Skip to main content

When the owners of Thimbleby Shooting Ground turned to Rachel McLane Ltd for the interior of their new clubhouse they were looking for a longlasting and empathic design that reflected the Thimbleby Estate's rural traditions in a homely, memorable and practical fashion.

"The clubhouse is the heart and soul of any sporting club and Thimbleby Shooting Ground is no exception," said Rachel McLane, whose team have turned Thimbleby's new architect-designed timber frame shell from one big open space into a multi-purpose facility where unique spaces are clearly defined by function.

Thimbleby is one of the country’s premier shooting grounds, open six days a week and with a committed and passionate customer base who use the clubhouse as a place to relax, eat, drink and socialise after a round of shooting.

Rachel McLane's designs enhanced the building's blend of classic and contemporary styling - with plenty of glass in a light airy interior - to deliver a modern take on a traditional clubhouse.

"We wanted the interior design to break up that large open space into smaller areas for dining, hospitality, reception, retail and gun room, giving the clubhouse a personality that would suit individual patrons as well as shooting parties and functions. This demanded we had to use space creatively with designs that were innovative and empathic not just with the cabinetry and case goods but the fixtures and fittings."

One shining example of this is the hanging light shades that echo the look, colour and shape of spent gun casings that will not only be immediately familiar to patrons but also add a touch of theatre to a cavernous roof space.

Layers of cladding, panels, timber, tiles, polished plaster and paint added new texture and colours to break up the uniformity of single-space walls, and removable bespoke banquet seating allows Thimbleby's clubhouse to be used by members as a function suite. A cafe-style display cabinet and proper serving counter took the place of a single food servery hatch which was removed.

"There were a few quite big changes to accommodate from the original specification," added Rachel, "including the reception, retail area, WCs and gun room which all sat rather uncomfortably together in the entrance."

This layout obstacle was solved by installing a new internal wall in the reception area separating it from the WC doorways while also clearly delineating the new retail space and enabling better display of goods and where people can walk. It was also agreed to bring inside the new building an originally proposed external terrace to create an indoor snug area with a new fireplace.

Rachel-McLane Thimbleby Soft Opening (9)

"Although a combination of the pandemic and Brexit made sourcing some of the building materials tricky we have been able to keep the project pretty much on time with the only delays from the design changes necessary to suit the building," said Rachel.

"With a job like this, one of the most pleasing aspects is being able to work with an original building vision by a great architect, expert craftsmen, construction professionals and owners to come up with a design vision that can be successfully realised together."

Thimbleby's director Andrew Shelley says that right from the first project discussions Rachel and her team clearly understood their vision for the clubhouse. "Now the building is complete and being used on a daily basis, not only are we delighted with the finished result, but more importantly, our customers are enjoying the space," said Mr Shelley.

Rachel-McLane Thimbleby Soft Opening (5)
Rachel-McLane Thimbleby Soft Opening (1)

"Rachel delivered an attractive, functional, flexible and comfortable clubhouse. Starting from an empty shell, her design made a huge difference.  Importantly, this was not an open cheque book vanity project, this was a commercial venture and needed to be delivered on budget and in good time which she achieved.

"The team was outstanding and it was a real pleasure to see their skills employed. Throughout the final fit out Rachel and her team worked together creatively and cost effectively to solve problems - I am pretty sure none of them had ever designed or manufactured a gun showroom before, but the end result was outstanding."

Mr Shelley continues: "I am starting to understand the difference design can make and pleased to report that Rachel and her team delivered a clubhouse and retail space that our customers will enjoy for many years - I suspect most of them will not be aware, but much of this was achieved through Rachel's great design."

About Rachel McLane

After graduating Middlesex University with a BA(Hons) in Interior Architecture, Rachel enhanced her experience by designing for the retail sector for eight years in London and York. This involved designing interiors for clients with commercial interests, allowing her to specialise in spatial circulation, retail display and detailed finishes. With Rachel’s reputation for attention to detail and customer satisfaction, the business has expanded, taking on more clients. There is now a small team to assist and support Rachel, who remains fully involved in the detail of each project and ensures the team shares her guiding principles and professional ethos.

Visit Profile

If you’d like to feature your projects with SBID, get in touch to find out more.

If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.

The creative industries will benefit from Government support thanks to a new package of measures announced at an event hosted by the Department for International Trade (DIT) on Monday 20th September.

The event brings together business leaders from the UK's creative industries to celebrate their export success and encourage more businesses in these fields to take advantage of the opportunities to sell their world class goods and services globally. It is part of DIT's new 'Made in Britain, Sold to the World' campaign, that provides practical export help and encourages the nation to take pride in our exporters.

From fashion to film, the UK is home to some of the world's leading creative talent, exporting £37.9 billion in 2019. With global demand increasing, our creative industries are one of the UK's export success stories.

Export Impact of the Creative Industries

  • 'The Design Economy', a Design Council report, estimates the contribution of design to total UK exports of goods and services to be £34 billion. Meanwhile exports in 2019 from the architecture sector were worth £625 million.
  • There has also been a 49% increase in international work for UK architects since 2015. (RIBA, Business Benchmarking 2020)

Minister for Exports Mike Freer said: 'The UK's creative industries are a force to be reckoned with. We create, write, produce and code amazing products, and sell them to the world. The nation can be proud of our creative industries exporters, and the jobs they create in our economy.'

'Along with the trade deals we're striking, we are committed to helping our creative businesses fulfil their potential on the world stage, fuelling sustainable growth for British businesses and creating new jobs in every region and nation of the UK.'

Demand internationally is growing for the UK products, particularly in Asia with the region set to be home to the 66% of the global middle classes be 2030, hungry for high-quality British goods and services.

DIT has an array of existing support for budding exporters, who supported 6.5 million jobs across the UK in 2016. DIT is developing an ambitious cross-government Export Strategy to drive an economic recovery and level up the entire country, which will be published later this year.

About Department for International Trade
DIT secure UK and global prosperity by promoting and financing international trade and investment, and championing free trade.

If you'd like to feature your news or stories here, get in touch to find out more. 

Silestone® by Cosentino, the leading global hybrid mineral surface for the world of architecture and design, presents Sunlit Days, the first carbon neutral collection in the quartz surfaces and engineered stone industry.

This milestone demonstrates the brand’s commitment to sustainability and highlights the excellent environmental management that the Cosentino Group has been carrying out for years. To reach this new milestone in the industry, Cosentino commits to offsetting the CO² emissions of the entire life cycle of the Silestone® Sunlit Days series. To this end, the company relies on different voluntary offsetting projects, duly certified and in the framework of the Voluntary Carbon Market. This initiative is also complemented by a partnership programme for the preservation of the seabed.

What is Sunlit Days?

Sunlit Days is a collection of five colours inspired by the Mediterranean, the connection with nature and, above all, colour, the distinguishing feature that has made Silestone® a distinctive leader in the industry since its inception. Sunlit Days is a journey through light and colour, with a fresh style and Mediterranean tones, inspired by human values and simple and profound ways of living.

Faro White, Cincel Grey, Arcilla Red, Cala Blue and Posidonia Green are more than just the names of these five colours. They are stories, experiences and expressions. They are a tribute to the way of life of real people who have found their true essence by the Mediterranean.

Faro White, the white of the Mediterranean

Faro White represents the white of the Mediterranean and its sun-drenched walls, symbolising purity, simplicity and serenity. Inspired by the lighthouses that point the way for ships, this colour is also characterised by a silky, smooth texture. Faro White is a hymn for life loving people.

Silestone-Sunlit-Days-Faro-White_detail
Silestone-Sunlit-Days-Faro-White2
Silestone-Sunlit-Days-Faro-White-_detail

Cincel Grey, a balance between warm and cool

Cincel Grey is a fine-grained, silky grey, a shade that performs at its best when bathed in light. It is neutral and versatile, balanced between warm and cool. Its soft texture is captivating.

Silestone-Sunlit-Days-Cincel-Grey_detail
Silestone-Sunlit-Days_Cincel-Grey

Arcilla Red, an earthy red that breathes fire and smells of petrichor

The Mediterranean breathes fire, and blood seems to flow in some parts of its geography. This is just what Arcilla Red is, an earthy red shade that makes you fall in love, tastes like wine and smells of petrichor. Essence, burst of colour, strength, passion and a lot of character. Its soft texture blends harmoniously with its beauty.

Silestone_Sunlit-Days-Arcilla-Red-Detail
Silestone_Sunlit-Days-Arcilla-Red2
A white sink in the middle of the picture. The countertop and the wall behind are in Arcilla Red colour. A plan and a soap dish situated on different sides of the sink.

Cala Blue, a vibrant deep blue

Talking about the Mediterranean means talking about the sea, its breeze, its vastness and its infinite horizon. Cala Blue is a deep and sophisticated blue colour that vibrates with the rest of the elements that surround it. Its texture feels like the caress of the sea.

Silestone-Sunlit-Days-Cala-Blue_detail
Silestone-Sunlit-Days-Cala-Blue2
Silestone-Sunlit-Days-Cala-Blue_Bathroom

Posidonia Green, a natural green where time stands still

The treasure of the Mediterranean Sea gives its name to this green colour that conveys the beauty of the Posidonia meadows. Energy, joy and nature come together in this proposal ready to surprise, ready to hypnotise. Its soft and delicate texture is complemented by this harmonious shade, ready to conquer.

Silestone-Sunlit-Days-Posidonia-Green_detail
Silestone-Sunlit-Days-Posidonia-Green2
Silestone-Sunlit-Days-Posidonia-Green_bathroom

Sustainable production process

Sunlit Days is a collection created with the exclusive and pioneering HybriQ® technology by Silestone®. This new production process is characterised by the company’s commitment to the environment, the circular economy and sustainable management. The manufacturing process of Silestone® with HybriQ+ uses 99% reused water from the production processes, 100% renewable electric energy and a minimum of 20% recycled raw materials in its composition.

Furthermore, HybriQ+ technology stands out for the new formula used in the manufacture of Silestone®, which significantly reduces the presence of crystalline silica. Instead, a hybrid formula made up of mineral raw materials and materials of a recycled origin is used. With this new composition, the outstanding mechanical and technical performance and timeless beauty of Silestone® remain intact.

Explore the collection

About Cosentino

Cosentino Group is a global, Spanish, family-owned company that produces and distributes high value innovative surfaces for the world of design and architecture. It works together with its clients and partners to provide with solutions that offer design and value, and inspire the life of many people.

If you’d like to feature your product news here, get in touch to find out more. 

If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.

Shared workspace provider Clockwise has arrived in the capital with expansive new offices in the Wood Green area of North London to provide an alternative location for city workers and businesses.

Measuring 32,000 sq. ft across five floors, the bright, airy offices feature two rooftop terraces with stunning views of Alexandra Palace, and plenty of event spaces, breakout areas and kitchenettes.

Designed to support the differing working methods brought on by the pandemic, Clockwise Wood Green is comprised of 664 desks, with technology to support hybrid teams and a range of spaces to work in, from meeting rooms to lounges.

Working with leading architect Hawkins\Brown and SBID Accredited fit-out specialists Portview, the shared offices took inspiration from the surrounding area and local community by incorporating abstract artwork from neighbourhood artists into the design.

Referencing the green spaces of Alexandra Park, Clockwise Wood Green has adopted a biophilic aesthetic with a statement ‘living wall’ of plants spanning the full height of the central atrium. By breathing oxygen into the surrounding spaces, the ample use of flowers and foliage help to promote a healing, peaceful working environment, which in turn improves memory, cognitive function and productivity.

Portview worked closely with Hawkins/Brown to design an intricate framing system that enabled them to manufacture the large garden trellis offsite, so the living wall could be transported and installed quickly, seamlessly and without complication.

A word from the director

Portview Contracts Director, Sean McEvoy said: “It’s been a really rewarding project to work on, particularly during a time when the role and design of future workspaces is being reimagined across the industry. Hawkins/Brown have already paved the way in this sector by designing a workspace that will appeal to both current and future generations, where wellbeing, sustainability and flexible working take centre stage.

“By collaborating with the client and design team, we were able to come up with innovative fit-out solutions to achieve their project aspirations and realise their vision.  This includes establishing closed-loop solutions that reduced waste and benefitted the local community by either restoring, recycling, donating or repurposing old materials that otherwise would have ended up in landfill.

“We’re hugely proud of what we have achieved here and have no doubt people will love working in the space as much as we enjoyed building it.”

A dining space in the office. The chairs on the right of the space are light pink, while the walls, tables and seating on the left are in dark, muted colours. A line on plants is positioned behind the pink chairs.

Reducing carbon emissions without sacrificing good design

To reduce carbon emissions, the redevelopment of the building focused on retaining its original character, whilst adding a new design aesthetic. To do this, Portview stripped the building back to its original steel and concrete core and refurbished the interior with post-modern finishes to reference those who originally inhabited the building.

The new design aesthetic boasts playful geometric shapes and an earthy colour palette of pastel and teal tones to give the offices a fresh and domestic feel, as embodied by a statement reception area which has been finished in bespoke cream and pale terrazzo.

Retaining the existing building and some of the original services helped to reduce carbon emissions throughout the fit-out, while furniture and finishes were sourced from sustainable suppliers to help achieve BREEAM ‘Very Good’ standards.

Chief Operating Officer of Clockwise, Alex Brunner said: “What’s really special about this building is the design and the high level of finish. It involved Hawkins/Brown, Portview and ourselves jointly believing in the same vision to create workspaces that really function within our needs as human beings. It’s a home for work. As simple as that.”

About Portview

Portview is a leading fit-out specialist that has been transforming ambitious design concepts into reality since 1975. With teams covering the whole of the UK and Ireland, Portview manages projects of all shapes and sizes, including major refurbishment and roll-out contracts. Services include design development, planning approval, technical surveys, project management, contracting and fit-out.

Visit Profile

About Clockwise

Clockwise provide well-designed, contemporary private offices, shared workspaces and meeting rooms with brilliantly flexible membership plans. They zero in on the details, so users can zoom out to the big picture. Clockwise make sure everything works, so users can do their best work.

If you’d like to feature your projects on SBID, get in touch to find out more.

To become an accredited member of the SBID, click here. 

EPISODE TWO: The Future of Workplace

Following on from the last episode on the hospitality industry, this online panel in collaboration with Zaha Hadid Architects explored the future of the workplace. Hosted by SBID’s founder & CEO, Vanessa Brady, the series intends to examine the new definitions of interior space and the consequential impact on the people who commission, design and use them.

With the two areas most affected by the pandemic being ‘work’ and ‘home’, and as their traditionally segregated contexts were challenged while the demand for a hybrid work/live space evolved, the guest speakers addressed how their boundaries have blurred and what the future might hold for these fast-changing environments.

Key discussion points:
  • How has the pandemic affected the way we view, design and use a living / working space?
  • For many industries what was missing during the pandemic, apart from the physical divisions between work and home, were the serendipitous encounters that contribute to the sociability and richness of the work environment. Can these encounters be designed and planned?
  • Has the pandemic accelerated the natural evolution of the workplace? Were there already existing fault lines that it exploited and exacerbated?
  • With the hopeful return to pre-pandemic normality, do you envisage ways of working returning to pre-pandemic status quo, or is there a paradigm shift in how we approach work / live lifestyles?
    Watch on demand
    Speakers:
    Arjun headshot

    Arjun Kaicker | Co-Head of Zaha Hadid Architects Analytics & Insights

    Arjun has worked with ZHA since 2015. He co-leads ZHA’s Analytics & Insights (A&I) in-house research and development team, which applies algorithmic modelling and ‘big data’ analytics to optimise workplace architectural designs, including for wellbeing and operational efficiency. Arjun previously founded and led the Foster+Partners Workplace and Strategic Consultancy division (for 14 years), where he developed strategy and design for 200+ design projects in 50+ countries. Arjun also previously worked as a workplace consultant and designer at Morgan Lovell and at the London International Financial Futures & Options Exchange.

    NEW Juergen Junker - Head of A&D Development - Virta UK

    Juergen Junker | Head of A&D Development for Vitra

    Juergen has been with Vitra for almost 15 years in various roles. Over time he specialised in collaboration with the architectural and design partners, the associated design of work spaces, their dynamics and continuous development. Over the last 20 months, as the world switched to remote, Juergen started focusing on lectures, digital format conversations and discussions, while working on the outreach to bring people back together in the analog realm.

    Bidisha Sinha

    Bidisha Sinha | Senior Associate at Zaha Hadid Architects

    Bidisha finished her first degree in New Delhi before moving to London for her Masters at the Architectural Association. She has had an architectural career spanning over 18 years, delivering projects in India, UK and Hong Kong. In her role within Zaha Hadid Architects, over the last 15 years she has personally delivered projects which have made a positive difference to the revitalization agenda of the programs that were associated with them.

    Cover image credits: Project by Zaha Hadid Architects

    Michael Caines’ much-anticipated new casual hospitality concept – Mickeys Beach Bar and Restaurant – has officially opened on Exmouth beach. With stunning panoramic views across the Devon coastline and up through the Exe Estuary, the venue sits in harmony with its surroundings, having been brought to life by interior designers, Design Command.

    A landmark opening for Michael – Chef Owner of Michelin starred Lympstone Manor - this casual bar and restaurant offers a relaxed space for drinking and dining and is a welcome addition to the Michael Caines Collection. Across the backdrop of the Exmouth shoreline, Mickeys boasts spacious seating outdoors and a retractable glass terrace, as well as a bright indoor restaurant and bar with booths and cosy corners for cocktails and casual fare.

    Inspired by the lively beach bars in Ibiza and Greece, Design Command have designed the interiors of both Mickeys Beach Bar and Restaurant as places to relax and unwind by the coast, evoking an overall sense of escapism.

    The restaurant chooses local and sustainable

    Due to the proximity to Exmouth beach and its recognition as a place of outstanding natural beauty, it was imperative that Mickeys celebrated this notion through sustainable design choices. As such, environmentally low-impact products are used throughout. The tiles are made from 98% recycled material and reclaimed timber cladding has been used for the restaurant’s showcase ceiling and sunbeam feature wall.

    It was of equal importance to utilise local businesses in the sourcing of design elements, with many of the lighting features, planting areas, table caddies and interior artworks all produced in the area. Continuing the sustainable ethos throughout the property, Mickeys has committed to reducing single-use plastics, sourcing products and packaging that are biodegradable and utilising the most local produce available to reduce carbon emissions.

    Open air dining experience indoors

    On the ground floor, Mickeys Bar has found home, offering a more casual dining and drinking affair. Here, the layout has been designed to give the impression of being in the open air. Outdoor chairs combined with soft seating that has been upholstered in comfortable outdoor fabrics feature throughout. A tonal blue and white colour palette has been used to compliment the surroundings and create a feeling of calm, whilst pops of orange add vibrancy. Bamboo ceilings matched with the combination of both polished and textured natural stone make up the statement beach bar statement.

    Design enhances connection to the beach

    Connecting the two floors is a sand-coloured metal staircase, adorned with a statement rope chandelier. The metal finish featured here and throughout both the bar and restaurant have various patina effects applied to echo the non-polished finishes found along the coast.

    Upper floor takes the appearance of beach views

    Upstairs in the restaurant, the scene is bold and bright as the design looks to intertwine with the sweeping views across the bay. As such, the seating layout has been designed to maximise the views of the beach and lighting features throughout reflect the nautical through the use of linen, rope and weathered metal. With the adjacent terrace, Design Command opted for outdoor paving on the floor and the walls are clad in decorative framed mirrors to reflect the stunning views. A combination of interior and exterior furniture was chosen in this space to add extra comfort whilst dining beachside. In addition, the retractable roof opens up to provide a sumptuous al-fresco experience for all guests to enjoy, whatever the weather.

    Together, Design Command and Michael Caines hope that guests are truly delighted by the design of Mickeys Beach Bar and Restaurant, whether they are visiting for the first time, tenth time or simply passing by.

    About Design Command
    Design Command is an award winning London & Hertfordshire based Interior Architecture Studio founded in 2013 by Clare McDonald. Over 13 years Clare's projects included designing for 5 star hotels and more recently over 50 restaurants as well as Student Hotels, high-end residential schemes and Boutique offices. Since its inception, Design Command has quickly grown to several designers working on restaurants and hotels across the United Kingdom and Europe.

    If you’d like to feature your projects on SBID, get in touch to find out more.

    To become an accredited member of the SBID, click here. 

    Visit Profile

    Design Havens for Heroes is a charity initiative launched by interior designer Francesca Rowan Plowden (pictured) in the spring of this year, designed to bring together an inspiring community of talent from the interior design field.

    The aim is to create room makeover “havens” for accredited NHS key workers who have been working on the front line during the Covid-19 crisis, and who will undoubtedly need the benefit of rest and calm in their own homes, after the fall out of dealing with the emotional and physical demands of tackling the pandemic.

    Image credits: Topps Tiles
    Image credits: Edward Bulmer

    Design Havens for Heroes is a collective formed from a broad range of leading interior designers, high profile suppliers, as well as skilled makers and tradesmen such as curtain makers and decorators who are happy to donate their time, skills, experience and products to the cause. From these offers of help, Francesca is working to build teams to work together to create these ‘Havens’ for the frontline NHS heroes. Currently followers to the Instagram account are being encouraged to nominate or tag a deserving NHS worker as the charity team prepare for these collaborative project partnerships with interior designers and supporting brands.

    Image credits: Designers Guild
    Image credits: Neptune

    Leading fabric, wallpaper, paint and furniture brands such as Colefax & Fowler, William Yeoward, Designer’s Guild, Matthew Williamson, Tom Dixon, Lewis & Wood, Blithfield, De Gournay, Fromental, The Design Archives, Farrow & Ball, Edward Bulmer Natural Paint, The Little Greene Paint Company, Neptune, Sofa.com, Ventura Design, Pooky Lighting and Matthew Williamson are all on board, as well as smaller niche businesses such as Otto Tiles, Zoe Glencross and Henley Kille Joinery. They will work alongside a growing pool of interior design talent which includes names such as Ben Pentreath, Sophie Patterson, Kate Guinness, Salvesen Graham, Fiona Duke and Julia Alexander, as well as Ambassadors for the charity which include designers Nina Campbell and Gabriella Blackman, interior journalists Kerryn Harper-Cuss and Michelle Ogundehin, style writer Kate Watson-Smyth and a raft of high profile influencers such as Paula Sutton of Hill House Vintage, Sophie Stanbury and Amy Davies Pereira of Little House in London. Using her theatrical contacts, Francesca has also appointed actors Dominic Cooper and Tamzin Outhwaite to help her design a room makeover, with Dame Twiggy Lawson appointed patron of the charity.

    Image credits: Snug Sofa

    The aim is to develop the charity over the next few months so that it can be a source of inspiration for NHS workers for when the crisis is over and bring the interior design community together in a shared cause. “I felt as the crisis unfolded there was something I really wanted to do to help in a creative way and with my background it felt the most helpful thing I could do “explains Francesca. “I have been overwhelmed by the response from suppliers, big and small as well as the interior designers that have come forward to offer their services.” The aim is to develop and consolidate the charity over the next few months so that it can be a source of inspiration for NHS workers going forward.

    More Information

    To nominate a NHS staff member or keyworker that would benefit from a room makeover after lockdown, you just need to visit the Design Haven for Heroes Instagram page, tag the nominee in the comments of any post, or email nominations@designhavensforheroes.org.uk. To make one off donations toward supporting the charity a Donation page has also been set up, and for daily updates visit www.designhavensforheroes.org.uk

    If you’d like to feature your news or stories with SBID, get in touch to find out more. 

    If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.

    In the leafy Berkshire village of Bray-on-Thames, you’ll find one of the UK’s outstanding fine dining experiences, The Waterside Inn. Renowned for its classic French cuisine, The Waterside Inn has retained its three Michelin stars since 1984, the longest of any restaurant outside France. Now under the leadership of Chef Patron, Alain Roux, The Waterside Inn is as famous for its hospitality as for its food.

    As a restaurant with rooms, The Waterside Inn offers 11 luxuriously appointed guestrooms, a private dining room and has its very own boat, The Waterside Inn II, that seats eight and is the perfect vessel for a jaunt upstream. The establishment has come a long way since its humble beginnings as a ramshackle riverside pub bought and transformed by Michel and Albert Roux in 1972!

    La Tamise, meaning The Thames, features hues of blue and a stunning mural that reflects the riverside setting.
    The radiator in La Tamise’s bathroom is from Bisque’s Buckingham range.

    When planning Phase One of a two-phase refurbishment of its guestrooms, in-house designer, Laura Roux, wished that each of the four rooms and en-suite bathrooms should retain their own unique character and charm. As with all aspects of The Waterside Inn, attention to detail is everything, and the fittings and fixtures were quickly identified as important finishing touches to greatly enhance the completed look and feel of each room. Far from objects of mere utility, Laura was keen that the radiators should be a focal point in her designs. Laura sought inspiration at the Bisque Customer Experience Centre (CEC) in Camberley to view the radiator designs, styles and colours featured within the collections. Having had sight of Laura’s architect plans, the Bisque team were also able to help calculate the outputs required within Laura’s design brief.

    The radiator in La Tamise’s bathroom is from Bisque’s Buckingham range.
    The radiator in La Tamise’s bathroom is from Bisque’s Buckingham range.
    A radiator from the Buckingham range works perfectly with the dimensions in the bathroom.

    ‘We wanted a mix of traditional and modern radiators and found that Bisque, which is part of the Zehnder group, offered a broad range of products designed to enhance the atmosphere and style of any room,’ says Laura. ‘Bisque was the natural choice because it’s a brand that shares our passion for excellence, and its outstanding reputation for quality and fantastic customer service lived up to our expectations. Our challenge was to ensure the refurbished rooms felt fresh and inviting while remaining faithful to the overall look and feel of the restaurant and hotel. We appreciated the professional guidance and support we received throughout.’

    Phase One focused on four guestrooms, namely La Tamise, Le Nid Jaune, Le Jardinet and La Terrasse. Each redesign is defined and inspired by its name (see captions).

    Le Jardinet translates as ‘Little Garden’ and has a fresh, botanical feel, picking out natural tones.
    Le Jardinet translates as ‘Little Garden’ and has a fresh, botanical feel, picking out natural tones.
    A metal heater on the wall in a light grey bathroom.
    A radiator from the Buckingham range was chosen for the bathroom in the Le Jardinet.

    The guestrooms

    Bisque central heating radiators from the Classic range lend subtle sophistication to each of the guestrooms. With 71 sizes in stock, and bespoke sizes also available, there are options to suit even the trickiest of spaces. The radiators can also be colour-matched to popular paint ranges such as Farrow & Ball and Little Greene. Wall-mounted models have underside connections; floor-mounted models have side connections. Bisque Classics are manufactured using new laser welding technology, which provides a superior finish and quality, with electric versions are also available.

    La Terrasse (‘The Terrace’) boasts stunning accents of colour in a serene setting.
    La Terrasse (‘The Terrace’) boasts stunning accents of colour in a serene setting.
    The bathroom in La Terrasse features a Bisque radiator from the Osbourne range.

    The bathrooms

    Bisque towel rail radiators from the Buckingham range are fitted in three of the bathrooms (La Tamise, Le Jardinet and Le Nid Jaune). These follow a traditional, wall-mounted design and are available in 10 colours and three deluxe finishes, including bright nickel, brass and antique bronze. Finally, a Bisque towel radiator from the Osbourne range was used in one bathroom (La Terrasse). This floor-mounted model is perfect for industrial-style designs or antique finishes, and comes in a number of deluxe finishes, from bright nickel to polished brass. Bisque also supplied radiators for the reception and foyer areas of the Waterside Inn, as well as the downstairs guest cloakrooms.

    ‘Bisque doesn’t just make amazing products, the team there builds strong relationships too,’ says Laura Roux. ‘It speaks volumes that the late Michel Roux originally approached Bisque himself, as he was aware of the brand and its excellent reputation. We are delighted with the superb durability and quality of the products and they look fantastic in our rooms. We would not hesitate to recommend Bisque and its products.’

    About Bisque

    Bisque, which is part of the Zehnder group, crafts radiators that provide beautiful, practical and efficient heating solutions which are also environmentally responsible. They are an expertly engineered fusion of form and function, helping to create the perfect indoor climate at any time of year.

    If you’d like to feature your product news here, get in touch to find out more. 

    If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.

    Building Information Modelling – or BIM – enables you to make your clients’ visions a reality. The model-first process lets you create a virtual prototype of the proposed project, so everyone has complete visibility of a space down to the smallest details. Using BIM collaborative software across the project teams allows information to be shared much more frequently during the design process. This gives all contributors a holistic opportunity to coordinate works packages through an accurate 3D model world and importantly, allows designs teams to catch unforeseen issues before site.

    Other industries have been using BIM for years. Architects, engineers and construction firms use the process to better understand every element in a design. Yet, it’s relatively new for the fit-out sector. Portview, however, are working to change this. By taking a model already developed at construction or earlier design stage, and collaboratively developing this through to finishing stages, we are better able to foresee challenges and help the entire fit-out process run smoothly from start to finish. This journey allows clients a more immersive experience to understand different ways they can use their space.

    The benefits of BIM

    Portview has brought most of their BIM in-house. It allows them to keep everyone involved throughout the design and fit-out process. Meaning, they can answer queries and solve issues quickly and effectively. Using BIM in-house also has the following benefits for them and their clients.

    1. Improved collaboration and communication

    BIM makes it easier to share designs, collaborate and manage version control compared to paper and/or PDF drawing sets. Using Cloud Technology, different teams can work together, from those in the office to those in the workshop and on-site. Everyone can immediately see changes others have made and work together to coordinate planning.

    You can also receive live feedback from our clients, allowing you to accommodate amendments quickly. With BIM, the data is transparent. It removes jargon and uses 3D visualisation, which is much easier for everyone to digest, making it much easier to communicate ideas, concerns and develop solutions.

    2. Reduced client risk

    With early clash detection at the model stage, it avoids time and money in sorting it out on site.

    Greater collaboration means you can improve accuracy and solve challenges early on, well before you reach the site. This accuracy minimises the chance of overall variations, enabling you to reduce tender risk premiums and lower insurance costs.

    3. Efficient planning and use

    BIM acts as a virtual world. It lets clients visualise the space to make their decisions confidently. For the teams, it provides a complete overview of the project so that they can plan everything down to the millimetre. Armed with this data, they can relay accurate estimates, so the prefabrication stage runs smoothly and on budget. BIM also helps the clients plan how they use the space. A complete set of maintenance instructions can be created for their teams to use throughout the building's lifecycle.

    4. Improved scheduling

    With greater emphasis on the collaborative upfront modelling stage, BIM allows you to have more foresight and can schedule tasks while plans evolve. Not only that, but BIM solves the communication stumbling blocks that often cause delays. Everyone has access to the plans and is involved throughout the process, meaning they can deal with issues before reaching the site.

    5. Predictability

    Having a real-time model allows for a level of predictability that just hasn’t been possible before in the dynamic fit-out sector. BIM creates robust, accurate, transparent and digestible information, and it helps you access data from previous design stages to bring their ideas along with yours. When everyone can see the reality of a design, it’s easier to spot elements that can be refined and detect potential issues before they become a problem. It’s also easier to predict costs and timeframes to meet all stakeholders’ targets.

    6. Reducing cost

    As a relatively new addition to the world of fit-outs, BIM carries a high perceived cost. But many clients wisely see it as an investment. By frontloading the design process and the costs associated with it, clients can reduce their spend in the long run. This is because you can build robust workflows that work with supply chains to avoid duplication, reworks and the need for more materials. You can also adapt designs much earlier in the fit-out when it is easiest and more cost-effective to do so.

    Getting the most out of BIM for your projects

    Engage early: one of the main benefits of using BIM is solving problems early in the fit-out process. Portview encourages their clients to have a number of discussions with them in the beginning, so they can extract as much information as possible and take ideas from their minds to make them a reality.

    Get the right people in the room: BIM enlightens issues to all, so it’s vital that decision-makers are involved. Portview aims to take clients along the design journey to make sure there are no surprises during delivery.

    Have open and honest conversations: With BIM, you can see the substance and the style of a fit-out. Often, it’s not until you see the reality that you know what you really want. Portview’s model-first process creates an early opportunity to play around with ideas and reject those that aren’t working to find the solution that suits everyone.

    Stay in communication: BIM aids collaboration, but it’s important that you keep everyone talking, too. It’s best not to presume that someone has seen a change and is working on it, and instead use the oversight that BIM provides to form the foundations of your discussions.

    The future of BIM for fit-outs

    BIM modelling is becoming more commonplace, even for smaller fit-out projects. As Portview continues to use BIM and develop their workflows, they realise more of its value creating potential, allowing their teams to make more informed decisions.

    This is just the beginning for them with BIM. They’ll continue to embed it in their processes to create a single source of project truth, helping them complete projects more collaboratively, sustainably and effectively.

    About

    Portview is a leading fit-out specialist that has been transforming ambitious design concepts into reality since 1975. They are renowned for delivering exquisite interiors for the world's top brands in the business, retail, stadia and hospitality sectors. Clients include Samsung, Harvey Nichols, Chanel, Tottenham Hotspur, Issey Miyake, Rosewood London, and Wimbledon.

    With teams covering the whole of the UK and Ireland, Portview manages projects of all shapes and sizes, including major refurbishment and roll-out contracts. Services include design development, planning approval, technical surveys, project management, contracting and fit-out. A lasting legacy needs a vision. And Portview’s mission is to bring it to life.

    Cover Image Credits: Portview ©

    Visit Profile

    If you’d like to feature your news or stories with SBID, get in touch to find out more. 

    If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.

    The special 2021 Salone del Mobile.Milano event, supersalone will open with the accent on safety, design transversality and an ambitious green commitment (avoiding 1.2 kilograms of CO2 being pumped into the atmosphere by recycling the installations). It will feature more than 423 brands and 50 independent designers, 170 projects from 48 international design schools, 20 of the most influential figures on the creative scene today, 110 Compasso d’Oro award-winning chairs, five great chefs, six films selected by the MDFF and 200 trees from Forestami.

    Event Details:

    When: 5th - 10th September from 10am to 7pm (Friday: 10am to 4pm)
    Where: Rho Milan Fairgrounds

    Complimentary tickets are available for SBID Members!

    Get in touch with events@sbid.org to register your interest.

    The Salone’s digital platform will provide an opportunity to follow the events both in person and virtually, with  work on the “supersalone” going full pelt, the event is helmed by the curator Stefano Boeri, the international team of co-designers – Andrea Caputo, Maria Cristina Didero, Anniina Koivu, Lukas Wegwerth, Marco Ferrari and Elisa Pasqual of Studio Folder, along with Giorgio Donà, co-founder and director of Stefano Boeri Interiors – and the entire staff of the Salone del Mobile.Milano with huge commitment, courage and, above all, a great sense of responsibility.

    “supersalone” event space

    Maria Porro, President of the Salone del Mobile.Milano, had this to say: “We are pouring our hearts into organising this “supersalone” because we believe it’s crucial to go back to meeting each other, conduct relationships and see for ourselves the products that our companies have carried on creating. In 2020 we felt the lack of being able to have a collective vision on the direction of the entire sector even more keenly, and this event will allow us to find out the latest products and the prospects for the future. We took on a tough challenge with a great sense of responsibility. The issue of safety is key, and so we are working with all the regional institutions and bodies involved to ensure a totally safe experience for our exhibitors and visitors, starting with the green pass. The new Salone del Mobile.Milano platform with its palimpsest of events, live streamings and dedicated content will ensure that we can also fully involve that part of the design community that has been prevented from travelling due to the restrictions in force.”

    “supersalone” event space

    At “supersalone”

    423 brands in all goods categories will set out their wares in four pavilions, in a committed response to the call Stefano Boeri, and the firm belief that the “supersalone” will become a symbol of a new Renaissance. The stars of the show will be increasingly innovative products, capable of fully responding to the changes inherent in the contemporary social structure, and their knock-on effects on a rapidly changing furnishing market and the individual needs of each client. Recognising the importance and the symbolic value of this “supersalone” will also be confirmed by the presence of high-ranking government and institutional authorities – first and foremost the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, on the day of the launch – testament, as always, to the fact that the Salone is one of the drivers of the Italian economy, thanks to the fertile relationship that it manages to set up between businesses, cities and regions.

    The Lost Graduation Show. Project Credit: Chiaki Yoshihara©
    The Lost Graduation Show. Project Credit: Chiaki Yoshihara©
    The Lost Graduation Show. Project Credit: Cerón López and López Velascoi©
    The Lost Graduation Show. Project Credit: Cerón López and López Velascoi©

    What is so special about “supersalone”?

    “The “supersalone” will be the first great Italian fair since the pandemic erupted. Super because it’s unmissable. Unmissable because it will see the great design brands, the young makers, the international schools, the great icons of design, the most renowned Italian chefs and many stars of the art and architecture scene gathered together for the first time. Unmissable because everybody will have a chance to see the top products from the top companies – live – and purchase or reserve them on the Salone del Mobile web platform. Unmissable because all the display components have been designed to be reused or recycled. Unmissable because at such a difficult time in our history we’ve mustered the courage, the passion and the generosity of the best of Italian business and creativity. “supersalone” is a cheerful response from a SuperItaly after the long night of the pandemic,” said the architect Stefano Boeri, curator of the event.

    Innovation, attention to environmental impact, creativity tout court, cultural exchange, and digital experiences are the “supersalone” buzzwords. It will be an event that will draw on the power of design creativity to become a hub of experimentation and cross-pollination, a meeting place and a forger of new opportunities for reflection on the world of design and for acquainting ourselves with its protagonists – from the furnishing manufacturing system to the schools turning out the new cohorts of designers, from the independent makers to the most influential current figures in every field of design, from filmmakers who iconise the ability of design to shape worlds and tell stories to those who support and promote creativity.

    The Lost Graduation Show. Project Credit: Charlotte Krzentowski©
    The Lost Graduation Show. Project Credit: Chiaki Yoshihara©

    Sustainability at the heart of the event

    With circularity and sustainability uppermost, all the materials and components used in the installation designed by Andrea Caputo - long parallel sets, designed for the specific goods categories, and the communal areas such as the Food Courts, arenas and lounges designed by Stefano Boeri Interiors - have been devised in collaboration with Lukas Wegwerth to be dismantled and reused. With the onus on circularity, the installation systems, which involve no loose components and reduced amounts of material, will be completely recycled. All the chipboard panels made from 100% recycled timber will go back into the production cycle. The overall benefit from avoiding emissions of CO2 deriving from the use of post-consumer reclaimed material is a lower emissions figure of 1.125.000kg CO2eq. The same goes for the bricks used in The Lost Graduation Show installation, which are all reusable; all the arenas, benches and seating will be “dry” mounted and can therefore be disassembled and used again at different times and in different contexts.

    The Lost Graduation Show. Project Credit: Hemmo Honkanen©

    Surrounded by trees

    The trees supplied by Forestami will underscore the green credentials of “supersalone” with an ad hoc project that provides for a “forest” of around 100 trees through which the turnstiles at the East Gate entrance can be accessed. Another 100 tall trees will lead visitors into the various exhibition areas and living areas dedicated to relaxation. The selected trees – lime, ash, oak, flowering plum trees – will subsequently be planted in Milan’s metropolitan area.

    An open space event venue with trees, exhibition spaces, screens and round red benches. Chairs displayed at the exhibition.
    “supersalone” event space

    Supporting new designers in difficult times

    One of the special “supersalone” exhibitions will be The Lost Graduation Show, curated by Anniina Koivu, showcasing 170 projects from students who graduated between 2020 and 2021, hailing from 48 design schools in 22 different countries in all five continents. A first in the history of the Salone that will involve every sector of furniture design and more besides. Incursions into the world of mobility, inclusive, medical and sports design, research into materials and design sustainability will map out the status quo of the entire sector. An example of how the Salone del Mobile.Milano works to support design schools, promoting the latest generation of designers, narrating their enthusiasm, courage and efforts at a time when the profession is undergoing swingeing change.

    The Lost Graduation Show. Project Credit: Oneseo Choi©
    The Lost Graduation Show. Project Credit: Oneseo Choi©
    The Lost Graduation Show. Project Credit: Chiaki Yoshihara©
    The Lost Graduation Show. Project Credit: Chiaki Yoshihara©

    Chairs - telling stories through design

    The exhibition Take Your Seat / Prendi Posizione – Solitude and Conviviality of the Chair / Solitudine e Convivialità della Sedia, curated by Nina Bassoli in partnership with ADI / Compasso d’Oro Award, will be another major highlight. Featuring 30 Compasso d’Oro award-winning chairs and more than 80 chairs that have gained honourable mentions ranged around the four “supersalone” pavilions, the exhibition will tell the story of the most iconic of all design objects, the chair, more capable of synthesising the value of good design than any other artefact. Split into four themed sections, with the addition of an “extra” section at the ADI Design Museum – the ideal end or start point to the visit – it will illustrate just how design has harnessed languages and content throughout the great changes in society and how it has managed to respond to new cultural paradigms with new inventions.

    The Lost Graduation Show. Project Credit: Albini©

    Broadening knowledge through talks and lectures

    Devised by Maria Cristina Didero, the “supersalone” programme will be packed with conversations, talks and lectures by designers, architects, artists, scholars and managers from all over the world. The protagonists will endeavour to respond to a variety of questions on design, art, architecture, education, the circular economy, environmental impact, the relationship between project and curation and much more besides, in a series of dialogues and one man shows. There are many famous names among them: from Humberto Campana to Bjarke Ingels, Carsten Höller, Paola Pivi, Beatriz Colomina, Cecilia Alemani, Formafantasma and Philippe Malouin. There will be three fixed appointments every day: round tables at 12pm, talks at 3pm and lectures at 5pm. In addition to these events and in collaboration with the Milano Design Film Festival, every day at 4pm studies, biopics and docufilms will allow for crosscutting insight into design, architecture and the current social and sustainable implications. The programme includes Newmuseum(s). Stories of Company Archives and Museums by Francesca Molteni; Tokyo Ride by Ila Bêka and Louise Lemoine; Paradigma Olivetti by Davide Maffei; Precise Poetry. Lina Bo Bardi’s Architecture by Belinda Rukschcio and Honeyland by Tamara Kotevska and Ljubomir Stefanov.

    “supersalone” event space

    Gastronomic experiences by world-renowned chefs

    “supersalone” is also and especially open to cross-pollination between different spheres and languages, featuring Identità Golose Milano – International Gastronomic Hub in the event, because food is a product on the same level as any other, and has always evolved on the basis of human creativity and need. It calls for careful planning and the study of craft and industrial processes, both traditional and otherwise. It also requires a good pinch of curiosity and openness. The Identità Golose Food Court is a new bespoke concept tailormade for “supersalone,” conceived as an integral part of the visitor experience and an opportunity to savour the original recipes of some of the greatest Italian chefs and artisans, including Carlo Cracco with pastry chef Marco Pedron, Massimo Bottura with the workshop Il Tortellante, Michelin star chefs Cristina Bowerman and Matias Perdomo, Eugenio Boer, the Italo-Dutch chef renowned for the international influences that he weaves into his cuisine, as well as Renato Bosco, considered one of the greatest master of pizza, the great ice-cream maker Paolo Brunelli and Andrea Besuschio, who has been ranked among the top 10 best pastry chefs in Italy for years. Each of them will come up with an iconic dish – either sweet or savoury – that the public will be able to purchase, putting together their own ideal menus to enjoy in an informal and inclusive environment.

    The Lost Graduation Show. Project Credit: Charlie Humble Thomas©

    The unification of Salone del Mobile and Triennale Milano

    As per another well-established tradition being revived at this special September event, the Salone del Mobile will venture beyond the confines of the Rho Fairgrounds to underscore and valorise its deep ties with Milan and, in the spirit of increasing openness to the exchange and circulation of ideas, culture and creativity, will reinforce its dialogue with Triennale Milano, the city hub of “supersalone.” Triennale will be marking the occasion with Il Salone / La Città (The Salone / The City), an exhibition conceived by the Triennale Museum of Italian Design for the Salone del Mobile.Milano and curated by Mario Piazza. The exhibition will narrate the cultural events held in the city by the Salone that, over the years, have communicated design to its fans. A spectacular show that will draw on the archives of Triennale Milano and the Salone del Mobile.Milano.

    The Lost Graduation Show. Project Credit: Francesco Lucini©
    The Lost Graduation Show. Project Credit: Zanuso Sapper©
    The Lost Graduation Show. Project Credit: Zanuso Sapper©

    Blending physical and digital to create engaging experiences

    The mix of digital and in-person presence will make for a thoroughly engaging experience and allow those unable to be physically present to observe the products on exhibit, visit the exhibitions virtually and attend the talks and lectures. The Salone del Mobile.Milano platform has been designed to promote the design on exhibit with original content and medium-specific language, and to put the user at the centre of the event before, during and after their visit. The exhibition spaces and themed itineraries will dialogue with the platform in a wholly original manner, allowing the products to be observed and reserved for purchase. These are the digital crossroads that will create new forms of integration and interconnection between different worlds, users and markets.

    The Lost Graduation Show. Project Credit: Elias Antonson©

    “supersalone” will be all this and much more - a special project through which the Salone del Mobile.Milano intends to serve as a promoter of and catalyst for activities, thoughts and feelings that will allow the entire sector and the supply chain as a whole to breathe life into a new Renaissance.

    About Salone del Mobile
    Launched in Milan in 1961 as a vehicle for promoting Italian exports of furnishing and accessories, the Salone Internazionale del Mobile is the global benchmark event for the furnishing and design sector.

    If you'd like to feature your product news here, get in touch to find out more. 

    Join SBID

    Join SBID

    Find out more about our flexible membership structure.

    Apply Online