthouse’s kitchen was infused with the carefree spirit of Caius’ track In the Sun, which inspired a vibrant, health-focused design. This resulted in calming artworks of bamboo leaves, lotus flowers, and olive trees, symbolising both renewal and the rich history of Westminster. To bring Jo’s vision to life, she collaborated with Crown Trade’s colour experts to curate a palette comprising of up to 50 custom shades. The colours were intentionally selected to support the function of each room while amplifying the building’s natural light and creating a seamless, therapeutic atmosphere for residents. Deep greens and browns in the master bedroom evoke calm, promoting restful sleep, while the living areas feature lilacs, creams, and greens to inspire relaxation, as well as bespoke artwork which has been painted directly onto the walls. Each hue reflects the building’s rhythm, heritage, and the vibrancy of London itself. Jo Love, Creative Director at LOVE Design Studio, said: “We are always looking at new ways to create beautiful spaces for people to thrive. At The Aria, we explored expanding the senses by blending colour with music and design details to create a unique set of spaces intrinsically linked with positive living. “Partnering with Crown Paints was a key part to realise the vision – with over 50 intuitively selected colours, the use of paint extended way beyond a background colour. We placed the Crown paint at the forefront within art ceilings and furniture for the ultimate colour experience.” Lauren Burnett, Architectural & Design Consultant at Crown Paints, shared: “This project has been an exciting and truly inspiring collaboration. Integrating sound and colour in such an innovative way was a first for us, and we’re delighted with the outcome. “We hope the residents of The Aria will enjoy these spaces for years to come, whilst also prompting other designers and users to think deeper about the impact of colour through senses.” Beyond the aesthetic, the project also emphasises longevity. To ensure the apartment’s striking finish endures, Crown Trade’s Clean Extreme Scrubbable Matt was selected for the interior walls and ceilings. This premium, stain-resistant paint can withstand regular cleaning without compromising its rich colour saturation, making it the perfect choice for a high-end, future-proof interior. For more information about Crown Paints’ colour services, visit Crown Paints Professional. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A range of Häfele architectural ironmongery has been used in the transformation of 15 Old Bailey into Hyde London City, a new £34.3 million lifestyle hotel developed by OB Capital and operated by Ennismore. Set within a Grade II listed building, Hyde London City blends heritage with bohemian elegance with 111 exquisitely designed guestrooms, each showcasing deep Victorian palettes, velvet furnishings and bold, nature-inspired wallpapers. The hotel also features two food and beverage options. Leydi is a modern Turkish restaurant from celebrated chef Selin Kiazim brings the flavours and all-day food culture of Istanbul to the heart of London. Meanwhile, Black Lacquer is an intimate cocktail bar where eclectic, global music is celebrated, with a décor inspired by Tokyo’s vinyl culture. Acting as specialist architect and interior designer on the project, Studio Moren sought to reintroduce Victorian features like cornicing, high skirtings and timber flooring while blending modern elements expected by today’s discerning traveller. The project also included the construction of a new extension over the existing light well, adding 21 guestrooms. Häfele’s involvement in the landmark project began at the outset, supporting Studio Moren with creating a mock-up room. From concept to completion, Häfele’s Projects team, led by Gordon Turner, provided regular site visits and bespoke, solution-driven support, helping to achieve the project’s overall blend of rich history and contemporary, luxury hospitality. Across the project, Häfele hardware has been used as both an architectural feature and to provide subtle practicalities while allowing authentic historical features to shine. For the former, antique brass solid bar levers in a Westminster design have been combined with antique brass bar pull handles in a nod to the site’s Victorian charm. Conversely, guest rooms feature concealed door closers, while concealed electromagnetic closers and Powermatic door closers were specified in corridor doors and arched head doors for practicality and function. The Häfele projects team also worked closely with Studio Moren to specify bespoke solutions to maximise historic features. Within ensuite bathrooms, concealed hinges were specified so that high skirting boards could be mounted up to the door and blend seamlessly with the rest of the room. Häfele recommended a combination of restored original hardware and new elements for the existing external doors, such as antique brass panic hardware and 1500mm solid brass bolts to secure tall doors. The manufacturer also provided a bespoke auto operator solution for the site’s door leaves. At just 550mm wide, the doors required a customised approach as typically, products are designed for widths of at least 800mm. Häfele also incorporated battery-powered accessible touch pads into the design to avoid damage to the building’s historic façade. “Häfele’s support was invaluable throughout the transformation of Hyde London City,” said Ed Murray from Studio Moren. “The team brought ideas and expertise to the project and it was a true collaboration of ideas. We shared the vision and the team helped us make it a reality. Nothing was too much trouble for Gordon and the Häfele team.” To aid scheduling, Häfele supplied hardware sequentially for the project in ‘floor by floor’ packs, which were bagged and labelled by hand using the Häfele to Order service. As part of the Service+ Customised, Häfele can tailor orders to suit a client or project’s needs with support, including bespoke timber drawer construction and cut-to-order lighting, which are also available. Commenting on the project, Paul Smith, head of specification sales for Häfele UK, said: “Hyde London City is a spectacular hotel, and we’re honoured to be part of bringing this building back to its Victorian splendour. The project is also our second time working with Studio Moren in recent months, which is a testament to our team’s ability to provide a combination of expert specification, understanding of the architectural vision and bespoke service. We look forward to supporting the practice again on future projects.” For more information on Häfele’s specification services, visit hafele.co.uk/projects Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Residents and staff at Greenfield, a Retirement Living scheme in Hull, are celebrating the completion of a significant refurbishment project, just in time for the festive season. The £900,000 refurbishment was undertaken by Esh Construction, commissioned by registered social housing provider Riverside. This project is part of Riverside’s broader initiative to upgrade Retirement Living accommodations nationwide. Key improvements included extensive upgrades to the fire alarm system, lighting, and the replacement of all communal fire doors and flat entrance doors. The exterior grounds also saw enhancements, with upgraded fencing, improved footpaths, and a reconfigured, resurfaced car park. Inside Greenfield, the refurbishment focused on modernising communal spaces with new mechanical and electrical (M&E) systems, full redecoration, and the installation of new flooring. The guest room, laundry room, and communal kitchen underwent partial refurbishments. A new conservatory was added, and an internal space was created for residents’ scooters, eliminating the need for them to access their mobility devices through an external garage. Simon Scott, Construction Manager at Esh Construction, said: “Carrying out works like these within an occupied building can naturally cause some disruption, and we are thankful to the residents and staff at Greenfield for their patience and cooperation during this time. Julie Aryiku went above and beyond to assist the team, and we developed a key relationship with her to facilitate the needs of the project. “We are proud to collaborate with Riverside to enhance and secure the future of vital social housing developments.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
