Orega, the flexible workspace provider is expanding its high spec flexible workspace at The Capitol Building, 431 Union Street, Aberdeen AB11. Orega originally signed a Management Agreement with landlords M&G Real Estate for 10,000 sq feet but given its success in filling this space, it has now embarked on a
A Yorkshire based commercial interiors specialist, with a strong market presence in the North of England, has been acquired in a management buyout by six members of its senior team. Ultimate (Commercial Interiors) Ltd specialises in fit-out, furniture, design and consultancy, with a particular focus on office spaces and hotels.
International property and construction consultancy Gleeds has recently completed the transformation of its Manchester office. The project was undertaken by workplace consultancy and interior fit-out specialists, Blueprint interiors and will allow the business to remain in its city centre location. Situated at Abbey House on Mosely Street, Gleeds opted for renovation as
Fit-out and refurbishment specialist contractor, Willmott Dixon Interiors has been chosen to lead the refurbishment of the Grade II listed Sanctuary Buildings in London. The Department for Education (DfE) has appointed the contractor to deliver the phased CAT B fit out of 12,850m2 across floors of the property in Victoria.
When Designer Contracts was asked to develop two very different show home interiors for a new development within striking distance of Edinburgh airport, the team passed the challenge with flying colours. The Barratt Homes development at West Craigs in eastern Scotland involved creating two unique show house schemes marketed toward
New leadership team will spearhead company’s core ‘Build’ service Design, fit-out and refurbishment specialist Paramount has strengthened its position in the property sector by adding construction to its set of core services. In a move that “signals the start of an exciting new era”, commercial and residential construction activity will
Every April 22nd, stakeholders of all backgrounds come together to advance sustainability and climate action in commemoration of Earth Day. The construction sector is unfortunately one of the largest contributors to waste and is responsible for nearly 40% of global carbon emissions, making sustainability a high priority for the industry.
Leading construction and fit-out company Gilbert-Ash has been appointed main contractor for a £26million redevelopment at Barnfield College in Luton, part of the West Herts College Group. The works, which are due to begin in late May, will mark the second phase of a major project to transform the existing
Bespoke interiors and fitout company Konstruct has completed works on the striking new flagship store for contemporary fashion label RIXO on London’s King’s Road. The 5,000 square foot store opened its doors this week to unveil a stunning, vibrant interior with features including a coffee kiosk, cocktail bar and
When Designer Contracts, the UK’s largest flooring contractor, embarked on a project which is helping transform a former Liverpool children’s home into a bustling urban village, supply issues threatened to de-rail the tight deadline for fitting hundreds of square metres of carpet tiles and safety flooring. But thanks to a
Orega, the flexible workspace provider is expanding its high spec flexible workspace at The Capitol Building, 431 Union Street, Aberdeen AB11. Orega originally signed a Management Agreement with landlords M&G Real Estate for 10,000 sq feet but given its success in filling this space, it has now embarked on a second phase, taking a further 5,000 sq ft which has now been launched. The flexible workspace has been newly refurbished to provide a total of 276 workstations on the first and fourth floors of the building for companies between 1 and 100+ employees. The Capitol Building is home to high end office space located in a city centre location with an attractive Art Deco grand entrance and reception area. There are breathtaking citywide views. It is near to the shops, hotels, and restaurants of Central Aberdeen and only a 10-minute walk from Aberdeen Railway station and 20 minutes from Aberdeen Airport. Funded by M&G Real Estate, the former theatre hall was comprehensively refurbished and extended in 2016 by Knight Real Estate and was subsequently recognised as City Regeneration Project of the Year in 2018 by the Scottish Property Awards, celebrating the positive impact on the city. It also won the British Council of Offices best commercial workspace in Scotland award in 2017. The listed façade and 1920s entrance halls were retained and incorporated into the new building, which has been awarded a BREEAM ‘Very Good’ rating for its exceptional green credentials. These include an automatic building management system for energy efficiency control and the provision of internal bike racks and changing facilities to encourage green commuting. Orega’s new workspace is designed to be a modern, flexible base catering for Aberdeen’s oil, professional and financial businesses, offering: • Design-led space focusing on hospitality. • A wide choice of different working zones • A large meeting room suite • More space per person than the industry norm • On-site shower and changing facilities. • Unlimited barista-quality coffee • Secure bike parking • Carparking It is the third flexible workspace for Orega in Scotland, where the company also offers space in George Street and Vincent Street in Glasgow. The company now offers flex space from 23 locations across the UK and is the UK’s leading provider of flexible workspace under Management Agreements (as opposed to leases). Lynsey O’Keefe Chief Operating Officer at Orega, commented: “Orega already had a strong presence in Aberdeen; we opened Phase 1 of The Capitol Building 100% occupied and this has led to us taking additional space. We are attracting much interest from a wide range of businesses who are increasingly looking for a flexible way to occupy very high-quality space that is also value for money, in support of the return to the office to work. This is a trend which shows no sign of abating in Scotland, as in the rest of the UK. John Duxbury, Head of UK Portfolio Asset Management at M&G Real Estate, added: “Through our refurbishment of The Capitol Building we have created much-needed Grade A, sustainability-led office space in Aberdeen that has led to new leases with Orega and Ryden in recent months. Our work at The Capitol Building continues our strategy of developing assets of scale in prime locations where we are able to enhance the built environment by delivering buildings with best-in-class ESG credentials that attract leading occupiers, enabling us the potential to deliver compelling returns for our investors.” M&G Real Estate is part of M&G plc’s £76.6 billion private assets and alternatives division*. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A Yorkshire based commercial interiors specialist, with a strong market presence in the North of England, has been acquired in a management buyout by six members of its senior team. Ultimate (Commercial Interiors) Ltd specialises in fit-out, furniture, design and consultancy, with a particular focus on office spaces and hotels. The company is headquartered in Cross Hills near Skipton, where it has a vast 16,000 sq ft workplace experience showroom, known as ‘The Hive’. This unique and vibrant facility, which opened in 2020, is one of the largest resources of its kind in the UK. The MBO team comprises of long-standing co-owner Dan Platt who now takes up the role of CEO, along with Vici Plunkett as finance director, Steve Broadbent as pre-construction director, Steve Cowley as director, Bobby Murriero as contracts director and Paul Alexander as sales and brand director. The team have taken over the running of the company from Mark Hickey and Mark Naisbitt who founded Ultimate in 2002 and who are now stepping down. However, the pair will maintain a minority shareholding in the business. In addition to its Yorkshire headquarters and showroom, Ultimate has offices in Manchester, Liverpool and Newcastle, and employs more than 40 people, as well as working with dozens of consultants, specialist contractors and a wide-spanning supply chain. The buyers were advised by Susan Clark and Steven Silver, from the Leeds office of Yorkshire law firm, LCF Law and KM Business Advisory provided accountancy and financial advice. The sellers were advised by Christian Hunt and Nick Thackray from Bevan Brittan and Victoria Court Private Clients. In addition, Claritas Tax provided specialist tax advice to both parties and Paul Dolyniuk, of SME Capital, provided the funding facility. In its latest financial year, Ultimate grew turnover by 15% to more than £23million and plans to grow its pre-construction and delivery teams further this year. In addition, the firm is currently looking to recruit a new estimator and contracts manager. Dan Platt, who joined Ultimate in 2007 as joint owner and director, said: “For the past 21 years Mark and Mark have worked hard to build a resilient and formidable business, which is highly respected in the market by clients, suppliers and competitors alike. During that time, Ultimate has enjoyed steady, progressive growth and has earned vast amounts of trust with clients, which means we enjoy a high volume of repeat business and recommendation and have lots of clients that have been with us since day one. “In recent years we’ve all worked extremely hard to take the business to the next level. Our state-of-the-art showroom is a must visit for any business looking to relocate or refurbish their premises. The Hive’s launch has also coincided with lots of businesses remodelling and investing in their premises following the pandemic. Their desire to create attractive and productive workspaces, where people want to work, is exactly why they come in.” Dan added: “This MBO comes on the back of another record year, we’re currently working on a wide range of exciting projects throughout the UK, ranging from single office units to 20,000 sq ft schemes. All this combines to make it a very exciting time for the Ultimate team, our clients, and our supply chain.” Susan Clark, partner at LCF Law, added: “Ultimate is an ambitious business and a leading player in the commercial interiors market, with a vast portfolio of innovative and impressive projects throughout the UK. “Crucially the previous owners had focussed on creating an experienced and accomplished management team who were ideally placed to take the business over when the time was right. It’s been a pleasure to guide Dan and his fellow directors through this MBO and we look forward to seeing them continuing to build on Ultimate’s name and superb reputation.” SME Capital regional director, Paul Dolyniuk, added: “We are delighted to have supported Dan and the very impressive senior management team at Ultimate with their MBO. This is a long-standing, high-quality business with a loyal customer base underpinning the quality of its service proposition. We’ve spent a good deal of time with the team and are thrilled to be backing the next stage of their growth journey.” Ultimate has a large and impressive customer portfolio that includes lots of well recognised brands. They have completed many projects for clients such as Quorn, Bettys & Taylors Group, BET365, Stoke Football Club, Spa Medica, Savills, PepsiCo, Skipton Building Society, National Trust, Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet, CEG, the NHS and Arup. Ultimate has also delivered thousands of hotel bedrooms, alongside communal and front of house areas, for leading hotel groups such as Holiday Inn, Mercure and Marriot, as well as numerous independent establishments. This year Ultimate was awarded the ‘Platinum Partner’ certificate of excellence from global office furniture giant Steelcase. You can find out more about Ultimate and the team at www.ultimategroup.uk.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
International property and construction consultancy Gleeds has recently completed the transformation of its Manchester office. The project was undertaken by workplace consultancy and interior fit-out specialists, Blueprint interiors and will allow the business to remain in its city centre location. Situated at Abbey House on Mosely Street, Gleeds opted for renovation as opposed to relocation in order to retain its connectivity, giving its 80-strong staff more options to walk, cycle, or use public transport to get to work. The refurbishment forms part of a wider strategy to create a unified yet unique style for all Gleeds UK sites, delivering offices that reflect regional cultures and traditions. The new layout incorporates a relaxed, welcoming area for visitors, collaboration and break out spaces, relaxation zones, and a workplace café to promote healthy eating and wellbeing. Versatile desk, seating, and meeting room arrangements with access to the latest high specification video conferencing and digital technology enable collaboration on a global basis. Brian McArdle, director at Gleeds said, “Blueprint Interiors has helped us to create a showcase office in Manchester. We now have a sustainable, fit for purpose space that has boosted morale and increased levels of employee engagement, making embracing hybrid working easier for all. By embedding more technology, we’re also enabling teams to collaborate more effectively across the UK and on international projects. This renovation has set a new corporate benchmark that will attract professionals to join us, impress our clients and be enjoyed by our employees.” Andy Sawyer, project director from Blueprint Interiors added, “The design principles were driven by a desire to provide a more open plan hybrid work environment that reflects the way people prefer to work has significantly changed. The office has also been designed to embrace the Gleeds vision and values in all areas to create an office space that inspires people to be happy and motivated to deliver their best work.” Blueprint Interiors has been working with senior leaders at Gleeds UK to achieve a unified yet unique style nationwide, starting with offices in Bristol and Manchester. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Fit-out and refurbishment specialist contractor, Willmott Dixon Interiors has been chosen to lead the refurbishment of the Grade II listed Sanctuary Buildings in London. The Department for Education (DfE) has appointed the contractor to deliver the phased CAT B fit out of 12,850m2 across floors of the property in Victoria. The project has been designed to create a more modern, sustainable and streamlined office environment, which reflects the Department’s adoption of hybrid working practices. Willmott Dixon Interiors will deliver collaborative and open plan workspaces, including hot desking facilities and staff breakout areas, as well as new meeting rooms with state-of-the-art conferencing technology. The design is characterised by its focus on diversity and inclusion, with features that directly cater for those with sensory, cognitive, physical or developmental needs. They include the availability of sensory spaces, improved lighting and acoustic properties and a muted colour palette. Existing plant facilities will be upgraded as part of DfE’s decarbonisation agenda, while the infrastructure will be put in place to support the future use of photovoltaic solar panelling. Works will be carried out in a live environment, with staff decanted to alternative floors during separate phases of the project. The project is expected to be completed by autumn 2024. Graham Shaw, managing director at Willmott Dixon Interiors, said: “This important project will allow the DfE to facilitate hybrid working and consolidate its existing footprint within the Sanctuary Buildings. We’ll be refurbishing the building to modern standards and future proofing its plant facilities, to deliver a sustainable workplace environment that promotes wellbeing and inclusivity. It is the second significant project we have been appointed to deliver on behalf of the customer and we’ll be working in close collaboration to ensure everything is completed on time and with minimal disruption to occupants.” The contract was awarded to Willmott Dixon Interiors via the Southern Construction Framework. The project team includes Arcadis, which is delivering principal design, project management and cost consultancy services. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
When Designer Contracts was asked to develop two very different show home interiors for a new development within striking distance of Edinburgh airport, the team passed the challenge with flying colours. The Barratt Homes development at West Craigs in eastern Scotland involved creating two unique show house schemes marketed toward first and second time ‘move up’ buyers, for its four bedroomed show homes – The Crombie and The Campbell. The Crombie house type is aimed at a second move up family with two older children (a teenage child and a child at university). They love the outdoors, have a dog and the father is a keen golfer. The Campbell is aimed at a first move up family with much younger children – toddler twins and another young child. Said Abbie Lockett, design sales manager for Designer Contracts: “The brief was both challenging but very exciting and gave us an opportunity to incorporate some local touches and develop a sustainability story. We did some real out-of-the-box thinking to come up with two very different stories for house types with a similar footprint.” For The Crombie, a four-bed home with separate study, the chosen colour scheme was ochre, tan and creams with darker woods and gold finishes. The lounge has a neutral base with pops of rich colour in the soft furnishings. The design team also worked alongside an artist to create abstracts of Edinburgh which are showcased above the cream sofa. The second bedroom was themed towards a young girl who plays football for the local team and so features a wraparound football net headboard on the four-poster bed. The oldest child is studying engineering at Edinburgh university which inspired the team to incorporate a nod to structural form and the environment within the design which includes a wallpaper mural of the Forth Bridge, a popular local attraction. Said Abbie: “We worked with our suppliers to source sustainable, recyclable fabrics and used these for the cushions on the bed. Barratt Homes installed a small monitor screen to the desk wall which streams a video showing their Zed House. This is the first Zero Carbon Home built by a major housebuilder that goes substantially beyond the future home’s standard.”
New leadership team will spearhead company’s core ‘Build’ service Design, fit-out and refurbishment specialist Paramount has strengthened its position in the property sector by adding construction to its set of core services. In a move that “signals the start of an exciting new era”, commercial and residential construction activity will propel Paramount towards the £40-million turnover mark. To drive forward the new ‘Build’ offering, which heralds a new phase in Paramount’s exceptional growth, the company’s leadership team has been boosted by key appointments. Paramount’s board of directors has been bolstered with Paul Thomas in a new post as Construction Director and in conjunction with Commercial Director Dimitri Tsakiris will focus on ‘Build’. Paul Jones has moved into the newly-formed post of Projects Director, to support the ‘Build’ expansion, in addition to ongoing fit-out and refurbishment works carried out by Paramount. They now form part of a senior leadership team alongside Richard Jones, Helen Bartlett and Kevin Mashford. Richard Jones, Paramount Chief Executive Officer, said: “Our move into construction signals the start of an exciting new era for Paramount, as we pursue ambitious aspirations for our dynamic company. “After focusing on high-quality interiors comprising fit-out and refurbishment for more than 30 years, encouraged by our clients, Paramount is broadening horizons with a comprehensive construction service which represents natural progression for our company. “I’m proud of the enviable reputation Paramount has earned across the property market thanks to our brilliant leadership team and in-house expertise that will ensure we strengthen our position at the forefront of the construction sector, based on our commitment to quality and professionalism.” As part of the Cardiff-headquartered company’s new service, Paramount has underlined its ambitions by winning two major contracts, commencing construction work on a £18-million contract on the Tene Living project in Salford, Greater Manchester, and a £3-million social housing scheme in the South Wales town of Porthcawl. The Manchester project is in the middle of a total redevelopment, with Paramount converting former offices into 151 high-end luxury apartments, complete with communal roof terrace, BBQ area and plans for an outdoor cinema, expected to be completed this autumn. The Porthcawl project in mid-Glamorgan, which is expected to be complete in summer 2024, will create 20 EPC ‘A’ flats, with an emphasis placed on energy-efficiency with solar PV, EV charging points and will not contain gas. Paul Thomas, Paramount Construction Director, said: “Our leadership team has the ideal blend of experience and expertise to successfully expand our core offering and place the company on a higher growth trajectory. “That experience and expertise across the company will provide us with the versatility to undertake diverse projects, from complex refurbishments and regeneration schemes to new-build developments, which will see Paramount go from strength to strength.” Dimitri Tsakiris, Paramount Commercial Director (Construction), added: “We have hit the ground running in South Wales and Greater Manchester and all our build projects will be planned with precision, managed tightly and ultimately delivered in partnership with our clients. “We approach every project with the same openness and transparency that has been the cornerstone of Paramount’s success, aiming from day one to establish a collaborative relationship with clients and partners to deliver buildings that not only meet expectations but exceed them.” Paramount, whose turnover currently stands at £38.5 million, employs 61 people who still own a majority shareholding of the business – 51 per cent – following completion of an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) scheme, in May 2021, a deal which marked a major milestone for Paramount after a period of sustained growth. The company is already well known across Wales and England where it has created high-quality inspirational space for a number of leading companies. These include former Wales and Real Madrid football star Gareth Bale’s Par 59 bars in Cardiff and Bristol, multi-million-pound redevelopment of Hodge House in Cardiff, refurbishment of the Development Bank of Wales HQ, transformation of the landmark 360 Bristol office complex and acclaimed office revamps in Bath for American software company SmartBear and financial services consultancy Altus.
Every April 22nd, stakeholders of all backgrounds come together to advance sustainability and climate action in commemoration of Earth Day. The construction sector is unfortunately one of the largest contributors to waste and is responsible for nearly 40% of global carbon emissions, making sustainability a high priority for the industry. Fit-out and refurbishment contractor Pexhurst reflects on the importance of proactive sustainability across the built environment and discusses the benefits of being Planet Mark certified with Steve Malkin, CEO and Founder of Planet Mark and Giuseppe Lo Bue, Buyer at Pexhurst. As a provider of professional fit-out and refurbishment services to the industrial, commercial and specialist sectors, Pexhurst is dedicated to minimising the environmental impact of its business operations, reducing waste and investing in green technologies. One way Pexhurst does this is through its association with sustainability certification Planet Mark. CEO and Founder Steve Malkin began Planet Mark as a truly effective people-driven sustainability certification for any organisation of any size in any sector, anywhere in the world. As of March 2023, Planet Mark works with circa 700 different organisations across a broad spectrum of industries. Planet Mark is an internationally recognised sustainability certification which recognises continuous progress, encourages action, and builds an empowered community of like-minded individuals who make a world of difference. In 2023, Planet Mark is proud to be celebrating its 10-year anniversary of helping organisations cut carbon year-on-year and have a positive impact on society for current and future generations. Commenting, Steve Malkin said, “The next 7 years, as we edge towards the Paris Agreement’s checkpoint of 2030, are pivotal to the success of a more sustainable future. Organisations like Planet Mark, who certify not just on measurement but on continuous improvement, are integral in the drive towards a net zero society. At Planet Mark, we often say – ‘You can’t manage what you don’t measure.’” The theme for Earth Day 2023 is ‘Invest in our Planet’. Planet Mark encourages businesses to begin assessing their carbon footprints as a first step to investing in the planet. Holders of Planet Mark Certification deliver results that go beyond data compliance, reaching new levels of sustainability and engaging their people in the process. Steve Malkin reflected, “We’ve seen that smart, forward-planning companies are discovering that it is no longer a choice between going green and growing long-term profits. They are inextricably linked. Collectively, organisations like Pexhurst are helping to shape a brighter future for our planet and society. Regardless of size or sector, businesses are at the heart of our transition to a more sustainable future. Transformational change, however, won’t happen until we all work together to invest in our planet.” He continued, “This Earth Day we are calling on every organisation to do one thing: cut your carbon emissions so you can invest in both the planet and your business. Not only will you be saving money, your people will also enjoy the challenge and you’ll be joining millions around the world who are tackling climate change.” How Pexhurst are going the extra mile for the planet After compiling all their data for the specific reporting period, Pexhurst proudly received their certification in October 2022, and continues to report their social and carbon data. Giuseppe Lo Bue, Buyer at Pexhurst, discusses the significance of his role as Planet Mark champion at Pexhurst. What does your role as Planet Mark Champion entail? “My role as Pexhurst’s Planet Mark Champion is to report our carbon and social data. This is vital as it gives us a starting point every year on how we can further reduce our carbon footprint. With help and suggestions from Planet Mark, we are achieving this. I collate Pexhurst’s data every year using documentation such as utility bills, fleet, and waste and submit this to Planet Mark. Planet Mark then assesses this information and certifies us for another year if we have achieved the standards. Another part of this role is continually finding ways to reduce our carbon footprint.” Why was Pexhurst inspired to gain its Planet Mark certification? “When you see a company with this certification it shows that they are committed to reducing their carbon footprint. Pexhurst is a sustainable and forward-thinking business, making this an important accreditation for us to achieve. We want to demonstrate to all of our existing and potential clients that we are committed to the betterment of our planet.” What initiatives does Pexhurst practise to create a more sustainable and equitable world? “As well as environmental impact, the social value side of sustainability is important to Pexhurst. Therefore, we believe measuring our positive influence on the economy, communities and society is imperative. We have apprenticeship schemes here at Pexhurst to encourage future generations to join the industry, where they can gain great experience and develop professionally and personally. Along with the apprenticeship schemes, we fundraised in excess of £16,000 for various charities last year which was a great achievement to all those involved!” In summary, why does sustainability matter to Pexhurst? “From energy usage to emissions, the construction industry is having a big impact on the environment. This is why it’s important, as a company, to do our bit to improve the quality of our lives, our children’s lives and the lives of future generations. By doing what we can, we will be contributing to a better world. Our ambition is to reduce our carbon footprint by 5% this year, and to be Net Zero by 2030.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading construction and fit-out company Gilbert-Ash has been appointed main contractor for a £26million redevelopment at Barnfield College in Luton, part of the West Herts College Group. The works, which are due to begin in late May, will mark the second phase of a major project to transform the existing Barnfield College into one campus, with scope for future growth. Gilbert-Ash’s contract includes the design and build of a four-storey concrete frame specialist teaching block, providing teaching spaces, staff spaces and break-out areas. In addition, the project will include landscaping, car parking and external walkways. The new building will provide state-of-the-art facilities for the College’s construction and engineering students. It is also set to create employment opportunities with student numbers expected to rise significantly as a result of the new campus. Gilbert-Ash Managing Director, Ray Hutchinson said the company was delighted to be working on a project which will deliver a stand-out teaching resource for Barnfield College for generations to come. He said: “Gilbert-Ash has a reputation for delivering world class teaching facilities with a growing portfolio of excellent projects in the education sector. “We view projects like this as not only delivering new buildings but instead creating opportunities for young people to receive the best training so they can build rewarding careers through securing high value jobs. “It is also particularly pleasing that the new Barnfield College campus will cater for the next generation joining the construction and engineering industries. At Gilbert-Ash we are committed to attracting people into our industry and one way we can do this is by constructing buildings which help inspire them.” Gilbert-Ash has a unique approach to construction, fit-out and refurbishment based on the belief that great buildings come about through hard work, inspired innovation and genuine collaboration. Sustainability is a key focus for Gilbert-Ash with a number of initiatives underway to help the company to drive down its carbon footprint. To find out more about Gilbert-Ash visit www.gilbert-ash.com.
Bespoke interiors and fitout company Konstruct has completed works on the striking new flagship store for contemporary fashion label RIXO on London’s King’s Road. The 5,000 square foot store opened its doors this week to unveil a stunning, vibrant interior with features including a coffee kiosk, cocktail bar and bridal suite, alongside RIXO’s full range of ready-to-wear, bridal and accessories. The brand has existing standalone stores on King’s Road, Marylebone and Carnaby Street. Delivered in partnership with Gemma McCloskey of CÚPLA Studio, Konstruct oversaw the design, construction and fit-out of the RIXO project, completed within just six months. RIXO has made a bold mark in the fashion industry since its establishment in 2015. Owned by Henrietta Rix and Orlagh McCloskey, the brand’s signature hand-painted prints and exquisite dresses have taken the contemporary fashion scene by storm across the globe. The team at RIXO appointed Konstruct to lead on the development of the King’s Road store due to their expertise and experience in high quality commercial fitouts as well as their excellence in interior design. Led by partners Martin Kernan and Columb Gribbin, Konstruct originated in County Armagh, with bases in London and Dundalk, County Louth. The company has grown significantly since its inception five years ago, driven by notable projects within its commercial, hospitality and luxury residential portfolio across the UK and Ireland. Speaking about this latest project completion, Managing Director of Konstruct Martin Kernan said: “It has been an absolute pleasure to work with RIXO on the creation of their incredible new flagship store on King’s Road. “Henrietta and Orlagh had a clear vision for the store, which sought to really capture the essence of the RIXO brand. From day one we were focused on creating a fun, versatile, colourful space to be in with standout features such as the flooring made using leftover marble – and with additions like the bar and coffee shop, RIXO have really enhanced the customer experience. “Working with Gemma from CÚPLA Studio has been an enjoyable and effective creative partnership, resulting in a real synergy between visual design and fitout. This has been a relatively short project in terms of timeframe so our whole team has worked incredibly hard to ensure the store was perfect for its first visitors to step into this spring. “We’re very proud to have been part of that and we congratulate Henrietta, Orlagh and everyone at RIXO on this significant milestone for the business.” Henrietta Rix, Co-Founder of RIXO said: “Seeing our flagship store on King’s Road be brought to life and now open its doors has been a joy. This store has been part of our plan from the beginning. We wanted to create a beautiful space that reflects the RIXO style and also encourages our customers to relax and spend time with us. Konstruct were the perfect partners to turn that into reality. “Working closely with Orlagh’s twin sister Gemma, Konstruct were able to create a store that is welcoming, playful, inviting – and the perfect backdrop to explore our collection. This opening marks a very important chapter in the RIXO story.”Amongst several major residential projects, Konstruct is now working on the development of a premium orangery venue in the Cotswolds and a high-end restaurant fitout in London. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
When Designer Contracts, the UK’s largest flooring contractor, embarked on a project which is helping transform a former Liverpool children’s home into a bustling urban village, supply issues threatened to de-rail the tight deadline for fitting hundreds of square metres of carpet tiles and safety flooring. But thanks to a lot of chasing, some lucky deliveries and a dedicated team of just two floor layers, the entire project – which included screeding of the ground floor tile areas and fitting 96 stair nosings – was completed in two-and-a-half weeks and came in bang on deadline. From initial inspection to final sign off, the project at the former Fazakerley Cottage Homes, built in 1888, took Designer Contracts around five months after being commissioned to undertake the work by building contractor, Next Big Thing. The work was carried out between October 31, 2022, and November 18 2022 Now known as The Clocktower offices, it is part of a wider redevelopment scheme by Urban Splash to bring new life to an old site, transforming the historic building into one fit for commercial use. Luke Ryan, Designer Contract’s project manager for the installation said: “This was a great project to be part of and involved laying some 1300sqm of carpet tiles and 125sqm of safety flooring. During the fitting stage of the project we discussed changing the original plan of fitting carpet tiles throughout the ground floor communal corridor and decided to leave some of the original floorboards exposed. Keeping some of the authentic character of the building really enhanced the finished look. “To meet the brief we installed Select Carpet Tiles (Anthracite) in a linear pattern to three floors and Altro Wood Safety (Walkway – Manor Oak) in wet areas and kitchens. The site manager made this extremely easy to plan with constant communication of where the renovation was and was going to be at certain points. “We were also in constant touch with the guy running the site about the subfloors to ensure a perfect finish. “Hitting deadline dates at a time of stock issues was the main challenge but with a little luck and a lot of persistence we got there – and the client is extremely pleased with the finished result.” Said John Grugel of Next Big Thing Developments: “The fitting team did a great job on the Grade 2 listed building at The Clocktower. The two-man team fitting the carpets and vinyl throughout the office, toilet and kitchen areas were very efficient and the quality of work was to a good standard.” AddedMiles Pearson,co-owner of Jordan Street Studios at the Clocktower Park Offices: “The Clock Tower building is the centre piece of this 1890 listed estate and required both good design solutions and the highest quality of work along with a high level of durability. We have worked with Designer Contracts on this and other commercial schemes and have always found their product specification and installation to be of the highest quality. Both ourselves as developers and our tenants are extremely happy with the results and we look forward to working with them again on our future developments. I would have no hesitation recommending them and the completion photos demonstrate the high-end finish we were looking for.” From a development that once consisted of 24 cottages that were used as homes for children, The Clocktower now houses the NHS, Liverpool City Council, Fazakerley Special Needs and a private nursery the Clocktower. Redevelopment at the site is ongoing. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
