James Latham provides HIMACS® bringing style and strength to Lichfield Garrick Theatre’s stunning new ticket desk and bar areas The show begins long before the curtain rises at Lichfield Garrick Theatre. First impressions matter, and the theatre’s public spaces play a crucial role in shaping the audience’s experience. So, when architectural
Zentia, the UK’s market leader in complete ceiling systems, is proud to announce that its groundbreaking Sonify range has been awarded the internationally renowned iF DESIGN AWARD 2025. The award, a global symbol of design excellence, is presented by iF International Forum Design GmbH, one of the world’s oldest and
Saint-Gobain Weber and REGUPOL in partnership with CMS Danskin Acoustics have collaborated to develop, test and launch a suite of new impact sound insulation floor systems designed to reduce sound transmission. The new ‘weberfloor acoustic systems’ can be used to meet challenging acoustics targets across both new construction and refurbishment
UK designers and manufacturers of lighting equipment, P&A Projects, have completed a successful commercial project at the Express Building in Manchester. The Express Building is renowned for being the original Daily Express newspaper offices in Manchester. This Grade II listed building was designed by engineer Sir Owen Williams in 1939,
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
James Latham provides HIMACS® bringing style and strength to Lichfield Garrick Theatre’s stunning new ticket desk and bar areas The show begins long before the curtain rises at Lichfield Garrick Theatre. First impressions matter, and the theatre’s public spaces play a crucial role in shaping the audience’s experience. So, when architectural practice Design Unlimited was tasked with redesigning the venue’s busy box office and bar area, two of the venue’s most high-traffic spaces, they needed a solution that was both visually striking and built to last. To meet the challenge, the team partnered with Medlock FRB and James Latham, one of the UK’s leading independent distributors of timber, panels and decorative panels. Together, they chose HIMACS, an advanced solid surface known for its design flexibility and durability, to bring their vision to life. Let’s take a closer look behind the scenes at how this transformative project came together… The essential warm-up act The Garrick’s bold brand colours, including vibrant yellows, blues, greens, and pinks, meant any new addition to the space needed to hold its own, but not compete. To balance the scheme, Designs Unlimited opted for a calm, neutral backdrop for the new box office. At the heart of this vision was a sculptural reception desk specified to be understated yet impactful. For this, Designs Unlimited was set on using HIMACS in Arctic White. Sourced through James Latham and crafted in collaboration with Medlock FRB the solid surface material was key to realising their concept. HIMACS’s ability to be seamlessly joined and its thermoformable properties made it possible to create a fluid, continuous surface, allowing for a subtle dropped section to accommodate wheelchair users. This thoughtful detail blends effortlessly into the overall design, reflecting the theatre’s commitment to inclusivity without drawing attention to accessibility features. As Jo Heyse-Moore, lead interior designer on the project explains, “The box office is the first stop for most visitors, so we wanted it to be instantly recognisable, which is why we used plain tones that contrast with the expressive colours that feature elsewhere. The ability to cut, bend, twist, and shape the HIMACS sheets meant that we could be far more playful with the furniture’s structure, giving it its own identity. It immediately stands out as a prominent feature, performing an artistic purpose as well as a functional one, much like material itself.” HIMACS Bar None HIMACS wasn’t just chosen for its sleek aesthetic, it ticked every box when it came to performance. With excellent impact and scratch resistance, a non-porous surface, and the ability to seamlessly join sheets, it’s hygienic, durable, and easy to maintain, making it an ideal choice for the bustling bar areas of the theatre. Designs Unlimited selected HIMACS in Ebony Concrete for the back-of-bar workspaces, where the surface must withstand constant use, from food prep, and drink spills, to the occasional broken glass. Its durability is matched by long-term value, too, thanks to a 15-year limited warranty that extends the refurbishment cycle, reducing the need for frequent repairs or replacements. “Designing for bar areas is a unique challenge,” explains Heyse-Moore. “They need to look inviting to customers, but the working areas behind the bar see heavy use and require frequent cleaning. That puts pressure on the materials we specify, especially for surfaces.” She adds, “Stainless steel is a popular choice, but it scratches and dents easily. Timber is beautiful but needs a lot of upkeep to stay that way. HIMACS offered the best of both worlds – robust performance with a premium finish. And the colour range is impeccable. While we stuck to neutrals for this space, the bold shades open up exciting possibilities for future projects.” To find out more about HIMACS, click here. To find out more about James Latham and its extensive catalogue of premium décors click here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Zentia, the UK’s market leader in complete ceiling systems, is proud to announce that its groundbreaking Sonify range has been awarded the internationally renowned iF DESIGN AWARD 2025. The award, a global symbol of design excellence, is presented by iF International Forum Design GmbH, one of the world’s oldest and most respected independent design organisations. The Sonify innovation won in the Product Discipline, Building Technology Category, distinguishing itself from nearly 11,000 entries submitted from 66 countries. This prestigious recognition affirms Zentia’s dedication to innovation, functionality, and aesthetic excellence in architectural design. Sonify by Zentia redefines the possibilities in acoustic ceiling solutions. At its core is a patented fastening system that delivers unprecedented precision in rafts and baffles alignment while reducing installation time by up to 50%. This design breakthrough ensures a faster, more efficient construction process without compromising design quality. Sonify empowers architects and designers with complete planning reliability, from concept to completion. Produced in the North East of England, the system offers exceptional lead times and a wide range of customisable shapes and colour options, allowing for total creative freedom. Whether for educational, commercial, or cultural environments, Sonify adapts to diverse architectural needs while maintaining acoustic performance and visual impact. “Winning the iF Design Award 2025 is a tremendous honour and a proud moment for everyone at Zentia,” said Gert Van Doormalen, Managing Director, at Zentia. “Sonify represents our unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of design, innovation,acoustic performance and ease of installation. From its inception, our goal was to create a system that not only meets technical requirements but elevates the sensory experience of a space, how it sounds, how it feels, and how it inspires. Receiving this recognition is a proud milestone for our team, whose hard work, creativity, and belief in what Sonify could achieve has truly paid off. What’s even more exciting is seeing Sonify already in use on a diverse range of real-world projects, bringing dynamic, design-led acoustic solutions to life. This award is more than a celebration; it’s a validation of our vision and a powerful motivator as we continue to support architects and designers across the UK and beyond in rethinking what ceilings can do.”” The international jury, composed of 131 independent design experts from across the globe, praised Sonify’s blend of technical sophistication, user-focused design, and architectural versatility. The award reinforces Zentia’s position at the forefront of ceiling innovation and celebrates its ongoing commitment to elevating interior environments through smart, sustainable solutions. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Saint-Gobain Weber and REGUPOL in partnership with CMS Danskin Acoustics have collaborated to develop, test and launch a suite of new impact sound insulation floor systems designed to reduce sound transmission. The new ‘weberfloor acoustic systems’ can be used to meet challenging acoustics targets across both new construction and refurbishment projects, including residential, healthcare, commercial and leisure schemes. Aimed at making acoustic floor system specification more straightforward for architects, acousticians, contractors and installers who are designing and delivering developments where controlling impact sound is required or desired, the new weberfloor acoustic systems work with most floor finishes, such as LVT, sheet vinyl, laminate, timber, ceramic tiles and carpet. The collaboration draws together Weber’s flooring screed expertise developed over more than 40 years, REGUPOL’s cutting-edge acoustic product technology and the strengths of leading acoustic insulation supplier CMS Danskin Acoustics. The capabilities of the three respected brands have been combined to offer the construction market this new, wide range of fully tested acoustic flooring options. Fully tested for compatibility, the weberfloor acoustic systems unite Weber screeds and smoothing/levelling compounds with REGUPOL impact sound insulating membranes for both under screed and over screed applications to reduce noise transmission. Each component of the system is equally important in achieving the specified acoustic performance. Acoustic under screed and over screed system product selectors are clearly outlined in Weber’s new Acoustic Flooring Solutions brochure, which can be downloaded at https://www.uk.weber/weberfloor-acoustic-systems. The systems are also shown on CMS Danskin Acoustics’ website at https://www.cmsdanskin.co.uk/weber/ . Product specific technical data sheets are available from Weber and from CMS Danskin Acoustics. “In today’s construction landscape, where noise pollution is a concern, the need for effective sound insulation is critical. This is where weberfloor acoustic systems will come into play by offering solutions designed to improve the acoustic quality of spaces,” says Ian Dennis, Weber’s National Flooring Manager. “With three market leaders at the heart of these new acoustic systems, this is a significant development,” explains UK REGUPOL consultant Jamie Symons. “The market can be assured of the compatibility and integrity of the weberfloor acoustic systems, making product selection much simpler.” Andy Hayes, technical manager at CMS Danskin Acoustics and Associate Member of the IoA, adds, “The extensive development and testing work at the foundation of these systems means that, when specifying the weberfloor acoustic systems, the market can be confident in achieving both effective acoustic performance and excellent loading performance with minimal construction height.” The weberfloor acoustic systems are supported by a fully trained team of specification and technical managers who can guide clients throughout their specification and installation journey. Training, including CPD modules for architects and installers, will be announced shortly. https://www.uk.weber/weberfloor-acoustic-systems Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
UK designers and manufacturers of lighting equipment, P&A Projects, have completed a successful commercial project at the Express Building in Manchester. The Express Building is renowned for being the original Daily Express newspaper offices in Manchester. This Grade II listed building was designed by engineer Sir Owen Williams in 1939, and features a futuristic, space-age design with curved surfaces and glass finishes. Today the building is used as a modern workspace in a vibrant neighbourhood in Manchester. The Express Building is home to a visitor reception, cafe, and business lounge, while the top fifth and sixth floors provide access to a dedicated terrace area with striking views across the city centre. P&A Projects were appointed to the project by electrical contractor CSK Electrical to supply lighting features throughout the offices and meeting rooms. The brief was to provide a custom, alternative solution to the specified globe pendant luminaires and design a solution for the canopy luminaire. Due to its glass fronted design, the expansive floors are flooded with natural light and the new lighting scheme makes the most of this, by accompanying it with a layered scheme featuring meticulously selected luminaires. P&A Projects supplied 60 400mm Dia Globe luminaires with a bespoke decorative top cap, two 900mm Dia POLO pendant luminaires, a bespoke Art Deco exterior canopy luminaire, and various Subspace 70 linear luminaires varying from 1197mm to 3344mm in length. POLO and Globe are spherical suspended architectural luminaires, which draw the eye to their dynamic design, while the Subspace fixtures provide each area with comfortable general lighting. Philip Ascroft, Managing Director at P&A Projects said: “We were thrilled to work on this innovative project, demonstrating how our bespoke lighting solutions can transform a space to meet the unique vision of the client. The Express building is a renowned architectural feature in Manchester and we were honoured to provide a custom lighting scheme that reflects this.” Project credits: Electrical Contractor – CSK Electrical Lighting Partner: – Palace Lamps Company Photography: Mike Dinsdale Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
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
