Neatflex S Perfect Curves Bring Art to Liverpool S Newest Shopping Centre

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Neatflex’s perfect curves bring art to Liverpool’s newest shopping centre

When award winning public artist Mel Chantry was commissioned to produce works that would soften the vast “covered streets” interior of the Met Quarter, he called upon Hutchfield Furniture to bring his flowing timber designs to life.

The “broken river” seating design called for gentle curves with no imperfections or “wobbles”, which previously has been difficult when using glued ply or MDF. With 19mm Neatflex, Hutchfield were able to create consistent shallow waves in one single sheet and with a rigidity that ensured the benches and pillar surrounds met the stringent quality controls of a busy shopping centre.

“A key consideration was the timesaving properties Neatflex gave us,” commented Richard Hutchfield, “Milligan, the developers, thought that the shell of the 19th century former post office appeared soulless, so they commissioned Mel to produce some beautiful but functional pieces to create a softer atmosphere. I had previously used Neatflex, with great results, on a Fountain Workshop creation for Cheltenham’s Central Theatre, and it seemed the perfect choice for the Met Quarter project. We were able to apply the 19mm Neatflex in one run and then immediately clad with 1.5mm cherry veneer treated with the required fire retardant coating. Traditional glue and clamp methods would have taken far longer and the finish would have been less consistent. The end result is pretty indestructible and will withstand the wear and tear of people traffic”

Neatflex was also used to surround the base of the imposing lantern light structures through the central atrium of the building. “We needed to create a perfectly circular base to these huge structures,” explains Richard Hutchfield “and once again 19mm Neatflex offered the flexibility and strength for the job.” Neatflex can be bent into a full range of curves and circles down to a 300mm radius. It is this versatility and strength that means architects and designers are specifying Neatflex on a range of projects from ultra-modern to traditional construction.

Neat Concepts For further press information please contact Louise Hillcoat on 01937 848901 or 07748 967171, fax 01937 841038 or email [email protected]

For technical information call Martin James at Neat Concepts on 01494 718963, or e- mail [email protected]

Neatflex Neatflex is the ultimate material for producing perfect curved surfaces. Weighing 45% less than regular MDF and possessing all the aesthetic qualities of birch plywood, 19mm Neatflex offers both labour and cost savings over traditional ply, glue and clamp materials. Its one piece frame construction means that frameless curves are easy to produce and its rigidity makes it perfect for heavy duty PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE PUBLICATION

Neatflex Characteristics: 19mm thick; 1220 x 2440mm sheet – cross cut / cross grain; S grade birch plywood face on an MDF Lite platform; Full range of curves down to 300mm radius; 23 kgper sheet – 7.72 kg per sq. m. Neatflex can be combined with: itself, Neatform™ Bendy MDF, plywood or laminate, to create frameless free-form curves. In addition to frameless techniques, Neatflex can be used with a traditional frame to creat robust curves.

The Met Quarter The Met Quarter, opened its doors in March 2006 on the site of Liverpool’s stunning former Post Office, an area that had remained dormant for many years. The listed building was built in the late 19th century by the architect Henry Tanner and its exterior, designed to resemble a French château, has been preserved during its £75M pound transformation. The building suffered bomb damage during the May Blitz in the Second World War and the upper floors were removed. The interior was gutted after the Post Office moved out and for many years just the shell remained awaiting redevelopment. It was sold to Milligan in 2003.

The Met Quarter offers Liverpool shoppers a glamorous location featuring some top designer names including Molton Brown, Timberland, Armani, Hugo Boss, All Saints, Flannels and Coast.