Britain’s leading magazine for architectural products, technology and trends ARCHITECTURE MAY/JUNE 2021 MAGAZINE

WORKPLACE THE TAP THAT DOES IT ALL - 100°C DESIGN BOILING, CHILLED AND SPARKLING WATER NEVER TO BE THE SAME. CONSIDERING WORKPLACE DESIGN FOR GENERATIONS THAT NOW WORK IN A DIFFERENT WAY

INTERVIEW WITH YAARA GOONER THE LEAD ARCHITECT AND DESIGNER AT LABS AND STAY TALKS ABOUT CONNECTION TO PLACE AND HOW THROUGH HER WORK SHE ASPIRES TO ACHIEVE THIS ON MULTIPLE LEVELS @torc_pots www.torcpots.com Britain’s leading magazine for architectural products, technology and trends ARCHITECTURE MAY 2021 MAGAZINE

WORKPLACE THE TAP THAT DOES IT ALL - 100°C DESIGN BOILING, CHILLED AND SPARKLING WATER NEVER TO BE THE SAME. CONSIDERING WORKPLACE DESIGN FOR GENERATIONS THAT NOW WORK IN A DIFFERENT WAY

INTERVIEW WITH YAARA GOONER THE LEAD ARCHITECT AND DESIGNER AT LABS AND STAY TALKS ABOUT CONNECTION TO PLACE AND HOW THROUGH HER WORK SHE ASPIRES TO ACHIEVE THIS ON MULTIPLE LEVELS.

ARCHITECTURE MAGAZINE

PUBLISHING TEAM Media One Communications Ltd 6 Swan Court, Forder Way, Hampton, Peterborouh, Cambridgeshire, PE7 8GX Tel: 01733 385300 WELCOME EDITOR JADE TILLEY [email protected] e’re at a crossroads in our lives, SUB EDITOR & DESIGNER both work based and personally. KELLY GREEN Never before have we placed [email protected] such value on connection, the digital and the physical. Our PUBLISHER & CEO R J NISBET calendars for the last year have [email protected] Wtested our ability to remain connected while at a distance, ADVERTISING MANAGER to create meaning and intimacy while remaining in the HOLLY DENNIS safety of our homes. For architects and designers , like 07736 945689 yourselves, your continued mission is to bring this sense of connection and [email protected] community to fruition through cleverly thought out and sensitively executed design. You may have been meeting over Zoom/Hang Out/Teams, but the CREDIT CONTROL MANAGER CAROLE TODD physical world still demands to be built and now, we’re redefining it all together. 01733 385302 Out of office notices are ceasing on auto reply and as we return to a new way, [email protected] we’re looking to appreciate the value of how we work, in different ways. This issue is all about workplace design and, more than that, connectivity. Connection ADMINISTRATION & SUBSCRIPTIONS to space, place and person. +44 (0) 1733 385300 In Question Time, our panelists discuss what work now looks and feels like. That [email protected] freedom to utilise a space on a part-time basis, while still enjoying the ritualistic

Email: [email protected] motions of work; the cycling to office, the morning coffee and conversation and Web: www.architecturemagazine.co.uk then, that quiet restrain of home working, that provides focus and privacy. How do Twitter: twitter.com/Architect_news we achieve elements of this in a physical office space? It’s all up for discussion here. Instagram: @architecture_mag Yaara Gooner is our architect in interview this issue. Her work is a veritable feast © 2021 Media One communications ltd of elegance and simplicity, with the core message of bringing people and 2021 All Rights Reserved place together in harmony. One of Forbes 30 under 30, Yaara is only just getting No part of this publication may be reproduced in any started. Read the full interview on pages 46 - 48. way without written permission from the publisher. With highlights from Venice Pavilions, inspiration from a range of diverse projects All views and opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher. All advertising and paid for in our featured case studies; from the Vertical Courtyard House in India to Cliff entries are strictly subject to our terms and conditions, Tops on the Dorset Coast, we’re surrounded by expert use of materials and available online. a very tactile response to design. Whether it is hand made clay tiles (Vertical Courtyard House boasts) or mesmerising precision-cut marble exteriors (Hansler Road) architects are reflecting beauty and utility in equal measure. Speaking of which, Rodrigo Moreno Masey completes the issue with a reflective last word on the evolution of beauty and utility as separate entities in design and asks, how can we Jade Tilley “redefine our own aesthetics” to bring together Consultant Editor www.mediaone.co.uk the best of both worlds? [email protected]

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CONTENTS May 2021

6 NEWS 19 WORLD ARCHITECTURE FESTIVAL PREVIEW 9 IN THE PIPELINE 20 SPOTLIGHT: HP A round up of projects that have gained planning 23 WHAT’S IN A NAME? permission or have been green lit. Micah Hall from Irwin Mitchell provides this issue’s 10 RIBA NEWS legal update. 11 SPOTLIGHT: VICAIMA 24 CASE STUDY: VERTICAL COURTYARD HOUSE Manoj Patel Design Studio has designed a house in 12 VENICE ARCHITECTURE BIENNIAL India with space, light and a clever use of handmade 14 CONTRACTS + PROJECTS clay tiles. 29 SPOTLIGHT: HANSON PLYWOOD 16 QUESTION TIME In this issue we discuss the real design questions 30 CASE STUDY: RIVERSIDE behind returning to office life. SpaceInvader is redefining workspaces utilising the

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local landscape to create something altogether more Kazuyo Sejima as one of her biggest inspirations. intuitive and collaborative. 51 MY INSPIRATION 37 SPOTLIGHT: TOUCH IRONMONGERY Michael Katsibas reflects on his childhood, filled with design and redesign, the joy of planning and solving 39 SPOTLIGHT: QUOOKER problems, alongside his brother. 41 NETWORK OF DIVERSITY Kimberly Dowdell, Principal at HOK, shares how the 52 SPOTLIGHT: SCHOECK studio is supporting diversity within the industry 54 CASE STUDY: CLIFF TOPS through a platform for collaboration. The ultimate luxury staycation has been embedded 43 SHORTLIST: HOT DESKING into the cliffs of the Dorset coast by Morrow + Lorraine. 44 WORKSPACES 58 CASE STUDY: HANSLER ROAD Including information on the newest show to hit the Modern living took a very edgy turn, with every angle of Business Design Centre and products making work life this property, designed by Alexander Owen Architecture. that little bit sweeter. 62 LAST WORD 46 INTERVIEW: YAARA GOONER Rodrigo Moreno Masey considers when we started Lead architect and Designer at LABS and Stay, Yaara’s considering beauty versus utility, instead of a dual aim is always to connect people to place and cites aspect of design.

May/June 2021 ARCHITECTURE MAGAZINE 5 News

ARIC CHEN MOVES TO DIARY HET NIEUWE INSTITUUT Het Nieuwe Instituut, the institute presents and futures.” for architecture, design and digital As part of his transition to Het Nieuwe DATES culture in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, Instituut, Chen will complete his announced the appointment of Aric current term as Curatorial Director of VENICE DESIGN BIENNIAL Chen as its new General and Artistic Design Miami in Noember 2021, while 20 MAY - 27 JUNE Director. Chen has assumed the post his involvement in the Curatorial Lab The third edition is an adaptive attempt to bring remotely before relocating full-time at the College of Design & Innovation back design and contemporary creativity to to Rotterdam on 1 September 2021. at Tongji University, Shanghai, will reality, connecting Italian and international design He joins Josien Paulides, Managing continue through spring 2022. researches to the urban structure of Venice. Director, on the institute’s Board of Directors and succeeds for General Image courtesy of Yoha Jin INTELLIGENT BUILDING and Artistic Director Guus Beumer, EUROPE CONNECT 2021 who retired in May. “Het Nieuwe 1-30 JUNE, ONLINE Instituut is a young institution with Intelligent Building Europe Connect 2021, is your a long history - one that I’ve greatly first major opportunity to come together with admired over the years,” says Chen. the smart building community, online from 1-30 “It’s an enormous privilege to have June. Building further on a successful portfolio this chance to build on the ground- of in-person and online smart building events, breaking, pioneering work that the the month-long online event will provide end institute and its staff have done, and users, installers, integrators, consultants and to draw on the many well-known building services engineers the opportunity strengths of the Dutch cultural and to browse cutting-edge smart building creative communities and their technology, connect with suppliers and access extensive international links in tackling thought-leadership content from any location. critical questions about our pasts, www.intelligentbuildingeurope.com

INTELLIGENT BUILDING EUROPE BISUSHIMA BY BEN ADAMS ARCHITECTS 12-14 JULY 2021, EXCEL LONDON Bisushima is a new signature modern traditional Japanese landscape art Intelligent Building Europe, the home of leading Japanese restaurant located at the and highlights the subtle transition smart building innovators, is returning to ExCel top of the Page8 hotel near Trafalgar from day to night. A restrained London on 12-14 July 2021. Intelligent Building Square. The 6,000 sq ft restaurant interior palette includes pale grey Europe is your first major opportunity to meet features two extensive roof leather dining booths, concrete with end users, installers, integrators, consultants terraces, offering outdoor dining and floors, the warm wooden accents of and building services engineers face-to-face to spectacular views of London’s iconic European Oak used throughout and discover cutting-edge smart building technology skyline, Covent Garden and Trafalgar lots of natural daylight. A coffered and the latest industry trends. Whether you’re Square. Following its work at Nobu, ceiling with an integrated bespoke searching for products, launching products, Ben Adams Architects collaborated lighting concept helps create a more looking to extend your network or working to with the restaurant’s brand agency to intimate ambience and references stay ahead of the curve, Intelligent Building develop a design rooted in pared- the Japanese mending technique Europe can help you by connecting you to the back Japanese minimalism and of Kintsugi, or ‘golden repair’. By day entire smart building supply chain. which would create a harmonious the restaurant offers a calm and www.intelligentbuildingeurope.com relationship between food, guests tranquil environment but after dark and environment. Without straying changes to showcase the drama of WAFUTURES into pastiche, a number of Japanese- Japanese cookery. A large open grill IN ASSOCIATION inspired elements are featured and counter highlight the preparation WITH WAS + EBUILD in the interior including a mural in and presentation skills of the chefs Free-to-view for all architects and design blue and gold, which references at work. professionals, WAF Futures will include a programme of architectural content showcasing solutions from WAFX prize winners which tackle some of the biggest issues facing the world. www.worldarchitecturefestival.com

WORLD ARCHITECTURE FESTIVAL 2021 1 - 3 DECEMBER, LISBON, PORTUGAL Join the world’s architecture and design community for three days of inspiration and knowledge. www.worldarchitecturefestival.com

6 ARCHITECTURE MAGAZINE May/June 2021 News

MAM SHANGHAI PRESENTS EXHIBITION In a retrospective display of projects dating Travelling from north to south, visiting many Shai Baitel, Artistic Director of MAM from 1982, From MAXXI Museum of 21st Chinese cities to experience its art and Shanghai, said: “I am excited to include, as Century Art in Rome (2010) and Leeza architecture, Hadid studied the methods part of our interdisciplinary and immersive SOHO in (2019) to the studio’s that embed its historic architecture within approach at MAM, this important exhibition, ground-breaking projects currently in the great theatre of natural landscapes. celebrating Zaha Hadid’s ingenuity. development across six continents, this ZHA’s competition-winning design for Hadid was an exceptional woman, and is an impactful exhibition of Zaha Hadid the Peak Club in Hong Kong (1982-1983) we are delighted to show our audience Architects in mainland . manifests Hadid’s investigations into the the development of her movement as a ZHA Close Up at MAM Shanghai fluid relationships between building and researcher, designer, and architect through explores the pioneering research and site, interior and exterior, architecture and various geographies and histories—and interconnecting relationships that unite engineering. Defined by the topography how this movement impacts the current their projects around the globe, detailing of the surrounding mountainside, in this innovative vision and work of Zaha Hadid the technological innovations that are and later seminal projects such as the Architects, following her untimely passing. transforming how the studio imagines, Guangzhou Opera House (2010) and (ZHA) continues and designs and constructs built environments. Beijing Daxing International Airport (2019), expands on her legacy and MAM is proud to Running from 26 June – 15 September ZHA’s work echoes the coherence of present this show, granting unprecedented 2021, the exhibition examines the evolution the nature in an organic architectural insights into the vision of one of the most of Zaha Hadid Architects’ buildings over language generating unrivalled spatial important architects of our time.” the last 40 years. experiences that are intuitive to navigate MAM Shanghai is the largest contemporary Founded by the late Zaha Hadid in 1979, and recognised around the world. art museum in Shanghai, measuring over Hadid was a major figure in the world of ZHA Close Up explores the journey of 7,000 square meters. The state of the art architecture and the first woman to receive four decades of experimentation that are museum located at the heart of Shanghai’s the Pritzker Architecture Prize in 2004. She inscribed within ZHA’s architecture and has cultural mile along the Huangpu River is a first travelled to China in 1981 at the very seen their designs become more spatially premier institution for contemporary art with beginning of her career. Like her birthplace inventive, more structurally efficient, more a global and multidisciplinary approach. Iraq, carved by the Euphrates and the technologically advanced and more Tigris, China’s natural landscapes and urban environmentally sensitive with each new ZHA Close Up – Work & Research settlements have been shaped through design and positions their work at the 26 June – 15 September 2021 history by its great rivers and waterways. forefront of architectural practice. www.en.mamsh.org

Leeza SOHO Beijing. ©Hufton+Crow

May/June 2021 ARCHITECTURE MAGAZINE 7 News

NEVER GO ALONE CONNECTING CLIMATE BRAND AND WITH ARCHITECTURE Global architecture, planning and at any moment, has unveiled its PACKAGING LAUNCH design firm CallisonRTKL (CRTKL) sustainability report and adopted LAYER has devised a strategic brand and suite has reiterated its commitment to two important goals for all its of packaging for health and wellness start-up shaping a better world with the projects: all projects will be net zero Never Go Alone. Founded by fashion’s “patient launch of CLIMATESCOUT, an carbon for operation by 2030 and open-source climate analysis and carbon neutral (including embodied zero” Nga Nguyen, the brand is fuelled by the educational platform which can in construction materials) by 2050. unprecedented changes that occurred in 2020 and help users create more sustainable For CLIMATESCOUT, CRTKL has an ambition to disrupt the wellness space. LAYER buildings. CLIMATESCOUT is free strategically coupled the Köppen- worked in close collaboration with the founder and accessible to all, with this Geiger climate classification system over the course of a year on branding, a range of offering part of CRTKL’s ambition with Architecture 2030’s Palette protective products, packaging and art direction. for a more sustainable world and to create a unique educational The Never Go Alone packaging has been designed the betterment of the building tool. The Köppen-Geiger climate with a focus on sustainability, and features and design industry as a whole. classification system empirically innovative on-the-go usability features informed Through a combination of data and maps biome distributions by observation of human behaviours to elevate images, CLIMATESCOUT connects around the world organising the hygiene experience and inspire new daily climate with architecture, allowing regions by similar vegetation users to design buildings that characteristics. It is widely used rituals. The sanitiser and hand wipe containers are respond to their environment by today for applications that must refillable, reducing waste and encouraging users to providing climate- specific design consider different climates, such build an ongoing relationship with the brand. advice using the Köppen-Geiger as ecological modeling or climate climate classification and building change impact assessments. This scale design strategies from is paired with Architecture 2030’s Architecture 2030’s Palette. Aligned Palette which provides a database to the launch and its 75th of sustainable design principles, anniversary, CRTKL, which has strategies, tools, and resources circa 2000 projects under design for designers. ROB PRICE TO LEAD Guadalaraja Airport Terminal 2 APAC PRESENCE AT BDG BDG architecture + design (BDG), welcomes Rob Price to lead its APAC presence from the newly opened Shanghai Studio. Originally from the US, where he has also practiced, Robert has held design leadership roles in China, with Hassell, JLL and Gensler, for more than a decade and has a thorough understanding of the market’s rapid development as well as the changing needs and ONE FOR THE COFFEE TABLE aspirations of organisations there. Rob is a creative Inspired by an early life rooted to theatre but to a wide-range of thinker drawing on his knowledge of urban planning, in the theatre, Emmy and Tony- creative disciplines and objects. public policy, history and cultural anthropology and award winning set designer David “Audience” is dedicated to breaking Rockwell has long drawn on aspects down the initial seduction of the is an art and architecture contributor for Chicago of performance to inform and viewers, which is followed by an Public Radio www.wbez.org. Rob is a perfect fit for enhance his built work which ranges intimate interaction and embrace. BDG as a business that is focused on every facet of from installations, restaurants, “Ensemble” explores the resilient, designing creative exemplary commercial spaces bars and offices to theatres, collaborative power of the group that support business strategy and people. 2021 playgrounds, hotels, nightclubs and and the importance of sharing continues a period of exponential global growth set design. This spring, Phaidon expertise with each other. “Worlds” and reach for BDG with over 25 significant projects presents Drama, an essential unlocks the immersive power of underway worldwide, supported by strategic collection of Rockwell’s work and creating fully-realised environments. opening of studios in Sao Paulo and Shanghai to a guide through the intersection “Story” reminds us of the power of support ongoing projects in the LATAM and APAC of performance and architecture an engaging story and the human region respectively, such as Sydney, Brisbane, that he has devoted his career to arc we all share. “Journey” echoes navigating. Drama explores the our winding paths and constant Sao Paulo and Mexico. The New York studio which principles at the core of Rockwell’s movement in life. “Impermanence” opened in May 2019, continues to grow in size and method, devoting a chapter is the raw, authentic and ever- reputation, delivering significant projects across to six fundamental concerns: changing impact of the temporary North America, including WPP campuses in Detroit, Audience, Ensemble, Worlds, Story, nature of the theatre, which lends it San Francisco and Toronto. Journey and Impermanence. Each life and vibrance. www.bdg-a-d.com chapter demonstrates how these Drama, by David Rockwell with principles may be applied not just Bruce Mau, edited by Sam Lubell.

8 ARCHITECTURE MAGAZINE May/June 2021 In The Pipeline

EDINBURGH’S IN THE PIPELINE NEW TOWN QUARTER LUXURY AUTOMOTIVE SITE GETS GREEN LIGHT 10 Design’s architectural concept for Ediston and Orion Capital Louis de Soissons has secured planning Owen while also meeting the exacting Managers’ New Town Quarter consent for the construction of a £30m brand requirements of the prestigious development in Edinburgh has multi-franchise dealership at Hatfield automotive names represented by the been granted planning consent. Business Park in Hertfordshire. Developed group. Architects at Louis de Soissons 10 Design has led on a unique for the luxury dealer group H.R. Owen, have called on their industry experience to design concept for one of the who represent prestige marques including streamline processes for decision makers largest redevelopment projects Aston Martin, Bentley, Bugatti, Ferrari, at H.R. Owen, while using their extensive in Edinburgh’s city centre which Lamborghini, and Rolls-Royce. The new knowledge of manufacturer corporate will transform the former Royal site will create a market leading sales identity and the functional requirements Bank of Scotland (RBS) site on and servicing destination for the region of the motor trade to develop the design. Dundas Street into a contextual and bring several of the worlds’ most Most importantly, the concept that mixed use development of the iconic brands together under one roof. Louis de Soissons delivered combines highest quality. The proposed The proposed 110,000 sq. ft. facility has a visually stunning work environment mixed-use development will create been designed by Louis de Soissons while with an incredibly effective, efficient and a new urban centre, providing a managing multiple brand stakeholders, operationally functional businesses space. significant addition of public realm, a vital aspect of project delivery for the and includes a hotel, 80,000sqft of franchised automotive industry. The www.louisdesoissons.com office space and 350 homes. project sets new standards for H.R. @louisdesoissons

BATH PADDOCKS SAVED The historic paddocks surrounding a famous Bath landmark have been saved and will now be restored to enable visitors to experience a glimpse of William Beckford’s gardens and grotto as they were presented almost 200 years ago. The purchase is thanks to an incredibly generous donation from Stephen Morant, who owns Beckford’s former estate at Fonthill, in Wiltshire. The approximately 2.54-acre site forms a significant part of what was known as ‘Beckford’s Ride’ and features a grotto tunnel and avenue of Preservation Trust plans to bring the historic on the biodiversity of the area. Securing lime trees, planted by Beckford. In 1848, grassland land back into its relationship with the future of the paddocks is just the start the Tower garden was consecrated as a the Tower and again form part of its original of this project, with urgent fundraising cemetery, which became the last resting setting. A development grant awarded now needed to ensure vital conservation place of Beckford himself, who died in by the National Lottery Heritage Fund is work to the building and landscape takes 1844, as well as the Tower’s designer also enabling Bath Preservation Trust to place, to ensure today’s visitors and future Henry Goodridge (1797-1864). Over time, re-examine the way in which they share generations can continue to explore and the original walls of the Tower garden the story of William Beckford’s links to enjoy this iconic Bath landmark. have fallen into disrepair and the paddocks the transatlantic slave trade. Local wildlife became overgrown with brambles – is also a key consideration, with Bath @bath_preservation_trust making the grotto completely inaccessible. Preservation Trust conducting a series of @beckfordstower Now, having secured their purchase, Bath species counts, so that it retains and builds Beckford’s Tower © Tom Burrows

May/June 2021 ARCHITECTURE MAGAZINE 9 News

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) is a global professional membership body that serves its members and society in order to deliver better buildings and places, stronger communities and a sustainable environment. Follow @RIBA on Twitter for regular updates RIBA NEWS 7N SCOOPS RAILWAY COMP WIN RIBA AND GOOGLE ARTS & CULTURE Edinburgh-based architectural practice, 7N Architects, LAUNCH NEW DIGITAL PARTNERSHIP has won a competition to shape Britain’s future railways. The contest sought architects, engineers A new digital collaboration Google Arts & Culture creates a and designers from across the world to reimagine with Google Arts & Culture, the great opportunity to inspire and how small to medium-sized stations can improve leading online platform that delight a global audience and to the travel experience of the millions of passengers uses technology to share the showcase our unique treasures. who use Britain’s railway. 7N’s winning entry unique collections and cultural We look forward to curating considers the needs of both passengers and their institutions with a global audience, more online experiences and local communities. The station frontage includes an has been announced. RIBA has exhibitions, to illustrate the impact eye-catching clock tower, which serves a strong civic one of the largest, oldest and and importance of design and purpose as a local landmark and a natural meeting most significant architectural architecture, throughout the ages place for social activities. Beyond the station entrance, collections in the world and is the and around the world.” Amit Sood, sweeping platform canopies - elegant and refined in first UK organisation dedicated Director, Google Arts & Culture, feature - provide shelter for passengers. The modular to architecture to partner with added, “This is the first step in station design can be integrated into a variety of Google Arts & Culture. A specially what we hope will be an inspiring locations that complement the local landscape. Panel curated selection of 15 online architectural journey with RIBA on members thought the winning concept had been stories will be published and Google Arts & Culture. Through our cleverly pared back to create an open and flexible free to view on the Google Arts collaboration, we are proud to help system which, with minimum component parts, would & Culture platform. They range share their incredible stories and transform people’s experience of the station whilst from the creation of Central Park resources with architecture lovers aligning with Network Rail’s aspirations to be carbon in New York, modernist buildings and aspiring students around the neutral by 2050. 7N Architects will now work closely in Ghana to the Picturesque world. RIBA has one of the world’s with Network Rail project representatives to develop movement and from a century of leading architecture collections their design into a formal proposal that addresses a Olympic buildings to a historic tour and inspires and supports global prescribed set of technical requirements, including of key architectural landmarks in architectural talent as we look to consideration of construction methodology. Venice. RIBA CEO Alan Vallance designing the future.” said, “Our new partnership with FUNDING SCHEME FOR PART 2 ARCHITECTURE STUDENTS Applications for five RIBA Wren Insurance Association Scholarships, worth a total of £30,000 are now open. The annual scholarships are open to students who are currently enrolled in the first year of their RIBA Part 2 course. Each recipient will receive £6,000 and the opportunity to be mentored throughout the second year of their Part 2 course by an architect from a Wren-insured practice. The scheme, which was set up in 2013, has supported 40 recipients to date. The deadline to apply is Friday 18 June 2021.

Erno Goldfinger’s design for the exterior of 1-3 Willow Road, The Hidden Seasons of Barbados, Shawn Adams, Hampstead, London perspective view 1934, Credit RIBA Collections. 2019 Wren Insurance Association Scholarship recipient

10 ARCHITECTURE MAGAZINE May/June 2021 Spotlight RE-IMAGINED VENEERS FOR TOMORROW’S DESIGN

Vicaima continues to open doors for designers and architects looking for superlative quality interior door veneers

Decorative wood veneers can trace their Vicaima have also expanded their ever- tone. For the more adventurous, Naturdor ancestry back thousands of years to early popular stained veneers and image Vision offers a welcome and inventive Egyptian times. In more recent centuries, enhanced veneer technology, creating an spectrum from light to dark, for rooms the use of real wood veneers for interior almost limitless array of opportunities for and spaces where openings offer a focal doors have become synonymous with interiors, whether commercial or residential. point and comforting interaction with their quality and their connection with the Traditionalists will enjoy the extensive surroundings; whether for living or working. natural environment. selection of veneers, available in both Vision presents light and contemporary Crown Cut and Quarter Cut options, tonal signals typified by Fine Sand or However, mother nature does have together with an optional deep textured Fresh Bamboo. Alternatively, for those limitations, so when it comes to 21st century finish on selected veneers where desired. seeking darker and more luxurious colour living, the desire to push boundaries in These can be further enhanced with combinations, finishes such as Rich Mocha design can sometimes be curtailed either the addition of either face grooves or and Aged Walnut offer the perfect solution. by the range of available veneers or by decorative inlays to give that finishing These inspiring veneer ideas and much how sustainable they are. Now a new era touch and a sense of individuality. more besides can all be seen in the of design freedom has emerged, with the However, for those looking for fresh New Vicaima Naturdor Range Brochure. almost unlimited Naturdor Range from inspiration, Vicaima have extended the Presenting contemporary design, Vicaima, re-imagining interior veneered selection of stained and imaged enhanced quality manufacture and outstanding doors for tomorrow. veneers with two new ranges in particular. performance, all with the environmental With the introduction of Vicaima’s new Naturdor Stained Extra builds upon the peace of mind that comes with a fully Naturdor brochure, a vast array of real fashionable Exclusive EX70 collection, certified FSC product. wood veneered door options has been with a vertical or horizontal quarter cut revealed. Presenting specifiers, developers stained Ash veneer in 3 contemporary and designers with an unrivalled choice of matt shades: Warm Umber, Dark Taupe FOR FURTHER DETAILS grain configurations and tonal possibilities, and Charcoal Brown. These doors can also DOWNLOAD YOUR COPY TODAY together with textural feel and surface include an optional V shaped decorative 01793 532333 sheen options. If this were not enough, groove, finished in a complementary www.vicaima.com | [email protected]

May/June 2021 ARCHITECTURE MAGAZINE 11 Venice Design Biennial 2021 Venice Design Biennial 2021

The Venice Design Biennial returns, after by the curators and founders of the project, a year away, with its third edition. The Luca Berta and Francesca Giubilei, is Design program of exhibitions will open to the As Self-Portrait. The idea is to investigate public from May 20 to June 27, in parallel what design represents for each of us as with the first month of the Architecture individuals, and at the same time how we Biennale, continuing to weave the represent ourselves through it, through relationship between the languages of objects, spaces, experiences. With a great contemporary design and some of the and new attention to the evolution of the most evocative places in the city. self-representation techniques themselves. Architecture Magazine is looking at some of The curatorial theme of this edition, proposed the highlight.

MIDTOWN VIADUCT IN VENICE WALLACE DXA studio, the New York-based back to the 19th century with the structural architecture and design firm, is exhibiting its framing concept of the Statue of Liberty. CHAN: TITANS conceptual design for The Midtown Viaduct Today the curved structural framing can be Chinese multidisciplinary artist during the Venice Architecture Biennale executed with a combination of innovative Wallace Chan’s first major sculpture 2021. The Midtown Viaduct is an urban techniques, such as water jet cut steel exhibition is on view at the Fondaco pathway that would span Ninth Avenue and pre-fabrication assembly, to create Marcello in Venice and available to and connect the new Moynihan Train Hall a beautifully bending pedestrian path experience online via a virtual tour, at West 31st Street to the High Line and over the heavily trafficked avenue. The artist interviews and other digital Hudson Yards at 30th Street in Manhattan. proposed structure consists of transverse content getting behind the scenes of The proposal was awarded Grand Prize ribs shaped according to the cross-section the show. Online audiences also get a at the 2019 Design Challenge organised of the pedestrian pathway and spaced sneak preview of a new art film about by Metals in Construction magazine. The approximately every 10 feet at the longer Chan’s extraordinary life and work by Midtown Viaduct will be shown at Palazzo linear paths. The resulting formation makes the award-winning director Martina Bembo in Venice as part of the exhibition an interlaced and dynamic public space Margaux Cozzi, due to be released Time Space Existence, organised by the for this rapidly emerging area of the city. later in 2021.‘TITANS: A dialogue European Cultural Centre, which features All original 3D modeling and graphics for between materials, space and time’, “completed and ongoing projects, innovative the exhibit were done in-house by DXA curated by James Putnam, features proposals, researches and utopian dreams studio. ATOMIC was responsible for the a series of large-scale titanium and of architectural expressions.” 3D printing, assembling, and painting of iron sculptures and an immersive Drawing inspiration from the architectural the model. DXA and ATOMIC collaborated installation composed of titanium icons it connects, DXA’s award-winning on the joining method. Based on DXA’s and mirrored stainless steel, giving design references the historic interlaced direction, ATOMIC also devised a system an unprecedented survey of Chan’s steel plate work of the High Line and the for suspending the model from the ceiling work as a sculptor. Together, this intricate steel structure of the original inner with cables, as well as the design and new body of work conveys Chan’s concourse of the 1910 Penn Station. The testing of the lighting system. contemplation on the relationship structural steel fabrication also harkens www.dxastudio.com between materials, space and time through titanium: a futuristic, space- age material that has long been the subject of his experimental impulses. The free-standing sculpture series, A Dialogue between Materials and Time, explores the juxtaposition between the lightness and durability of titanium with iron’s weightiness and susceptibility to corrosion. www.wallace-chan.com Instagram: @wallacechanart

12 ARCHITECTURE MAGAZINE May/June 2021 Venice Design Biennial 2021

NEW STANDARDS The curators, Philip Tidwell (left), Laura Berger and Kristo Vesikansa, stand in front of a typical Puutalo house in Helsinki. Photo Juuso Westerlund © Archinfo Finland The Pavilion of Finland presents the history of a uniquely Finnish approach to mass- produced housing in the twentieth century. Curator Hashim Sarkis has posed a direct question to participants by asking them, “How will we live together?” In response, the Pavilion has chosen to revisit a moment when the urgency of this question lead to new ways of building, new urban landscapes and a dramatic reconfiguration of domestic architecture around the world. New Standards presents the story of Puutalo Oy (Timber Houses Ltd.), an industrial enterprise established in 1940 to address the Karelian refugee crisis, when some 420,000 people were displaced by war. At this moment, both architects and industrialists came together to create a new model of factory-built housing that modernised Finland’s construction industry. In less than a decade, the company became one of the largest manufacturers of prefabricated wooden buildings in the world. Commissioned by Archinfo Finland, the Exhibition is conceived by a curatorial the Finnish population was displaced by period of intense global exchange and team of three academics linked by their war. However, the political and economic development. work at Aalto University: Laura Berger, situation quickly lead the company to After 80 years, Puutalo buildings have Philip Tidwell and Kristo Vesikansa. New redirect its efforts toward international proven robust enough to withstand photography of the Puutalo houses export. By the mid-1950s, millions of square extensive use, updates and modifications has been specially commissioned from metres of buildings had been shipped in a wide variety of contexts and climates. acclaimed photographer Juuso Westerlund from Finland to more than 30 countries in In order to illustrate how the homes in order to show how these houses are exchange for goods and capital to support and neighbourhoods have evolved, inhabited today, and how they have been the struggling post-war economy. The story contemporary photographs have been personalised over decades of use. of Puutalo’s production and export during commissioned to document the way that Puutalo Oy was established in 1940 by 21 these two decades illustrates the ways in the houses are inhabited today. Finnish timber manufacturers in order to which architecture connected with political, www.newstandards.info address a national crisis in which 11% of industrial and economic forces during a Instagram: @archinfo–finland

PARLEY FOR THE OCEANS Parley for the Oceans presents Plasticity, new, eco-innovative architecture. The an installation by Italian architect term refers to projects and initiatives Niccolo Casas in collaboration with the related to the re-use and conversion of Italian Pavilion at the 17th International ready-made plastics. Plasticity intends Architecture Exhibition of la Biennale di to highlight the notions of transformation Venezia. Plasticity is a 3.6-metre high and conversion; it is in fact the scientific sculpture, 3D-printed by innovative design property of a material to deform, brand Nagami and fabricated with Parley undergoing permanent twists, acquiring Ocean Plastic®, a premium material new forms and properties. With Plasticity, created from upcycled plastic waste Casas and Parley for the Oceans together recovered from remote islands, waters with Nagami’s innovative techniques, and coastlines by Parley’s Global Cleanup demonstrate that harmful plastics can be Network. Conceived and designed by transformed into a useful material and, in Niccolo Casas, the installation forms this case, into a lightweight and complex part of ‘Resilient Communities’, this architectural sculpture, through the year’s theme of la Biennale di Venezia’s implementation of digital technologies. Italian Pavilion curated by architect and The installation is a statement of the academic Alessandro Melis. The curator unlimited possibilities for generating new with local businesses and organisations, has invited architects to reflect and spatial articulations as well as instigating teams intercept plastic waste from speculate on radical strategies for resilient ecologically meaningful actions. Parley beaches, remote islands, rivers, communities in a call to take action on works to accelerate solutions to marine mangroves and coastal communities. climate change. Plasticity is Niccolo Casas’ plastic pollution, climate change and Instagram: @parley.tv response to the brief and embodies overfishing with operations in over 30 www.niccolocasas.com the expression of a radical vision for a countries. Through collaborative cleanups www.nagami.design

May/June 2021 ARCHITECTURE MAGAZINE 13 Contracts & Projects

STAR STEEL TREATMENT FOR BREWERY ET AL Hackney Church Brew Co has been given the steel star treatment by Steel Window Services & Supplies, a member of the Steel Window Association. The premises, which house the brewery, shop and bar formerly housed garages within the Victorian railway arches. Nowadays, locals and tourists alike can enjoy the ambience and experience of a truly authentic brewery. Steel Window Service & Supplies’ project entailed providing W20 arched, headed external screens, along with interior doors and screens. Over 80 man days, the company supplied and fitted the large entrance screens, two large external screens at the rear of the building, four internal WC doors and one internal double door set. The W20 suite features an industrial patina finish which offers a stunning urban aesthetic echoing the building’s heritage whilst also reflecting the nature of this vibrant , fashionable district of London. Another innovative touch was the silicone fronted glazing which replicates perfectly the authentic look and feel of traditional steel windows. Lucas Che Tizard, Red Deer Architects, said “Set within two large Victorian brick arches near Hackney Central, this project involved the installation of a large brewery in one arch and a dispense bar and kitchen in the other. Set up in affiliation with St John at Hackney Church the design took stimulus from the industrial process of brewing and the physical aspects of the church.” “Large double height metal framed glazing was thus installed to create an etherial yet industrial aesthetic for the façade. Sizable solid timber trusses were then installed to mimic traditional church construction techniques.” Courtesy of Red Deer and Adam Firman (photographer) 020 3475 8049 | www.steel-window-association.co.uk

INSTALL TALL FIRES

The DRU selection of Maestro premium gas fires has been enhanced by new Tall models for installation anywhere around the home. The Maestro series features the exclusive DRU Dynamic Flame Burner®, which generates high, dancing flames with the option of new DRU Eco Glow LED generated glowing embers across the entire fire bed. The fires can be controlled using the DRU Eco Wave app for smartphones and tablets, which enables the users to set their own preferred flame pattern and regulate the gas consumption. The Maestro 60 Tall model has a compact 60 cm width that is suitable for installation into UK chimneys or false chimneybreasts. There are now Maestro 60 Tall front-facing, 2-sided and 3-sided models. The front version has a window height of 80 cms, with the 2 and 3-sided versions having heights of 75 cms. They have matt black or mirrored Ceraglass interiors and can be combined with a wide choice of surrounds and frames. An additional feature is the DRU Easy Release door system. This has concealed hinges at the top of the glass door with a button-operated drop-down facility, which enables cleaning the glass, re-arranging the logs and other forms of maintenance. All three models have A energy labels and over 90% energy efficiency. Because they are balanced flue gas fires, they can be installed in a wide variety of and commercial settings. The new Maestro 60 Tall series will be available to locations. And with the DRU PowerVent® extended, fan-assisted flue system approved DRU UK fireplace dealers before autumn 2021. they are suitable for luxury apartments, hotels, restaurants and other domestic www.drufire.com

14 ARCHITECTURE MAGAZINE May/June 2021 Contracts & Projects

AN ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY ENTRANCE

When CABI needed a new home to replace the the perfect solution for the building. A GEZE unobtrusive operation – the drives are just 7cm old school building they had been in for 33 years Slimdrive SCR automatic curved sliding door in height and very discreet. Situated in an Area of they turned to international design practice Scott was chosen to provide a light and airy all-glass Outstanding Natural Beauty and in keeping with Brownrigg. The challenge was to design an energy lobby entrance that blends seamlessly into the CABI’s values the building is topped with a living efficient, purpose-built headquarters for the not- facade. The circular entrance features two sets of roof designed to attract insects and birds and for-profit organisation that was in keeping with automatic bi-parting curved glass sliding doors, enhance bio-diversity. The CABI headquarters their values of protecting the environment and creating a lobby that minimises heat loss or were shortlisted for the ArchDaily Building of the enhancing bio-diversity, provided a workplace for gain and so helps to contribute to the building’s Year 2021 Awards. up to 180 members of staff and was an impressive environmental credentials. In addition, the local landmark. GEZE’s automatic doors provided Slimdrive SCR combines high performance with 01543 443000 | www.geze.co.uk

MAXIMISING SPACE

As an increasingly sought after addition to modern homes, sliding doors are quickly becoming the ‘wow factor’ at the heart of home improvement projects. An elegant and stylish way to transform a house into a home, sliding doors break down the barriers between inside and outside spaces, flood rooms with natural light and improve everyday practicality. Naturally, when incorporating more glazing into the envelope of a building, there are three critical factors which must be considered: thermal efficiency, performance and aesthetic appeal. This is particularly important when we consider the trend for larger designs to be incorporated into home transformations.

MASTERPATIO Making it possible to introduce full-height glazing into spaces, the new MasterPatio system from Reynaers can accommodate glazing up to 3.6 metres in height. Leading with a contemporary design, the system boasts slim sightlines to achieve a glass to frame ratio of around 90%, maximising the presence of natural light while standing up to everyday demands and delivering a modern and minimalist appearance. As a highly versatile sliding system, which provides superior performance and functionality, MasterPatio also meets the Passivehaus standards where thermal performance is concerned. For homeowners, that enables them to enjoy the seamless practicality of sliding doors, without having to compromise the efficient performance of With the ability to accommodate a variety of to achieve a coherent aesthetic throughout their their home. Alternatives, such as uPVC or timber, requirements, without compromising aesthetics, property, while additions such as stainless steel for instance, require thicker frames to provide the performance and functionality, MasterPatio Contour Handles can be integrated to realise a necessary strength and performance of sliding from Reynaers Aluminium is the perfect distinctive look and feel. doors, while aluminium offers slim profiles and solution. Complementing the sliding system, the practically uninterrupted views. MasterPatio window range enables homeowners www.reynaers.co.uk

May/June 2021 ARCHITECTURE MAGAZINE 15 Question Time

The Living Rooms by LOM Architecture and Design. Photography by Nicholas Worley FUTURE-PROOFING THE WORKPLACE What are the key elements in future proofing workplace design for a post pandemic era?

With continuous discussion of how and why we’ll return to offices, companies across the world are taking an opportunity to redefine their work culture and that often starts with design-led questions. We ask our experts this issue, to consider what future -proofing the workplace means in real, architectural terms and how they’re working to deliver on this, for clients and for their own studio set ups.

even before the pandemic, experimenting THE EXPERTS with more collaborative and hospitality environments as they look to transform the working environments they offer to future-proof workplaces long beyond the MALIHA HAQUE, ASSOCIATE, LOM experience of COVID-19. ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN INCLUSIVITY Maliha has extensive experience on workplace and Careful, considered, creative design of commercial fit out projects, both in the UK and overseas. She is an experienced concept design and strategic space space is key in helping this next generation planner with expertise in specifying furniture and fittings, of new, flexible spaces feel inclusive and and brand application. She is also an interior design guest enticing for workers. We need to consider lecturer at the University of East London and an active more than just the best looking products mentor for various organisations working with the next and take a holistic approach to the design generation of talent in the built environment sector. In 2018 by looking at the performance of the space she was recognised in the British Bangladeshi Power and including lighting, ergonomics, acoustics and Inspiration list. accessibility, and of course sustainability. www.lom-architecture.com Occupiers are looking for spaces that express positivity and embody a modern, to evolving needs, and inclusive enough that forward thinking business. They must MALIHA HAQUE, LOM ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN it’s a desirable place for employees to flourish. consider neurodiversity, wellbeing, and FLEXIBILITY sustainability – creating an inclusive The watch words for the future workplace A flexible workplace that fosters a culture of environment where staff can feel will be flexibility and inclusivity. inclusivity is the key to an office design that is comfortable and able to thrive. This helps to As we look forward to the post-pandemic sustainable in the long term and will continue provide a shared sense of purpose, meaning, world, many have commented on how to be appealing to occupiers. In practice, and pride in the company culture that will unpredictable the future may be. How much this will mean designing environments that have an enduring impact. will we return to our workplaces? How much are not fixed – that provide core facilities The world might be unpredictable – but of our days will still be spent on Zoom? Will and amenities, but can also accommodate people will want something more consistent: there still be demand for city centre office scaling up and down of space depending a place to be collaborative and creative, that space? The answer is yes, no, and everything on demand or the occupier at a specific allows them to work in a way that suits them, in between. It will change day by day, month moment. Therefore, buildings must be highly and provides those elements that a home by month and year by year and will affect adaptable and capable of re-use over days, office never can. So here is the future of demographics in different ways. Preparing weeks and years. the workplace: flexible, adaptable, inclusive, for this means there is only one solution: a There has been a trend amongst occupiers creative, and personal. These things will workplace that is flexible enough to respond testing the flexibility of their office spaces never go out of fashion.

16 ARCHITECTURE MAGAZINE May/June 2021 Question Time

discuss new ideas. We’ve learnt over the last ANDREW WHITING, PRINCIPAL, HUT year that we can do tasks remotely, but that Andrew founded HUT in 2002. He has a particular interest in collaborative creative activities are much architectural education and practice, and teaches at Degree better when we can meet up to think, make & Diploma level at the Bartlett School of Architecture UCL, and do together. Westminster University, and is a RIBA Part 3 Professional The buildings providing these spaces will examiner. His interest in simple forms of architecture; robust, carefully considered and beautifully detailed rely increasingly less on mechanical means buildings drives the strategic direction of the practice. for their comfort, so are designed much www.hutarchitecture.com more around natural ventilation and daylight than air con and LED lighting. We’ll have lots of openable windows and rooflights, too. So lots of cycle storage and space for lightwells and terraces. And we want natural ANDREW WHITING, HUT casual maintenance are key, and of course materials not man-made ones throughout. great showers, with everything you need - We’ll want to enjoy taking breaks with We need to first think about what the post- like a decent gym; so fresh towels, drying our colleagues, and potentially inviting pandemic working week looks like for rooms for clothes, products, hairdryers, and others to join in too, so everybody can have people before we design the place. lots of space to get ready. lunch together and chat – we’ll need well- We’ve all reflected during the pandemic on If we’re coming in a few days a week we’ve equipped kitchens with lots of food storage that which we value, and are increasingly probably done a bunch of work at home, as we’ll be bringing healthy food into work. mindful of how we live and work, and the so our time in the office is all about meeting There will still be those that aren’t footprint we leave behind. We don’t want people, not sitting at our desks. Of course, comfortable spending too much time in to travel for the sake of travelling, and to we’d all still like a space where we can leave an indoor environment, so terraces and consume products and energy at the rate a few things, and where our colleagues outside spaces previously only used during we were before. know where to find us. And there are still lunchtimes, will become casual meeting We will probably continue to work from going to be lots of zoom calls so we’ll need areas, with decent seating and shelter from home for a day or two each week, and when to pay particular attention to decent lighting the elements needing to be thought about we do come in we will be working flexible and acoustics. from the outset. hours; starting early or late, and leaving Workplaces need to be open, flexible and At the end of each day we might want to earlier or later than we might have previously. welcoming. So that we can see what’s going have a quick drink with our friends and Cycling is going to be even more popular on, and who’s around, with lots of different colleagues before cycling home, so these than it was before the pandemic, people types spaces that we can retreat to for quiet same flexible indoor and outdoor spaces have enjoyed the fitness and freedom of conversations, communal spaces where we need to be adaptable for socialising in small cycling, so not only will we cycle into work, can catch up over a coffee, and areas to lay groups too, once the novelty of being able to we might cycle to meetings in the daytime out things to discuss with colleagues, and go the pub has worn off…

Finsbury Avenue, designed by HUT Architecture

May/June 2021 ARCHITECTURE MAGAZINE 17 Question Time

shopping, working flexibly, work-life balance, BEN ADAMS, FOUNDER and the need for teamwork. Ben Adams Architects is an award-winning company We can future proof our offices by designing founded by Ben Adams in 2010. The practice has amazing spaces that are adaptable, flexible, developed a reputation for creating functional and comfortable, and hospitable, and why beautiful architecture, primarily in the public, private, and commercial sectors, with schemes located in London, wouldn’t we? Too many office buildings have across the UK, and internationally. The premise is to offer been adequate or uninspiring for too long, dynamic design solutions combined with an innovative and like all seismic changes in our society, use of materials that balances context, constraints, our emergence from this latest shock will and concepts. The practice is particularly skilled in be energising for employers, employees, working with complex sites and existing buildings, architects, and designers if we recognise designing in a way that unlocks potential and value for the opportunity for the positive change both users and clients. Ben is also on the New London it represents. Employers want to recruit Architecture Expert Workplace Panel. www.benadamsarchitects.co.uk and retain the best people for their business. Employees want to be excited about work, and cared for physically and mentally. very tired of the same four walls, less Architects can thrive at times like this, if we BEN ADAMS, FOUNDER structured days, and the inherent isolation of remote working. design nimbly, economically, and with great As we emerge, blinking into the daylight Most employees are very keen to get back care to look after the people who work and after endless months of lockdown, many into the office, but few want to return to a live in ‘our’ buildings. companies can’t wait to get back to their rigid five-day week. Workplaces have to Carbon has finally reached the top of offices and see their colleagues in person become more flexible, akin to domestic the agenda for the construction industry again. Business is desperate to return to spaces that allow working in different during Covid-19. Employees, employers, the workplace but how do staff feel? Our settings, and vary your day as you might developers and local authorities are research into the future of workplace design at home, while providing the support, genuinely focused on how we can make includes clients, co-working and caring for serendipity, and focused periods of work net zero carbon cities. Not one building at our own employees, and the results are that can be difficult to find via Zoom. a time, but through every single building, clear if sometimes contradictory. None of Larger companies are looking ahead to see contributing to a meaningful improvement in us miss the commute, but all of us miss our if they need less office space, better office our future climate. It has taken longer than social working lives, and the non-verbal space, or simply more flexibility in how they any of us feared in February 2020 and at communication that’s essential to creativity lease, design, and occupy existing space. The an unrepeatable cost in terms of our physical, and productivity at work. We all enjoyed need for flexible office space was growing mental, and economic health, but we will working from home last spring, when long before the pandemic took hold, and gradually emerge from the tragedies of there was unrivalled good weather along like other trends in the retail, hospitality, and the pandemic with better working lives and with the freedom to work in new and residential sectors, Covid-19 has accelerated inspiring spaces in which to work, without exciting ways. Since then, we have all grown those trends that were already there: online pushing our global climate over the edge.

The Office Group Scott House by Ben Adams Architects. Photography by Nicholas Worley

18 ARCHITECTURE MAGAZINE May/June 2021 Spotlight LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

World Architecture Festival launches futures week in association with WasteBuild, to take place in July

Architectural ideas which tackle some of a period of profound change across the from 15 – 16 July, it is the must-attend the biggest issues facing the world will world, architects will play an important event for the international construction be the subject of a new online event for part in creating buildings, cities, public industry to be inspired, meet new contacts the World Architecture Festival, from 12 places and landscapes that respond to and to win business in the new circular to 14 July 2021. the challenges we have identified. There built environment sector. are immense amounts of research being Tickets cost just £130 +VAT if booked World Architecture Festival will be undertaken across the profession, which we before 30 June and WAF Futures announcing and interviewing the winners hope we can draw attention to, and which registrants will receive an exclusive of its annual WAFX Awards during the we intend to support through publication, discount code saving an additional 10% on three-day event, which will be free-to-view. exhibition, and funding initiatives. the ticket price. The winning designs will cover Climate, “These are big-picture initiatives which For more details on the WAF Futures Energy and Carbon; Water; Food; concern architects both individually and week, WasteBuild EVERYWHERE, World Ageing; Health; Re-use; Smart Cities; collectively, and we want WAF to play Architecture Festival and Inside World Construction Technology; Cultural Identity; a part in promoting initiatives which are Festival of Interiors 2021 please visit Ethics and Values; Power and Justice; and aimed at making life better.” worldarchitecturefestival.com/wafutures Digital Technology. The WAF Futures week will also feature The designs are all future projects, and WAF category shortlist announcements have been entered for the main WAF from the main WAF Awards programme, Awards programme, which will be judged comprising 44 categories covering www.worldarchitecturefestival.com in Lisbon this December. completed buildings, interiors, future www.insidefestival.com Past winners have included: X-Space | projects, and landscape, and live interviews www.wastebuild.com Urban Fabric Regeneration by Verform, with the winners of the WAFX Awards. @worldarchfest | #WAF2021 | #WAFutures Ulsoor Lake by Arup and Badaevskiy WAF’s live event is planned to take place @insideworldfest | #Inside2021 Brewery, Redevelopment by Herzog & de in Lisbon from 1 to 3 December. Meuron and APEX project bureau. • Following WAF Futures and co- Commenting on the new launch, WAF located on the same online platform is Programme Director Paul Finch said: “In WasteBuild EVERYWHERE. Taking place

Architect: Verform Architect: Herzog & de Meuron and APEX project bureau Project Title: X-Space | Urban Fabric Project Title: Badaevskiy Brewery, Redevelopment Regeneration Project Country: Russia Project Country: United Arab Emirates WAFX Award Re-use Winner 2019 WAFX Award Overall Winner & Smart Image Credits: All visualisations and drawing: Cities Winner 2019 © Herzog & de Meuron

May/June 2021 ARCHITECTURE MAGAZINE 19 Spotlight POST PANDEMIC PRINTING SOLUTIONS HP DesignJet offer printing solutions to assist architects in adapting to a socially distanced world.

To see the same number of clients and stop them being important. Physically consultations, meetings with colleagues do the same number of jobs, we need to standing in front of an on-site challenge and all the other interactions required change the way we work. and discussing it with the manager usually to get the job done are also more gets you to a solution much faster than a complicated - and take longer - because Any architect who has had to negotiate chain of emails, photo attachments and of social distancing. Which all means less the new one-way systems on construction phone calls ever could. time in front of your workstation getting sites will know site visits often take much on with the job of designing the structures longer than they used to. But that doesn’t Now, however, site visits, client your clients want built.

20 ARCHITECTURE MAGAZINE May/June 2021 Spotlight

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IS ONLY efficient and how to make them socially competing products, making them the PART OF THE ANSWER distanced and safe. world’s smallest large-format plotters. And chief among the physical processes in This makes them perfect for staff who are One of the ways in which architects question, is printing. remote working, as they can be installed have responded to this challenge is in home offices where space isn’t as to accelerate the pace of their digital LARGE-FORMAT PRINTING FOR abundant as it is in the studio. transformation. Many firms, for instance, POST-COVID ARCHITECTURAL WORK have given staff the tools they need Taken together, these features deliver real to work remotely. In the UK, one fifth Printing schematics, artistic concept flexibility — allowing your colleagues and of architects say all their staff are now renderings and other large-format print even partners to print remotely and collect working remotely, and 60% say at least jobs is a standard part of any architect’s their documents quickly, with the minimum some employees are working from home. day. And it can also be a time-consuming amount of configuration and almost no one. What’s needed now is a printer physical contact with the printer. So, perfect At the same time, architects are seamlessly integrated in the workflow for a for the new socially distanced office. automating their workflows to reduce digitally streamlined, post-COVID age. or eliminate manual work through an This is why HP has recently released its Perhaps even more importantly, the easy- ongoing process of digital transformation. new HP DesignJet T200, T600 and Studio set and print submission combined with These efforts include the adoption of Printer series. All three new product ranges the printers’ reliability helps you accelerate technologies such as artificial intelligence have been designed from the ground up the physical task of printing in the same (AI) and robotic process automation (RPA), to be low-touch, and the easiest and most way you’ve already accelerated other which automate manual work and bring efficient way to maintain large-format digital processes. the intelligence of data analytics to design printers, ever. and decision making. “These new large-format printers are Adaptions to meet the needs of architects specifically designed to help architects Digital Transformation also includes in the post-COVID world, include: and other design-led professions be as innovations such as wearable tech, • Easy document set-up: print multiple efficient and operate as intelligently as geolocation, and the use of Internet of files, at any supported size, in just a their customers and the market demands,” Things (IoT) devices to gather data, and single click with no extensive manual says Colin Easton, Large Format Printing monitor site conditions. configuration. Channel Manager at HP UK. “This also All these innovations can help accelerate • Smart multi-size print outs: with an A3 makes them ideal for architects looking for work rates and save time. Enabling staff print tray and an integrated A3 workflow, smarter ways to operate in the post-COVID digitally so they can work away from these new printers let you print at any size era. In addition, they are also highly cost base makes social distancing at the office from A4 up to A0, without time-consuming effective and environmentally friendly, easier when clients do visit. However, by manual reconfiguration. allowing you to save up to 95% on ink themselves, these technology-based • Work anywhere, any time: print from any costs for routine maintenance compared measures are not enough. connected device, whether you’re in the to the competition and reducing emissions Once you have digitised everything office, at home, on site or in transit, so your from large-format printing by up to 7.3 that can be digitised, the proportion of printouts are always ready and waiting. tons a year.” time taken up by the remaining physical elements of the job is greater than ever. In These ranges also include some of the the post-COVID era, this leaves architects most compact large-format printers ever with two main challenges: how to make made. In fact, the HP DesignJet T200 24-in FOR MORE INFORMATION these physical processes faster and more series printers are up to 18% smaller than www.hpgraphicarts.com

May/June 2021 ARCHITECTURE MAGAZINE 21 the only limit is your imagination

The Unique Collection allows you to laminate bonded to the just about anything that exists as a sheet veneer onto any number of substrates. If you do not see substrate of choice it within our standard ranges on our website – just ask! We will locate and source a supply to satisfy your design needs or if you wish laminate your own supplied materials. Talk to us, our technical department will be happy to help source the perfect product for you – be “Unique”. Available in quantities as little as just one board.

Contact us for more information.

Century House, Premier Way, Lowfields Business Park, T: +44 (0) 1484 658341 E: [email protected] Elland, West Yorkshire, HX5 9HF www.decorativepanels.co.uk Legal Update WHAT’S IN A NAME?

Micah Hall, Irwin Mitchell LLP, reflects on the importance of correctly identifying and naming parties within construction and development agreements.

When disputes arise regarding the In order to change the identity of a party, developer of any given project, it can both parties would have had to have made lead to dismissed claims if all names a “mistake”, which once admitted, can be don’t align. As Micah Hall discusses. easily resolved by substituting the correct name. The problem here was that the THE ISSUE underwriter had intended to underwrite a An insurer was entitled to refuse to pay policy covering Dekra, not Grove End. So no a claim where the developer named in “mistake” was made. the insurance policy was not the actual developer of the property. The homebuyers argued that the policy should have the words Dekra BACKGROUND Developments Ltd “or associated the only Two homebuyers purchased a lease companies” implied so as to rectify the of a newly-built property in Grove End error. However, the court held that it was Gardens, London, which was covered by not necessary to imply those words into the an LABC New Homes Warranty Certificate contract to give it effect. To do so would be MICAH HALL of Insurance. They claimed £735,000 under to change the intention. Micah Hall is in the Engineering and limit is your the policy for repairs, which had not been Construction Team of Irwin Mitchell carried out by the developer. The insurance An estoppel typically arises where a LLP. A graduate from the University of certificate named a company called Dekra representation is made which another person Portsmouth he has previously enjoyed a Developments Ltd as the developer. Sales relies on to their detriment. Although the career in Service Management with Sun brochures had been issued marked Dekra homebuyers had relied on the policy to their imagination Microsystems and Oracle Corporation. and it was accepted by the court that the detriment, they were not able to show to the homebuyers had always understood that court’s satisfaction that the insurer had made the developer was Dekra. a representation to them that Grove End’s liabilities would be covered. Accordingly, the The underwriter resisted the claim on a The Unique Collection allows you to laminate estoppel argument also failed. bonded to the just about anything that exists as a sheet veneer number of grounds but eventually (in fact onto any number of substrates. If you do not see not until after court proceedings were The argument of waiver also failed because substrate of choice issued) took the point that Dekra did not neither the homebuyers nor the insurers it within our standard ranges on our website – just meet the policy definition of “Developer” had appreciated that legitimate grounds for ask! We will locate and source a supply to satisfy because it did not grant the lease, nor was refusing the claim existed - therefore the your design needs or if you wish laminate your it the builder of the property. The company, insurers could not have waived that right. own supplied materials. Talk to us, our technical which granted a lease to the homebuyers, was Grove End Gardens Ltd. This company THE LESSONS department will be happy to help source the had the same directors and shareholders as The necessity of correctly identifying the perfect product for you – be “Unique”. Dekra but it was a different company. parties to any agreement is of paramount Available in quantities as little as just importance. While the courts do sometimes THE COURT PROCEEDINGS one board. find in favour of the insured in deciding The homebuyers claimed that the insurers exactly what is covered, the question of should pay because the certificate had who is covered will be subject to stricter mistakenly named Dekra and the insurers and more legalistic scrutiny. were either estopped from denying that Dekra was the developer or had waived their right to deny it. www.irwinmitchell.com Contact us for more information.

Century House, Premier Way, Lowfields Business Park, T: +44 (0) 1484 658341 E: [email protected] Elland, West Yorkshire, HX5 9HF www.decorativepanels.co.uk May/June 2021 ARCHITECTURE MAGAZINE 23 Case Study

24 ARCHITECTURE MAGAZINE May/June 2021 Vertical Courtyard House By Manoj Patel Design Studio

PROJECT TEAM Architect - Manoj Patel Design Studio Site Area - 3500 sq ft Built up - 3100 sq ft Project Type - Private House Location - Vadodara; Gujarat, India. Completion date - 2020 Design Team - Ar. Manoj Patel, Shivani Tamboli, Aishwarya Gupte, Urvesh, Rajeshwari. Photography - Umang shah

SUPPLIER TEAM Bricks - Jalaram Bricks Stone - Jain Granite & Marble Colour/Paint - Asian Paints Summica - Royal Touche Sales & Laminates Fabrics - D’Decor Clay Roof Tiles - CTI DM Prajapat Sanitary Fixtures - Jaquar Lighting - Hafele Lights Aluminium - Banco Aluminium Limited Glass - Saint Gobain

VERTICAL COURTYARD HOUSE BY MANOJ PATEL DESIGN STUDIO

Vertical Courtyard House is a residential bank structure on the ground and create dwelling set within the village a house, which feels close to nature. community of Vadodara; Gujarat, India. Evolving the thought process, for this west facing house, the team decided to take in The residence unfolds as an exploration the diffused light and create a volumetric of the interaction between surrounding mass. Here the study of climate plays an houses, dense greenery and the village important role in planning in an organised lifestyle, coming together in new and layout, with multiple voids in the form of modern ways. terraces and double height spaces.

The family that owns the house are The absence of openings on the west accustomed to a simple and quiet life, façade provides a large surface area for a reflection of their village community. cladding. The clay roof tiles were identified With this in mind, the team at Manoj as an ideal material to clad with as it was Patel Design Studio were sensitive to the low in cost and has longevity in terms of locality, while responsible for creating a performance. The pattern was explored and dynamic living environment, incorporating unravelled through various arrangements a clay roof tile façade, which not only at the hands of craftspeople, and shows the boasts a beautiful external decoration, but toran graphics at 45 degree angles. minimises heat gain across the house. The proportions of the clay roof tile strips While approaching this project, the main cast shadows on the surface based on sun’s challenge was to incorporate an existing movement during the day. Despite this, the

May/June 2021 ARCHITECTURE MAGAZINE 25 Vertical Courtyard House By Manoj Patel Design Studio screening keeps the interior spaces cool The house offers living, kitchen, dining inner double height courtyard in the middle and yet stands out from the local fabric. and bedroom spaces across the first and of the house, creating an airy, peaceful and second floor, respectively. To bring in the quiet space separate from the outside. The To differentiate the existing ground structure traditional art and craft of the village, in crafted backdrop mural becomes the focus and the entry gateway of the dwelling, a modernised way, the living room has for the space and forms an introvert dining a huge pergola framed structure with been transformed into a double height area, helping to connect the family with the adjacent recessed green wall has been space with a plain palette, contrasting in nature and themselves in privacy. created in bold dark colours. The sun’s harsh the colourful patterned fabrics and rug. rays get cut due to the pergola and keeps The proportions of the living area and the There are many layers of double height the parking space shaded and cooler. natural openings bring in the required spaces, voids even designed for the light and ventilation, preventing the harsh master bedrooms on the first and When entering the main space on the sun from penetrating the space but still second floor. To have privacy and visual first floor, the owners are welcomed by a enjoying natural light. connectivity with the dining space, vertical double height foyer partly covered with slits have been designed on one of the vertical fins to protect from west glazing. As a refreshing alternate to monotonous bedroom walls. The connected punctured These vertical fins also display a visual kitchen interiors, a contrasting colour balcony, of large proportions, creates air connectivity across the road. The door palette of brown is used distinctively with corridors for the internal as well as external itself shows a different concept of merging white shades to balance the wooden space. Keeping with the interior theme, the a jali effect as new see through screen, textured. Smooth, simple and calming, backdrop has been carved from minimum while maintaining the safety functions the kitchen feels effortlessly cool, in more wooden panels, which make it appear vast. required of a private home. The play of ways than one. the bold palette emphasises the intricate The staircase is emboldened by its own beauty of the door. The dining space is arranged around an identity in the double height space through the semi-open railing element, designed to combined adjoining TV wall unit and an above over hung passage in play of contrasting yellow and grey. This creates an illusion of whole mass popping out of the inward looking subtle coloured mass.

The master bedroom on the upper floor has large balcony acting as a barrier and canopy for the first floor below. This acts an interactive link making it look voluminous connected frame mass. The beauty of the backdrop gets enhanced in pink graphics and textures of wooden laminates with the play of shadow.

Styling for the kid’s room, the colour palette is perceived in a vibrant combination of pink and violet. The study table has been designed adjacent to an opening to benefit from diffused light and that close to nature feel due to the dense vegetation surrounding it.

Through this project, the design team at Manoj Patel Design Studio incorporated simple methods to create architectural spaces, a use of common local material to clad and a colour palette of pop out shades, which enhance the beauty of the mass.

From every position outside the house, one can see different large openings for ample of airflow and natural lighting into the spaces, to create a warm, sun-drenched feeling.

www.manojpateldesignstudio.com

26 ARCHITECTURE MAGAZINE May/June 2021

CHOOSE THE RIGHT PRODUCT FOR APPLICATION RESOURCES AT YOUR FINGERTIPS LIVE CHAT WITH THE EXPERTS APPLICATION GALLERIES & VIDEOS INDUSTRY SPECIFIC INFORMATION ORDER PRODUCT SAMPLES

VISIT OUR NEW VIRTUAL SHOWROOM EXPERIENCE

We are delighted to announce our new virtual showroom experience is now live, take the tour now: www.hanson-plywood-showroom.co.uk

Hanson Plywood Limited Drakes Industrial Estate, Shay Lane, Ovenden, Halifax HX3 6RL

Tel: 01422 330444 Fax: 01422 330706 Email: [email protected] www.hanson-plywood.co.uk Spotlight HANSON PLYWOOD GOES VIRTUAL

Hanson Plywood presents its virtual showroom dedicated to architects, specifiers and designers

For some time, Hanson Plywood has been products and services on offer, along with blocks in the main showroom. exploring ways to make life easier for accompanying technical data/information. • An in-depth panel gallery situated at the businesses and individuals to connect The aim is to provide as much relevant back of the showroom. with the manufacturer and obtain information as possible within the virtual • An exciting Product Focus TV feature, concise and informative detail about its showroom which can be accessed from the with a new product/supplier featured operations and services. comfort of your home/office. every month. In the main showroom, next to the • An OSB, MDF and Chipboard product The unwelcome arrival of the Pandemic reception desk, there is a downloadable section. last year has encouraged Hanson Plywood copy of Hanson Plywood’s newly launched • An Ipad in the library to enable visitors to forge ahead with its efforts, recognising 2021 Brochure, as well as a live chat to ‘visit the factory’ and view product a definitive need for digital/virtual services feature to ask our staff any questions about manufacturing videos. that provide a resource, which eliminates products or the showroom. • A trade section in the library. some of the health risks associated with Also included is a virtual library, which Phase 3 is underway and will Introduce close social interaction. stocks all the latest information/ a ‘Professional & Technical Zone’ and an A significant focus of its endeavours has publications. Within the library, you will innovative ‘Plywood Flooring Centre’. been the creation of the Hanson Plywood also find a section for suppliers’ technical Virtual Showroom, which has now launched. information. Hanson Plywood further It is intended to be an informative and developed this resource by adding a ‘Phase www.hanson-plywood-showroom.co.uk accessible platform for architects, designers 2’. Features added include: Twitter: @hansonplywood and specifiers to view a range of the - Sample gallery sections in each product Instagram: @Hansonplywoodltd

May/June 2021 ARCHITECTURE MAGAZINE 29 Case Study

The riverside location was also key to the design, with direct views afforded by this terrace area

30 ARCHITECTURE MAGAZINE May/June 2021 Riverside House By SpaceInvader

The company sought to embody best practice as a shop window for its own tenant clients RIVERSIDE HOUSE BY SPACEINVADER

SpaceInvader are specialists in THE BRIEF workplace strategy, CAT A and CAT B A thorough initial research stage was schemes and are one of the North of undertaken by SpaceInvader at the England’s premier agencies, with studios project’s outset to establish the brief in Manchester and Leeds. and key objectives, which included prioritising substance over style, whilst at Riverside House, built in the 1860s, is a the same time providing a great-looking Grade II-listed building, adjacent to the shop window and incorporating a new old railway goods yard at New Bailey in approach to ways of working that would Salford, directly alongside the River Irwell. promote collaboration and foster mutual The building was locally listed but had appreciation, awareness and recognition stood in ruins for a number of years, before within the Muse team. being acquired by the English Cities Fund for re-development. The main building “We really needed to understand the structure was heavily damaged and the thinking of the senior team and so decision was taken by the fund to retain interviewed the firm’s project managers, and repair the existing brick façade and office director and central staff”, John construct a new, four-storey CAT A office Williams, Founder of SpaceInvader with a brand-new structure. explained. ‘“he process was very open, thorough and also two-way. Muse were Muse, a national developer and one of as interested in the thinking behind our the country’s leading names in mixed-use questions as we were in their answers. The development and urban regeneration, took great thing was we’d covered everything the decision to relocate to Riverside House in such depth that by the time we got to and signed a lease agreement with the fund. space-planning that there couldn’t have SpaceInvader had previously worked with been any other solution. The final designs Muse on a number of residential projects. were entirely rational, as well as being

May/June 2021 ARCHITECTURE MAGAZINE 31 Case Study

moved to suit the meeting room layout and floor grilles moved to suit desk layouts. This minimised cost, disruption and also waste. There were also some specific enhancements requested by Muse to allow the CAT A design to blend seamlessly with the fit-out design. The wall linings were uplifted in a number of locations and a slatted timber finish created for the perimeter walls to the open plan floor plate, lending a domestic feel to the finishes palette, whilst arched window linings help frame views out towards Salford.

The internal space planning of Muse’s two floors – the second and the third - was thoroughly considered. The areas that captured the best views were reserved for the most active environments, such as shared desk space, the project room and staff kitchen. Alongside this, the floors were addressed differently in terms of function and atmosphere, with the second floor providing an open plan workspace with its adjoining alternative settings and the third floor providing the visitor / client experience.

All noise, lighting, circulation and toilet A landscape of moveable furniture and provision met BCO standards. An acoustic partition options supports wider working practices consultant was appointed who ensured all areas had the appropriate amount intuitive and responsive.” demographic of future employees evolve. of acoustic finishes to control noise comfort. Upholstered seating, full height Sustainability and waste reduction were The riverside location was also key to the booth seating and specific acoustic also major aims of the project, whilst design. Views of the river from Riverside wall treatments all work in tandem. All the concept also needed to reflect the House and the river’s effect on the areas, including common parts, were building’s proximity to water and nature - surrounding city are at the heart of the designed using durable materials and with views, biophilia and outdoor decking concept. Not only does the river affect intentionally viewed holistically alongside all key. people, but also the built environment, the base build finishes to give a consistent with natural materials which make up language ensuring fit-out and building At the time of appointment, the Muse the riverbed influencing the surrounding character and identity, whilst the clear team had set desks and no facility for city. The fit-out also makes reference to floor-to-ceiling layout is in excess of the agile working, though there was plenty of that, by keeping an underlining industrial BCO-recommended 2.8m, due to the slab ambition surrounding how best to progress aesthetic throughout. The project was height of the existing building. to embody a company developing office about celebrating Salford as well as space for others that was also itself at the showing what the company can do for On the second floor, a variety of work forefront of optimum practice. its own tenants, whilst the water outside, settings blend as they wrap around its movement, colours and the wildlife it the building core. Project spaces and DESIGN APPROACH attracts, particularly kingfishers, informed communal quiet spaces flank the edges The intent for the new office was to allow the colour scheme. The designers looked with flexible, openable partitions allowing the Muse team to move to an agile way of to the various strata of the riverbed to engagement with the open plan area working, where desks were not allocated create a sense of horizontal layering, using if required. A landscape of moveable to individuals. Desks would be clear at the tones of red from the local sandstone furniture and partition options supports end of each day, with belongings stored in bed, combined with industrial textures to wider working practices, maximising a locker. The overarching rationale was to ensure a unique and sophisticated finish. natural daylight and views whilst ancillary provide colleagues with different places support functions are practical and well- to work better suited to their tasks, whilst THE FINAL DESIGN placed close to the core. Ease of use and encouraging improved collaboration. SpaceInvader liaised with the building’s connectivity have been designed into all By identifying the differing needs of all refurbishment architects to ensure the the joinery and loose furniture pieces. colleagues, the team was given options of design reduced waste as well as rendering where to work, knowing also this may change the perfect space plan. For example, The circulation on the third floor is again in the future as the business and the chilled beams and lighting units were logical, clear and precise. The underlying

32 ARCHITECTURE MAGAZINE May/June 2021 Riverside House By SpaceInvader principle was to ensure the adaptability horizontal layering of materials. The detail the space, such as the feature ‘wave’ and flexibility of spaces. The client lounge is particularly important, because the vast ceiling within the client/visitor lounge. adopts this philosophy. From the core, majority of the space is very clean and In addition, the team commissioned a clients and the Muse team enter into an simple. There are block colours and clean local art photographer to celebrate the open, relaxed lounge and informal meeting lines throughout, with ‘hints of sunshine.’ area through a series of location-specific space. This in turn is connected to both This is introduced by timber accents in the photographic artworks. These feature the outdoor terrace and the staff kitchen joinery and furniture, whilst the layering within the meeting rooms around a theme area. Views out to the landscape and creates a depth within the scheme, as well of ‘Manchester pubs’. river are enhanced with the introduction as replicating the layers of strata that make of a feature ceiling designed to capture up a riverbed.” DESIGN SUCCESS the very essence of the Salford weather The project has revolutionised the way and surrounding views. Aesthetically, the Living planting throughout the space Muse works. Colleagues now have a feature represents the formation of clouds, reflects the recognised and important modern, quality, flexible, logical and with fully-controllable LED luminaires aspect of biophilic design within the well-designed space in which to work. enabling the ceiling either to compliment workplace. This is not only with air-purifying Muse’s rationale was simple: their new or contrast with the external environment, qualities and reduction of potential office should make a statement about creating an instant connection to external pollutants in mind, but also because the their approach to innovative, regenerative aspects. Access out onto the terrace visibility of planting openly promotes development and their commitment to the was enhanced by specifying a wider, employee well-being. Additionally, eight- region, whilst seizing the opportunity to outwardly swinging door with a hold open stand up desks are provided along with embrace a new way of working. By paying mechanism to allow these three spaces to a stand-up desk in the project space, homage to Salford through its landscape, flow seamlessly during social events. allowing colleagues to stand whilst working urban grain and engaging with its people, and move around throughout the day. such as local artists, a further dimension “The connection to the outside influenced Fresh fruit and lunches are provided free has been added to this building as it starts all the spaces and proximity to the of charge to all colleagues to encourage its new chapter. perimeter and natural daylight was a socialising and users to be able to move driving factor in the space planning of away from their desks. both floors”, John Williams explained. “The abstract concept of the river and The SpaceInvader team also reached out www.spaceinvaderdesign.co.uk riverbed was translated into the scheme to Manchester based, independent artists Photography credit: Andrew Smith at through a mix of natural colour tones and to create feature commissions within SG Photography

DESIGNERS AND SUPPLIERS Client - Muse Developments Designer - SpaceInvader Lead Contractor - Overbury Project Manager - Avid M&E - Hannan Associates Carpets - Ege Carpets Ltd Flooring - Havwoods Wall finishes -Kabe Feature Lighting - M3 Industries Blinds & Curtains - Silent Gliss Artwork - Ann Myron Quinn

A special feature ceiling designed to represent the formation of clouds, reflecting Salford’s weather

May/June 2021 ARCHITECTURE MAGAZINE 33 NEW REFORM TRANSITION ECOTRUST TILES

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36 ARCHITECTURE MAGAZINE May/June 2021 Spotlight THE PERFECT TOUCH A TACTILE IRONMONGERY EXPERIENCE

Established in October 1982, Touch Ironmongery is one of London’s leading Architectural Ironmongers

Originally known as “A Touch of Brass”, ironmongery market, Touch mainly supplies provide every customer with the best the firm changed its name in 2003 in to residential premises but hotel and office solution for their requirements. reaction to slowly advancing market properties also appear on its slate of work. changes in architectural ironmongery, The company has a healthy export IN TOUCH WITH GREAT SERVICE which is no longer supplied solely in market to all corners of the world, Ironmongery can be a complex aspect brass, and to also reflect the broader namely the Middle East, Europe and the of a building project, as a result, Touch range of product and finishes that it sells. Americas. Touch’s owner and founder, Bill aims to take this complexity and make it Benham, has 38 years’ experience in the user-friendly and clear to understand by Today, Touch supplies a wide range of ironmongery trade, as do his colleagues offering an on-site service where it carries finishes including Brass, Satin Brass, Jim Haselup and Alan Blanchard. Saleem out a detailed door by door, window by Polished Chrome, Polished Nickel, Satin Qureshi is the newest member of our team window, room by room Ironmongery Nickel, Copper, Bronze – solid and plated, and has 10 years’ experience, making their schedule, highlighting all requirements BMA, Antique Brass, Black, Pewter, knowledge invaluable in the industry. and identifying any items that can be Ceramic, Leather, Stainless Steel, Satin refurbished. Refurbishment is a large Stainless Steel, Gun Metal, and the list SUPPLYING THE BEST part of the business; Touch will undertake keeps growing. Touch Ironmongery has recently become a complete ironmongery refurbishment supplier for Designer Doorware (Australia) projects, and can restore old paint covered STYLE AND QUALITY ON SHOW which has beautiful products with a door furniture to its former glory, looking as In its recently refurbished showroom, 210 cutting-edge design in metals, woods and new and retaining its originality. Fulham Road, Chelsea, Touch displays a concrete. Touch also has the exclusive vast range of its 5,000 products. The range rights to sell the Olaria (Barcelona) range of products supplied by Touch date from in the UK. Olaria makes bespoke products circa 1640 French (Louise XIV) and cover all with incredible levels of workmanship. subsequent periods (Georgian, Edwardian Touch also sells European manufactured & Victorian), art deco and contemporary goods, which is considered to be of a Touch Ironmongery Ltd pieces also make up the product ranges. In very good quality and in recent years has 210 Fulham Road addition, Touch showcases the very best of introduced some of the far eastern made Chelsea British manufacturing; the best ranges are products, albeit in a limited but cost- London still produced in the Midlands by craftsmen effective range. With trends continuously SW10 9PJ in factories dating back 200 years or more. evolving new innovative products are With a customer base including interior constantly under development. Touch designers, builders and private clients who understand that keeping up with the 0207 351 2255 are interested in the quality end of the fashion-shifts is imperative in order to www.atouchofbrass.co.uk

May/June 2021 ARCHITECTURE MAGAZINE 37 Product News

DESIGN-LED PLANTERS FROM TORC Torc makes everything by hand from its this company has to offer, with a wealth of always design-led. Launching its new studio in the British Isles, creating beautiful experience in design and problem solving contemporary shaped water bowl this pots and planters to enhance any outdoor to bring to the table. Torc welcomes the spring, the diameter of this little beauty can or indoor space. Working alongside a opportunity to be involved at the design be offered up to 3m wide. Torc’s green talented team of artisans, this family-run stage and is happy to contribute ideas when credentials are pretty impressive too. business specialises in texture, scale and requested. Frequently being commissioned Contact Torc to find out more. bespoke pot design. The design side of to provide planter designs and outdoor the business is getting busier all the time furniture as a template for both commercial with landscape architects and garden and residential spaces, Torc’s experience designers alike tapping into the expertise and knowledge of the sector is vast and 01534 717104 | [email protected]

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38 ARCHITECTURE MAGAZINE May/June 2021 Spotlight DEGREES OF GOOD DESIGN

Starting life in the 70s, the boiling water tap has grown to prominence across residential and commercial design projects. Quooker stays ahead of the curve, as the ‘hottest tap in town’

The original and true 100-degree boiling water. Furthermore, one canister of C02 motion. While in use, the user is alerted water tap brand, Quooker, leads the way yields 60 litres of carbonated water, which with the glow of a red-light ring around when it comes to innovative technology significantly reduces the need for single-use the handle base. For the Flex range which and design. plastic bottles. The average UK household boasts a flexible pull-out hose, a cut- uses a staggering 360 plastic bottles per off lock prevention system is in place to Founded in 1970, Henri Peteri’s innovative year, resulting in huge volumes of waste ensure boiling water cannot be used when concept of a boiling water tap has grown nationwide. Dispensing precisely the the hose is out. into a kitchen essential for millions of amount needed at any given moment, and Quooker taps dispense boiling water as an households worldwide. with canisters that can be returned and re- aerated flow rather than a solid jet of water, All Quooker taps use very little electricity filled after use, CUBE ensures responsible meaning water feels hot but not scalding to and give staggering energy saving results. and more sustainable consumption. touch, should any accidental contact occur. Thanks to its sophisticated state-of-the-art But they are not just environmentally The double-insulated casing prevents tank technology, it takes very little energy beneficial. When it comes to boiling heat from escaping, and ensures the tap (just 10 watts) to keep the water in the tank water taps, Quooker provides the safest is not hot to touch when in use, unlike a at 110°C. Water only starts to boil when the choice for every household. A common kettle which presents a far higher burn risk. tap is turned on and the temperature of the misconception that boiling water straight These safety functions offer additional user outflowing water drops to 100°C. While the from a tap cannot be safe, Quooker has reassurance and makes the entire Quooker water is coming out of the tap, fresh water homeowners covered. With a range of range the safest on the market. immediately flows into the tank to replace features that help maximise safety whilst With unparalleled functionality, intuitive the exact amount extracted ready for the providing streamlined usability, Quooker and seamless water mode transitions, and next use. delivers the tap that does it all. these in-built safety mechanisms, Quooker Thanks to the new CUBE accessory, the All Quooker taps boast sophisticated state- delivers the tap that truly does it all. Flex now dispenses chilled and sparkling of-the-art, child-safe handle systems that water at the touch of a button. Saving you will never automatically dispense boiling time and space, with CUBE the immediacy water. With a patented double push and of super chilled and filtered water can be twist mechanism, boiling water is safely enjoyed without having to wait or waste dispensed following a quick and deliberate www.quooker.co.uk

Quooker Flex in Chrome Quooker Flex in Black Carbon

May/June 2021 ARCHITECTURE MAGAZINE 39

Ask the Expert

A MORE DIVERSE ECOSYSTEM Kimberly Dowdell, Principal at HOK’s Chicago studio, discusses the launch of HOK Tapestry as a means to support diversity in architecture through collaboration with firms of all sizes.

It has always been my belief that we need likely to be led or owned by women and/or a diverse and inclusive industry in order to minority architects. create more diverse and inclusive places. This was one of the key motivations behind However, despite some progress in the launch of HOK Tapestry. This online recent years, architecture remains a portal allows firms seeking to collaborate predominantly white and male-dominated with HOK to upload their profile and profession. When I was President of the qualifications into a database we use to National Organisation of Minority Architects help us assemble project teams. (NOMA) from 2019 to 2020, I was struck Information entered into HOK Tapestry will by the statistic that of 116,000 architects enable HOK project managers to curate the in the US, just 2,300 – less than 2% - are best partnering firms based on the client’s African American. According to an AIA specific project goals, expanding our list survey conducted in 2020, just 17% of of potential partners around the world and practicing architects are women. In the UK, bring greater equity to our project teams. it is a similar story with the 2019 Architects This is not exclusively targeted at groups Registration Board annual report showing that are under-represented in our almost three quarters (71%) of architects are industry, but it will help level the playing male, and just 1% are black. field between larger practices with long- This not only creates inequity in the established networks and relationships, and profession, but it puts our industry at smaller, independent practices, that we a disadvantage; as countless studies know are more likely to be female and/or KIMBERLY DOWDELL have shown a lack of diversity can stifle minority-led. Kimberly collaborates with other members collaboration, creativity, productivity and We launched the platform in February of the leadership team in HOK’s Chicago Studio on strategic business development problem-solving. Supporting female and already have more than 100 practices and marketing initiatives. She is also a architects and those from minority groups registered. The initial feedback we have frequent speaker at industry events and a is not only the right thing to do, it is good received suggests that smaller practices mentor to HOK’s emerging leaders. In 2021 for business. want to be fully embedded in project Kimberly joined the board of directors of Many practices – including HOK – have teams and treated as equal partners the Architects Foundation and the board taken positive steps to address this and rather than contracted to deliver a very of the Chicago Area Central Committee, are committed to supporting diversity in limited component of the work. This more which works to shape the city’s growth, architecture through their recruitment collaborative approach will help smaller equity and quality of place. Kimberly was and training programmes. However, it practices grow, broaden their experience recognised for her activism efforts by will take time for the positive impacts and ultimately bring new ideas and thinking Architectural Record’s 2020 Women in of these initiatives to become clear, to the places we are designing. Architecture Awards program. particularly as practices expand at a HOK Tapestry continues our firm’s legacy slower rate as the economy recovers of being an innovative and supportive from the Covid-19 pandemic. partner and we look forward to driving In the meantime, there is an positive change in the industry. opportunity to make a real difference by supporting the ecology of smaller You can register your practice on and independent practices that are more HOK Tapestry at: www.hoktapestry.com

May/June 2021 ARCHITECTURE MAGAZINE 41

SHORTLIST Working life Office life has changed immeasurably and with it, a refocus on what we need and when we need it when one is at work. One thing is for certain; no matter what you do, if you’re in an office, great seating options and a solid, practical desk are non-negotiable. Architecture Magazine has highlighted some new designs that interplay between top level functionality, comfort and, let’s face it, amazing form.

High time you sat down Reworking innovation The Sage Collection is designed for office and commercial/ At the heart of Vitra’s R&D is a commitment to innovating hospitality environments as well as the home, with a specific with new materials and brining new designs to the fore. focus on human health and well-being within the built It is, however, also deeply invested in enhancing that environment and meets the standards required for WELL certified which already exists. The R & D team recently succeeded buildings. In an effort to challenge the way that upholstery is in creating a product made form household waste. And usually constructed, Benchmark has chosen not to use plastic it has a familiar face. Tip Ton, originally developed by foam and has instead developed the collection with entirely Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby developed together with natural materials including coir, latex, sheep’s wool, and recycled Vitra in 2011, has been Reworked in this new material. cotton. With complete material transparency and low chemical To attain the necessary level of stability and quality, the emissions, the Sage Collection launches with the DECLARE recycled material is supplemented with a small amount label, an internationally recognised ‘nutrition’ label which provides of glass fibre. No further dyes are added: the grey of Tip complete material transparency showing a product’s wellness Ton RE is the natural colour of the processed recycled and sustainability credentials to help specifiers source products material without any additional colourants, causing it to that consider both the environment and human health. The high exhibit minute flecks of pigmentation, which makes the back sofa creates an individualised environment in open-plan surface more vibrant and gives it depth. workspaces, allowing for privacy and acoustic separation. www.vitra.com www.benchmarkfurniture.com Photography by Marc Eggimann

Sit up, sit down, wherever You’ve got a friend David Rockwell is known for his most excellent collaborations The Bud working desk from designer Ado Avdagic at Woak with furniture makers and this latest collection with long-standing has been crafted in response to the shift in working patterns collaborator, Benchmark, hits all the right notes for the future and set ups. Bud writing desk consists of a solid wood base of office furniture. So much so, that we’re including two pieces. with a drawer and a dividing panel with two movable doors to The Sit-Stand Workbench is the epitome of adaptable design limit the space and muffle the noise. Functionality is amplified Signature details such as rounded corners and soft waterfall by the Kvadrat fabric base which can be used as a memo edges add a sense of comfort and tranquil touch. A 100% wool felt anchor. The compact dimensions make it adaptable even to and natural cork privacy panel acts as a useful pinboard and space limited spaces. Bud comes In five oak finishes and walnut and divider for the Workbench, which also features an illuminated arch. can be ordered through Do Shop. www.benchmarkfurniture.com www.woakdesign.com | www.do-shop.com

May/June 2021 ARCHITECTURE MAGAZINE 43 Spotlight MAKE SPACE FOR WORK Workspace Design Show gains pace for its November debut, adding seriously talented names to its list of speakers at the event.

Launched in January this year, Workspace Many exciting brands have also partnered solutions come to light.” Design Show is an exciting addition to with the show, including headline partner Workspace Design Show is also delighted the global design events calendar, with The Furniture Practice, an independent, to have some important names in the the inaugural edition taking place from design-driven furniture consultancy with industry making up its list of associated 4-5 November 2021 at London’s Business offices in London, Manchester, and New partners including, BIID, SBID and Flexi Design Centre. York. The company has delivered world- Space Association. With a theme of ‘re-designing tomorrow’s class projects of all sizes, budgets, and After the success of its first ‘Spotlight commercial interiors together’ the show styles in collaboration with businesses and Series’ session on Sustainability Standards, aims to unite architects, designers, interiors professionals for over 24 years, the event organiser is also hosting developers et al, in one place to explore making for a very exciting and established another creative discussion, this time and share the latest industry thinking programme partner. on ‘New Product Ideas for Tomorrow’s around the workspace sector, from product The event has been well received in the Workspaces,’ taking place on the 7th May launches to a comprehensive talks program commercial interiors industry thus far, at 11am. to networking opportunities aplenty. with Richard Benson, Creative Managing With the introduction of its ‘Spotlight Director at Allen International (part of Series’ sessions, Workspace Design Show The event is gaining momentum with Accenture Interactive) commenting: “I look hopes to give the commercial interiors exciting news of new speakers and partners forward to seeing the latest innovations world some food for thought in the build that have joined the party, as well as details and thought leadership around the future up to the main event in November. of its informative discussion on ‘New of workspace experience. To learn how the The talk will discuss: How do designers Product Ideas for Tomorrow’s Workspaces.’ brightest design talent, manufactures and enhance the future workspace experience The show has announced that it will strategists are shaping and equipping the through products? Should we focus feature key speakers from the world of workspace of tomorrow for success today.” on re-engineering existing products or commercial interiors, from established Lauren Lever, Founder of Lauren Lever designing brand new products? How is brands including Gensler, Perkins and Will, Design added: “This is a challenging but the dialogue between designers, clients BDG, tp bennett, Unispace, Arup, PwC, exciting time to see how we, as designers and manufacturers evolving to create Landor and Fitch, Aviva, Areen Design, KKS can shape the new way of working and the tomorrow’s products? Savills, MF Design Studio, Susan Lake and future of office workspaces. I cannot wait The session will discuss how recent The Office Group. to see what new innovations and creative disruption is leading to new product innovations in workspaces across the UK. Chaired by Daniel Gava, Brand Strategy Advisor for the architecture and design industry, it will feature expert insights from industry specialists, including: Natasha Bonugli, Global Principal of Design, Unispace; Stephen Philips, Associate Product Designer Arup; Yorgo Lykouria, Creative Director & Founder, Rainlight; and Collin Burry, Principal, Gensler.

To register your attendance, please visit: www.workspaceshow.co.uk/spotlight-may

Workspace Design Show 4-5 November 2021 Business Design Centre, London via unsplash [email protected] www.workspaceshow.co.uk

44 ARCHITECTURE MAGAZINE May/June 2021 Workplace Products

A MOMENT OF QUIET

The T900 phone Hood is wall-mountable and available in a range of colours to match office schemes, providing a handy place for making phone calls either sitting or standing in an open office. Designed with the shelf it also becomes a viable cost-effective alternative to phone booths. The acoustic fabric has the dual effect of lowering the sound of voices inside, while dampening external noises from the office, meaning that there’ll be no more huddling outside or heading to the corridor in search of quiet. Further workspace benefits include increased air quality, ease of cleaning, quick installation and reduced lead times. T900 price £344. Laptop Shelf/Seat £150.

www.teleacoustics.co.uk | [email protected]

A WARM RECEPTION FOR SELECTAGLAZE Premier Public Relations’ office is a self-contained ground, first, second and third floors. A wide range of secondary glazing has greatly enhanced 19th century industrial building spread over five of products were combined for the specification, the working environment, with staff noticing a floors in Bucknall Street, London. Originally used the majority of which were two and three pane significant difference in thermal retention, with as a warehouse, the thermal and acoustic controls horizontal sliders. The Series 30 lift-out unit was draughts virtually eliminated. It has also improved in the large yellow brick Victorian building were used for one particular opening to allow easy the working environment considerably across all inadequate for its new use as an office space due access for cleaning. Another primary window was the office floors. to the inefficient single glazed original windows. fitted with a single side hung casement, designed Premier has over three decades of experience Premier approached Selectaglaze for a cost- to suit the existing fenestration. delivering marketing communications campaigns effective window improvement to their offices, ‘Sustainable St Albans’ provided Selectaglaze for the entertainment, arts and cultural industries this was to ensure a more agreeable working with a thermal imaging camera which measured and was awarded ‘PR Moment Large Agency of environment to achieve a high level of thermal the changes in the thermal integrity of the the Year’ in 2017. insulation. Although this was the main aim, Premier primary windows before and after the addition was also interested in what could be achieved of secondary glazing. Although the resulting to improve noise attenuation as the offices were images were of a low resolution, the remarkable 01727 837271 located close to a busy thoroughfare in WC2. differences are apparent between treated and [email protected] Selectaglaze installed 115 windows across the untreated windows. The successful installation www.selectaglaze.co.uk

May/June 2021 ARCHITECTURE MAGAZINE 45 Interview YAARA GOONER

Yaara Gooner is the Lead Architect and Designer at LABS and STAY, a major player in the global architecture and design industry, specifically when it comes to contemporary design. Israel’s Forbes 30 under 30, Yaara is known for creating category redefining spaces for residential firm STAY, as well as flexible office spaces under LABS. Always nurturing personal, intimate spaces for all, Yaara plays with scale and material to create immersive designs that enable and encourage collaboration, connection and creativity.

Here, Yaara talks to Architecture of design as soon as my course started. In areas, I design from the same principal. Magazine about designing places for people my final year, I focused on the importance Developing spaces that everyone can from all walks of life and her desire to of career development in the 21st century connect to and feel welcome in. deliver truly functional and beautiful spaces. and how this impacted workplace design and architecture. This gave me my first WHO ARE YOUR DESIGN/ WHAT IS YOUR EARLIEST MEMORY OF taste of the world of workplace design and ARCHITECTURE INSPIRATIONS? DESIGN AND ARCHITECTURE? definitely influenced certain decisions later There are many designers who have I’ve always been attracted to aesthetics, on in my career. inspired me throughout the years to get from an early age I used to rearrange to where I am today, but the one that has my bedroom in a different design and WHAT KIND OF ARCHITECT DID YOU had the biggest impact is architect Kazuyo style. This even extended to helping ASPIRE TO BE? Sejima from the award-winning SANNA my childhood friends reorganise their I’ve always aspired to create places firm in Tokyo. She had a big influence bedrooms too. where people of all walks of life can feel on me whilst I was studying due to her comfortable and relaxed. My style has way of approaching design processes. WHERE DID YOU STUDY? developed to deliver functional spaces, With her minimal and simple forms she I grew up in a small town outside Tel Aviv combining a minimalist feel with soft and creates complex and smart spaces that and decided to attend university in the tactile design elements. Ultimately, when I challenge the architectural traditions and big city. I chose architecture at Tel Aviv approach a new project, whether that be a assumptions. I was always impressed by University and was fascinated by the world new workspace, apartments or communal the way she plays with light and uses it as

46 ARCHITECTURE MAGAZINE May/June 2021 GlassYaara +Gooner Glazing

Camden apartment bedroom. Designed by Yaara Gooner, STAY

her main material, allowing it to enter the can be at their most productive and feel career journey as an individual, I must admit space and create a fluid transition between their best. We try to give our members I take a lot of inspiration from my team interior and exterior. She has also impacted a supportive framework, a healthy and I couldn’t get to any result without on the perceived status of women in environment for a balanced life. them. They inspire me every day and have design and her success coupled with her enabled us to build a creative space for refined and unique aesthetics has very WHAT IMPACT HAS THE PANDEMIC HAD idea generation and development. Creating much helped to shape my career to date. ON YOUR WORK, PARTICULARLY WITH a collaborative environment is important to REGARDS TO WORKSPACE DESIGN? my work ethic and allows me to grow and HOW DOES YOUR WORK AT LABS AND The pandemic has definitely shifted develop as an individual. STAY INFLUENCE EACH OTHER? our attitude and thinking behind what When it comes to design, both brands our members are looking for from their WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST DESIGN influence and complement each other, workspace provider. We’re predicting there COMMISSION TO DATE? creating a frame of life for people to will be a shift from smaller office spaces We’re currently gearing up to open LABS’ flourish. My vision for LABS & STAY is and a need for more collaboration and latest and biggest building to date, Victoria to place the human experience at the face to face interaction. Members will be House in Bloomsbury. In partnership with centre of all my design decisions. The looking for private spaces within an open leading architecture practice, Hutchinson way our members and guests experience plan layout where individuals can get & Partners, we’ve sensitively restored the space is at the core of the design together and interact amongst the wider the Grade II-listed landmark building and process; decisions are made based on our community. We’re also looking at improving introduced the signature LABS aesthetic understanding of human behaviours and our current technical solutions where across 200,000 sqft. It’s been a huge social interactions. The scale, materials and teams can collaborate both remotely and in honour to work on such a magnificent finishes are all designed to care for the person, allowing for a seamless approach building, with such a strong and creative people using them, to provide a stage for to modern working. team around me. I’m excited to share our people to connect and collaborate. latest project with the world this spring. The LABS and STAY proposition is all HOW DO YOU CONTINUE TO CARVE about providing environments for people YOUR OWN PATH IN THE INDUSTRY WHAT DOES THE FACE OF ARCHITECTURE to thrive. They are designed with a focus AS AN INDIVIDUAL? LOOK LIKE TO YOU IN 10 YEAR’S TIME? on wellbeing, where members and guests Whilst it’s important to continue on my Good question. As we’ve all noticed over the

May/June 2021 ARCHITECTURE MAGAZINE 47 Interview course of the pandemic, the future is never Camden apartment dining room. predictable. Architecture, alongside a lot of Designed by Yaara Gooner, STAY other professions, has had to react to what’s happening in the world. Over the course of a year, the pandemic has completely changed the way people use spaces in a way we did not expect. We will see the result of the pandemic over the next ten years on architecture and urban spaces. I think they’ll be more of a focus on creating spacious and smart places, with a focus on wellness. I’m very curious to see how architecture will evolve in the next decade.

IF YOU HADN’T BECOME AN ARCHITECT WHAT WOULD YOU BE DOING? Either a dancer or a chiropractor. I was trained as a professional ballerina when I was younger, but due to an injury in my lower back I had to stop dancing when I turned 18. It was my biggest love back then and still is. www.labs.com www.stay.com

Camden apartment living room. Designed by Yaara Gooner, STAY

48 ARCHITECTURE MAGAZINE May/June 2021 Product News

BEAUTIFUL CEILING FANS

The Henley Fan Company is the UK’s leading supplier of designer ceiling and wall fans. It offers the widest choice of in-stock fans from seven top brands with over 70 models in 35 finishes. It has the very latest designer fans with great styles that are low-energy and also come with a Lifetime Warranty. A ceiling fan creates a nice gentle breeze with none of the health risks of air conditioning and is 95 per cent cheaper to install and run. They require no maintenance and can add a stylish focus to any room. They are the perfect cooling option for the UK’s temperate climate. Henley Fan only sells fans that are stylish, powerful, reliable and totally silent. For over 20 years they have taken the lead in supplying many of the UK’s classiest homes, offices, hotels and restaurants.

01256 636 509 | www.henleyfan.com

100 YEARS OF SLIDING SUCCESS

Sliding door gear manufacturer, P C Henderson, is celebrating its 100th year in business, signifying an entire century of high quality manufacturing, product innovation and a dedication to worldwide exporting. Trevor Cossins, Managing Director at P C Henderson, commented, “Celebrating a centenary in business is a huge achievement, it puts us amongst a rare group of companies which have truly withstood the test of time and it certainly isn’t something that happens by chance.” P C Henderson has won multiple awards for its exporting achievements, most notably ‘UK Export Business of the Year’ at the British Chamber Awards – a highly prestigious and respected award. Exporting currently accounts for 70% of the company’s annual sales with products reaching all four corners of the globe. Product innovation is also high on the company’s agenda – boasting a market leading range of over 60 products catering for sliding doors weighing up to a huge 8000kg. Its products can be seen in a number of high profile applications across the globe including Kandahar Airport in Afghanistan, the Amphia Hospital in Holland, Disneyland Shanghai and the Four Seasons Hotel in Tianjin, China. Driving forward with digital innovation is also high on the company’s agenda as well as ensuring product design meets the ever changing ways in which sliding doors are used in residential, commercial and industrial applications across the globe.

0191 377 0701 | [email protected] | www.pchenderson.com

WHY USE A BREATHABLE PAINT?

Earthborn Claypaint is a highly breathable paint, perfect for walls and ceilings where breathability is key. It’s thick and creamy with a high clay content, offering excellent coverage, no nasty paint smells and a number of eco properties. There are two methods used to objectively measure breathability - the SD value and the MVTR value. Using either method, Claypaint is proven to have extremely high levels of breathability. More information on this topic can be found in the blog section on the Earthborn website. Ease of use, high covering power and lack of harmful emissions make Claypaint an ideal option to optimise breathability for any building. Earthborn’s new colour card showing all 72 colours in the classic range is now available and 100% recyclable, including the adhesive and the paint chips that use real Claypaint.

www.earthbornpaints.co.uk Earthborn’s Classic range of 72 shades

May/June 2021 ARCHITECTURE MAGAZINE 49 ELEGANCE MADE BRILLIANT

Transform the ordinary into the extraordinary with a single touch – using light as your canvas. The Alisse wall control integrates elegant form and hand finishes with just a hint of powerful technology.

Lutron European Experience Centre By appointment: [email protected]

IN MY WORDS MY INSPIRATION

Michael Wilson Katsibas, Founding Partner & Director at KAP Studios, shares his early years designing space stations with his brother and how the joy of design is that which makes sense on many levels

Looking back, I’ve always loved architecture since I was a young boy. Drawing elaborate space stations hidden inside mountains was my introduction to architecture. I’d do this with my brother, and we’d spend hours detailing the most convoluted passages carved out of the mountain to house a whole array of functions deep within the station. Destruction would rain down, and the page would be one massive scribble, so we’d crumple it up, and start again. This idea of continually bringing together new ideas has stayed with me though. The joy of designing and planning buildings, envisioning how they could work, and how they could be occupied, is what I really love about being an architect. In order to come up with engaging designs that have unexpected spatial and programmatic relationships, you have to both have an idea that makes sense, and that is well thought out. It also has to be willing to pull apart notions of how a building should be arranged and used. For me, a special design is one that is not only unique but also makes perfect sense in why it is unique. Our luxury single family home project at 10434 Wyton Drive in Los Angeles, is a good example of this. At our first site visit with our clients, Wylan James and Razzaq, we discussed how the house and lot should be arranged. The site is steeply sloped, and did not allow for the traditional configuration of front yard, house, followed by the backyard and swimming pool, so we needed to present a solution. Also, the climate of southern California is so attractive, we wanted to take full advantage this, blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor living. Here, we looked out how boundaries could be redefined to enhance wellbeing. With these factors in mind, central to the ELEGANCE MADE BRILLIANT design were open plan living spaces that form a U-shape, to seamlessly extend directly out onto the pool, which sits in the middle of the house. This allowed Transform the ordinary into the extraordinary with a single touch – the master bedroom to be built into the slope with the entire house opening out using light as your canvas. The Alisse wall control integrates elegant form onto the pool and central outdoor space. It combines light, space, privacy, and the and hand finishes with just a hint of powerful technology. indoor/outdoor living approach that is essential to its context. The plan of this house is unique within the area, and why it is different came from a coherent idea that disregarded how houses Lutron European Experience Centre “should” be designed using the traditional blueprint. It’s this joy of offering new design By appointment: [email protected] solutions, playing to the strengths of a projects context, and combining this with the needs of the client, that inspires me in my architectural practice and work.

www.kapstudios.com

May/June 2021 ARCHITECTURE MAGAZINE 51 Spotlight HIGH PERFORMERS, THERMALLY SPEAKING

Avoiding thermal bridging is critical with balcony design detailing. Simon Hill, Product & Marketing Manager for Schöck Ltd. considers the issues involved

Improving the thermal performance of MEETING REQUIRED thermal bridging at cantilever balcony the building envelope, by minimising STANDARDS IS CRITICAL detailing is to incorporate a load-bearing energy usage, has become increasingly To meet Building Control requirements structural thermal break such as the important in the drive for sustainability in England and Wales, it is necessary to Schöck Isokorb. and energy efficiency. Particularly with demonstrate compliance with Building residential new build and renovation. Regulations. The latest version of the Building Regulations Part L (2013, with 2016 Critical to this process is the avoidance amendments) and associated guidance of thermal bridging and designers need document for residential construction to be aware how significantly thermal Approved Document L1A (ADL1A) require bridges can compromise the value of the that thermal bridging be included in installed insulation. the fabric heat loss calculations. The Government Standard Assessment A thermal bridge is a localised area of the Procedure (SAP 2012) is the model used building envelope with significantly higher to provide evidence that the carbon thermal conductivity than surrounding emissions target has been achieved. Also, areas. It typically occurs where a material the SAP calculation includes the term HTB Typical installation of structual thermal breaks with high thermal conductivity penetrates (heat loss due to thermal bridging). There involoving concrete-to-concrete the insulation layer. Cantilevered balconies are of course also voluntary certification are the most critical thermal bridges and schemes such as BREEAM and Passive This is a highly efficient balcony connector their presence results in a higher heat House. However, despite this background that minimises the flow of thermal energy transfer out through the building assembly of increasingly stringent standards for between the interior and exterior of a and colder surface temperatures on the envelope thermal performance and for building, providing both structural integrity warm side of the assembly. heat losses, many designers are still not and ensuring that the balcony is thermally isolated. The units have a very specific purpose and to work effectively over a long period require certain physical characteristics – thermal insulation with an optimum thickness for the particular application, load-bearing components and a combination of reinforced steel and stainless steel. The bearings in the compression module transfer the compression forces, steel bars transfer bending moment and shear forces; whilst the stainless steel results in lower thermal conductivity and is corrosion resistant too. A wide variety of Thermal image of a residential building with higher temperature at the windows, doors and balcony slabs Schöck thermal break solutions are available for connectivity applications as diverse as: The main consequences will be higher fully aware of how significantly some concrete-to-concrete; concrete-to-steel; energy consumption, non-compliance common thermal bridges compromise the steel-to-steel; renovation projects – and with Building Regulations and value of the installed insulation. even Passive House. condensation. The latter leading not only to structural integrity problems, but the THERMAL PERFORMANCE CONDENSATION AND MOULD GROWTH potentially serious occurrence of mould AND STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY One consequence of thermal bridging growth as well. The most effective way to minimise is that surfaces can form condensation,

52 ARCHITECTURE MAGAZINE May/June 2021 Spotlight resulting in both visual deterioration product development means that high RESPONSIBLE DESIGN FOR THE FUTURE and structural damage. However, an specification Schöck ‘Passive House The UK has set in law a target to bring even bigger concern is mould growth. certified’ structural thermal breaks are now all its greenhouse gas emissions to net To identify areas where there is a risk of available for some applications. zero by 2050 – one of the most ambitious condensation and therefore mould growth, a ‘surface temperature factor’ (fRsi) should be used. It allows surveys under any thermal conditions and compares the temperature drop across the building fabric with the total temperature drop between the inside and outside air. Using the formula, the recommended (fRsi) value for offices and retail premises is equal to or greater than 0.5; and to ensure higher standards for occupants in residential buildings, equal to or greater than 0.75.

Unusually large balconies

Interior mould growth

A FINE BALANCE targets in the world. As part of that journey WITH HEAVY BALCONIES there is a commitment to introducing the One consideration that demands a Future Homes Standard in 2025. A key part fine balance of design and technical of which involves uplifting the minimum optimisation involves particularly heavy standard of whole building energy PASSIVE HOUSE IS A SPECIAL CASE balconies. Where a balcony is heavier performance and improving minimum Passive House is the highest building due to its method of construction and/ insulation standards. The thermal insulation standard and the use of highly or its unusual cantilever length, there will performance of the building envelope energy-efficient building materials and be a greater load transferred back to the is therefore becoming increasingly the prevention of thermal bridges are structural thermal break connectors. The important – and critical to this process essential to the construction concept. Until load capacity of those connectors will is the avoidance of thermal bridging. relatively recently, cantilevered building therefore need to be such that they can Mitigating this problem may result in a components, particularly balconies, posed transfer the higher loads. The likelihood limited upfront cost, but represents a small a construction challenge for Passive House here is that there will be more steel investment when weighed against the design. As the components penetrate reinforcement required, which in turn will long-term savings gained through energy the insulating outer shell of a thermally increase heat loss. However, as long as the savings and future maintenance issues. highly sensitive building, the performance total heat losses remain within acceptable demanded could not be met totally levels and the minimum temperature factor effectively by thermal break products on requirement (fRsi) is exceeded at a specific FOR MORE INFORMATION the market at the time. However, innovative junction, then it is usually acceptable. www.schoeck.com/en-gb/home

May/June 2021 ARCHITECTURE MAGAZINE 53 Case Study

54 ARCHITECTURE MAGAZINE May/June 2021 Clifftops By Morrow + Lorraine

CLIFFTOPS BY MORROW + LORRAINE

Clifftops comprises five newly- appear hewn from the ground, rather than completed luxury holiday lodges by built upon it. London architecture studio Morrow + Lorraine, set into the rugged landscape As such, the lodges are set into the rugged of the spectacular Jurassic coast on the cliff by large, rough-cleaved blocks of Isle of Portland, Dorset. local Portland’s Albion stone. Indigenous to Portland, the stone is the most natural The site is located on part of the UNESCO choice; cut only minutes away from World Heritage Coast, directly above a Site the Pennsylvania Estate, it anchors the of Special Scientific interest between Bow architecture to its locale, yields a low and Arrow Castle, which is a scheduled carbon footprint and is long lasting. Ancient Monument, and Grade II Listed Pennsylvania Castle. Cutting into the sloping land allows the grounds of Pennsylvania Castle to flow Taken in tandem with the extreme over the top of the new building and sensitivity of the setting, a clear design reduces its visual impact from the estate. concept emerged: the building should Access to the lodges is provided via a

May/June 2021 ARCHITECTURE MAGAZINE 55 Clifftops By Morrow + Lorraine cavern-like, scooped-out pathway at the which will patinate and turn green over Jo Peters, Estate Director, Pennsylvania rear of the site. Here the architecture is time, further helping the building to blend Castle Estate: “We are incredibly excited solid and controlled, in deference to the with its surroundings. The rough-cleaved to announce the opening of Clifftops here castle grounds. blocks of stone on the exterior run on a at Pennsylvania Castle Estate. We have continuum to the inside on the same plane. watched as the lodges emerged from the Protected trees surround the cliff edge, Inside they are more refined, with smooth cliffs and it’s been incredible to see the with root protection zones extending into cut surfaces revealing the strata of the design come to life. As with every element the site. This created design challenges beds of stone as if they were still in the of the Estate, Clifftops has been carefully when balancing the best choices for ground. Ancient fossilised sea creatures planned, with each feature curated with the lodges on the sheer cliff edge, and can be seen within the stone walls. comfort, design and luxury in mind. The informed each lodges’ layout. cliff top location provides a stunning Oak joinery and wall panelling add warmth backdrop for weddings and events, Modest entrances open to light-filled to complement the hard stone. The joinery or simply a peaceful escape from the interiors with expansive sea views. Each frames are carefully detailed to minimise stresses of busy life.” of the stone walls, which runs through interruption of flow between the interior the development divides one lodge from and the outside patio. Fully fitted kitchens Massive amounts of geotechnical works another like groin walls on a beach, rotating and modern living spaces include high- required to ensure the safety of the site. 3 degrees from the next. This means that quality fixtures and furnishings, handpicked The development is located directly above every pane of glass is set at a different for each lodge to create variation to the the historic Great Southwell Landslip - angle to every other pane, reducing the overall design theme. Britain’s second largest recorded landslide. effect of any possible reflections and The remaining site had been buttressed distractions for boats out at sea while Julian Morrow, director, Morrow + Lorraine with piles of large stone boulders, to maximising views for occupants. said, “This was a fascinating place to work. prevent it tumbling down towards the sea. The design carried the responsibility of Towards the craggy cliff edge the highly-technical requirements to ensure architecture and landscaping becomes the stability and safety of this dramatic informal and irregular, with coastal and ancient site. Meanwhile bringing wildflower planting blending with the quiet, reflective moments through the natural coastal flora, attracting local fauna. architecture that bring joy and pleasure www.morrowlorraine.com to the guests. It’s a rare opportunity, and Instagram: @morrow_lorraine_architects Unfinished natural copper was used we’re very happy to have been successful Twitter: @MorrowLorraine alongside the Portland stone exterior, in achieving both.” Photography credit: Jim Stephenson

DESIGNERS AND SUPPLIERS Architect - Morrow + Lorraine Client - Colonial Leisure Limited Structural engineer - Structurehaus Services engineer - MLM Group Project Manager - Richard Lloyd Associates Contractor - Acheson Construction Ltd Approved inspector - MLM Group Site area - 1,211m2 GIA - 484.4 m2 Portland stone (tiles and externals) – Albion Stone Porcelain tiling to floors, bathrooms and external patios –Domus Bespoke timber joinery – Aspire UK Copper cladding – Roles Broderick Windows (incl. rooflights) –IQ Glass Green roofs – Radmat

56 ARCHITECTURE MAGAZINE May/June 2021 Building Materials

WINFRAMER IN THE WEST MIDS

ISO Chemie’s thermal insulating and load bearing bracket support system has been specified as part of energy efficiency improvements to dozens of residential homes in the West Midlands. The move sees WINFRAMER units being retrofitted under an initiative to bring poorly insulated properties in Coventry up to current energy efficiency standards and provide better quality housing for homeowners along with long-term cost savings. Passivhaus certified and fire rated to up to 30 minutes, WINFRAMER is a prefabricated installation frame, manufactured to accommodate cavities up to 250mm that allows windows to be supported independently from the face of the wall, regardless of any external cladding being in place. The composite WINFRAMER brackets can bear heavy windows loads, including bi-fold doors, to provide a reliable, strong and high-performance support frame. Installation is quick with windows attached directly and secured mechanically using either standard fixing screws or fixing lugs in the usual manner. A hinged insulation core combines with the composite wood structural bracket to become an integral part of the overall wall structure, providing compliance with window energy saving regulations (EnEV) and the RAL quality assurance association. ISO-Chemie is one of Europe’s main producers of impregnated foam sealants, specialising in the manufacturer of foam products from polyethylene (EPE), polypropylene (EPP) and polyurethane ISO Chemie’s (PUR) using the latest production techniques. WINFRAMER installed in houses in Coventry 07837 337220 | [email protected] | www.iso-chemie.eu/en-GB/home

ALTRO CUSTOM, ADAPTING TO EVERY NEED

Innovative new Altro Custom floors and walls allow designers and architects to create unique spaces exactly as detailed in the brief – delivering total creative freedom with the quality expected from Altro. Upload your own designs online via Altro’s step-by-step Custom service or choose from a collection of images and patterns – the options are limitless. Altro Custom launches at the same time as the new Altro Operetta, Altro Orchestra and Altro Serenade ranges, which have natural shades in design options that borrow the visual benefits of carpet, stone and tiles, without the associated hygiene issues. Altro’s newest ranges are shaped by customer feedback and inspired by the ethos of the Bauhaus, a stone’s throw from the company’s German manufacturing site. Altro Custom floors and walls allow you to design for areas where looks not only count, but can positively affect the views and even the wellbeing of the people who live, work or visit. Imagine classrooms with floors that look like grass or sand; Mexican restaurants with beautiful views of the Mayan Riviera on the walls, or a cutting-edge fashion shop with modern art from floor to ceiling. As with all innovations from Altro, it’s not only about looks: Altro Custom floors and walls have the performance you expect. New Altro Orchestra Custom has 15dB impact sound reduction and comfort underfoot with excellent resistance to residual indentation. Altro Whiterock Digiclad (Custom) is the tried and trusted wall cladding system that you already know. Your vision – a design or photographic image - is turned into reality using UV cured inks onto an Altro Whiterock sheet. Hard-coat technology provides scratch- resistant properties for added surface protection of your chosen print or design. A new ordering portal guides customers through the process of creating a customer floor or all, one step at a time, with guidance on file requirements, plus previews along the way. To develop the new Altro Operetta, Altro Orchestra and Altro Serenade looks, Altro worked closely with customers, design specialists and industry leaders to hear latest trends and challenges. This collaborative way of working has resulted in new weave- style and terrazzo patterns. Drawing from water, rocks, foliage and weather, the new palette features greens, blues, greys and earthy tones, each discussed and honed with these customers and partners. www.altro.co.uk/High-Design | www.altro.co.uk

May/June 2021 ARCHITECTURE MAGAZINE 57 Case Study HANSLER ROAD BY ALEXANDER OWEN ARCHITECTURE

London-based emerging architecture practice Alexander Owen has completed a contemporary family home in East Dulwich, that gives the owners a place to entertain, as well ample space for them and their three sons to enjoy time together.

TV producer Faye Hamilton and business psychologist Daniel Vacassin, both 39, wanted a modern reworking of their Victorian mid-terrace in south London. The couple were keen to use a local practice and discovered Alexander Owen Architecture via their work on the staircase at community hub Peckham Levels, a few miles down the road from their home.

Alexander Owen designed a single-storey rear extension which accommodates an open plan kitchen-diner, utility room and WC, plus a garden room accommodating a home office, bar and social space. Use of two types of precision-cut marble on the exterior of both the extension and the garden room

58 ARCHITECTURE MAGAZINE May/June 2021 Hansler Road By Alexander Owen Architecture

May/June 2021 ARCHITECTURE MAGAZINE 59 Hansler Road By Alexander Owen Architecture provides a striking visual connection between the two spaces, with a luxurious yet simple feel. The choice of material was inspired by a marble bust and table the couple had inherited from Daniel’s late mother Priscilla. The way the pieces of marble fit together and the colouring achieved has been carefully thought out so that the extension and garden room perfectly mirror each other.

No paints were used in the kitchen extension or the garden room. Instead, Alexander Owen worked with their clients in choosing robust and easy to maintain surfaces such as a poured concrete floor, stainless steel island unit and a timber ceiling.

Faye and Daniel’s forever home is deliberately zoned for the way they live as a family. The utility room and WC are located in the mid-section of the property so that the kitchen and garden room could become a grown up part of the project that could be kept tidy for dinners with friends. The rest of the house can effectively be shut off, with the utility space playing a key role in storage. The family snug at the front part of the house means Faye and Daniel can read books and listen to music on their record player while their children: Sebastian, 10, Thomas, 8 and Thibaut, 6, can watch TV or play in the other end of the space.

The garden room has played a crucial role in the family’s living arrangements during 2020. Both Faye and Daniel have worked from home and the space serves as a home office during the week. Being able to work quietly and privately and lock their laptops away at the end of the day has helped the couple maintain a crucial boundary between work and family. The garden room also has a well-stocked bar and so has been a place for small gatherings over the summer, as well as serving as a home workout space.

www.aoarchitecture.co.uk Instagram: @aoarchitecture

60 ARCHITECTURE MAGAZINE May/June 2021 ToTo book book your your space space contact contact ARCHITECTUREARCHITECTURE MAGAZINEMAGAZINE DIRECTORYDIRECTORY HollyHolly on on 07736 07736 945 945 689 689 or or email email [email protected]@mediaone.co.uk Bathrooms Doors & Windows Architectural features rhtcua etrsDoors & Windows Architectural features Bathrooms Architectural Features Vibration Isolation weight capacity. concealed bearingsand160kg TRITECH -asolidbrasshingewith weights andfireratedoptions 3D adjustablehingewith300kgdoor award winninghighperformance TECTUS- acompletelyconcealed, new interiorconcepts.Rangeinclude hinges allowingdesignerstocreate brass, stainlesssteel&aluminiumdoor quality, designled,maintenancefree SIMONSWERK manufacturehigh Web: www.simonswerk.co.uk Email: [email protected] Tel: 01215222848 SIMONSWERK UKLTD weight capacity. concealed bearingsand160kg TRITECH -asolidbrasshingewith weights andfireratedoptions 3D adjustablehingewith300kgdoor award winninghighperformance TECTUS- acompletelyconcealed, new interiorconcepts.Rangeinclude hinges allowingdesignerstocreate brass, stainlesssteel&aluminiumdoor quality, designled,maintenancefree SIMONSWERK manufacturehigh Web: www.simonswerk.co.uk Email: [email protected] Tel: 01215222848 SIMONSWERK UKLTD in over100countries. exporting ceramics,sellingitsranges leader inmanufacturingand production, Catalanoisamarket technicians. 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They are available design withthelatestfireplace stoves thatcombinecontemporary DRU produces gasfires andwood Web: www.drufire.com Email: [email protected] Fax: 01617278057 Tel: 01617938700 Manchester M270JH Deans Road,Swinton DRUGASAR LTD and the Passivhaus Institute. and thePassivhausInstitute. by the Oxford Brookes University by theOxfordBrookesUniversity performance independentlyverified and LABCregistered,withthermal All productsareBBAapproved concrete-to-steel andsteel-to-steel. between concrete-toconcrete, unique inbeingabletooffersolutions construction elements.Therangeis balconies andothercantilever for structuralconnectionsinvolving surface temperatureobligations bridging andmaintainsminimum break modulescontrolsthermal The SchöckIsokorbrangeofthermal Web: www.schoeck.co.uk Email: [email protected] Tel: 08452413390 Bicester, OxfordshireOX264UL Staniford House,4WedgwoodRd, SCHÖCK LTD an accredited RIBACPDprovider. architects anddesigners,DRUis by someoftheUK’s mostprestigious fires andstoveshavebeenspecified throughout theUKandEurope. DRU from specialistfireplace retailers technology. They are available design withthelatestfireplace stoves thatcombinecontemporary DRU produces gasfires andwood Web: www.drufire.com Email: [email protected] Fax: 01617278057 Tel: 01617938700 Manchester M270JH Deans Road,Swinton DRUGASAR LTD

Flooring smart hometechnology Flooring Smart Home Technology Smart Flooring smart hometechnology Veneers Veneers Veneers Storage flexi layons. cut fretwork andveneerbacked and radialmatchedpanelstolaser from grainmatchedpanelsets your veneeringneedwecanhelp, customers ownpanels.Whatever lipping orwecanveneerour order includingcutting,shapingand We canproduce completepanelsto Web: www.veneering.com Email: [email protected] Tel: 01480461188 Cambridgeshire PE273WR Somersham Road,StIves, Unit 6a,HardingWay, UK VENEERINGLIMITED flexi layons. cut fretwork andveneerbacked and radialmatchedpanelstolaser from grainmatchedpanelsets your veneeringneedwecanhelp, customers ownpanels.Whatever lipping orwecanveneerour order includingcutting,shapingand We canproduce completepanelsto Web: www.veneering.com Email: [email protected] Tel: 01480461188 Cambridgeshire PE273WR Somersham Road,StIves, Unit 6a,HardingWay, UK VENEERINGLIMITED mediaone.co.uk advertsied here 07736 945689 your company holly.dennis@ Holly Dennis contact To see

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BEAUTY VERSUS UTILITY

Rodrigo Moreno Masey considers how high impact architecture should never be to the detriment of low impact design. The two can weave harmoniously, blending and benefitting communities.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but if provide sustainability as an optional extra. aesthetics is the study of beauty, beauty Sustainability must be at the heart of each is also in the time of the beholder. decision made. In our work, we include intelligent sustainable thinking for free. Aesthetics today, with its Instagram filters, The conversation starts on day one, when perfectly framed photography and tale of we challenge our clients by asking “why?” absolute perfection, is a modern concept. An obvious question, but projects can be In Plato’s time, when civilisations began to derailed if we don’t fully test what our pontificate such things, beauty and utility client’s real-world problems are in order where interchangeable; one was a product to come up with better and often simpler of the other. That is to say originally, things solutions. Doing more with less is the core were considered beautiful because they of intelligent sustainability. Minimising were useful. In Plato’s time, beauty could interventions to maximise utility should be measured. be the starting point for all architecture. Fast forward a couple of millennia and we However, UK construction accounts for 60% find ourselves in a world where beauty and of our waste; carbon burned in materials utility have become dislocated from each that didn’t work or fell out of fashion. We other. Art is creation without utilitarian value; tread a careful line between doing too much conversely our most human everyday and not doing enough, leaving problems artefacts rarely embody the beauty of our unsolved and all our efforts squandered. age. For me this is a problem when we The other half of the equation is critical, consider the impact of our work. Current because if beauty and utility are equivalent, thinking considers beauty and sustainability then our work must also be beautiful. as an either/or proposition where eco- The call to arms for sustainable products is design is a style in itself, brandishing solar opening up choices for designers to select panels and hairy roofs as an excuse for materials that are no longer a compromise, compromise. It’s ugly, but it’s green. but both beautiful and sustainable. And we We don’t take design Architecture is greedy; rarely asking are slowly moving the conversation away whether we should, rather whether we from the hairy buildings and sustainability as can. Egos get in the way of grown-up a branding tool, to a place where legislation conversations around value. Rather than flexibility sitting down and intelligent sustainable design come trying to minimise our interventions, we together to create better buildings. push to maximise. What is biggest, tallest, The challenge is clear. We must redefine Millboard decking. Innovatively designed and developed to have the look most unique, most innovative way to our own aesthetics as a balance between of natural timber, whilst out-performing it in every way. Our 150mm Bullnose solve this problem? In rushing to fulfil our beauty and utility, where neither beauty Board is no different. Like our decking, it’s beautiful to look at, yet its curved academic dreams we don’t often ask if nor sustainability are optional. For too long we should do less, or anything at all. We edge gives you more design freedom than ever before. now we have sacrificed one for the other scorn the cabbie who takes us the long and the waste generated is simply no way round, but we glorify the architect Ideal for seating, planters or as a finishing touch for decks and steps; its wider longer tenable. Perhaps the first step is one for beauty without utility and superfluous profile providing the perfect space for lighting. Resistant to moisture, stains of modesty, where our skill lies in surgical creative genius. intervention rather than self-indulgence. and algae, it won’t rot, warp or splinter. And, like our decking, it’s easy to fit, Today, we are looking at architecture in a Often the smallest of changes can have the saving on installation time and cost. new way, but in the world of luxury homes, biggest impact. this is a journey. Our work centres around Millboard: Live. Life. Outside. the idea that beauty and sustainability is not an either/or question and everything Live. Life. Outside. we do should be both. We cannot afford to www.morenomasey.com Discover our collections at millboard.co.uk

62 ARCHITECTURE MAGAZINE May/June 2021 We don’t take design flexibility sitting down

Millboard decking. Innovatively designed and developed to have the look of natural timber, whilst out-performing it in every way. Our 150mm Bullnose Board is no different. Like our decking, it’s beautiful to look at, yet its curved edge gives you more design freedom than ever before.

Ideal for seating, planters or as a finishing touch for decks and steps; its wider profile providing the perfect space for lighting. Resistant to moisture, stains and algae, it won’t rot, warp or splinter. And, like our decking, it’s easy to fit, saving on installation time and cost.

Millboard: Live. Life. Outside.

Live. Life. Outside. Discover our collections at millboard.co.uk NEW PRODUCT Next Generation Style and Performance

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To discover more information on Reynaers, please visit: www.reynaers.co.uk Email: [email protected] or call us on +44 (0)121 421 1999

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