Over the past 12 months, there has been an increase in searches for colourful kitchens, with ‘black kitchens’ leading on a 128% increase and ‘green kitchens’ following close behind at 126%. Although a colourful kitchen can be beautiful, there are many things to consider to ensure you get it right,
Providing for the demand for industrial-chic office interiors, F. Ball and Co. Ltd.’s Stopgap 800 Wearcoat has helped to create a stripped-back warehouse feel with a visually striking floor finish in a unique London workspace. A self-levelling floor compound for upgrading and renovating new and existing internal floors in light
WorkSpace secures initial project pipeline of £12.7m across fit-out, build and facilities management. Up to 20 new full-time permanent jobs expected to be created. One of the UK and Ireland’s leading and longest established construction companies has launched a new, dedicated, fit-out led division in response to market opportunities throughout the UK
Prospective homebuyers house hunting and homeowners looking to optimise living spaces can look to top reasons from property experts as to why the kitchen should be a top consideration, as the heart of every home. It is fair to say that every house would be incomplete without the presence of
Located high up above the river, lies a spacious and inviting penthouse apartment that overlooks an entire city – beautifully embellished with bold, striking interiors that encompass modern city living. The Waterside Penthouse, part of The Waterside Apartments development in West Bridgford enjoys expansive views of the tranquil River Trent,
Brock Carmichael has worked with C. Gars Ltd. for over six years as it expanded operations across the UK to now six locations. Its latest location is in the heart of London offering one of the World’s best selection of luxury cigars and spirits to a discerning clientele. Situated within
Junction 32 Yorkshire Outlet Shopping has partnered with Castleford’s Siobhan Murphy, finalist in the BBC’s Interior Design Masters, to create a unique pop-up window display at its centre. ‘The Junction 32 Edit by Siobhan Murphy’ will see the flamboyant star of Interior Design Masters designing a pop-up display in a
Shared spaces have the power to transform homes and workplaces in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic. With property prices rising and chronic loneliness affecting people of all ages, the demand for collective living was already growing. Throw social distancing and remote working into the mix, and it’s no surprise
Net Zero Carbon and BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating obtained Hollis has worked with SEGRO to deliver the industrial and warehouse developers’ most sustainable refurbishment projects at Park Royal, London, with both achieving Net Zero Carbon and Excellent BREEAM ratings. Introducing best in class sustainable measures into the Park Royal site, we
Willmott Dixon Interiors has begun work on a £200,000 project to deliver a new suite within the state-of-the-art Innovation Studio at Arts University Bournemouth (AUB). The national fit-out and refurbishment specialist contractor will refurbish an existing administrative space at AUB to create a c.3,000 sq ft Innovation Suite that will
Over the past 12 months, there has been an increase in searches for colourful kitchens, with ‘black kitchens’ leading on a 128% increase and ‘green kitchens’ following close behind at 126%. Although a colourful kitchen can be beautiful, there are many things to consider to ensure you get it right, and one of the most important is colour psychology. According to the Theory of Colour Psychology and Colour Harmony, colour psychology is important because different colours can have a significant impact on human behaviour. By having an appreciation of the psychological influence of various colours, you can begin to style your kitchen around particular moods and mindsets. Wren Kitchens have taken a look at what emotions different colours can evoke, the right colours to choose in your kitchen, and what to avoid at all costs! How to pick the right colour Give your kitchen cool class, with shades of black styled to offer a sense of sophistication and glamour, while contrasting whites can be used to enhance feelings of simplicity, stability, and clarity, perfect for family time. When colouring your kitchen, monochromatic blacks and whites can be combined effectively to offer complementary contrast, and a dynamic cooking and socialising environment. Additionally, the kitchen is all about experiencing an eruption of senses, whether it be the gorgeous smell of bubbling food or the spectacular taste of your marvellous creations. With this in mind, consider injecting subtle elements of orange, with the bright colour associated with feelings of comfort, food, and fun. The different emotions When styling your space, it’s crucial to consider the entire emotional spectrum, and how different colours can influence certain moods: Calm serenity For total tranquillity, choose shades next to each other on the colour wheel. These are called harmonious. Specifically, blues and greens are great for bringing calmness, balance, and equilibrium to your space, while a threatening red is perhaps one to avoid. Positivity Yellow is considered the colour of confidence and self-esteem, and green is associated with fun and frivolity. Reddish hues can also be used to give you feelings of power and excitement. Love and romance You can make use of pink tints dotted throughout, to bring about feelings of warmth, love, and femininity. However, pink is, perhaps surprisingly, particularly potent, so make sure to use shades in moderation. Concentration In an era where remote working has become the norm, it’s increasingly important to have a space that complements your working life. To help build feelings of focus and concentration, combine soft blues, aimed at calming the mind, violets, proven to heighten awareness, and earthy browns styled towards seriousness and supportiveness. Colour mistakes to avoid at all costs Not considering colour hue – A colour is broken down into different tones, and warm and sharp hues stimulate vastly different feelings. It’s important to take this into account when styling your kitchen. Forgetting about lighting – Your room can look vastly different depending on whether you have overhead lighting, lamps, or natural light illuminating the space. Make sure you consider how lighting changes your kitchen when you’re deciding on your perfect colour. Over-using one colour – The main thing to avoid when decorating your home is over-using colour. This applies to dark, light, and pastel tones, as well as walls, furniture, and features. It is possible to have too much of a good thing, so don’t get blindsided by a colour you love. Combining too many colours in one space – Similarly, don’t fall into the trap of combining too many colours in one space. This can be overwhelming and overstimulating. Blending too many moods can also negate the positive impact of colour; determine how you want a room to make you feel and stick to shades that elevate and enhance these emotions.
Providing for the demand for industrial-chic office interiors, F. Ball and Co. Ltd.’s Stopgap 800 Wearcoat has helped to create a stripped-back warehouse feel with a visually striking floor finish in a unique London workspace. A self-levelling floor compound for upgrading and renovating new and existing internal floors in light to heavy-duty applications, Stopgap 800 Wearcoat is designed to deliver a standalone wearing surface in industrial settings where floorcoverings are not required to be installed. It is also popular for domestic and commercial projects because of its eye-catching, natural appearance, and it has been used by contractors from M.D.A. Contracts Ltd. to create a hard-wearing floor in the reception, coffee bar and flexible work area at Expressway, a community of business suites underneath Silvertown Way flyover, adjacent to the Royal Docks. M.D.A. Contracts Ltd. Managing Director, Glenn Alexander, explains the choice: “The client’s brief was an easy-to-maintain, modern, concrete look that would stand the test of time. They’d originally requested a pumped screed, but due to height restrictions, we suggested Stopgap 800 Wearcoat instead as it’s trowel applied and it’s the only product out there that gives a polished concrete look.” Upon arrival, old carpet tiles and adhesive residues had already been removed, revealing a sound, and smooth concrete substrate. Dust and debris were then cleared, before a moisture test was carried out, the results of which showed relative humidity levels were below 75%. This allowed the contractors to proceed without the requirement of a waterproof surface membrane to prevent potential floor failure. The concrete subfloor was then primed with two dilute coats of F. Ball’s Stopgap P131 general purpose primer, which is designed to prevent the unacceptably rapid drying of subsequently applied Stopgap levelling compounds and promote their adhesion to the substrate. Following this, the application of Stopgap 800 Wearcoat commenced in the 130m2 space. Owing to the removal of internal walls to create a larger reception, the product had to be applied at varying depths between 5-8mm. A spiked roller was used to eliminate entrapped air and smooth out flow lines to give a more uniform surface appearance. After the levelling compound had cured, contractors returned to seal the floor for its protection and to enable easy cleaning and maintenance. Glenn Alexander added: “The client was over the moon with the final result. They had envisaged a standard, monotone floor, so they were surprised to see the character and depth of the colour and patterns — they fell in love with it. “We use only F. Ball products for several reasons, including the fact that they are guaranteed if there are any issues, and the support you get from their team – you’ve got a trusted manufacturer you know you can rely on.”
WorkSpace secures initial project pipeline of £12.7m across fit-out, build and facilities management. Up to 20 new full-time permanent jobs expected to be created. One of the UK and Ireland’s leading and longest established construction companies has launched a new, dedicated, fit-out led division in response to market opportunities throughout the UK and Ireland. WorkSpace, part of McLaughlin & Harvey, will offer clients a range of services spanning build, fit-out, facilities management, bespoke joinery, and commercial furniture under one brand. Richard Cheevers, McLaughlin & Harvey Director, said: “The company has built a strong reputation for delivering large scale construction and civil engineering schemes over many years, and recently the directors felt there was a need to create a dedicated division for projects outside the scope and scale of those traditionally associated with McLaughlin & Harvey. “WorkSpace provides a specialist option for what might be regarded as ‘smaller’ projects with a market-leading fit-out capability at its core, but also encompassing build, bespoke joinery, commercial furniture and hard facilities management services. We are delighted to have secured an order book of £12.7m across fit-out, build and facilities management which is a testament to the hard work of our team and the appetite for our offering. “McLaughlin & Harvey has a long-standing heritage stretching back to 1853 with some of the top talent in the industry. We believe WorkSpace can benefit from these undoubted assets to deliver a proposition that combines all of McLaughlin & Harvey’s traditional strengths with the freshness, energy and nimbleness of what effectively is a new enterprise aimed at enabling the company to deliver a full range of right-fit projects of all sizes.” It is expected the new division will create up to 20 new full-time permanent posts in year one, as well as opening up new opportunities for the company’s trusted supply chain. Richard Carron, who has been recruited as WorkSpace Head of Business Development, said: “Whilst our focus will be as a main contractor delivering build and fit-out projects, we believe there is a lot of potential for us to provide high quality integrated packages that also include bespoke joinery, commercial furniture, and aftercare. Our team has extensive experience delivering projects for prestige brands such as M&S, ITV News, NatWest and Charles Hurst Aston Martin and Bentley. We plan to extend our reach further in other key areas such as commercial, hospitality, leisure, education, heritage, and visitor centres.” Referring to the thinking behind the WorkSpace name Richard Carron added: “We wanted a name that would reflect our ability to work in any space; to bring great design concepts to life – whether it’s building, stripping-out, fitting-out, or providing after care.” WorkSpace and McLaughlin & Harvey recently completed a major project at Jewish Care in Stanmore. A unique interior feature of the project was the bespoke wall and ceiling panelling. Each panel manufactured in-house had a unique olive tree design which was CNC engraved and finished with a painted gold leaf. The division has also recently handed over an interior fit-out project at the highly acclaimed Seamus Heaney Homeplace Visitor Centre in Bellaghy, Northern Ireland. Its order book includes work on ITV’s Parliamentary Studios at Millbank, London; ongoing facilities management with M&S throughout the UK; a major FF&E project at a leading English University and a range of other Framework education schemes within Ireland and Scotland.
Prospective homebuyers house hunting and homeowners looking to optimise living spaces can look to top reasons from property experts as to why the kitchen should be a top consideration, as the heart of every home. It is fair to say that every house would be incomplete without the presence of a kitchen – it’s an area for family time, a hub for entertaining family and friends, and a space to unleash creativity; discovering new tastes through recipe making and dining. It’s where we refuel, scribble lists and notes, have conversations, and make memories during special occasions and milestones – and most importantly, the kitchen plays a significant role in connecting friends and families together, just through living. With many having spent the majority of their time indoors in the past year, the kitchen has taken spotlight as the new ‘social hub’ of the home, and it’s no wonder that post-pandemic, a newly renovated kitchen is estimated to add a value of £10,649 to a home, with kitchen extensions adding a further £11,514. James Hartley, director at North Sands Developments, said: “In the design and delivery of each of our properties, the kitchen is imperative and at the core of the home. As it is such a well-utilised space, it’s vital that it maximises ergonomic living and is a place where homebuyers want to be for multiple occasions throughout the day. This is a key consideration when choosing a kitchen in your new abode, or if you’re looking to design and upgrade the kitchen in your current home. “We’ve looked into the main reasons kitchens really are the heart of every home, to celebrate this central living space and provide insightful considerations for homeowners and potential new buyers.” Here are the top six reasons why a kitchen is at the heart of every home: It is beneficial for bonding Whether its discovering and creating new dishes together, or simply chatting over the table about the events of the day, the kitchen is a key setting for many aspects of living, and helps in strengthening relationships, whilst enabling family members to spend quality time together. Kitchens present a valuable opportunity to generate conversations, without the risk of interference from modern-day technology that’s in the lounge or other areas of the home; and dining time is an opportunity to refuel, whilst also having important discussions with those that you live with. Food is much more than a necessity Whilst food is a key function in everyday life, it is also a passion for many individuals. From maintaining a strict healthy eating diet to leading a vegan lifestyle, nowadays food has the ability to generate many intriguing conversations, whilst connecting individuals over shared mutual topics of interest. As food preparation takes place in the kitchen, it is a key location for the topic of cuisine to be discussed and trialled, whilst educating one another. It allows homeowners to showcase personality As the central point of the home, kitchens are a place to express personality aesthetically through interior design. Visitors can walk into a kitchen and capture the overall essence and taste of the homeowner, whilst dining and being entertained, so it’s an ideal space to put your stamp on and get creative. It provides an additional space for activities A kitchen is a largely interactive environment, so if the space is there for activities – kitchens can be great combined with a play area section, to keep an eye on the children. Why not introduce a reading corner or nook, workout space or office desk if you have the space and want to utilise it? It’s central in every daypart From grabbing a quick breakfast with family in the morning, to unwinding in the evenings with friends around the table of island over a bottle of the wine – a kitchens involvement in day-to-day life is constant, meaning it is a significant and functional area that is so much more than a space to simply prepare and consume food in. It is an evolving space Kitchens are an ever-evolving space, and with the introduction of open-plan living, we are seeing the traditional kitchen setup offer of an oven, hob, worktop and table, develop to include new tech aspects such as boiling water taps, high-spec coffee machines and wine fridges. The latest smart oven appliances, which include models by brands such as AEG, are tech savvy and can be linked to apps with cameras and temperature probes to ensure great cooking. New fixtures and fittings are also being introduced to create a versatile and ambient space, these include mounted wall TVs, built-in lighting and speakers to optimise the dining and entertaining experience.
Located high up above the river, lies a spacious and inviting penthouse apartment that overlooks an entire city – beautifully embellished with bold, striking interiors that encompass modern city living. The Waterside Penthouse, part of The Waterside Apartments development in West Bridgford enjoys expansive views of the tranquil River Trent, the historic Trent Bridge, the world-famous Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, and miles of city skyline. Developed by Monk Estates, with interiors by Curious Design, The Waterside penthouse features three- bedrooms, open plan living space and a large balcony with spectacular views. Boasting elevation, large windows and an impressive balcony space means that this property unapologetically allows natural light to pour in, dominating each room and playing a huge part in the overall aesthetic. “Everything in this property revolves around its stunning views, and the design of each room has deliberately maximised and captured as much of the natural light as possible, so your eyes are always drawn towards the outdoors when you walk in. Each room within the penthouse has been thoughtfully designed, with neutral tones interspersed with bold splashes of colour, striking ornaments and wall art to finish,” said Steve Parker, director at FHP Waterside Living. The open plan kitchen and dining space offers a combination of practicality and sleek style – with sharp, straight lines creating a classic look, and shades of Art Deco giving a sense of symmetry and balance. The use of minimal colour here – white, black and grey – means this large open space, is versatile for personalisation, and ideal for family living and entertaining. If the living space is comparatively muted with strong, sharp lines, then the master bedroom is glammed up with sparkle, luxury and different textures. Alongside the sprawling views, the king size bed is the superstar of this room – with its elaborate headboard and plush velvet bench. Contrasting rugs with geometric patterns complement the wallpaper – a jazzy yet understated design which is cleverly broken up by star-shaped wall sculptures. The colours go hand in hand – rich silky green complements charcoal grey, and muted beiges and creams add elegance and grandeur to this room which is a cosy place to rest. The property’s en-suite really makes the most of the natural light and picturesque views. A stand-alone bathtub –the epitome of indulgence and luxury – is perfectly placed to take in the vistas. Wherever you are in this property, you are never far away from beautiful views, offering both serenity and vibrance – with the river flowing beneath you, and the city on your doorstep – the lifestyle of The Waterside Apartments is simply unrivalled.
Brock Carmichael has worked with C. Gars Ltd. for over six years as it expanded operations across the UK to now six locations. Its latest location is in the heart of London offering one of the World’s best selection of luxury cigars and spirits to a discerning clientele. Situated within the Smithson’s listed Economist Building this retail unit, on the ground floor of the Bank Building in Smithson’s Plaza, suffered all the challenges a Grade II* listed building can offer. The design needed to remain sensitive to its Brutalist origins, whilst appealing to visitors, and functional, whilst being compact and multi-facetted. Additionally, the restrictions on the sale of tobacco meant most of the products could not be displayed to entice entry. The site chosen for the new retail unit, which was formerly an estate agent, had a considerable number of challenges for Brock Carmichael who were responsible for the design, planning and licensing applications, coordination and delivery to a tight timescale, during lockdown. Alterations to 23a St James’s Street included: • External improvements and restorations to the original features, • The installation of chrome feature display shelving that encased the perimeter of the unit, that integrated a sales point, stock storage, ventilation and 12 personal cigar lockers, • The creation of a glass fronted walk-in Humidor that allows for nearly 360 degrees of stunning product displays, with climate and humidity controls, • A new sales floor and sampling area, • An illuminated glass feature light within the retail space and a new lighting design. Both the humidor and the retail floor area have an impressive and very quiet smoke filtration system. This involved the addition of a very high specification HVAC ventilation system and associated ducting, concealed in perimeter boxing at a high level, with nothing visible or audible from the street. Externally, along with the restoration work, new window displays were created, which needed to serve a dual function, display product and attract customers, but also, in accordance with SSI 2013/85, prevent any display of the tobacco products inside. This was achieved by layering displays of Spirits and Cigar accessories. Additional internal improvements included improved access, new flooring, new lighting, new security systems and an entirely new WC and storage area design. Tobias Bachra, the Lead Designer from Brock Carmichael responsible for the project added; “It was important for us to pay homage to Alison and Peter Smithson who designed the 1964 Economist Plaza ‘a milestone in the canon of modern architecture’. The plaza has stood the test of time and is rightly Grade II* listed. Interior designs for 23a St James’s Street are also reminiscent of their 1956 ‘House of the Future’ for the Ideal Home Exhibition at Olympia with its curves, bold shapes and efficient use of the space available.” He added; “We all really enjoyed working on this project and as part of a team too, with the client, the contractors and engineers.” Managing Partner at Brock Carmichael, Chis Bolland added; “We’re delighted to have now completed our fifth successful project for C. Gars Ltd. now Dominique London, they are a business we love working with. From being early pioneers in internet retail they continue to push the boundaries in luxury retail and hospitality, with innovation as standard.” Client Mitchell Orchant, managing director of C. Gars Ltd. and CCO of Dominique London said; “Two things impress us most about Brock Carmichael, the ability for us to relax knowing they will improve on our vision and get the work done with the minimum of fuss. The second is the people. Our reputation is built on quality and they don’t let us down. For this project, most impressive were their illustrations and images and how they were brought to life exactly as we’d approved.” Plans for the future at St James’s include cigar sampling, whisky tastings and events to add to retail which means the space has to work hard and be flexible. Other work for C. Gars by Brock Carmichael continues.
Junction 32 Yorkshire Outlet Shopping has partnered with Castleford’s Siobhan Murphy, finalist in the BBC’s Interior Design Masters, to create a unique pop-up window display at its centre. ‘The Junction 32 Edit by Siobhan Murphy’ will see the flamboyant star of Interior Design Masters designing a pop-up display in a large shop window, utilising key products from the centre’s homeware, fashion and beauty brands. “I’m absolutely thrilled to be designing some of the window displays for Junction 32. I live here in Castleford and it’s great having such wonderful shops right on my doorstep. I just love being creative so expect to see some flamboyant window displays this summer,” said Siobhan Murphy. Known for her brightly coloured clothing and creativity, Siobhan will inject her maximalist interior style which she incorporated into her own Art Deco house in Castleford, coupled with her favourite aspects of the local community. Visitors will be able to watch Siobhan create the window display first-hand on Wednesday 5th May and the display will be live until Wednesday 23rd June. “We’re really excited to be partnering with Castleford’s own Siobhan Murphy. We know what an inspiration Siobhan was during Interior Design Masters and we wanted to showcase our retailers’ products in a fun and uplifting way,” said Kerry Ford, Centre Marketing Manager at Junction 32. “The window display is designed to inspire our visitors on how they can add their own sense of individualism to a completely blank canvas through their beauty products and wardrobe choices and in their own homes. We hope they join us on Wednesday 5th May to welcome Siobhan to the centre and unveil her pop-up display which we’re confident will truly brighten up everyone’s day.” ‘The Junction 32 Edit by Siobhan Murphy’ follows news of Yankee Candle and Baytree Interiors opening stores at Junction 32 Yorkshire Outlet Shopping earlier this month.
Shared spaces have the power to transform homes and workplaces in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic. With property prices rising and chronic loneliness affecting people of all ages, the demand for collective living was already growing. Throw social distancing and remote working into the mix, and it’s no surprise that the need for physical togetherness has become more urgent than ever. As the definitions of ‘home’ and ‘workplace’ become increasingly blurred, there is unprecedented demand for spaces where people can come together to share experiences and resources. All Together Now is the first book to address the challenges and opportunities of designing co-living and co-working spaces for modern living. Written by experts in the field of shared live and work space, interior designer Naomi Cleaver and design journalist Amy Frearson, this wide-ranging book showcases a multitude of ways in which architects, designers and developers can create stylish, healthy and efficient ‘co-spaces’. Amy Frearson said: “Co-living and co-working offer very real solutions to many of the problems we face today, both as individuals and as a society. Sharing doesn’t have to mean compromise; it can help us live more efficiently, healthily and sustainably, without limiting our choices and comforts.” Naomi Cleaver said: “The pandemic has intensified questions about how we live and work together, and how we use resources. It has given us the chance to think hard about the society and environments we need if we are to thrive as individuals throughout our lives.” Working as a practical and inspirational guide, this extremely timely book offers a diverse range of architecture and interior design solutions for collaborative spaces. It draws from Naomi Cleaver’s own experience in the industry, as well as an array of richly illustrated case studies from around the world. Including both new-builds and conversions, examples range from a Dutch nursing home that doubles as a student residence, to a retreat for digital nomads in Bali. The book also features a foreword by award-winning architect Sadie Morgan OBE, founding director of architectural practice dRMM and chair of the Quality of Life Foundation, who herself grew up on a commune and still considers it her home. Sadie Morgan said: “Through their exhaustive research, Naomi and Amy have been able to interrogate some of the most pertinent aspects of communal design. Ideas of different degrees and different models of sharing; the question of independence and its complex relationship with solidarity; the longevity and power of intergenerational living. These are just some of the themes expertly illustrated throughout the book.” Author, Consultant and Presenter Michelle Ogundehin, said: “All Together Now explores our relationship with ownership and place. Certainly, a more flexible housing model than mortgage-based purchase or deposit-based rental is way overdue. Imagine instead a living and working community built around like-minded people, regardless of age, who value freedom, diversity and sustainability, alongside the ability to easily upgrade or downsize as need and means dictate. A model for the future built around IRL connections. A model for the future that recognises that sharing and community are at the heart of all good societies. This is the very timely message of this important book.” All Together Now is not just a book for architects and designers, but for anyone interested in exploring new models of living and working and learning how to make the most of them. This highly engaging read includes a best practice toolkit, offering practical advice to any designer working at any scale.
Net Zero Carbon and BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating obtained Hollis has worked with SEGRO to deliver the industrial and warehouse developers’ most sustainable refurbishment projects at Park Royal, London, with both achieving Net Zero Carbon and Excellent BREEAM ratings. Introducing best in class sustainable measures into the Park Royal site, we project managed the comprehensive refurbishment of Unit 731 Tudor Industrial Estate and Unit E, Premier Park. SEGRO is committed to reducing the carbon intensity of properties by 40% by 2025 in line with the Paris agreement; to reducing the average embodied carbon intensity of all new developments by 20% by 2025; and to reducing the waste generated through its operations and sending zero waste to landfill by 2025. 731 Tudor Industrial Estate We were asked to make Unit 731 Tudor Industrial Estate Net Zero Carbon from an operational perspective and did so through the implementation of various measures to maximise energy efficiency, such as: installing PV solar panels, electric vehicle charging points, LED light fittings on sensors, and energy efficient air source for heating and cooling. The unit achieved an EPC A+ rating and is considered Net Zero Carbon from an operational perspective. Within one month of the PV solar panels being installed, they produced 3.38MW of power, saving 862 KG of CO2 emissions, which is equivalent to 40 trees being planted. Unit E, Premier Park The refurbishment of the 43,036 sq ft warehouse space at Unit E, Premier Park achieved Net Zero Carbon and a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating, adding value to the property. We completely remodelled the layout of the unit and extended the square footage by adding a first floor to the ancillary accommodation, achieving SEGRO’s aims for the building. Key measures that were implemented to achieve Net Zero Carbon and the BREEAM certification, include: EV charging points which can be used by the occupier and the general public to encourage a switch to electric vehicles. Solar powered picnic benches to enable employees to work and relax outside, along with a woodland walk and nature boxes to attract wildlife. Secure bicycle parking to encourage employees to cycle to work instead of drive, with rich biodiverse growing roofs and wildlife habitat panels. Low maintenance, drought-tolerant planting is nectar-rich for butterflies, bees, moths and other invertebrate wildlife. Photovoltaic panels installed to the roof, provide electricity to the premises and any excess back into the network grid, saving approximately £24,000 per annum. All SunPower panels are backed by the industry-leading 25-year coverage of the SunPower Complete Confidence panel warranty. Comprehensive data about the energy produced is fed into an App for review. The data is also live streamed in real time on a big screen in the reception area for visitors and employees to see. CO2 sensors implemented to the office MHVR units increase / decrease the fresh air supply based on the level of CO2 within the office space. When the office is unoccupied, the unit does not run at full speed. This technology is fairly rare in terms of its use in office space. Heat recovery up to 85% for additional energy and cost savings. Water reducing producing products, such as non-concussive taps and rainwater harvesting feeds to the WCs, are anticipated to save over 400,000 litres of water per annum. Reclaimed and reused building materials installed including bio-based carpet tiles – 395 square metres of carbon neutral flooring (Interface Heuga 727) was installed, resulting in the retirement of 4 metric tons of carbon dioxide – the equivalent of the emissions from a car traveling 15,974 kilometres. Rather than install new, we decided to install a recycled raised access floor to the additional office space to the first floor office. Re-using the existing raised access floor to the ground floor. Airlite decoration was used on all wall surfaces. It is the first technology designed and developed exclusively to improve the air quality inside and outside living spaces. It prevents dirt in the air from settling and, at the same time, eliminates bacteria and prevents the formation of moulds. It drastically reduces the amount of solar heat absorbed by buildings, thereby reducing air-conditioning energy costs up to 30% and lowering the associated CO2 emissions that cause climate change. New energy efficient LED light fittings producing 161 luminaire lumens per circuit Watt. Carl Sablon, Senior Associate, Hollis said: “It is great to be part of such landmark projects and to deliver SEGRO’s most sustainable refurbishments. We are very pleased with the results of the refurbishment work at both of the units, helping SEGRO to achieve their aim of being Net Zero Carbon. This is hopefully just the start of many more projects like this. “The property industry has woken up to the need to act quicker to decarbonise new and existing property stock, to reduce waste, and to ensure schemes are as sustainable as possible to reverse the negative impacts of climate change. More needs to be done, but refurbishment projects with these aims are a great step to achieving this across the UK and world.”
Willmott Dixon Interiors has begun work on a £200,000 project to deliver a new suite within the state-of-the-art Innovation Studio at Arts University Bournemouth (AUB). The national fit-out and refurbishment specialist contractor will refurbish an existing administrative space at AUB to create a c.3,000 sq ft Innovation Suite that will include a new reception area to the art incubation facility studio. The Innovation Suite will deliver collaborative work and social space for local businesses, start-ups, CPD delivery and post graduate students working in the innovative creative, cultural, engineering and manufacturing sectors. It will also house specialist digital and clean digital fabrication equipment supplied by the university’s Innovation Resources project. Willmott Dixon Interiors will create a new collaborative reception space and workshop rooms at the Innovation Suite, including AV, body scanner, 3D printing and textiles facilities. The project will see the installation of new mechanical and electrical services and the refurbishment of existing seating areas. Works will include new floor finishes and decoration, as well as new furniture and a timber feature wall. The Innovation Suite project will use £230,000 in Dorset LEP Local Growth Fund allocation and £65,000 in AUB match funding, and was awarded through the Pagabo Refit and Refurbishment procurement framework. It has been designed by architects at Willmott Dixon Interiors, with Selway Joyce as project manager, quantity surveyor and employer’s agent. Graham Shaw, managing director at Willmott Dixon Interiors, said: “AUB has justifiably developed a reputation as a top sector specialist and leading arts university for the creative industries. A new Innovation Suite will enhance the already impressive facilities available through the Innovation Studio. We look forward to delivering a space that supports local businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs and further contributes to the successful growth of the digital and creative sectors in the region.” First established in 1885 as a specialist art institution, AUB is now the UK’s number one specialist university for employability, according to The Times Higher Education’s Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) and is ranked as the UK’s top specialist art and design university by The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2021. Willmott Dixon Interiors is one of the UK’s specialist high-quality interior fit out and refurbishment contractors. It has delivered a wide range of projects across the higher and further education sectors, including a £39 million refurbishment at London South Bank University’s London Road Building and the design and refurbishment of space across the Waterlooville Campus at Havant & South Downs College. For more information, visit: www.willmottdixoninteriors.co.uk
