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Ptt Design are happy to announce the appointment of Shelley Wilcock as the new Sales Manager for the north of England and Scotland.Angelo Moscatelli, Sales Director of Ptt Design, is convinced that Shelley’s extensive experience in the hotel and leisure industry, coupled with a methodical approach and clear understanding of Customers requirements, will be an added value to the organisation and will establish a stronger presence of Ptt Design in the designated regions.

Shelley can be contacted on 07917 704069 or email shelley.wilcock@pttdesign.com

Leading UK shower designer and manufacturer, Roman Limited, will be undertaking a project throughout 2012 to document a year in the life of the Company through photographs. Officially titled Project 252, due to their being 252 working days throughout 2012, they will publish a photo of every working day throughout the year.The photos are set to showcase all aspects of the business, from shower enclosure manufacture on the shop floor, through to Export meetings all around the World, and from production in their Solid Surface and Tray Manufacturing facility, to their Sales Force and Technical Representatives out in the field.

The whole company will be getting involved and posting photos to truly document a year in the life of a shower manufacturer.

Project 252 can be followed on Roman’s website (www.roman-showers.com) and clicking on Project 252, their Twitter page (www.twitter.com/romanltd) and their Flickr page (www.flickr.com/romanltd)

David Osborne, Managing Director at Roman, commented: “We are really excited about Project 252 – everybody in the company is keen to get involved and have their own department highlighted. We are also keen for customers and friends of Roman to be involved and will be asking our customers to send in their own pictures for inclusion on the website. These can be anything from their own Roman displays in showrooms, through to completed hotel bathrooms, from our fitters at work on projects and installing displays, through to business meetings with key clients and Factory visits to our North East head office. We’d really like customers and retail partners to get in touch with their suggested photos.”

The Signbox e-shop has added the Alumino display stand range. Supremely stylish, this contemporary looking silver anodised aluminium floor stand is designed to present A4 and A3 notices in portrait or landscape format.Easy to assemble, the stands are sturdy in construction but light enough to move around a building. Ideal for the modern office reception area, hotels, bars, cafes, restaurants, retail outlets, public spaces or any location where instant information needs to be displayed at a moment’s notice.

The Signbox e-shop continues to go from strength-to-strength assisting more businesses and facilities managers with their corporate and workplace signage requirements. As one of the UK’s foremost sign manufacturers and winner of the coveted ‘Best Sign Company of the Year’ award for 2011, Signbox took the view from the outset that workplace signs don’t have to be utilitarian and purely functional – the ever present “visual clutter of DTP notices”. Their customer research revealed that what many companies wanted were high quality, aesthetically pleasing workplace signs that are in keeping with the quality of their own working environment – yet at affordable prices.

The Signbox e-shop range are all stock items so delivery is quick with most types of signs needed in and around the workplace available including display, health & safety, desk and door, fire escape, paper insert and wayfinding – with the most sought after being fire escape signs.

To see the secure, easy-to-navigate online shop, go to www.signboxshop.co.uk.

Focus SB is showcasing its entire diverse range of lighting accessory plates at INTERIORS UK, building on the success of its stand at last year’s exhibition.(INTERIORS UK: Birmingham NEC, 22nd – 25th January 2012: Hall 3, stand C8)INTERIORS UK is the UK’s largest interiors trade exhibition, the source for furniture, lighting, flooring, fabrics, soft furnishings and accessories for retail and contract markets from leading manufacturers and suppliers.
Roger Kemp, Managing Director, Focus SB, says: “The Prism and Prism II range are the ideal plate for interior designers; why have a plate that is going to cover up the detailed wallpaper when you can have a clear plastic plate and with no screws!

“Primed white is another of the designer’s best friends,” he continues. “Once the colour scheme has been decided, the plate can be installed and simply painted over for the exact matching finish. All of our finishes can also be bespoked to any specification with any AV socket required.”

With their second sister branch opening in Newcastle in a months’ time, Sleeperz are slowly building up a brand with an exciting and fresh initiative. Their concept is simple – working around existing plots of land close to mainline stations in order to create something desirable, but without the hefty price tag. In this current economic climate, this is something that is unsurprisingly popular. Being flexible with the exterior of the building has resulted in Sleeperz using up every last square metre of space to accommodate as many guests as possible – there are a total of 74 rooms in the Cardiff property. The rooms are therefore compact, yet in no means do you go without. The bespoke furniture slots in every available angle. This does not mean a lack of design or creativity though – the hotel strives to succeed in all three important factors they target – location, value and above all, style.

A sophisticated vibrancy would be the best way to describe the overall style of the hotel. The reception/bar area invites a colourful combination of red and orange washes, while black seating and bespoke white tables balance out the tones of the room. The seating arrangement is well laid out, ensuring that the amount of seating in one space can by no means be mistaken for overcrowding. A 1920’s art décor ambience certainly lingers. Black light shades hang from the ceiling, giving the room character and edge. Natural light is as inclusive as the furniture as a result of the many windows on either side of the room. Although the rest of the hotel has been exclusively designed by Jamie Buchanen, this room was recently re vamped by boutique hotel owner Janine Powell, currently helping with the design for the Newcastle property.

A corridor leads guests to the breakfast room. The aim was simple – to create the best breakfast room they could have. The result certainly succeeded this desire. Refreshing is the first word that springs to mind. The cool and airy openness results in the same uplifting feeling as a breath of fresh air, or that cup of coffee first thing in the morning – something that is certainly on offer here. Spotlights create sophistication, a far cry away from the conventional budget establishment. Vertical window panels give the room dimension. A breakfast bar runs around the outer circumference, joined by a scatter of modern tables. The room is certainly spectacular and has unsurprisingly been booked for numerous private functions, including Sleeperz’ very own birthday party.

Refurbishment was by Janine Powell of Hamptons Design Studios

RHA introduce a selection of charming retro seating that you should consider including in your design projects over the next few months.If you’re looking for something to add a bit of character to your current design projects, why not consider including a chair, sofa or wing-back recently added to the RHA Furniture website.

The new Maxima chair has straight wooden legs, a round seat and interestingly shaped backrest. Specify a retro patterned fabric to really get the look right.

The Majestic sofa and armchair would be interesting items to feature in a hotel lounge or spa project you might be working on at the moment.

View details & more images by visiting RHA Furniture’s online product directory rhafurniture.com

The Rezidor Hotel Group announces two new hotels in Oslo: The Radisson Blu Hotel, Oslo Alna with 135 rooms and the Park Inn by Radisson Oslo Alna with 208 rooms will be located in adjacent towers, with shared facilities and management. Their opening is scheduled for Q3 2013. Both properties are owned by Norwegian-based Wenaasgruppen, which is one of Rezidor’s most important development partners.

The new hotels are located in a highly visible location along the E6, which is the main road connecting Oslo with the airport. The site is 10km east of downtown and 40km from the airport, making it a convenient destination for corporate travellers and meetings & events. Radisson Blu is Rezidor’s core upper upscale brand and the most preferred brand for business travellers in the Nordics. Park Inn by Radisson is a young and dynamic mid market brand offering great value for money. Besides 123 respectively 202 modern rooms, the new hotels will offer shared facilities such as a restaurant and bar, 1,200m2 of conference space, a fitness centre and parking.

Rezidor is the premier and most important hotel operator in Norway: The group’s portfolio in the country now totals 29 hotels and 7,000 rooms in operation or under development and extends the full length of Norway from the Radisson Blu Polar Hotel, Spitsbergen in the north (near the North Pole and considered the world’s most northern full service hotel) to the Radisson Blu Caledonien Hotel in Kristiansand in the south.

Wright’s Fine Furniture of Shrewsbury are proud to be the furniture suppliers to Verdi’s. In his TV “Great Britain” series (still available on 4oD), Jamie visited the famous Verdi’s ice cream parlour on the Gower Peninsula on the beautiful South Wales coast. Verdi’s is owned and run by The Maruzzi family, who have been making ice cream for generations and are famous for their wonderful variety of flavours. The recipes are a closely guarded secret, (not even available to Jamie Oliver). You can enjoy these fantastic ice creams on the terrace overlooking the sea, sitting on Wright’s chairs of course.

Wright’s Fine Furniture also specialise in canteen furniture and American Diners. Why not check out their website www.wrightsfinefurniture.com

Electrical wiring accessories, lighting and audio control manufacturer Hamilton Litestat will be showcasing its comprehensive range of products at Interiors (Hall 3 E28). One of the newest collections is Hartland CFX Colours – new glossy plastic switch plates and sockets that replicate every detail of the best-selling metal Hartland CFX collection, even down to Hamilton’s patented concealed fixings system, which gives a smooth look to the slim, contemporary plates. Also on display will be Hamilton’s popular Perception CFX range of crystal clear plates, which allow the wall covering to show through for a subtle look.

Visitors to the stand will be able to explore Hamilton’s new Mercury Multi-room Audio System – a music system that allows complete control over how, when and where music is played throughout the home. They will also be able to talk to the Hamilton team about their bespoke product design service, which offers unique electrical wiring accessory solutions to meet specific requirements; whether it’s a particular finish, specific energy-saving remit, special shape, combination of functions or any other request.

www.hamilton-litestat.com

Interiors UK is held between the 22nd and 25th January at the NEC Birmingham. To visit the show, please register here.

As going ‘green’ remains more prominent than ever, introduce tiles that are luxuriously stylish and eco-friendly with Siminetti’s natural collection of Mother-Of-Pearl mosaics. Utilising sustainable sources, each iridescent mosaic is produced from nature’s finest farmed shells grown in Poyang Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Asia. Boasting environmental benefits, the discarded shells are a bi-product of the food they are farmed for which are cut into individual tesserea and resin bonded to produce separate, exceptionally strong mosaics.

Naturally handmade with minimum impact to the environment, dye is added to create a stunning range of breathtaking colour choices from Emerald Gold to Blush and Summers Day hues. Unaffected by direct sunlight or natural weathering, prepare for summer months by creating a striking surface outdoors with Siminetti’s Natural and Midnight coloured mosaics.

Available in a pearlescent palette of 16 striking colour tones, customers are spoilt for choice with 4 different shapes including hexagons, squares and circles in a variety of sizes.

Suitable for all surfaces, combine a mixture of colours and styles for a unique design statement that’s eye-catching and individual. Siminetti’s full-bespoke service provides customers with the opportunity to create designs that suit all personal preferences.

www.siminetti.com
T: 0845 458 6944

Siminetti are available for expert comment, tips and advice whilst product can be supplied on loan for shoots and can often be provided in grouted boards or simple sample sheets.

The New Year 2012 is going to be an exciting year with several international exhibitions for Baulmann Leuchten from Germany. In February (11th to the 15th) the season of exhibitions will start with the INTERGASTRA in Stuttgart, the meeting point for the Horeca industry in the south of Germany.

Only one month later, from March 9th to 14th the INTERNORGA in Hamburg will open its doors for the 86th show with more than 1000 national and international exhibitors.

In April (15th to 20th) the world’s largest exhibition for lighting and building-services, the “Light & Building” in Frankfurt is expecting once again more than 180,000 visitors, offering the chance to see all major lighting companies with their latest developments and trends.

Baulmann Leuchten from Sundern is going to unveil its latest product-developments on these shows and is looking forward to inspire their clients with products made in Germany.

All pictures are copyright by “Baulmann Leuchten”

Already laying claim to the most distinctive collection of landmark and iconic hotels in the world, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts plans to open a number of new and celebrated properties in 2012. Headlining Fairmont’s robust schedule of 2012 openings, which will see the brand debut in several new global markets, are Fairmont Jaipur in India, Fairmont Grand Hotel Kyiv in Ukraine, and Fairmont Baku in Azerbaijan. In total, the luxury brand has five hotel projects, representing more than 1,300 guestrooms, slated to open next year. Noteworthy openings include:

Fairmont Jaipur

Located in the heart of the “Pink City”, a name honouring the distinctive rose-colored architecture of Rajasthan’s capital, the hotel marks Fairmont’s first foray into India. Offering 199 spacious and luxurious guestrooms, nine 1- and 2-bedroom villas as well as a Presidential Suite, the hotel’s atmosphere will reflect the unique character of the region, while also capturing the air of a modern day palace. Guestrooms will include over-sized bathrooms with soaker tubs, state-of-the-art Bose sound systems and 40″ flat panel televisions. The brand’s exclusive Fairmont Gold product, a hotel within a hotel concept with 38 luxuriously appointed guestrooms and private lounge facilities, will make its debut in the market as well. Also tempting hotel guests will be a broad range of culinary options including a full service restaurant featuring regional specialties. Other offerings include a lobby lounge, cigar room, and rooftop bar. Helping guests relax and recharge will be a Willow Stream Spa featuring over 14,000 square feet of space, as well as a 5,000 square foot health club. To accommodate the area’s growing meetings market, the hotel will also boast more than 45,000 square feet of conference space. (Opening March 2012)

Fairmont Grand Hotel Kyiv
While the Ukraine has European football fans buzzing about next summer’s UEFA Euro 2012 tournament, the city of Kyiv is also eagerly anticipating the arrival of its first true luxury hotel, Fairmont Grand Hotel Kyiv. Expected to open in early 2012, well in advance of football enthusiasts flocking to the city, the hotel will feature 257 rooms, including 35 suites, Fairmont Gold and a Royal and Presidential Suite, and will be centrally located on the Dnipro River in the heart of Kyiv’s historic Podil district. As one of the oldest cities in Eastern Europe and a destination with numerous architectural landmarks, the hotel is poised to be a vibrant feature in the locale, boasting a classic, old-world design reminiscent of a stately palace or grand manor home. And while the design aesthetics of the building will undoubtedly be classic and elegant, the atmosphere within the hotel is expected to be cosmopolitan and trendy making it an urban hotspot for the “it” crowd. Other features of the hotel include a range of dining options, including a stylish Champagne bar and chic cigar lounge, 13,000 square feet of meeting and function space, counting a 5,000 square foot ballroom, and a Fairmont Spa with six treatment rooms and a full beauty salon. (Opening March 2012)

Fairmont Baku
Upon opening, Fairmont Baku will be one of the tallest and most impressive buildings in the capital city of Azerbaijan. The hotel will be part of the awe-inspiring Flame Towers, a three-turreted, multi-use building paying tribute to the country’s name, which means ‘The Land of the Fire’ when translated in modern Persian. The hotel will boast 318 guestrooms and suites in addition to a prime location on the Absheron Peninsula next to the Azerbaijan parliament buildings and overlooking the Caspian Sea. Guestrooms will be modern and sophisticated with decor reflecting the rich culture and heritage of the city. The hotel will also feature Fairmont Gold and over 25,000 square feet of meeting space including a 24-hour business centre complete with IT butler service and secretarial support. Dining options will be plentiful with several restaurants, bars and lounges including an authentic French patisserie and a specialty steak-house. Popular with business travellers and executives in oil and gas production, Azerbaijan’s blossoming tourism industry is also quickly becoming a top draw for leisure travelers visiting the region. The destination was the 2011 winner of the popular Eurovision Song Contest and will host the 2012 event in May, offers numerous sightseeing attractions including Baku’s old Inner City, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, and was recently singled out by Lonely Planet as a top ten global hotspot for urban nightlife.

Additional Fairmont hotels expected to open later in 2012 include the 300-room Fairmont Makati, Philippines, which will be conveniently located near the Philippine Stock Exchange, and the 372-room Fairmont Palm Jumeirah on Dubai’s The Palm, Jumeirah. Looking beyond 2012, Fairmont is also working on a number of exciting hotel development projects in markets like Saudi Arabia, Russia, Fujairah, and China and remains focused on international expansion with brand growth targeted for key markets in Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa.

On the 19th December, the Government announced its first assessment of the need for reform of the design intellectual property framework. In May 2011, in his report to the Prime Minister, Professor Hargreaves concluded that design had a “very important contribution to make to growth” to the tune of £33 billion to be precise (and still a growth area!) and yet he was critical of the policy makers whose role in supporting IP in this significant branch of the economy had been neglected. So, the good news for designers is there has been a flurry of activity and ACID welcomed the opportunity to paint the picture of SME reality by providing solid evidence from a diverse set of case studies. These highlighted the often grim problems that design led companies face. This, we were told, has provided a valuable and credible foundation for future policy in this first IPO assessment. Government plans to publish a formal consultation on how to proceed in late spring 2012. http://www.ipo.gov.uk/types/hargreaves.htmACID’s CEO Dids Macdonald said, “I welcome this assessment for design reform. However, it is important that any further research makes clear the relationship between (registered) design rights and innovation in the context of product design. The majority of the UK’s 232,000 designers (in 55 different design disciplines) rely on unregistered (copyright, design and trade marks) and informal rights. In this initial assessment, it is clear that UKIPO has listened and understands the problems facing many SME’s within design. Now the challenge will be to address them sensibly, practically and proactively with more action and less words”.

ACID also urges the Government to fully consider supporting the UK’s designers with the introduction of criminal sanctions for unregistered design right infringement, retaining UK unregistered rights protection and ensuring that in reforming the small claims access to justice system, they fully consider the relative effectiveness of remedies available and costs v outcome.

Nick Kounoupias, ACID’s Chief Legal Counsel and an IP specialist at DMH Stallard said, “I am delighted to see that the possibility of introducing criminal sanctions for unregistered design right infringement is finally on the Government’s political agenda. It has been for too long anomalous that copyright and trade mark infringement can in appropriate cases be punished with a criminal sentence whilst unregistered design right infringement cannot. The harm caused to small and medium sized businesses by the flagrant and systematic copying of their designs is horrendous and to the layman in tantamount to theft. Accordingly it should be dealt with in the same way.”

This announcement by Government is timely because in 2012 ACID will re-launch its “Commission it, Don’t Copy It” positive campaign aimed at retail buying departments which is “win win” all around. The designer is paid a commission and a royalty, The Retailer may use their purchasing power to produce the products more cost effectively and also has the opportunity to create a UK design signature range, thus, actively supporting UK Design and respect for IP in CSR. The consumer still gets an excellent deal but in the full knowledge that they are buying an original design and supporting British design. We are looking to Government to actively support our Call to Action.

York Tap, at York Railway Station, is proving an instant hit since opening its newly installed antique revolving doorway, following a major refurbishment and restoration project carried out by design and build interior fit-out contractor Andy Thornton Ltd. The ‘Craft Beer House’, which boasts an impressive selection of 32 draft beers and 20 cask ales, breathes new life into, what had become, a dilapidated Grade ll listed building by the station entrance.The eagerly anticipated opening of the new traditional pub on the site of the former Edwardian tearoom presented the perfect opportunity for Andy Thornton to combine quality new bar fixtures and fittings with the existing original architectural features. This was helped by the discovery of old photographs showing how the tearoom originally looked.

Pivovar Ltd, owners of York Tap, commissioned Andy Thornton to bring the building back to life, restoring original features when possible and replicating them when not. This project follows successful interior refurbishments the company has undertaken for the clients at their other venues Sheffield Tap and Euston Tap, the former winning many accolades and awards for its restoration of another Edwardian railway building.

The building’s key internal features including cast iron columns, iron fretwork, fireplace surrounds, a stained glass dome and windows were all sympathetically restored. A superb original terrazzo floor, hidden for years under a later floor covering, was unearthed and restored to its former glory.

Andy Thornton supplemented these by manufacturing a new stained glass ceiling dome and windows to match the existing ones and adding doors with arched pediments to compliment the building’s architectural features. Even the pub’s entrance, featuring an old revolving doorway sourced and then adapted by Andy Thornton to meet strict fire regulations, was selected due to its similarity to the buildings original entrance.

We also designed, manufactured and installed a period-style island bar counter and back-fitting after the client specified the position to create two separate but connected areas.

This posed a challenge as the building has four existing structural columns that we had to install the counter around. The counter comprises of a panelled front with fluted columns, a solid bar top, brass foot rail and customised post lights. The back fitting includes an arched pediment with two clocks, turned columns with glass shelving and a partition wall clad in panelling to house the beer pythons.

Andy Thornton also manufactured and installed bespoke banquette seating booths with button-back upholstery in the window bays and supplied bentwood chairs and bar stools, tables and the brasserie-style brass pendants.

The finishing touch is the old photographs that now hang proudly in the bar – a reminder of the buildings heritage and the success of its restoration.

Leading UK shower designer and manufacturer, Roman Limited, have completely overhauled and re-launched their website to include a totally redesigned look and to incorporate new content, as well as to make it as user-friendly as possible.The redesigned website features a refreshing new look to perfectly complement their brochures. It has been designed to be consistent with Roman’s sister company, Roman at Home’s website, incorporating the Roman Brand’s designer motif pattern. It is also much more image led to highlight Roman’s product range. It offers two sides to the website, one for trade customers and one for general consumers.

The trade side of the Roman site incorporates elements such as line drawings and instruction manuals which are available for download. From this side of the website Roman’s retail customers can request stock of brochures via a simple form, along with other marketing material such as POS. Trade customers can also request a call out from their regional manager.

Within the trade side of the website, customers can access the Roman image bank, where they can quickly and easily download high resolution images for their own marketing material. This also sits within the press area, so journalist can access the images for any showering features they may be working.

The website has been designed with a better search function, which can handle miss-spellings, so visitors can easily find the product they need. To ensure consumers can search for their nearest displaying retailer, the Roman site still includes a showroom locator, but this has now been designed to offer more functionality – visitors can search by both town and postcode, to make it easier to use.

Roman’s new website includes much more detailed information about the company, including their background, along with a section dedicated to how Roman is working to be environmental conscious. This sits alongside much more in-depth, detailed information about Roman’s product range.

David Osborne, Managing Director of Roman, commented: “We are really pleased with the look and feel of the new Roman website. A lot of the site development has been done in house, which gives us much greater flexibility in terms of being able to update and change the website. The internet has become such an important tool for both trade customers and consumers when it comes to researching what products they would like. Therefore it is essential we have a website that can be easily updated and changed so it always contains our most up to date products, information, displaying showrooms and marketing material. With the new Roman website, we have total control and can ensure our customers can always log on to find out the latest products and company news.”

Dernier & Hamlyn recently manufactured a chandelier that forms the central feature at the entrance of Aromatherapy Associates’ new Knightsbridge Boutique & Treatment Rooms. Working to a Martin Hulbert design that incorporated playful use of the company’s products, Dernier & Hamlyn manufactured 1600mm diameter metal rings that were finished in satin brass to complement the boutique’s furniture. Some 160 glass bottles containing different coloured aromatherapy oils were fixed to these rings and LED’s were then fitted behind the bottles both to shine through them and to spread the multi-coloured light.Dernier & Hamlyn was also responsible for producing large bottles that emulate aromatherapy oil bottles some of which are used as decorative items and some of which have been converted into table lamps.

Martin Hulbert comments:
“This project is the beginning of a new identity for the Aromatherapy Associates’ brand. Creating the right ambience for its clients is clearly essential and the lighting is absolutely fundamental to achieving this. I have worked with Dernier & Hamlyn on many projects before and knew that they would rise to the challenge of producing this unique light fitting.”

Lighting up row M at November’s Sleep Event, Axminster Carpet Commercial revealed a stunning new stand and revelled in the response to its latest commercial collections. Using the power of light to deliver key messages about its proud British heritage, low impact and inspirational creativity, Axminster Carpets Commercial also previewed Revelry, its latest woven axminster range due for launch in early 2012.

With 20 designs each available in four colourways, Revelry features a total of 80 different carpets with patternscatering for traditional and contemporary hospitality environments. Manufactured from 80% British wool and 20% nylon, a combination renowned for durability and appearance retention, Revelry will be available from stock for fast delivery. Visitors to the event also caught a glimpse of Dunmore, a brand new tufted stripe range especially for guest rooms in an 80% British wool 20% nylon mix, available four metreswide, in eight colourways and again will be a stock range.

“The Sleep Event was again a great success for us, cementing our position as one the premier hospitality carpet manufacturers in the country,” commented Richard Lawrence, head of marketing, Axminster Carpets. “The new stand not only reflects our heritage and expertise, but it also shows our intent to build upon this in the future and those visiting us at the event came to understand the advantages of both product and service that comes with the Axminster Carpets name.”

For further information telephone 01297 630630 or e-mail commercial@axminster-carpets.co.uk

Baulmann Leuchten, a specialist lighting company from Sundern, has recently completed work for Atlantic Hotels in Bremen, Essen, Kiel and Lübeck. The typical design for Atlantic Hotels offers guests a clear layout, generous public areas with furniture chosen to complement the colour scheme. In the public areas, large volume ceiling luminaires were specified to perfectly integrate into this concept, using corresponding colours for the shades.

The functional lighting in the guestrooms follows the same design guidelines to create a comfortable atmosphere for guests.

All pictures are copyright by Atlantik Hotels.

Frank Lissauer, managing director of Franklite Ltd. has received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Lighting Association. Peter Hunt, CEO of the Lighting Association said “Frank Lissauer was a popular choice for this award, not only for his long service in the industry, but for his unwavering support for the decorative lighting industry as a whole”.

Frank set up Franklite in January 1973 and today the company has a well deserved reputation for quality of product and service. After nearly 40 years in the industry, Frank is the longest serving director on the Lighting Association Council of Management.

This award was given following a vote by fellow members of the Association which makes it particularly special to Frank as his work within the industry, and with the Lighting Association, is done out of a passion for lighting. This token of recognition was a total surprise to him and one of which he is justly proud.

Simply put, the Five-Leaf System is a way of measuring the eco-friendly nature of hotels.

When people go on holiday or on a business trip, they normally take into account the quality of the hotel in terms of the five-star system. The Five-Leaf System allows them also to judge the quality of the hotel from an environmental point of view. The aim is to create a system that enables hotels to go up quickly and gain more leaves if adequate measures are taken: no hotel need stop for ever at level 1, 2 or 3, for instance. There are many things that hotels and similar establishments can do to achieve a good rating without incurring a lot of extra cost. The aim is to get people in the industry to see expenditure on pro-environment matters as an investment for the future. The system provides the recognition that this is being done, and registration is absolutely free. A straightforward questionnaire must be completed, and a rating is issued.

Continued on page two…

The new Pieff Icons collection which is manufactured in Long Eaton Derbyshire by upholstery specialists P F collections Ltd is now supported by its own website, www.pieff-furniture.com.The reaction to this fabulous 50’s collection has been spectacular with many design practices, procurement managers, owners requesting information and even placing orders for schemes which they were already working on.

The website is open to all and as yet does not require a log in or password. This will come later as stock, price lists etc are loaded in to the back office. In the meantime if you want access to photos for presentation and quotations please e mail contract sales manager tom.campbell@pfcollections.co.uk or call 0115 9461282 and he will e mail what you require.

If anyone wants to see the furniture ‘in the flesh’ it is now on display in our Long Eaton showroom which is open to the trade from 10am until 4pm, Monday to Friday.
Please ring for an appointment; we will be delighted to see you and also give you a guided tour of our production facility.

Does Second Life still exist? Was it just one of those websites that enjoyed a brief flurry of intense use before gently fading away? Why is it at all relevant to Aloft you may ask? Well whilst Intercontinental Hotels Group used focus groups and market research agencies to define Indigo, Starwood set up a virtual hotel in Second Life and invited virtual people to visit and give ‘guest feedback’ on the concept, before anything was created in the real world.

Not only did the web form a central part of the formalisation of the concept but it also formed a central plank in the marketing of the concept to developer partners. The splendid new Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company financed Jestico & Whiles designed building adjacent to the Excel exhibition centre is the second Aloft in Europe and at the date of this article one of 77 properties the brand is rolling out – impressive given that the first was only launched in June 2008.
The new building has a prime location adjacent to a DLR station putting it in easy reach of the West End, but also onto a network connecting easily with the Olympic Park and almost on the touchdown end of the City Airport runway. Not only does its triple glazing help energy conservation but it also soundproofs it effectively. Plane spotters will enjoy seeing aircraft on the immediate flare-out prior to touch down at an airport that now boasts transatlantic flights as well as a growing network of links to European cities.

Externally the building can be approached at several levels from piazzas that act as the spill out areas from the exhibition centre. Clad in a light refracting metal sheeting it continues and develops the same architects ability to make the physical presence of the building add something special to the location, as they did with the new ‘W’ in Leicester Square. This is the third project of theirs that I have had the pleasure of writing about, the other being the majestic conversion of a cotton weaving mill in the city of Łódź, Poland. I mean pleasure too, because their handling of interiors is as assured and stylish as their handling of the exteriors. I can only speculate that Starwood used a different practise on the interiors of ‘W’ Leicester Square because they wanted someone experienced in creating the tiny rooms they have packed in to that supposedly 4 star hotel.

Continued on page two…

Galoupet is a new restaurant in London’s Beauchamp Place, Knightsbridge opened by renowned Provencale wine estate Chateau du Galoupet. Set in a chic minimalist interior, the venue features stylish modern restaurant furniture sourced from top UK contract furniture supplier Andy Thornton.The restaurant, with Chris Golding in the kitchen, offers light healthy Asian and Mediterranean inspired dishes, with a big focus on wine matching to every dish; the wine list changing continuously according to the menu.

The owners wanted to create an intimate restaurant & lounge for people to enjoy food and wine with family and friends. They commissioned London design agency Blacksheep with a brief to create a smart, sophisticated informal feel for the restaurant, private dining area and lounge spaces.

To help achieve the look of understated glamour and clean lines, Andy Thornton manufactured two 3.5 metre free-standing button-back sofas for the downstairs bar area, featuring ebonised frame and legs and upholstered in a high-performance, neutral faux suede. One sofa is matched with elegant side chairs in light grey diamond patterned chenille and beige painted legs, with white Pedrali tables with square solid marble tops.

Facing the adjacent sofa are more chairs and matching stools in faux suede around specially made sleek round coffee tables in patinated brass frames and top edgings with marble tops, which create a touch of glitz and glamour to the whole interior.

For the private dining room Andy Thornton manufactured two bespoke solid oak rectangular tables in a natural matt finish which features decorative inlaid solid brass strips.
Andy Thornton is working closely with Blacksheep on a number of other interesting projects. To view our range and portfolio visit www.andythornton.com.

Leading UK shower manufacturer and designer, Roman Limited, have reported another successful show, following their 5th time exhibiting at the Sleep Event. The Roman stand attracted a really high calibre of visitors, who were all extremely impressed by the company’s display of luxurious bespoke options for the hotel bathroom.
This year the manufacturer designed a stand which highlighted just how flexible they can be in terms of their design capabilities. The company showed visitors that they really can offer the complete package, not only supplying finished products but working with specifiers and hotel designers to create something totally individual to their project where required.

The talking point of the Roman stand was the joint toilet cubicle and shower cubicle, which are a popular specification being used in the Middle East within top end hotels. The toilet cubicle incorporates a two-way swing hinge which allows the door to open out into the room, as well as into the enclosure. It features a soft close mechanism which gently closes the door back into place if left open.

Alongside their bespoke shower enclosure options, Roman also highlighted some of their other core products, including their accessories, such as shower baskets, a truly unique champagne cooler for the bathroom and their luxurious bathrobes. Alongside these they also highlighted level access tray options, bath screens which cleverly fold into the bath, as well as back out into the room for easy cleaning and their water delivery options.

Another talking point of the stand was their designer solid surface basin and trays. These were displayed at the show to highlight their solid surface design capabilities. In Roman’s solid surface manufacturing plant you can create unique concepts and Roman’s team will work with you to develop these through to full manufacture.

David Osborne, Managing Director of Roman, commented: “We find Sleep a really worthwhile exhibition, as hotels have become a key sector for us, particularly with the growth of our Export division. We have found that with many of the projects we have worked on, the designers and specifiers need real flexibility in terms of design. With our onsite design team we can really work with them to create something to totally meet their brief and requirements.

“Alongside specialist design requirements, our core product range is vast with something for all sectors, from price entry through to luxury 10mm thick glass enclosures and wetroom panels. So whether a hotel is looking for something unique, or something more traditional, we can provide the complete solution.”

Brentford based supplier & manufacturer, RHA Furniture, has recently taken on some exciting projects; two of these contracts will involve overseas export, raising the company’s export for the year to over 40 countries.RHA Furniture has been supplying furniture to the hospitality, corporate & luxury residential markets for over 20 years now; our latest projects include a luxury apartment development for a British celebrity, an exclusive members club in Hamburg & over 150 international locations for Regus.

The project for an exclusive members club, Aspria Uhlenhorst which is due to open early next year, sees RHA Furniture working alongside Putney based Interior Design practice, Sparcstudio, who specialize in the creation of hotels, spas and branded environments. The initial stage of this project focuses on the club’s 48 luxury bedrooms, which involves custom made case goods, bed frames & headboards made from fine American Walnut by craftsmen at RHA Furniture’s UK factory.

Another large project is for Regus, a well established provider of business solutions including office & meeting room facilities all around the world. Back in 2007, RHA Furniture worked for Regus alongside brand strategy specialists, Honour Branding, to produce custom work stations called ThinkPods; this innovative design was so successful it was put into large scale production & installed in over 200 international business centres. This was the start of an ongoing business relationship between RHA Furniture & Regus, involving the production & installation of a wide range of furniture for Regus’ business lounges & meeting rooms.

The new contract is a continuation of RHA Furniture’s previous work, only on an even larger scale; furniture made from their UK factory will be exported to Regus centres across Europe, the Middle East & Africa.

Information on the progress of these projects will be available on their company website www.rhafurniture.com.

Cliq Designs showed just what they can do at The Sleep Event in November, and created an impact with their ski-chic themed boutique hotel set.

Working together with melin tregwynt, who weave the welsh woollen cloth at their family owned mill in Pembrokeshire, Cliq created a range of soft woollen quilted throws and cushions aimed at the boutique hotel market. With quilting ideas based on knitting, antlers, logs, snow, birch trees – it was all there for the first time – and the hotel world loved it.What makes Cliq and melin tregwynt so unique is that they are both small UK based family owned manufacturing companies, with increasingly global markets. For Adam and Liz Bolton and Eifion and Amanda Griffiths -the two husband and wife teams at the top of these two busy much more than ‘craft’ companies , it really is about getting out there and doing it yourself! And what makes them stand out is their passion for the new, for being able to work with and develop fresh ideas for the design world- and more importantly, being able to convert those ideas into real product with UK production, right here in our (not completely lost ) Land of Hope and Glory!

Cliq is based in the traditional textile heartlands of Lancashire, but the majority of its work is in the 4* and 5* hotels in London and Europe. “Everything is bespoke, no two days are alike, always something new to be made for an exciting project we’ve been brought into” says Adam Bolton, Managing Director. Working with some of the major hotel chains they have proved they can manage larger projects on a European wide scale, but it’s the attention to detail that keeps the customers coming back over the 26 years that Cliq has been operating from its Preston base. Recent projects include the Grosvenor House Apartments on Park Lane, Corinthia Hotel Spa and the whole of the Marriott Hotels estate in the UK.

“We can take a theme, any theme, and develop quilting patterns to suit the project, working with the structure of the fabric to find something unique for the client”, says Liz Bolton, Design Director.” I’m secretly quite pleased that ski-chic is having a bit of a moment in the world of fashion right now, as I’ve always had a thing for the simplicity of Scandinavian design- I lived in Sweden when I was younger. I really believe that quilting can express purity of design, through simple graphic images on tactile cloth. Beautiful fabrics treated well speak to people; it’s very satisfying to create something that gives people real pleasure – they just want to reach out and touch. And what better way to support the sustainability issues that face us all right now, than to promote British made goods from cloth produced on our own shores. We were thrilled to get such a positive response to our home-grown design input, (as we are usually on the receiving end of a designer’s ideas!) especially from a number of Scandinavian visitors to the stand.”

Talking of the stand, Liz commented: “Being able to do pretty much anything when it comes to soft furnishings can be tricky to communicate, so teaming up with set designers Rooms Service we were able to discipline ourselves to stick with one simple theme and show how that can be played out across a number of elements in a room: throw, cushions, bed valance, headboard, fabric wall panels as artwork – even quilted bedside tables! We are unique in that we offer a lot of skills under one roof including a range of both hand and machine guided quilting options, blanket stitched edges and mitred borders and embroidery. And of course we can respond quickly with samples to ensure a project can get accepted – it’s in our interests to be as helpful as we can!”

If you want further details on how Cliq can help your projects contact Adam Bolton at adam@cliqdesigns.co.uk, tel: 01772 628141

Ramparts Interior Contracts have recently handed back a selection of bedrooms at the Millstone at Mellor near Blackburn. The Hotel, a Thwaites Inn of Character comprises of twenty two quintessential country inspired bedrooms, run in conjunction with a very highly regarded Restaurant and Local Hostelry.Our work completed over a period of three weeks, and designed by the clients own in house team comprised of the decoration and carpeting of the bedrooms, replacement lighting and a soft refurbishment of the bathrooms. The existing furniture was restored and augmented by purpose made wardrobes within recesses to make the very best use of the space available.

Ramparts, founded in 1972 is entering its 40th year in business, specialising in the refurbishment of hotels and leisure properties.

For further details please contact:
Gary Crosbie
garyc@ramparts.co.uk
0161 266 1049

P F collections Ltd, the specialist upholstery manufacturer has supplied all the sofas, chairs, special size corner sofas, bedroom chairs and banquette seating for five new chalets in Val D’Isere.The fit out required special sizes of sofas and corner units for specific areas as well as making sure that the furniture could actually be delivered up awkward stairs and through narrow openings. Certain pieces were redesigned to split in to sections to gain access and were then “bolted” together on site.

The chalets look absolutely stunning and the owner of the chalets is delighted with the result and that the contract was completed well in time for the forth coming winter season.

Interior designers requiring high quality bespoke sofas, chairs, corner units etc can contact P F Collections Ltd by e mailing tom.campbell@pfcollections.co.uk or calling 0115 9461282.

IDEAL Marble and Granite Ltd from York are delighted to introduce a new range in Split Faced Limestone. It has most recently been used as a feature in one of Antofagasta’s offices to complement the natural wood floors. The engraved logo makes a striking alternative for indoor signage.The slabs are available in 600 x 400mm (as shown) and 600 x 600mm.

Would this enhance your project?

Please call Derek for your free sample on +44 (0) 1759 306161.

Business leaders, golfers, hospitality experts and media from across Southeast Asia converged on the coastal retreat of Lang Co from September 22-23, to mark Angsana Properties Lang Co’s official unveiling of the property sales launch at Laguna Lang Co.

Developed and managed by the Banyan Tree Group, Laguna Lang Co will, upon completion, be the first fully and legitimately integrated resort in Vietnam. It will also be the largest, with 2000 hotel keys under the management of seven international branded hotel and resort operators, award-winning spas, a championship golf course, resort residences, convention facilities and a town center replete with retail and recreational facilities.

September’s event featured and spotlighted two specific components of the Laguna Lang Co formula:

• Launch of Angsana Properties beachfront resort investment property; and
• Design of the much anticipated resort golf course, whose architect, Sir Nick Faldo, personally delivered a progress report along with thoughts on golf development in Vietnam and across Southeast Asia.

“The gathering in September and, indeed, the entire development here at Laguna Lang Co, is centered around the concept of convergence,” said Michael Ayling, Managing Director, Laguna Resorts & Hotels.

“Laguna Lang Co itself is a convergence of components that together, in a single place, comprise a fully integrated resort: five-star hotels, luxury villas for purchase, retail galleries and recreational amenities like golf, the marina and this beautiful stretch of beach. This is the formula that proved so successful at our flagship development, Laguna Phuket.

“At Lang Co, however, we see the convergence of additional harmonious factors. This location on the East Sea is stunning, and this part of Vietnam is so culturally rich — a former seaside retreat for kings of the Nguyen Dynasty, with UNESCO world heritage sites to the north and south… We are so remote here, hemmed in by the sea on one side and coastal mountains on the other, yet we are just an hour from airports in Hue and Danang. Finally, all across the resort — in its décor and architecture — we have facilitated the convergence of Angsana-style contemporary chic with Vietnamese aesthetic sensibilities that stretch back centuries.

“We are certain that all these factors will, upon completion, combine to make Laguna Lang Co quite irresistible, as a destination and an investment opportunity.”

Designed by Architrave Design & Planning — the award-winning and celebrated design arm of the Banyan Tree Group that is responsible for the architecture and design of all properties under the Group, including Angsana Properties — the villas at Laguna Lang Co embody what you’d expect from the region’s most canny developers of resort properties: an architectural blending of east and west, a convergence of the modern and time-honored that provides luxury and comfort in the here and now — and equity value down the road.

Ayling explained that villa buyers at Laguna Lang Co are entitled to membership in the Angsana Properties Owners Club, wherein members can book stays at other Angsana Properties locations around the world. They can choose to receive a 6% fixed return for six years or opt for a share of the actual room revenue. When owners are offsite, Ayling added, purchased properties can be included in the hotel inventory, where Angsana management takes care of the investment.

While property sales were launched during the September 22-23 event, the resort hotel and golf course are scheduled for grand openings in 2012. Faldo, for his part, made his September visit primarily a working one. He spent most of his time in the field, making sure his design is being built precisely according to plan. With six major championships and numerous award-winning course designs in his portfolio, he appreciates what is taking shape in Lang Co.

“We have been given this unique setting, replete with natural dramatic features,” said Faldo. “It is a gift to have such diversity in trees, sand dunes, rice-paddies, rock formations and a stunning coastline as a framework for a strategic golf course layout.”

“We have always believed that Vietnam holds the greatest potential of replicating the success of our flagship Laguna Phuket destination resort within Asia,” said Banyan Tree’s Executive Chairman, Ho Kwon Ping.

“Central Vietnam, with its unique blend of history and heritage, is a destination like no other in the region. We are confident it has the potential to flourish as an international luxury-tourist destination. This first foray into the Indochina region is a significant milestone for Banyan Tree, and we are delighted to share this momentous occasion with our valuable partners who have helped to make Laguna Lang Co a reality.”

St. Regis Hotels & Resorts is pleased to announce the grand opening of The St. Regis Sanya Yalong Bay Resort, the eagerly anticipated crown jewel along Yalong Bay, China’s premiere resort destination on Hainan Island. As South China’s first St. Regis Resort, The St. Regis Sanya Yalong Bay Resort will define a new standard of exceptional luxury, contemporary sophistication and bespoke services for visitors to Hainan.

Located on one of the most coveted and beautiful stretches of coastline on Yalong Bay, The St. Regis Sanya Yalong Bay Resort offers 373 exquisitely designed guest rooms and suites, and 28 oversized and sumptuously appointed beachside villas. The resort’s contemporary architecture is inspired by the concept of two intertwined dragons, reflected as undulating waves which are incorporated in all of the resort’s structural elements. The St. Regis offers three signature epicurean experiences and a sophisticated lounge which are certain to become island destinations of their own. In addition, The St. Regis Sanya Yalong Bay Resort is introducing the South China region’s first Iridium Spa, a lavish five-star sanctuary of wellbeing.

Exceptional Accommodations
The guestrooms and villas at the St. Regis Sanya Yalong Bay are designed as “guest quarters by the sea,” – sophisticated, relaxing, and sumptuously appointed with deluxe amenities, including high thread-count linens, plush bath towels and St. Regis signature bath accessories. In addition, each room is equipped with state-of-the-art modern conveniences, such as HD plasma cable televisions, computer and iPod charging stations, and WiFi access.

A New Culinary Scene for Hainan
The St. Regis Sanya Yalong Bay Resort offers a world of epicurean experiences, with three distinct restaurants that are certain to become the elite culinary destinations on Hainan. Social offers all-day dining with a wide selection of international cuisine that offers something for every palate. Located on the beach, Driftwood serves up freshly-caught local seafood accompanied by unrivalled views of Yalong Bay. Ming Xuan features sophisticated, modern Cantonese and Sichuanese dishes amidst a spacious, glamorous setting. Before or after dinner, Decanter offers fine wines from the world’s most celebrated vineyards and private rooms for tastings or dinners. Finally, the Drawing Room Lounge and Bar is a rare haven of refined luxury in which guests are welcome to enjoy the enduring St. Regis tradition of Afternoon Tea or the new signature Sanya Mary cocktail.

South China Region’s First Iridium Spa
In addition, the St. Regis Sanya Yalong Bay Resort will introduce the South China region’s first Iridium Spa, which will become a destination of its own for visitors to Sanya. Born from the DNA of the prestigious St. Regis brand, Iridium Spa, with three locations around the world, is setting a new five-star standard for spa luxury. Building on a legacy that dates back to the original Iridium Room at the St. Regis New York, the resort’s Iridium Spa articulates the same distinctive elegance, delivering customized experiences that combine signature St. Regis five-star pampering with traditional Chinese treatments and ingredients.

The St. Regis Sanya Yalong Bay Resort has recently also been honored with the Annual Hotel Award for Most Anticipated New Opening by the respected 2011 Asia Hotel Forum (AHF) Awards. The AHF Awards represent the hotel industry’s international awards of excellence across various categories, all carefully and justly chosen by a jury of esteemed hospitality professionals. The outstanding enterprises selected are thus recognized as recipients of the International Hotel Investment Awards.

To accompany the press release that the Drayton Manor Hotel has recently been accredited with a 4-star rating, Hillswood Furniture announce that they supplied all the bedroom tub chairs and tables which can also be seen on the Hotel’s website picture gallery. The GT300 chair was specified by John Pass Associates for all the Drayton Bedrooms and the tables were created with polished aluminium bases for its light properties as they would be moved around according to the bedroom layout. Steel or chrome table bases would have been too heavy for this project but the aluminium complements the style of the room and still provides a durable piece of furniture.

The innovative Devon based mattress maker Naturalmat, joined forces with like-minded businesses including Craster, Another Country, Studiotex, All Square and Axminster Carpets to launch their luxury hotel mattress range in the Naturalmat Green Room. The Naturalmat Green Room exhibited at this year’s Sleep Event, which took place on 23 and 24 November at the London Business Design Centre. The Naturalmat Green Room demonstrated why Naturalmat and its partners are the best producers of the fully sustainable hotel bedroom. The room was manufactured from natural and sustainable materials and provoked the visitor to understand how an eco, healthy and luxurious sleeping environment can be created.

Naturalmat understand that today more and more hoteliers are concerned about their environmental impact, reducing carbon emissions and the amount of waste they send to landfills. Naturalmat have caught the eye of several big names in the hotel industry that have clear green objectives in mind, including Marriott who were ranked number nine in the Sunday Times Best Green Companies in Britain List 2011. The contents of the Naturalmat Green Room showed how an environmentally friendly yet lavish hotel room can be created and is sure to grab the attention of further eco conscious hoteliers at the Sleep Event 2011.

The Naturalmat Green Room contained FSC certified bedroom furniture from Craster and Another Country, lighting from LED specialists All Square and carbon neutral carpet from Axminster Carpets, it also showcased an exciting new EchoPanel wall covering from Studiotex that was made entirely from recycled plastic bottles, demonstrating how quality textiles can remain committed to high levels of environmental performance.

Naturalmat Hotel is taking the hotel industry by storm and offers a more sustainable and environmentally responsible alternative to poor quality synthetic mattresses. Naturalmat are pioneers in natural fibre technology and have developed the perfect natural sleeping environment from creative new raw materials such as Soil Association organic lambswool, which is anti-dust mite, anti-mosquito and anti-moth through a natural treatment using extracts of lemon, eucalyptus and lavender; and unbleached cotton mattress covers which are guaranteed anti-bed bug through a treatment of natural geraniol. Another exciting ingredient is organic coir fibre, a derivative of the coconut husk. This sustainable material greatly enhances the ventilation and spring of the mattress and is another example of intelligent use of renewable natural resources. Other sumptuous materials found in a Naturalmat Hotel mattress are mohair, cashmere, horsetail hair and bamboo from environmentally conscious sources and all biodegradable that combine to create a truly green products made by a great British company.

Naturalmat mattresses provide superb comfort that is long lasting, hence why numerous hoteliers have called upon them recently. This year Naturalmat successfully won the contract to manufacture all 686 mattresses for Yotel New York City, all mattresses for the recent opening of Z Hotel Soho and Naturalmat have worked with other high profile clients in the past including The Connaught, Claridges and several boutique hotels.

’The single most important thing in any hotel room is the bed, and what makes a great bed is a great mattress. The perfect mattress is one that is extremely comfortable, sumptuously supportive, long lasting and consistently good. It is the mattress that will give the hotel guest the definitive ‘wow’ factor. A well made mattress will have high quality natural fillings, be robustly made by hand and offer excellent support, breathability, ventilation and insulation, and ideally offer hypo allergenic benefits as well. The very best mattresses will be all this, manufactured from fully sustainable raw materials, organically sourced where possible and produced by environmentally conscious companies,’ says Peter Tindall, Naturalmat Company Director.

Located just outside South Africa’s Cape Town, the Pod Hotel overlooking Camps Bay beach exudes luxury and nowhere more than in the guest bathrooms which have been fitted with Laufen’s striking Palomba collection.Designed by Greg Wright Architects, the firm’s in-house design company SITE Interior Design chose Laufen’s Palomba sanitaryware to create the feeling of a spa-like retreat for guests staying at the boutique hotel.

The Pod Hotel has been designed as a benchmark for the future of boutique accommodation in Cape Town, making it all the more crucial that only the very best, highest quality and luxurious fixtures and fittings were specified. The Palomba collection, with its distinctive pebble shape, fits seamlessly into the overall design of the hotel space which combines a range of natural materials and finishes to create an air of elegant simplicity.

Designed by Ludovico and Roberto Palomba, the furniture and ceramics in the Palomba range combine geometric and organic shapes to offer the last word in relaxation, retreat and pure indulgence for Pod Hotel guests.

Laufen’s Palomba collection blurs the boundaries between masculine and feminine forms, with the range’s designers describing the concept as the “fingerprint of nature”. Items from the Palomba Collection have won several design prizes, including the prestigious red dot design award, the iF product design award and the Design Plus label.

The open-plan nature of the bedroom designs enables the beauty of the Palomba sanitaryware to be enjoyed to its full effect, while its elegantly minimalist styling means it blends effortlessly and discreetly into the overall space.

Palomba products specified for the Pod Hotel include a luxuriously deep asymmetric bathtub, wall-hung countertop washbasins and 160cm washbasins with extended space adjacent to the bowl itself providing room for guest toiletries and bathroom essentials. Each of the pieces chosen is used to create focal points in different areas of the bathroom and combine to create a stunningly harmonious effect.

Ideal Standard International, the leading provider of innovative and design-driven bathroom solutions, returned to The Sleep Event 2011 for the third consecutive year.

Ideal Standard displaying a range of tools, solutions and products developed specifically for the hotel market to make selecting the ideal bathroom easier. These were showcased in a tri-modular approach – Ideal Vision, Ideal Plan and Ideal Care. These three platforms demonstrated how Ideal Standard supports hotel architects and designers with a full holistic project package – from visualization, through project planning and specifications, to dedicated customer contact support and maintenance post-fit.

The display was amplified by a number of Ideal Standard’s new product ranges which reflected a deep understanding of the personal and intimate role the bathroom plays, in line with the Ideal Standard brand ethos “Inspired by Real Life”.

Ideal Standard CeraMix Blue is a new water and energy-saving innovation that takes the eco-challenge one step further. CeraMix Blue offers the highest energy savings in the market for single lever mixer taps it is the perfect solution for hotels keen to reduce water and energy costs without compromising on attractive aesthetics, functionality, increased safety and eco-consciousness.

Ideal Standard ArchiModule is a new modular built-in water control and outlet solution for showers, bathtubs and wash basins created by award-winning design house Artefakt. ArchiModule is quick and easy-to-install, making it the perfect choice for hotel projects where numerous units are installed. In addition the unit is fully hidden behind the bathroom wall, allowing the water controls and outlets to be fitted in any way, maximizing limited space without compromising on features and performance while keeping a clean and sleek look.

Ideal Standard Tonic is a comprehensive, contemporary new range of shower enclosures designed by leading design house Artefakt. Tonic fits perfectly into the complete Ideal Standard range, offering a total bathroom solution with a choice of alcove and corner doors, side panels, quadrants, corner entry enclosures and bath screens available in a range of sizes again helping to maximize space. The frameless shower enclosure range is manufactured using 8mm IdealClean clear safety glass, making it easier to both clean and ensure it stays clean for longer reducing the cleaning time required by housekeeping.

Also designed by Artefakt, Ideal Standard’s Jado Neon perfectly synthesizes cylindrical and angular shapes in a clear and functional design concept. The comprehensive high quality brassware collection was created for people who find that function and emotion go hand in hand and offers a broad selection of choice. With its state-of-the-art technology and class leading craftsmanship it offers a stylish, timeless design to make guests feel they are being indulged in pure luxury.

Tony Rheinberg, Ideal Standard Marketing Manager commented, “We understand what hoteliers want to include in a bathroom. There is no ‘one size fits all’ hotel bathroom solution and so it’s important for us to be flexible. We can do everything from high-end guest rooms to spas to public washrooms.”

Here at the Wallpaper Mural Company we always listen to our Interior Designer and Specifier clients because after all, they are the ones who are constantly at the ‘sharp end’!One of the things we have been developing for some time is a hard-wearing wallpaper. We have been asked for a durable, heavy duty substrate that could be utilised in areas where it could withstand knocks, where a good cleaning capability was essential and possibly be useful in wet room areas.

We’re happy to announce that the new wallpaper is here and ‘Diamond’ not only answers the above questions, but it can also be utilised in hospitals where cleanliness is paramount. Whether you are looking for a wallpaper which is suitable for cafes and restaurants, waiting rooms or wet rooms, we now know that a stimulating environment helps patients to recover quicker, so how about an exciting wallpaper rather than a blank wall?

Interior Designers know the areas of a building which are subjected to the heaviest wear and tear but some wallpapers may not be suitable for heavy use areas such as around and inside lifts, hotel rooms (particularly near luggage racks), bars and corridors which is where Diamond outshines the competition. Not only is this wallpaper washable, it will withstand scrubbing making it a great alternative to re-painting. Diamond is a non-woven fabric backed vinyl with an extra heavy laminate, weighing in at 535gsm. If you require technical specifications then please drop us an email.

So although we are not saying that Diamond is forever, we can say with certainty that it is pretty long lasting!

Click here to contact The Wallpaper Mural Company in the Directory

Sleeperz Hotels, the innovative budget hotels business, is expanding by creating a new niche in the UK’s fast growing budget hotel sector.

Sleeperz Hotels opens its second UK hotel in Newcastle in January and aims to set its design-led premium budget hotels apart from market leaders Travelodge, Premier Inn and Holiday Express.

The opening of the 98-bedroom hotel near Newcastle’s Central Rail station follows Sleeperz Cardiff, which opened in the Welsh capital in November 2008.

David Myers, chief executive of Sleeperz Hotels, said: “This is an exciting time for our business. While development in the global hotel sector has slowed we have found a way to open new hotels in the UK at a time that is right for both the consumer and the Sleeperz product.

A stay at a Sleeperz Hotels is more interesting than at a predictable budget chain. Our philosophy is design-led with bold contemporary interiors and eye catching buildings near to city centre rail stations with rooms from only £60.”

According to the latest report from Hotel Analyst, a leading provider of news and market intelligence for investors, the budget hotel sector is the fastest growing segment of the UK hotel industry.

“Sleeperz is different from the majority of hotel chains in the budget sector. Put simply, we are the first UK hotel business to offer consumers budget boutique, and this gives us a different appeal from the sector’s big brands,” added Mr. Myers.

Sleeperz Hotels feature modern transparent glass business desks, wet rooms and free wi-fi access.

The number of branded budget hotel rooms has more than doubled in the past decade, illustrating the rapid growth of this segment.

Between 1993 and 2010, the branded budget market grew more than tenfold says Hotel Analyst.

Sleeperz Hotels has attracted £7m worth of investment from Connection Capital and has plans to expand with sites under consideration in London, Liverpool and Manchester.

Cascada, the sumptuous new cotton velvet from Sekers is now available in 26 stunning colours! From sophisticated neutrals to vibrant pink, this collection has a colour for all your requirements, is stocked crib 5 FR and achieves 100,000 rubs.

Please visit our website to view Cascada and order samples, your area account manager will be happy to organise books and shade cards.

Numirra Lighting, the decorative lighting specialists for the world’s hotel & leisure industry, will soon be launching their NEW lighting catalogue.

The new catalogue will introduce many NEW products & collections and includes special attention to the development of innovative products using LED technology.

To register for a complimentary copy (in PDF and / or hardcopy), please click here: Catalogue Request

• Numirra are decorative lighting specialists for the world’s hotel & leisure industry. We have a reputation for quality materials combined with attention to detail. Our beautiful products, designed around ‘functionality’, are part of a process by which great interiors are brought to life.

• From large hotel chains to individual boutique hotels, from restaurants to airport lounges, we work with clients as an integral part of a team to complete a project within budget and within deadline.

• Our comprehensive custom service gives clients the ability to alter our existing collections to their individual requirements, and also provides a full ‘conception to completion’ service for new designs – these could range from one off ‘statement’ commissions through to full bedroom fit-out.
• We have a friendly team, with many years of experience – if you don’t already know us, please get in touch!

Click here to contact Numirra Lighting in the Directory or via their website at www.numirra.co.uk

German technology specialist Jung has launched an over-sized rocker switch available from their exclusive UK distributor, The Wandsworth Group. Aimed at the healthcare and hotel sector, Jung has especially designed the switch to provide a robust and aesthetic solution for door release mechanisms.Fabricated from stainless steel and available in either a steel or lacquered white finish, the rocker measures 70 x 212.4 mm and is offered with a compatible frame measuring 81 x 223 mm. The new products are compatible with other wiring accessories in the Jung ‘LS’ range and the plate can be engraved or supplied with an illuminated lens if required to provide bespoke labelling.

Comments Andy Howe, head of sales for The Wandsworth Group, “While there’s a wide range of door release switches on the market, our research indicates that both engineers and architects would often prefer to use something of a less industrial appearance. With the Jung over-sized rocker switch they can specify something that wouldn’t look out of place in a hotel, maintaining the contemporary look of a modern hospital while providing a hard-wearing and functional solution.”

Hughan Design, the UK based interior design firm for international hoteliers, property developers and private clients, is celebrating after receiving accreditation from Quintessentially Home which is part of Quintessentially – the world’s leading luxury lifestyle concierge group.As an organisation, Quintessentially Home provides its private membership clients with various property management/ household services as well as recommending a select number of related suppliers to them. Hughan Design falls under the ‘design services’ bracket for both residential and commercial projects.

Hughan Design received the prestigious endorsement after meeting with the Quintessentially Home team in London. The news means the group’s ‘Recommended Logo’ will now appear on Hughan Design’s website and it will also offer members of Quintessentially Home exclusive benefits and offers.

Since its launch in 2000, Quintessentially has grown into a global concierge service and it now provides its high end members with an array of exclusive benefits and services; from property, art and design to travel, fashion and food & wine.

Angela Dingle, founder & creative director of Hughan Design, commented; ‘Receiving this accreditation is a real honour and testament to the skills of the team – especially as we only launched this year. Quintessentially is one of the most respected names in the concierge industry and only work with the best of the best so I’m sure the endorsement, and being on its supplier list, will be a real boost for the business.’

Lara Farah, head of Quintessentially Home, added ‘Quintessentially is a name synonymous with quality so we have to be confident that our recommendations meet – and ideally exceed – the expectations of our membership and I’m confident Hughan Design will do just that.’

Hughan Design’s 10-strong design team is located in key locations around the globe which allows for greater flexibility and sound local knowledge – both in the hospitality and residential sectors. The Far East and Asia are seen as key markets as well as the growing economies of South America.

For further information on Hughan Design, please visit www.hughandesign.co.uk & for Quintessentially Home, log onto www.quintessentiallyhome.com

Those members that were concerned to learn of the demise of manufacturing in Britain in a recent article by Patrick Goff may be relieved to know that both design talent and manufacturing skills are still very much alive at P F Collections Ltd in Derbyshire.The company has just finished the design and development of its new Icons collection. Designed by Warwick Bergland, a winner of the prestigious DuPont Design Award, the collection is inspired by the classic shapes and nostalgia of the 50’s. Presented in the latest fabrics from Designers Guild, Sanderson, Romo and Villanova the collection is really stunning. And with everything retro, right on trend.

P F Collections specialises in the manufacture for the hotel, leisure and interior design industry and is the preferred supplier to several hotel groups and holiday home operators throughout Europe. The company ensures that all production complies with the latest furniture and fire safety orders and issues test certificates and labelling to ensure that clients meet their fire risk assessment obligations for upholstered furniture used in public areas.

P F’s service and commitment to the interior design industry has been recognised by the recent award of Honorary Corporate Membership of SBID the fast growing Society of British Interior Design.

Further images will be published by hoteldesigns in the coming weeks. If you would like a CD of images or access to a download photo vault, e mail contract sales manger Tom.campbell@pfcollections.co.uk or call 0115 9461282.

The lightweight and low cost solution to alternative staging systems

Burgess Furniture’s PRAKTIKUS and UNISTAGE ranges provide a versatile staging system with the practicality of easy handling without compromising strength, stability or safety. Both staging systems are practical to store and operate and comprise of an aluminium frame and a beech core top.The PRAKTIKUS and the UNISTAGE are an ideal low cost solution to your basic and professional staging requirements.

Combined Features include:

• Standard heights available in 40, 60 and 80cm • Quick linking wedges for a secure locking system
• X-connectors prevent staging sections from pulling apart
• Able to carry a surface load to 750kg/m2
• Corner brackets to ensure extra stability
• Both products can be combined and used together
• Accessories are interchangeable between both staging systems

Hill Cross Furniture are delighted to announce we have made the Caterer and Hotelkeeper Web Awards 2011 shortlist within the Equipment Supplier category.The Caterer and Hotelkeeper Web Awards 2011 are the only web awards for the hospitality community. They recognise and reward the people and organisations responsible for developing some of the most effective hospitality websites on the internet today.

Over the last 18 months here at Hill Cross we have completely transformed our website with fresh new branding, all new content, layout updates and improved functionality alongside intelligent search facilities making the whole site more user-friendly.

Hill Cross continually evaluate, plan and carefully implement new and exciting features on a monthly basis in order to transform the selection of contract furniture to the leisure sector. Customers are our driving force and we continue to strive to give customers never-ending choice options.

Managing Director, Jake Bailey, said: “We are delighted to be shortlisted. This nomination is testimony to the hard work of Hill Cross’s staff. Our website development team work tirelessly developing content and assess its visual design, innovativeness and interactivity on a daily basis. We want to exceed expectations for operators and designers alike and in doing so our in-house web development team work closely with Stockton based web solutions company, Visualsoft.”

As a shortlisted website, this means that we are automatically put forward for overall Website of the Year, which is voted by you, our customers.

Mr Bailey continued, “to be shortlisted within the Equipment Supplier category is a huge achievement for us and we will have to beat off some stiff competition – we are all keeping our fingers crossed!”

The judging panel will be made up of web specialists and industry operators, and a full list of winners will be unveiled by Friday, 9 December, 2011.

To vote for us to win Website of the Year, then please vote for us here Please keep your fingers crossed for us.

Apaiser bathware has released a daring and exciting innovation in bathing design, with its stimulating new range of Soka timber clad stone baths and matching basins. Using its unique reclaimed marble stone composite as the core and cladding the bath in recycled marine grade teak, Apaiser has melded two of nature’s most durable elements to create a luxurious bathing experience.Drawing inspiration from the traditional Japanese timber bathing tubs, Apaiser has created a unique solution to the longer term issues of deterioration in a traditional timber bath. Layered around the exterior of the luxury apaiser stone is a reclaimed teak wood, which has been treated with a marine grade sealant to preserve the timber. Available with matching basins, the unique Soka bath is a stand out evolution in bringing natural material in to the bathing space.

Combining natures two natural elements – wood and Apaiser’s unique reclaimed marble stone composite, that is easy to clean, hard wearing and never requires sealing or coating, the Soka Bath and basin will add the touch of the exotic to any bathroom.

www.apaiser.com.au
Flagship Showroom:-
344 Burnley Street
Richmond Vic 3121
Phn +61 3 94215722

Sekers will be launching the newly coloured Faux Leather ‘Orzan’ at Sleep along with their other exciting new ranges Gitanna, Carrera, Delta and Cascada. Please come and see the new ranges on stand M7.We are also having a whisky tasting on the stand 6pm-8pm on the Wednesday. Please come and sample Scotland’s finest Single Malts from Auchentoshan and the chance to meet and chat to their brand ambassador Gordon Dundas.

The Sleep Event: 23-24 November 2011, Business Design Centre, Islington

www.sekersfabrics.co.uk

Villeroy & Boch bring examples of their latest collection of premium bathroom designs to the Sleep Event at the Business Design Centre in London on 23-24 November (Stand V6). The brand stands for exceptional quality and sophisticated design and at the Sleep Event they will showcase products from the 360° Projects Service and encourage visitors to get creative with the innovative Your Style – Your Design – Your 360° Projects competition.Competition entrants will get a unique opportunity to express their creativity in colour on an iconic Villeroy & Boch ‘New Wave’ plate and winners of the fabulous Villeroy & Boch prizes will be decided by friends and family voting via the Villeroy & Boch facebook page, www.facebook.com/VilleroyandBoch. Being creative was never so beneficial!

The company’s 1st UK showroom dedicated to bathrooms showcases the 360° projects, a new concept aimed at professional planners, architects and developers. Divided into four colour coded zones, the showroom gives access to the full range of products from entry level to high end. Detailed product information is available via use of bar code technology accessed via a smart phone app.

The Sleep Event stand will showcase various elements from the 360° projects including the O.Novo asymmetrical washbasin (RRP £300), Subway’s Vanity Basin, Loop & Friends and at the luxe end of the collections, Violet from My Nature.

360° Violet: pure luxury thanks to exclusive and first-class design collections. Violet comprises of prestige products from Villeroy & Boch for use in premium projects.
Customers can make use of the full 360° projects service with a direct line to Villeroy and Boch experts for post sales advice.

360° Silver: This segment boasts timeless design products like Subway and many other system collections for the top-quality bathroom.

360° Blue: the segment for lasting and practical system solutions. This range includes product innovations such as the splash-reducing urinal, water-efficient Omnia Green Gain and more.

360° Orange: is the entry-level segment, with customary V&B quality, modern design and numerous solution-oriented features.

Visitors to the stand will have the opportunity to plan and view their dream concept bathrooms via the latest technology, chat with the Villeroy & Boch staff and create something unique to take home with them in the shape of their very own customised ‘new wave’ plate.

Morgan Furniture, the design-led British manufacturer of contract furniture, has designed and supplied a range of soft seating for the new Mirror Bar within London’s Landmark Hotel. Described by the hotel as a ‘jewel box of a bar’ the sumptuous interior is a nod to the hotel’s Victorian heritage, with the walls adorned in a range of decorative mirrors and the service style intimate. With direct access from the street, the existing hotel bar area was refurbished and re-incarnated as the Mirror Bar in summer 2011 designed to provide a tranquil destination for pre-dinner cocktails or a late night drink. Classic luxury is ensured by the furniture from Morgan featuring bespoke elements and finely tuned detailing to achieve a comfortable, big chair feel which also meets the requirement for seating numbers within the bar.

Hampton armchairs are a dominant design from Morgan with their classic profile and buttoned cushions. A bespoke Hampton two seater sofa was created especially for the project by Design Director, Katerina Zachariades. Rotunda lounge chairs, in a mix of low and high back options, are also prominent throughout the bar providing elegance and comfort with classic deep buttoning detail and rich velvet upholstery.

Seville wing chairs complete the picture with their contemporary twist on a traditional design. The distinctive shape to the back and long sweeping curve on the arms is reminiscent of a vintage style and the invitation to sit back and relax is further enhanced by the addition of scatter cushions.

Morgan was commissioned by London-based design consultancy Proof.

The Sleep Event Stand number: G37; 23-24 November 2011

The Aurora Projects team will be demonstrating to the hospitality industry how, as a global energy saving solutions provider, they can help all hospitality businesses make energy savings. The Aurora Projects team is experienced in lighting design, project management and the delivery of low energy solutions.

Key products being launched at the show are:

• Aurora’s SOLA range of i9 fire rated downlights, which now come with a seven year warranty, are dimmable, have a lamp life of 75,000 hours and can be fast fixed.

• New on display at The Sleep Event is Aurora’s expanded range of modular LED downlighting solutions, featuring interchangeable bezels, modules and drivers.

• Aurora’s new range of state-of-the-art direct replacement T8 tubes fitted with a unique LED safety starter. These T8s are the first to receive LA safety certification, as they remove the risk of electrical shock during lamp installation or replacement.

• Aurora’s range of energy saving lamps offering dimmable, true halogen replacements; some mimic the warming effect of a dimmed incandescent lamp.

All Aurora products on display at The Sleep Event Stand number G37 have been engineered and manufactured by Aurora or one of its integrated partners.

The Group is a dynamic, international manufacturing, distribution and marketing organisation which manufactures all four elements of lighting: control, power, lamps and luminaires. Employing over 600 people, it is committed to supplying solutions which save money, enhance the built environment and are environmentally considerate.

www.aurora.co

Complementing the luxury Mayfair hotel’s Art Deco styling Dernier & Hamlyn recently created twelve 1930’s design inspired wall lights for the ballroom at Claridge’s. Formed in solid brass and finished in nickel, the fan shaped lights are completed by flash white opal glass panels that spread light onto the mirrors backing them.A spokesperson from Claridge’s commented:

“Our ballroom is used for weddings and other special events so lighting is essential to creating the right ambience for our guests. Dernier & Hamlyn’s work has achieved exactly the results we were hoping to accomplish.”

Manufactured in the UK with reliable lead times, Numirra offer a standard lampshade collection together with a comprehensive custom made to order service.Whether it be COM (Customers Own Material), small, medium or large quantities, our experienced team would welcome the opportunity to discuss your requirements.

New shade guide coming early 2012 – to receive a complimentary copy please click on the following link: http://www.numirra.com/#/e-newsletter/4544294767

Numirra are specialists in decorative lighting for the world’s hospitality industry. We have a reputation for quality materials combined with attention to detail. Our beautiful products, designed around ‘functionality’, are part of a process by which great interiors are brought to life.

For more information, please contact Numirra Lighting in the Directory or via www.numirra.com

Crystal Caviar s.r.o. company designs and produces bespoke chandeliers, lighting, wall cladding and glass artwork for the hospitality industry. Their products can be seen in 5* hotels, 50+ m super yachts, golf resorts, casinos and private residences across the globe and their latest instalment is for the Brussels Marriott Hotel.The project manager, Tomas Kacer, responsible for the Brussels Marriott Hotel job says:

“Hotel lighting is a typical job for us. In this case the client asked us to create a chandelier above the bar that will follow the curved shape. The chandelier was expected to break the large ceiling area into two parts and create a beautifully lit decoration with very a light and airy look. To do this we used twisted glass tubes in two rows hanging on metal wires. Light sources are installed into the ceiling in between the two rows. The light spreads throughout the glass tubes and makes the ends of the tubes glow. The client was so excited and satisfied with the look, that he asked us to double the size of the chandelier during the installation. We had to come for a second installation.”

Crystal Caviar s.r.o. is renowned as a pioneer in new glass techniques. They combine glass into lighting fittings and use techniques developed for a certain purpose in a different way to create beautiful bespoke pieces.

“This results in amazing glass products and objects such as the Crystal Caviar tile you see in the image (right)” says Marek Landa, owner of the company. “These tiles are still waiting to be used for a big chandelier project. If anyone is interested in using these tiles, please contact us for a quote.”

“We started crystal caviar glass just two years ago and we trusted it would work due to the bespoke possibilities.”

You can find out more details about the Crystal Caviar s.r.o. company and their products in Directory.

November is the month to catch a special offer from Forbes Group, the supplier of fabrics, furniture and equipment to the hospitality industry worldwide.If you order £1000 of fabric products from Forbes this month – including table skirtings, conference drop covers or throw covers, restaurant skirtings, table cloths and chair covers – you can claim two free flipchart covers, embroidered with your company logo, free of charge.

Order more than £3000 of fabric products and you will receive 4 free embroidered flipchart covers; or top £5000 and you will receive 4 flipchart covers plus a banner cloth which can be thrown over a reception or top table, similarly bearing a logo of your choice. All these accessories are, like the fabric products themselves, easy-care,, hard-wearing and machine washable, besides coming in a choice of colours.

So if you have been considering updating your conferences or receptions, and want to set off into 2012 in real style, order before 1st December to bag some free accessories to complete your new look.

For full details, go to: www.forbesgroup.eu/index.php?section=specialoffer, or telephone Forbes on 01568 616638. Their representatives will be delighted to advise you on the ranges available.

The new Electroscape Electric Fire by Platonic Fireplace Company is an uncompromising design statement that can be fitted in any location. It is available in a range of standard sizes, or as a bespoke product to create a singular focal point to a room. Combined with its simple ease of installation, this Fire requires minimal space, as there is no need for a chimney, flue or hearth.

The Electroscape is proving popular in bars, restaurants and hotels. Recent installations include the Sofitel Hotel at Heathrow, The Radisson Waterfront Hotel in Stockholm, and the Mont Calm Hotel in London.

Focus SB is proudly sponsoring the champagne reception at the new International Hotel Awards to be held at the Savoy Hotel in London on January 18th 2012.Developed to identify, highlight and reward excellence throughout the global hospitality industry, the International Hotel Awards (www.ihotelawards.com), in association with Bloomberg Television, seek to recognise the finest operations throughout a wide range of areas. In addition to categories for all manner of different sized and specifically targeted hotels, there are also sections for the best hotel architecture, interior design, marketing and website.

Roger Kemp, Managing Director of Focus SB explains his reasons behind sponsoring the awards: “We have been working on a number of hotel refurbishment projects throughout the UK so decided it would be a logical fit for us to have a presence here,” he says.

“Hotels in the UK are among the finest in the world and Focus SB is proud to be a part of these fantastic projects to maintain their rightful status as luxury destinations.”

The Hotel Awards have evolved from the long established International Property Awards. The awards are split into regions covering the Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe & Africa, Arabia and UK. Participants enter at their relevant national level and are judged by a highly experienced team of professionals covering the entire range of hotel disciplines.

Those companies selected as winners are invited to attend a glittering awards dinner for each region, with the highest scoring entrants from each region then nominated to go forward to the final judging of the overall International Hotel Awards. After this crucial stage the world’s best hotels and their related businesses are announced to the industry and beyond.

Focus SB will be exhibiting at The Sleep Event, Business Design Centre, London from the 23-24 November (Stand V7)

Signbox, winner of the coveted ‘Best Sign Company of the Year’ Award for 2011, have helped contribute to the complete transformation of the Angel Building in London’s EC1. A former BT exchange in what was an under-used site at the corner of St John Street and Pentonville Road in Islington, development company Derwent London have created a striking, ultra modern office complex comprising 260,000 square feet of high specification office space with café, specially commissioned works of art and large rooftop terraces affording spectacular views over London.Signbox were nominated early on by AHMM, the appointed architects for the building, to complete all the ‘base’ build signs, including external, floor, wayfinding and emergency.
This contract was quickly followed up with the appointment by Cancer Research UK, one of the earliest tenants to take up residence. This high profile charity relocated to the Angel Building to bring all their London-based staff together in a single, central London building, reducing the charity’s operating costs and increasing efficiency. Now fully implemented, the Cancer Research signage work involved branding displays, wayfinding signage, large format impact walls and extensive manifestation applications. One of the unusual features created by Signbox was a series of projecting LED illuminated light boxes fabricated in acrylic. These formed a timeline highlighting the advances made in cancer research over the past 100 years.

Mark Bartlett, Managing Director of Signbox, comments, “We were delighted to be appointed by AHMM to undertake all the base signage for this multi award winning development. This in turn led to the signage contract for Cancer Research UK. Everything we did was bespoke, especially created to complement the building and meet the specific needs of Derwent London and Cancer Research, both of whom have provided very positive feedback on our work. We have also now just secured the signage contract for the latest high profile tenant to take space in the building”.

As part of a £9.2m project to bring the Grade II Listed Leeds City Varieties Music Hall back to its former glory, heritage lighting specialist Dernier & Hamlyn has both renovated original light fittings and manufactured new fittings in keeping with late 19th century style.Dernier & Hamlyn’s work, in partnership with Theatresearch, included refurbishing four original sunburners and manufacturing a new one in the same style as well as producing new chandeliers, wall lights and ceiling fittings that have been installed throughout Leeds City Varieties’ auditorium, lobbies and bar areas.

Jeremy Quantrill, joint managing director of Dernier & Hamlyn comments:
“Using our extensive lighting information and image archive built up since Dernier & Hamlyn was established in 1888, we produced a range of histrorically accurate light fittings that are fundamental to achieving the correct look and feel for this very important traditional music hall.”

Focus SB’s new Deckle Edge slate finished plates are being installed into the Good Life company’s shepherd huts, an increasingly popular form of accommodation for those that like creature comforts when camping. Phil Jones and his team at the Whitbourne-based Goodlife Company has brought the shepherd’s huts into the 21st Century by adding optional extras: “The trend for Glamping, or glamour camping, has really taken off so we are seeing a marked increase in demand from bed and breakfasts requesting our shepherd’s huts,” he says.

Farmers used to construct shepherd’s huts for the shepherd to sleep in while away from the farm tending his flock.

“Our customers are finding a number of different uses for the huts,” says Phil. “Some are using it as an artist studio, for music practice, a children’s play den. The possibilities are endless!”

Among the many options that can be added to a standard Goodlife Shepherd’s Huts are powered sockets and for those wanting the genuine country house look – the Deckle Edge plate from Focus SB.

Roger Kemp, Managing Director says that design wise it is very versatile: “The Deckle Edge would suit a period country home, and fit well with the décor in the shepherd’s huts. We are pleased to be working with partners that have a passion for working with traditional methods.”

All shepherd’s huts are hand built to individual specifications, with a choice of quality furnishings and fittings. The standard hut includes: oak framed double glazed windows, oak stable door, wood burner made by Windy Smithy, fully insulated floor, walls & roof using sheep wool, cast Iron wheels to original design, solid oak axles and chassis, solid oak flooring, bespoke blacksmith forged light fittings & power points by Nigel Tyas Ironworks, finished internally in Farrow & Ball traditional paints, and fabrics supplied by Vanessa Arbuthnott.

Focus SB will be exhibiting at The Sleep Event, Business Design Centre, London from the 23-24 November (Stand V7)

Renaissance Hotels has recently celebrated the official opening of the new 256-room Renaissance Baton Rouge Hotel. The opening marks the first newly constructed full sevice hotel to be built in Baton Rouge in more than 40 years. The new Baton Rouge luxury hotel is also the first Renaissance property to open in the greater Baton Rouge area.

Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal kicked off the festivities with a ceremonial ribbon cutting, including a host of dignitaries. The opening event culminated that evening with an exclusive gala featuring performances by notable Louisiana musical acts, including members of the LSU School of Music, and The Beat, a 10-piece band that lived up to its name by keeping party guests on the dance floor.

Guests were wowed by the Baton Rouge hotel’s exquisitely appointed guest rooms, including 63 luxury hotel suites, which are furnished with king or double queen beds, flat screen televisions, iPod docking stations and Aveda bathroom amenities. The Concierge level offers 28 spacious guest rooms with dramatic views, access to the hotel’s private Concierge lounge, plush bathrobes and slippers. Additional amenities include room service, valet parking, on-site parking, high-speed Internet access in all guest rooms and a state of the art business center.

Premier among leading Baton Rouge meeting facilities, the hotel offers 13,000 sq. ft. of flexible, meeting space which features a 7,500 sq. ft. ballroom and eight large meeting rooms to accommodate business, leisure and group travelers. Guests can also enjoy a fully equipped fitness center and a courtyard-style outdoor pool including a deck and a nearby fire-on-water infinity fountain.

Tallulah Crafted Food and Wine Bar, the hotel’s new casual upscale restaurant, joins a growing number of Baton Rouge restaurants on Bluebonnet Boulevard. The restaurant, which shares its name with the town of Tallulah, Louisiana, serves notable, indigenous cuisine from around the state, and features a house-crafted menu that incorporates local flavors in fresh and unique ways.

Chef Andy Papson, the hotel’s Executive Chef, oversees the culinary operations of the new Renaissance hotel, as well as Tallulah.

The hotel’s exterior design and vibrant interiors owe their distinctive look to Gensler, who worked with local art consultant Ann Connelly and her team of artists to create a strong visual impact throughout the hotel that celebrates Louisiana’s indigenous art, culture and heritage.

Universal USB charging for every interior – EVOline® has the solution

Schulte & Loughborough are delighted to inform you that EVOline® is now available with a Universal USB power module.Taking the hassle out of connectivity, EVOline’s® latest addition enables clients to charge ‘on the run’ whether between meetings or just having arrived at the office for a major presentation.

Manufactured to specifically work with devices including those by Apple, the EVOline® USB Charger offers flexible charging for Mobile, Smartphone, PDA, MP3-Player or Digital Camera.

Available in complete EVOline® range.

The EVOline® USB Charger can be incorporated into any number of our award winning designs and German manufactured systems for above-desk, flush, under-desk and retractable power and data. See all our latest solutions at www.schulte.com.

Clients can now simply and effectively charge their peripheral devices whether it’s in executive suites, meeting rooms or at a hot-desk or reception.

Click on the above PDF link to access further technical specification details for the USB Charger.

Technical Data
Output Current: 2 x 700mA / 1 x 1.400 mA
Primary Voltage: 100 – 240 V AC, 50 Hz
Secondary Voltage: 5V DC
Standby Power < 0.3W
(Ekodesign Regulations ErP 2009/125/EWG)

The potential to combine the USB charger with our extensive range of power, multimedia and data modules means that EVOline® can offer clients all connectivity in one place.

We will be delighted to discuss with you in greater detail how EVOline® can help future-proof your spaces.

The Designers Favourite to Create Bespoke Interior Design

Meet us and the new KOBE contract fabrics at
The Sleep Event, 23-24 November on stand M32.

KOBE presents inspiration, seduction and surprise at The Sleep Event 2011 showcasing their new contract collections,
Prega and Toucan.Kobe UK Ltd
Tel + 0844 7420 800
Fax + 0844 7420 801
E-mail contractuk@kobe.eu

This new wall light is the latest addition to Dernier & Hamlyn’s extensive range for hotels. Shown here made in brass, the back section is formed by hand to give a hammered effect and the entire fitting has been antiqued. Dimensions are: height: 500mm; width: 250mm and projection: 100mm. However it can be made in any size and a range of metal finishes.

Contact Dernier & Hamlyn on 0208 760 0900 or info@dernier_hamlyn.com

Morgan Furniture, the design-led British manufacturer of contract furniture, has supplied chairs and tables for the newly opened Quarter Bar and Lounge within the boutique independent 4-star London Bridge Hotel. The new facility provides a Southwark central destination for social gatherings and informal business meetings for up to 70 people. Deep, warm colours, enduring designs and high levels of comfort ensure a relaxed atmosphere amid chic and contemporary surroundings. Opera, Seville and Verona are the three featured collections from Morgan created by Design Director Katerina Zachariades-McMahon. The Opera lounge chair has been designed with a deep seat and gently curved back for inviting comfort. Upholstered in vibrant red velvet, it contrasts wonderfully in seating groups with the higher backed Seville wing chair which is a contemporary interpretation of a traditional design. Generous and distinctive, the Seville chair features a long sweeping curve on the arm which is reminiscent of vintage style. Dining chairs with and without arms have also been used throughout the lounge from the same collection and continued at the bar, where the luxurious, curved back of the armchair is echoed in more compact form with the sumptuous Seville bar stool. Circular wooden tables from the Verona collection were also provided by Morgan.

Morgan previously supplied bedroom furniture to the London Bridge Hotel and its sister property, the Kensington House Hotel, around 10 years ago. This furniture is still in use today – a testimony to its timeless design and high manufacturing quality, and key reasons why the client chose to return to Morgan to have the existing furniture re-upholstered and also supply a range of new soft seating designs for its latest destination bar.

Designers for the project were Design LSM.

UK shower manufacturer Haven, part of the Roman group of Companies, has added a new expansive 1700mm wide Sliding Door Enclosure to their range.The Haven range of Enclosures are a high quality affordable collection, and the new 1700mm wide Sliding Door joins three other sizing options including: 1000, 1100 and 1200mm wide Sliding Doors. Haven has added this new option following demand from UK retail, contract and Export partners, who are looking for a more expansive sliding door.

The Sliding Door features 6mm thick glass with bright silver framing to perfectly blend with modern décor. It features a single unobtrusive top rail and a ‘quick release’ mechanism on the bottom rail, to make cleaning a simple task. The smooth action Sliding Door features an enormous aperture to make entering and exiting the enclosure effortless for all.

The Haven Sliding Door can be installed alone in an alcove situation, or with the Haven 6mm thick Side Panel for the corner situation. Haven also offers a 1700 x 700mm shower tray to suit the larger footprint associated with the sliding door. Its larger footprint makes it an ideal product to replace the standard UK bath with a modern and inclusive showering facility.

The door stands at a height of 1850mm and incorporates chromed brass bolt through handles, to make the perfect finishing touch. The enclosure is then backed by a 10 year guarantee for added peace of mind.

Haven was launched by leading UK shower manufacturer Roman limited in 2005 and is part of the Roman Group. It is now manufactured in the UK in Roman’s manufacturing plant.

David Osborne, Managing Director of the Roman Group, commented: “Our Haven collection of enclosures is proving to be a real best seller. The range incorporates all the classic shower enclosure shapes for the UK bathroom. These are made to a high quality standard whilst still being affordable. Following demand from our customers we have added the 1700mm wide Sliding Door enclosure to the range and have already had positive feedback, and a volume of orders coming in for this new sizing option. It is the ideal product for the larger bathroom or for where you are looking to replace the bath with a more traditional shower enclosure style.”

Limelight on… a selection of the Numirra IP44 Bathroom Wall Lights

Please click on the above images to view full product specifications and further IP44 bathroom wall light designs.

Numirra are specialists in decorative lighting for the world’s hospitality industry. We have a reputation for quality materials combined with attention to detail. Our beautiful products, designed around ‘functionality’, are part of a process by which great interiors are brought to life.

For more information, please contact Numirra Lighting in the Directory or via www.numirra.com.

Marriott Hotels & Resorts and Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc. raise the curtain on Broadway, unveiling a multi-million dollar renovation of the brand’s flagship New York Marriott Marquis in Times Square. At the heart of the extensive renovation is the brand’s reinvented lobby, including two signature restaurants and lounges, where guests can work, socialize, relax, eat and drink. The makeover also encompasses the hotel’s nearly 2,000 guest rooms and a new, high tech 29,000 square foot Broadway Ballroom.

Envisioned and created by the interior architecture and design firm ForrestPerkins of Washington, D.C., the hotel’s new interior and custom furnishings reflect the vibrancy and energy of New York City.

Continued on page two…

Hyatt Hotels Corporation is delighted to announce the opening of Andaz Shanghai, introducing its vibrant lifestyle brand Andaz to Asia. The newly constructed 28-story hotel is located in Xintiandi, a landmark entertainment area in the heart of downtown Shanghai and a short walk to the Metro and Huai Hai Zong Road, one of the city’s main shopping areas. The Xintiandi neighborhood, on the edge of the former French Concession, retains the antique walls, tiles and façades of the traditional shikumen (stone-gate) houses of old Shanghai, while the interiors showcase prestigious modern brands, fashion boutiques, stylish restaurants and bars, creating a landmark destination that combines the historical and cultural identities of the city.

Guestrooms, Facilities and Architecture
Andaz Shanghai features 307 spacious guestrooms, including 47 premier rooms and suites, ranging in size from 850 to 2,000 square feet (80 to 193 square metres), all enjoying vibrant views over Xintiandi or the city. In an effort to make a stay as uncomplicated as possible, all non-alcoholic mini bar drinks and all-day light snacks in the Andaz Lounge are complimentary, as are local telephone calls and wireless Internet access.

Mood lighting has been used to impressive effect: LED lighting on the ceiling allows guests to choose the colour and mood of their room, while, in the bathroom, where the walls resemble a roughly hewn rock face, the transparent sink and translucent bath can also be programmed to glow in different colours.

Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates is the architecture design firm for the hotel.

Restaurants and Bars
Restaurants and bars at Andaz Shanghai showcase the vibrant local neighbourhood and adhere to the “market-to-table” philosophy of offering fresh, seasonal local produce. The accompanying wine lists offer the best of boutique vintners and include international selections.

The Andaz Lounge is the heartbeat of the hotel, a casual, all-day space where guests and visitors can congregate for a convivial drink or snack. The signature drink in the Andaz Lounge is the Kir Royale, made with original crème de cassis liqueur from France.

Adjacent to Andaz Lounge is Éclair, a patisserie which, as the name suggests, specializes in the classic French pastry, as well as freshly baked breads, cakes, homemade ice cream and refreshing drinks.

The main dining and wining outlet in the hotel is Hai Pai (a local phrase meaning “modern Shanghainese spirit”), which is a four-level hub positioned to become Shanghai’s premier dining and entertaining destination housing two restaurants, a bar and private dining rooms, which cast a beckoning, welcoming light across the surrounding streets.

With terrace views overlooking Xintiandi, the restaurant aspires to be a friendly, neighbourhood eatery offering unpretentious Shanghainese and French comfort food. Four private dining rooms with seating for six to 16 people, are available for guests who prefer privacy, and in these rooms, tailor-made menus can be offered for special occasions.

Continued on page two…

New from Andy Thornton is Fort Knox, a contemporary light sphere, which is available in a choice of three sizes, 300mm, 400mm and 500mm diameter. Shown here in a high gloss gold finish which provides a warm intimate light, it is also available in a high gloss silver and copper to order.Almost sculptural in form, Fort Knox is made from high quality polycarbonate, using cutting edge technology. It is equally at home in domestic, as well as commercial, interiors and is proving to be particularly popular in hospitality venues, such as bars and restaurants.

Fort Knox is very versatile, for as well as there being a choice of finishes and sizes, they can be hung either individually or in clusters in every conceivable combination. They will accept LED, low energy or conventional tungsten lamps.

To see the complete Andy Thornton lighting collection visit www.andythornton.com.

With a raft of bathroom solutions designed especially for the hotel sector Swiss manufacturer Laufen will be making its first ever outing to the Sleep Event, London in November.Turning heads on its stand, up on the balcony of London’s Business Design Centre, Laufen will be showcasing its two newest hotel bathroom collections, Palace and Living Square, which perfectly complement an already extensive range of design-led products that are suitable for budget, multiple or boutique hotels.

Demonstrating its capability in creating ceramics in large sizes to particularly suit the hotel market, Laufen’s Living Square washbasin has seemingly endless countertop space, while the Palace washbasin is a stunning ceramic block with an elegantly curved basin within. Refining hotel bathroom design both new Laufen ranges incorporate a ceramic shelf beneath the washbasin, providing ample easy to clean storage in the most minimal and chic of ways.

Selected products within the Laufen collection can also be customised by size and finish, with visitors to the Sleep Event able to see a Palace washbasin that has been cut at an angle to fit snugly in a recess. The ceramics can also be coated with Laufen Clean Coat a new high-tech formula for maximum hygiene and cleanliness – perfect for high traffic bathrooms such as in hotels.

The Swiss brand is synonymous with innovative design and a quality service and has invested in a global specification team enabling Laufen to manage projects wherever in the world they are designed and built.

Find out more by visiting stand G21 at The Sleep Event, Business Design Centre London on 23 and 24 November.

Once again Baulmann Leuchten is going to present the latest product developments at the “Sleep Event” in London. The exhibition-booth will be located on M6.Baulmann Leuchten is going to present new developments especially in the field LED-lighting. Besides products from the extensive standard range of Baulmann Leuchten there will also be special-made products which have recently been developed for and supplied to projects all over the world.

All pictures are copyright by Baulmann Leuchten

Steering toward a more personalized cruise experience, the first of Life Resorts’ fleet of 22 heritage junks took to the waters of Ha Long Bay on overnight trips starting Oct. 5.

After a month of introductory single-night cruises during the resort’s soft opening, Life Heritage Resort Ha Long Bay plans to make multiple-night voyages available in time for its grand opening Nov. 4.

During the grand opening celebrations, a group of top travel and tour operators, government officials and local media will dine at the marina, and then experience the Life Resorts fleet during a Ha Long Bay cruise the following day.

Each 13-meter heritage junk is up to date with the most modern maritime safety and emergency features. Every boat maintains direct contact with on-shore emergency services 24 hours a day, and is manned by a dedicated, three-person crew.

The floating, four-star resort also runs six and four-hour day cruises, as well as wedding photo cruises for couples. Day cruises depart at 11 a.m., while overnight cruises sail at noon and return at 10 a.m. the following day.

Whether cruising by the hour or the day, passenger preference guides the itinerary aboard the upscale vessels. Upon departure, guests are given the freedom to set their own course by selecting from a ‘menu’ of attractions in the bay.

“With Life, guests custom-design their trip, choosing where they want to go,” said Chris Duffy, group general director of Life Resorts. “Your crew lets you do what you wish, when you wish, for the most bespoke experience on the bay.”

Day cruises begin with a leisurely check in at Life Resorts’ private land-based hub at Tuan Chau Island. Crews consist of a captain, engineer and cruise host, who acts as butler to the passengers.

Inside, each junk boasts a fully-furnished 32-square-metre cabin featuring local Vietnamese touches, carved hardwood detailing and wide panoramic windows opening onto the limestone karst formations of Ha Long Bay. Each vessel is 13 metres in length with a 4.5 metre beam and powered by a WEICHAI engine with maximum speed of 10 knots.

Life’s private vessels include a separate lounging area, and the cabin features an en suite bathroom, air conditioning and heating, and is outfitted with an LCD television, CD/DVD player and an assortment of board games.

Sun beds for two await on the upper deck, while below, guests can unwind in their own private, timber-style cabin. For the more energetic, the boat’s kayaks, snorkeling equipment and fishing gear are all complimentary with the cruise.

Anytime throughout the trip, guests can dine on freshly-prepared cuisine while taking in the sights from the covered dining terrace. A wide spectrum of international wines and chilled beverages are available on board. Guests can also select favorite dishes and drinks from Life Resort’s international menu and wine list prior to sailing.

Once out on the water, sailing through the maze of islands, the boats cruise past floating fish markets, call on hidden grottos, anchor off secluded beaches and simply sail gently beneath the sleeping dragons of a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site.

General Director Chris Duffy said that besides offering first-rate amenities on a historic Vietnamese craft, it is the customizable aspect of the cruises, set against a backdrop of one of the most stunning locations on the planet, which makes the Life cruise a once in a lifetime experience.

“We don’t ‘rush’ guests around. Some may opt to visit the famous caves or beaches, but if the guests want to avoid the tourist crowd, we sail past and away,” said Duffy. “And when guests wish to be alone, the whole boat is theirs to do so.”

A collaborative venture between Life Resorts Vietnam and the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs under its Cooperation for Emerging Markets Program, Life Heritage Resort Ha Long Bay is the first project of its kind to be partly financed by the Dutch Government with the goal of stimulating growth and sustainable development in the country.

The Life Resorts’ fleet has been designed and maintained according to the highest international safety standards. In addition to its recently approved overnight license, the resort has earned compliance with strict new Vietnamese marine regulations.

For over two weeks I have roamed Ireland staying in a range of hotels ranging from eccentric B&B’s such as Druid Lodge to one of the country’s top 5* hotels. Along the way I have experienced a range of offerings from very good pub/hotels to disastrous and inhospitable four stars.That the Irish industry is in crisis is common knowledge, with criminally negligent banking regime lending combined with generous tax allowances funding a boom of high quality, generally well designed, new build hotels across the country. Unfortunately many of these properties have been hit by the collapse in property values and a similar collapse in tourist numbers due largely to the same banker created recession. It is estimated that 83 of these properties are now running under the auspices of Irelands National Asset Management Agency, having taken from the banks in return for the loans that the public purse has bailed them out with. Of course taking these failing assets onto the public books only compounds the issue for taxpayers who ultimately must pick up the bill.

The amount of money that can be recouped by the NAMA depends on the health of the tourism industry as this will generate the room nights that will give trading returns for the hotels. Compounding their problems are the additional 60 or so hotels now in receivership. To the accountants at NAMA this is a simple equation – if you minimise costs you can lower prices and attract more guests, the achieved occupancy rates being a marker in the sale brochure. Here is where the law of unintended consequences comes in.

Most of the hotels in the NAMA book are 4* or 5*. A room in a 4* for €37.50 per head including a full Irish breakfast may put people in rooms but the price has unintended consequences elsewhere in the market place. The sector most adversely affected is one already struggling in the face of the fall off in tourist numbers – that of the B&B owner. Many of these are now struggling to attract custom as the reduced 4* rates are undercutting their own rates. The Druid Lodge referred to above has seen its only competitor B&B in Dalkey, South Dublin go under, and the Travelodge type operator is noticeably missing from the Irish market, with an Ibis recently being converted into a school by its owner, for example.

Even in the London market assets can be severely depressed in value by the lack of loan availability (those same now over cautious lenders) as the price placed on the Hotel Verta (ex-Von Essen ) shows, at a price approximately 50% of the build cost. Trophy 5* hotels in the capital were changing hands at over a million a room – the new ’W’ Leicester Square recently sold for £200 million for example, to an overseas state asset fund not dependant on bank borrowings. The level of discount of price to value is more marked in Ireland where property prices have fallen by 45% and are predicted to fall another 15% in the next year.

In part 2 I will look at the operational implications for an hotel market where business traffic has virtually disappeared and where operational practices are damaging further the resale value of properties. To contextualise all this I append below the policy statement on the Hospitality Industry from NAMA, made in March 2011

©Patrick Goff
September 2011

Axminster Carpets Commercial will be revealing a new, bolder and more diverse 32 strong colour palette and innovative new online facility for its Ready to Weave concept at this year’s Sleep Event. With a reinvigorated and expanded colour palette, specifiers and designers can now choose from up to 250 designs across contemporary, floral, classical or geometric patterns, before adding colours from a 32 strong colour bank now offered through the semi-bespoke fast turnaround service.

With the Ready to Weave Carpet Design Facility, now online at www.axminstercarpets.co.uk, specifiers and designers can experiment with their combinations of colours, ‘seeing’ them in a variety of hospitality locations including reception and bar areas, corridors and bedrooms, thanks to 3D visualisation technology. The completed design, with suitable references, can then be saved or emailed for further development.

“The Sleep Event will provide us with an ideal opportunity to introduce specifiers to an expanded Ready to Weave portfolio, as well as passing on the benefits of our online Ready to Weave Design Facility,” comments Richard Lawrence, head of marketing. “These developments are a significant step forward for bespoke carpet and recognise the growing importance of flexibility among designers and specifiers looking for quick-turnaround solutions.”

The manufacturer will also be unveiling a new Graphics tufted hospitality collection, as well as extensive developments in its axminster portfolio of stock ranges, and can be found on Stand M3.

For further information telephone 01297 630630 or e-mail commercial@axminster-carpets.co.uk

Leading UK shower manufacturer and designer, Roman limited, are preparing to exhibit at the Sleep Exhibition in November. This year the company is set to draw on the many designer hotel specifications they’ve been involved with over the last 18 months and will be showcasing their capabilities and products that really make them stand out in the sector.The Company have been involved in some major hotel contracts in the UK, as well as overseas – most notably in the Middle East. This has seen them develop products such as Integrated Toilet Cubicles with Shower Cubicles. This will be highlighted on their stand, with the addition of a glass toilet cubicle that features a two-way fully self-closing swing door.

Roman will also highlight their extensive bespoke capabilities showing a shower enclosure with the side panel that is linked and fitted onto the top of the bath. This helps to make the most of the available space, whilst also giving a minimalist and streamlined finish.

Roman has developed a hinged door in their 10mm thick Sculptures Range of enclosures, which features hinges that can be installed straight-to-wall eliminating the profile. Likewise their Sculptures Wetroom Panel with Concealed Profile will also be on display – this features a profile that is channelled into the wall and hidden, so the glass panel appears to ‘float’ out of the wall. Both these products have been designed to eliminate as much bracing as possible so only the glass is visible.

Roman are also set to showcase their newly designed specialist folding bath screen – this is designed for integration with sinks and other bathroom furniture, so it folds easily out of the way when not in use, whilst avoiding other fixtures and fittings. It also allows easy access for cleaning staff.

The focus of the Roman stand will be the Sculptures Range of luxury 10mm thick glass enclosures and the way this range can be shaped and designed to suit individual designs and specifications. The range has become increasingly popular for top end hotels all around the world due to it’s flexibility to suit any design needs.

Visit Roman’s stand at Sleep, M35A. The exhibition takes place on 23 – 24th November 2011 at the Business Design Centre, London.

Roman’s Managing Director, David Osborne, commented: “We are especially excited about this year’s Sleep exhibition. This year we are really going all out on our stand to demonstrate exactly how we can work with individual hotels and create something to suit their specification. We have drawn on our wealth of experience in this sector and visitors to the stand this year will see something really different, stand-out and relevant for their own projects – and hopefully some inspirational hotel design ideas!”

Hypnos believe they make the ‘Most Comfortable Beds in the World’- a boast that has been reinforced by winning two industry awards and by being appointed as the Preferred Partner for the supply of mattresses and beds to the Condè Nast Johansens global portfolio of 4 and 5 star properties.The Hypnos team have won the National Bed Federation’s “Bed Manufacturer of the Year – 2011” award, which re-enforces the superior quality, tailoring and comfort of Hypnos beds, as well as the innovative and responsible ethos of this British business.

Hypnos’s customer, Casa Hotel in Chesterfield, has been awarded the ‘Comfiest Bed’ in the annual Best Kept Secret Awards by the LateRooms.com. Steve Perez, Owner of Casa Hotel, said: “Our Hypnos beds are always the hot topic of conversation at breakfast time and we constantly receive positive comments about it being the best night’s sleep our guests have ever had.”

Hypnos doesn’t just make beds for the home, Hypnos beds can be found around the world in the finest palaces, estates and hotels. Indeed, Hypnos has an illustrious pedigree for creating some of the hospitality industry’s most comfortable beds and the most memorable sleep experiences.

Ideal Standard, a leading provider of innovative and design-driven bathroom solutions, has launched its new Concept Vanity range, a new furniture and basin collection. Designed by Ideal Standard’s non-executive Design Director Robin Levien, the new Concept Vanity collection is a perfect addition to the already successful Concept collection. With its minimal, timeless, and elegant design the new additions bring a clean and contemporary look to the bathroom. Concept Vanities are an integrated bathroom solution, offering multiple styles, with a ‘mix and match’ option to help create the preferred bathroom solution. There are styles and sizes to suit any bathroom space, comprising of five basin options, along with coordinating furniture units. Each basin has a dedicated furniture unit with 2 soft close drawers and three options of furniture finish.

To complement the existing accessory collection, seven new accessory items have been added to the range. The addition of a glass soap dish and tumbler with holders, plus wire basket in the form of a soap basket and corner basket are a direct response of consumer demand.

Features and Benefits
• Five sizes of vanity basin, 50cm, 60cm, 70cm, 850cm, 100cm and 130cm
• All basins available with one and two tap hole options, with overflow, wall hung or countertop. The basins can be installed on current Concept semi pedestals
• Dedicated furniture units for each basin with soft close drawers
• Three core finishes – American Oak, Dark Walnut and Gloss White
• New mirror options to span the width of the units
• Seven new accessories

Built with quality design, all basins come with a lifetime guarantee and furniture and accessories come with a five year guarantee.

Global executive search company HVS Executive Search has this week issued an invitation to London hotel management to take part in its annual London Hotel Salary Survey. The survey, now in its eighth year, benchmarks the annual base salaries, bonuses and benefits such as pension, transport and health insurance of over 30 executive committee and department head positions.

The results of the survey, which is the only one of its kind focussing on the London market, are presented by hotel category, room count and hotel turnover and include a year-on-year salary comparison for key positions.

Participation is completely confidential and free of charge and data will only be presented in percentile form. All participants will receive a complimentary copy of the final report, which is due to be published at the end of November 2011.

“This year we want the survey to be the biggest we have undertaken,” said HVS Executive Search managing director Chris Mumford. “The data obtained will give us a valuable insight into salary trends in London’s hotels which will be useful to hotel owners and operators in the UK as well as those in capital cities across the globe.”

Participants can complete the survey by clicking here. The deadline is 20 October 2011.

ACID (Anti Copying in Design) welcomes the latest Government initiative with their announcement to raise business awareness to avoid falling foul of current IP laws.There are now clear guidelines to provide companies with up to date employee information to ensure that they are not breaking the law. Baroness Wilcox, Minister of Intellectual Property, who launched the new initiative said, “The new guidance was an example of Government, enforcement agencies and industry working together and raising awareness of managing IP in the workplace. Intellectual Property rights are essential to the success and growth of any business. However, many companies can leave themselves open to prosecution if they or their staff infringe the IP rights belonging to other companies or individuals.”

To avoid criminal offences (and potential fines of up to £50,000 and/or a possible prison sentence) taking place in the workplace employers should take a simple IP Health Check. If the answer is “NO” to the questions below, immediate, free and simple guidance is available on the IPO website.

• Do your employees know that they cannot sell copies of protected works?
• Company IT equipment and servers – Are your staff aware that it should not be used to produce infringing content?
• Are employees aware that they should not use the company equipment to sell infringing products to colleagues?
• Do you have a company policy for staff on IPR infringement, procurement?

Dids Macdonald, ACID’s CEO said, “Taking time to look at these guidelines will help businesses protect themselves from legal challenge and, I hope, raise awareness about corporate responsibility and respect for IP. This comes as a very welcome addition to ACID’s Guidelines for Design Buyers which was launched several years ago to help design buyers through what they could and should be doing to protect themselves and their staff from infringing the rights of design originators.”

Decorative electrical wiring accessories, lighting and audio control specialists Hamilton Litestat will be exhibiting at Index Lighting (stand 6E227) for the first time this year, with the team keen to build on the existing success of their products in the export market.The stand will feature a wide variety of Hamilton’s own collections of switch plates, card switches and sockets as well as the Digital Mercury Lighting Control System, which is adaptable to any requirement from a simple dimming system to a sophisticated scene-setting remote controlled scheme. There will also be a chance to see Hamilton’s new Mercury Multi-room Audio System at work, which comes with its own official app for wireless control of music throughout up to four rooms.

From minimalist, glossy piano black to crystal clear plates, traditional woods and decorative antique brass designs, Hamilton has a range of plate designs to suit all interior styles. However, for those looking for an extra durable finish that can withstand extreme wear and tear and climate conditions, Hamilton offers the diamond-tough PVD finishing solution. PVD (physical vapour deposition) is a highly specialised finish that’s ultra-tough, fade resistant and scratch resistant, and gives switch plates and sockets an incredibly high level of durability.

Hamilton’s specialist team is also able to undertake bespoke commissions; whether it’s a particular finish, a specific combination of functions on a plate, or a product needed to meet energy saving or building management requirements, Hamilton’s experts can design and manufacture a solution to meet even the most complicated of requests.

Signbox have seen an upsurge in enquiries following their achievement of winning the Best Sign Company award at Sign & Digital UK 2011, the sign industry’s only recognised awards scheme. At the prestigious award ceremony, held in April at the National Motorcycle Museum, Signbox faced stiff competition for this top award with all the UK’s leading sign makers having entered.Commenting on this hugely coveted award, the judging panel for Sign & Digital Awards 2011 said, “Weathering the storm to record a 28% increase on the previous year’s turnover, Signbox’s success has been achieved through hard work and a dedication to exceeding customer expectations in every aspect. Combining intelligent sign design with a considered approach to the use of sustainable materials, they sit on the cutting edge of today’s sign industry”.

Concluding, the judges said, “Boasting a huge array of work throughout 2010, Signbox’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of contemporary sign making epitomises all a modern sign company should be”.

The Best Sign Company award tops a remarkable year for Signbox, having enjoyed a buoyant trading period and a move into groundbreaking technological signage territory with the launch of Enlighten, the Near Field Communication (NFC) smart poster, information retrieval and purchasing system that looks set to take the retail and travel sectors by storm.

Mark Bartlett, Managing Director of Signbox, commented, “To be recognised as the best sign company in the industry is a huge honour; I’m delighted for the team, it’s tribute to their tremendous hard work and excellence.”

Signbox was also shortlisted for the Best Individual Sign category for the Northern Trust project, a complex, high-level installation in Canary Wharf.

Roman Limited, one of the UK’s leading shower manufacturers and designers, has redesigned one of their popular enclosures, the Freedom Arc, which offers a unique alternative for the corner situation.The Freedom Arc was originally launched as part of the Freedom range back in 2007. It has proved to be one of the most popular enclosures in the range, which has prompted Roman to revisit the enclosure to streamline the design and ensure it is still a style statement for today’s bathroom.

Roman’s Design team have brought the enclosure up-to-date by stripping away some of the bracing for a clean minimalist look. The enclosure also features 8 and 6mm thick glass, for a high quality finish.

The Freedom Arc is a refreshing take on the corner enclosure – It features a curvaceous outward opening door which smoothly opens to give a wide aperture. The enclosure offers an 1100 x 800mm footprint, to also provide a spacious showering area.

The enclosure can be installed straight-to-floor as a wetroom installation, or alternatively to a product specific low level Roman Stone shower tray, which gives the look and feel of a wetroom with the added reassurance of a tray. The Freedom Arc is also available with the option on an integrated shower valve for an all in one showering package.

The Freedom Arc enclosure is backed by Roman’s Truelife Lifetime guarantee, a service back guarantee which gives total peace of mind.

David Osborne, Managing Director at Roman, commented: “We are very fortunate that we have our own in house team of designers who are continually looking to improve and streamline the design of our products, as well as also developing new products. The Freedom Arc is a totally unique enclosure, which was developed by the team and as one of our leading products, we were keen to make sure the design of the enclosure is at the forefront of current bathroom trends. We are certainly very pleased with the overall revamp.”

Volga Linen’s sumptuous collection of woven linen paisleys are so versatile, in both large and small design they are also reversible. They make up beautifully as curtains as well as loose covers, cushion covers and great for tablecloths.Try using the stripe or spot linen in the same colours as contrast lining.

We are currently offering 20% off our classic red paisley small and large design for the month of October.

For our full collection of fabrics including table linen, bed linen and curtains please visit our website on www.volgalinen.co.uk

TechVision’s brand new Vanity Mirror range of TV units, have been designed to incorporate seamlessly into bathrooms, offering a sense of stylish luxury with functionality. Hotel guests can used the mirror to get ready and watching the TV to catch up in the latest news, or relax in the bath and watch their favorite programs.The Vanity Mirror is available in standard sizes, with a bespoke service offered for quantity orders. The unit comprises a high-bright 19” LCD TV, set behind a larger Vanity Mirror, in a choice of finishes.

Installation is simple, as the TV is a sealed unit, which attaches to the back of the mirror. The whole unit (Mirror & TV) is wall mounted, using the brackets provided, with all TV cables hidden neatly behind.

Standard Vanity Mirror sizes:

– 900 mm (h) x 800 mm (w)
– 900 mm (h) x 1200mm (w)

Available Finishes:

Crystal Clear – A beautiful high bright crystal mirror throughout. (Shows a black rectangle when the TV is switched off.)

Simply Magic – A darker, grey-style mirror throughout. (The TV completely disappears when switched off.)

Crystal Magic – A beautiful high bright crystal mirror, with a darker, grey-style mirror over the TV screen. (Creates a darker mirror, within a crystal mirror when switched off.)

Technical details:

 19” Widescreen, high bright, WXGA LCD TFT panel
 Waterproof rated IP66
 Controlled using ‘floating’ waterproof remote (supplied)
 Connects to 2 x waterproof ceiling speakers (supplied)
 Bluetooth – connect to stored music
 HD Ready
 PAL and DVB-T Mpeg 4 dual tuner built-in (Can either use as an independent TV to watch free-to-view channels, or connect to hotel distribution system.)

TechVision also supply 7” & 19” Infiniti TVs.

If you are interested in further details, please visit www.techvision.co.uk

Using archive photography to develop accurate recreations of the light fittings that were installed at the Theatre Royal in Newcastle in the early 20th Century, Dernier & Hamlyn recently recreated a sunburner for the auditorium of the Theatre Royal in Newcastle. Retaining all the beauty of the original fitting, whilst taking advantage of the latest lighting technology, the sunburner was manufactured at Dernier & Hamlyn’s South London factory alongside a further 150 fittings for the theatre. Dernier & Hamlyn’s work included ceiling lights in the main auditorium made in cast brass and featuring leaf patterns as well as fifty wall lights for the main foyer and staircase and chandeliers that have been fitted throughout the building formed using cast brass and handblown glass.The original sunburner was installed in 1901 at the Theatre Royal as part of celebrated theatre architect Frank Matcham’s classic Edwardian design, and used gas lighting. The magnificent new light uses a combination of fibre optics and colour-changeable LED’s that can be altered to suit the required mood. In addition, the ceramic bowls that sat above the gaslights have been replaced by white sprayed metal castings to reduce the weight of the fitting and its cost, both important factors for public buildings today.

Chief Executive of Newcastle Theatre Royal Philip Bernays comments:
“The new sunburner looks splendid and is a very important part of the successful restoration project that has been achieved. “

Dernier & Hamlyn worked in partnership on this project with historic theatre consultants TheatreSearch and used archive photography of the original fittings to recreate both the sunburner and other decorative lighting throughout the theatre.

Theatresearch Managing Director David Wilmore comments:
“We chose Dernier & Hamlyn for this project because of their reputation for painstaking work to recreate historic light fittings and are delighted with the results.”

Besselink & Jones workshops have a wealth of experience and expertise producing classic picture lights and are proud to continue the tradition of outstanding British workmanship with our range of fine art lighting. Picture and library lights use powerful LED linear, spot or candle bulbs for fine art lighting applications that require a low UV and low heat light source. All of our lights can be wired for the United Kingdom, North America or Europe as standard. We can also amend designs such as backplate size and cowl length. Available in brass, bronzes, nickels and chromes. Picture lights can be made either wall-mounted or frame-mounted and to your specifications.

Besselink & Jones have a strong heritage of traditional British engineering skills. Our well-established West London workshop has been expertly converting ceramics and other decorative treasures into unique lamps for more than fifty years. We continue to take great pride in our work specialising in brass-turning, crafting in bronze, metal plating, wood-carving, hand-painting and colour matching.

Whichever technique we are using, we understand that there are no short-cuts when it comes to producing well engineered lighting pieces of the highest quality.

For a PDF on Slim Picture Lights, click here: Slim Picture Lights
You may also be interested in the Classic Picture Lights. Click here to download the PDF brochure

After successfully moving into the hotel, leisure and hospitality markets last year, Composite Imaging have taken a small exhibition space at the North West Design Centre. The North West Design Centre provides a partnership with some of the leading industry suppliers, manufacturers and service providers, and attracts support from a host of UK and European associates.

Our products and designs are now on display here and any hospitality requirements from bespoke artwork to soft furnishings & printed lampshades can be achieved.

The centre has a key support team providing further assistance to clients, designers and architects alike. With access to a comprehensive library of carefully selected materials, finishes and products, the team can assist with any project where further choice or technical support and design is required.

Composite are happy to now meet clients at the Design Centre to discuss projects and designs.

www.compositeimaging.co.uk

Business Design Centre, London 23-24 November

(Stand V7) Focus SB will be showcasing its entire range of electrical accessories at The Sleep Event exhibition, which is being held at the Business Design Centre in Islington on November 23rd and 24th.Of particular interest to those visiting the specialist hotel event will be the bedroom multi-service plates and card switches that Focus SB is able to manufacture in any quantity to customers specific requirements.

Also on the stand will be its New Sheraton, New Lincoln and Deckle Edge ranges.

All plates are manufactured to the highest standards at the Hastings manufacturing headquarters using either Crabtree or Wandsworth inserts. Roger explains: “These ranges offer a comprehensive selection of products to suit most application requirements.”

Also on the Focus SB stand will be its best selling Ambassador range, which has been designed to suit both traditional and contemporary interiors. It can be produced as standard with rounded corners, or with optional square corners. “To ensure design uniformity throughout a project,” he says: “Focus SB can utilise the grid fix inserts from this range to produce non-standard accessories to fulfil customer requirements.”

Roger concludes: “The Sleep Event exhibition is an ideal opportunity for Focus SB to demonstrate the array of sophisticated lighting plate designs that we offer, and for hoteliers to see and experience the touch of contemporary elegance that a Focus SB product brings to a room.”

TechVision’s newly upgraded 7” Infiniti TV offers affordable luxury for bathroom projects with a limited budgets, being the smallest waterproof TV in their Infiniti range. Now all hotel guests can enjoy watching TV in the bath, after a hard days shopping, sightseeing or meeting with business associates! The TV itself is fully waterproof and perfect for use in the any wet area, i.e., bathroom, spa, washroom or outside. The heated, toughened glass screen comes with a choice of ‘finishing strips’ to match your décor.

Installation is simple, as it’s already a sealed unit! The TVs can either be recessed into the wall or wall mounted, using a vesa bracket.

Technical details:

 7” Widescreen WXGA LCD TFT panel
 Waterproof rated IP67
 Controlled using ‘floating’ waterproof remote (supplied)
 Connects to 2 x waterproof ceiling speakers (supplied)
 PAL and DVB-T Mpeg 4 dual tuner built-in (Can either use as an independent TV to watch free-to-view channels, or connect to hotel distribution system.)

TechVision also supply a larger 19” Infiniti TV.

If you are interested in further details, please visit www.techvision.co.uk, or contact debbie@techvision.co.uk.

Working with Interior Designers Martin Hulbert Designs Dernier & Hamlyn has manufactured a fantastic light fitting for the International Champagne Bar at Decorex 2011.In line with the “Love Design” theme of this year’s show, the fitting’s white metal frame comprises four letters LOVE and features 188 Waterford champagne flutes that fit around the letters with LED lights underneath.

Martin Hulbert comments:
“It was very exciting to be asked to work on this project that will be seen by all the major players in interior design. I have worked with Dernier & Hamlyn on many projects including Coworth Park, The Grove and The Dorchester and I am delighted with what we have produced together.”

Cascada is a luxury 100% cotton velvet fabric for upholstery from Sekers Fabrics, and is available in 26 beautiful colours. As you would expect from Sekers, the fabric is perfect for hotel and leisure environments, achieves 100,000 rubs, crib 5 FR and passes IMO for marine upholstery. Sekers will be introducing this fabric along with many other new collections at Focus 2011 in our Chelsea Harbour showroom 1/20 in the South Dome.

The second of our luxury fabrics is Gitana, a Bamboo yarn cut velvet upholstery for hospitality and leisure. The three designs in the collection reflect Sekers heritage and continuing commitment to the best quality furnishing fabrics, with a stripe, a contemporary geometric and modern a floral design. Crib 5, IMO marine and abrasion tested to 40,000 rubs, a touch of class and high performance are brought to you in each design.

Composite Imaging has recently launched a new website to showcase their exclusive bespoke works of art. The re-designed site has improved navigation, making it easier to travel around and clearly see the superb design consultancy service that Composite offer.New features include ‘our process’, which explains how projects are managed from the design brief through to final installation & ‘case studies’ which illustrates examples of projects from corporate art to art for healthcare & hospitality

“With nearly 2,000 images in our online gallery, one of the aims of the re-design was to make it much easier for clients to browse through our portfolio. The result is that the images are now more accessible & much clearer & bigger to view.”

To view the new website go to: www.compositeimaging.co.uk

Ideal Standard is launching a technologically innovative new product range, Neon, under its luxury brand Jado, and new collections under its flagship brand Ideal Standard which will match extensive consumer insights with designer intelligence and technological expertise – an integral part of the company’s DNA. These new introductions reflect a deep understanding of the personal and intimate role the bathroom plays and are fully in line with the Ideal Standard brand ethos “Inspired by Real Life”. Each will be displayed at 100% Design, the UK’s leading contemporary design event. Ideal Standard CeraMix Blue is a new water and energy-saving innovation that takes the eco-challenge one step further. CeraMix Blue offers end-users savings of up to £174 per year, which is the highest energy savings in the market for single lever mixer taps. Designed by Artefakt, it is the solution for those seeking to reduce water and energy costs without compromising on attractive aesthetics, functionality, increased safety and eco-consciousness.

Ideal Standard ArchiModule is another new modular built-in water control and outlet solution for showers, bathtubs and wash basins created by award-winning design house Artefakt. ArchiModule is easy-to-install, fully hidden behind the bathroom wall, and allows users to place their water controls and outlets in any way and any place they wish without compromising on features and performance while keeping a clean and sleek look in the bathroom.

Ideal Standard’s Concept Vanity Range, designed by Robin Levien, offers a minimal and timeless collection characterised by smooth and elegant lines. The range comprises of five furniture models available with three different finishes, five basins, three additional mirror sizes and seven new accessories to complement the Concept accessories offering, all of which come with a lifetime guarantee. The Concept Vanity Range is designed to fit in any bathroom no matter what its shape or size.

Ideal Standard Tonic is a comprehensive, contemporary new range of shower enclosures designed by leading design house Artefakt. Tonic fits perfectly into the complete Ideal Standard range, offering a total bathroom solution with a choice of alcove and corner doors, side panels, quadrants, corner entry enclosures and bath screens available in a range of sizes. The frameless shower enclosure range is manufactured using 8mm IdealClean clear safety glass, making it easier to both clean and ensure it stays clean for longer.

Also designed by Artefakt, Ideal Standard’s Jado Neon perfectly synthesizes cylindrical and angular shapes in a clear and functional design concept. The comprehensive high quality brassware collection was created for people who find that function and emotion go hand in hand and offers a broad selection of choice for private bathrooms and sophisticated homes. With its state-of-the-art technology and class leading craftsmanship it offers a stylish, timeless design.

Completing the new product offering, SoftMood is designed for Ideal Standard by Franco Bertoli. Bertoli is one of Italy’s most successful designers and his latest range for Ideal Standard, SoftMood, is characterized by its soft and rounded look to create a solid yet feminine design. The complete suite offering ceramics, furniture and accessories is tailored to cater a consumer trend for more organic and rounded shapes. The solid yet soft contemporary look offers a warm and comfortable bathroom experience with flexible compositions and colours to create personal solutions for the home.

Following the success of their 17” Infiniti unit, TechVision have kept the same stylish design, but incorporated a larger 19” LCD screen. The Bluetooth technology allows hotel guests to easily listen to stored music (from their Bluetooth listening devices, i.e., ipod), whilst relaxing in the bath, as well as enjoy watching their favorite TV shows!The TV itself is fully waterproof and suitable for use in all wet areas, i.e., bathrooms, spas, washrooms or outdoors. The heated, toughened glass screen comes in either Clear or Mirror finish, with a choice of ‘finishing strips’ to match your décor.

Installation is simple, as it’s already a sealed unit! The TVs can either be recessed into the wall or wall mounted, using a vesa bracket.

Technical details:

 19” Widescreen, high bright, WXGA LCD TFT panel
 Waterproof rated IP67
 Controlled using ‘floating’ waterproof remote (supplied)
 Connects to 2 x waterproof ceiling speakers (supplied)
 Bluetooth – connect to stored music
 HD Ready
 Built in SKY remote eye (Can control using a SKY remote)
 PAL and DVB-T Mpeg 4 dual tuner built-in (Can either use as an independent TV to watch free-to-view channels, or connect to hotel distribution system.)

TechVision also supply a smaller 7” Infiniti TV.

If you are interested in further details, please visit www.techvision.co.uk, or contact debbie@techvision.co.uk.

Axminster Carpets Commercial has provided over 2,500m2 of semi-bespoke Ready to Weave carpet for Edgbaston, the home of Warwickshire County Cricket and international test match venue. Using the improved 32 strong colour bank of the Ready to Weave concept, Axminster Carpets developed a scheme that accommodated the multi-purpose 850m2 Banqueting Suite. Here three large bordered squares work as one or individually when the room is partitioned to suit different function requirements. Using the familiar blue of Edgbaston’s identity, the carpet delivers a unique aesthetic in a high performance Super Eight 80% wool 20% nylon blend.

Specified by Manchester-based architect AFL Architects, the design of the carpet required site visits by Axminster Carpets design director Gary Bridge to ensure the correct placement of the design within the banqueting suite, as well as the careful planning required by the circular area of the lounges.

“The carpet installed at Edgbaston helps the public rooms of the venue to look great no matter what the event. Whether cricket hospitality or corporate meeting, the carpet delivers the important blend of functionality and beauty with a contemporary style befitting of the modern architecture and interior ambience of the building,” comments Gary Bridge. “The intricacies of the project meant that we had to work closely with the architect and contractor to ensure that the finished article enhanced the practicality of the space, while still providing a striking interior that will provide years of performance.”

Axminster Carpets Commercial’s Ready to Weave fast-turnaround semi-bespoke carpet is now supported by the online Ready to Weave Carpet Design Facility that allows designers and specifiers to visualise up to 250 designs in any combination of 32 colours which can be viewed in various 3-D hospitality environments with the ability to save or email for further development. Visit
www.axminster-carpets.co.uk/commercial/carpet-design-facility to try for yourself.

For further information telephone 01297 630630 or e-mail commercial@axminster-carpets.co.uk

Every now and then a new product comes on the market that just ticks every box – and these two new additions really do outshine the competition. Not only are they good looking, but they have both been designed utilizing LED and Fluorescent energy efficiency to great effect. Jacqui from Design-Conscious tells us more about the products…Dina is an archetypal image of a small lamp. It encompasses everything great about the hugely popular Miss K Lamp (by Philippe Starck / Flos), only ‘better’ (some may say) because it’s powered by energy efficient LEDs.

A tough polycarbonate shade on an aluminium body, housing 6W of Cree LED (3000K, 400 lumen) complete with touch dimming. The light is soft and warm – the perfect table light, bedside or living room lamp.

It’s nice to have a stylish, decorative, low energy lamp that can be used for design-conscious, energy-conscious applications, thinking specifically about projects that want to achieve part L or even part P status, or carbon neutral operating, as many hotels are now seeing energy efficiency as a consideration in design or refurbishment.

Dina abat-jour is designed by Dante Donegani & Giovanni Lauda, 2 stalwarts of functional design. The lights are compact, stylish and understated and are available in a choice of four colours.

Birdie lights (designed by Ludovica and Roberto Palomba) are available in two versions: A tall table light (great bedside or console table light) and quite a short floor light (the European size that stands nicely at the side of a chair or sofa).

The slender form is particularly good for small rooms – a pleasant change from all the oversized designs of recent years that can make spaces seem cramped.

These quirky lights make a great feature and even the control of the Birdie light is intuitive. The control dimmer is a five stage touch dimmer control and is cleverly incorporated into the design through the stem. This is also what makes Birdie special; it’s a fluorescent light that is dimmable, thus avoiding one of the main downsides of most fluorescent lamps.

The Birdie Lights add cheerful character to any environment and are available in a great colour palette too.

For quantities of 100 or more it is possible to have special colours of these lamps made to your specification. Please feel free to contact us for further information.

Ideal Standard International, the leading bathroom solutions provider has launched Tonic, a comprehensive new range of shower enclosures. Designed by leading design house ARTEFACT, Tonic fits perfectly into the complete Ideal Standard range, offering a total bathroom solution. The collection has been created in line with Ideal Standard’s brand ethos “Inspired by Real Life”, reflecting a deep understanding of the personal and intimate role the bathroom plays. Tonic is designed with “luxury in mind” the collection has specifically been developed for consumers who love to enjoy indulgent showering, with emphasis on style and contemporary design.

Tonic is frameless shower enclosure range manufactured using 8mm IdealClean clear safety glass, making it easier to clean and staying cleaner longer. Tonic also has bright silver aluminium, contemporary chrome plated vertical hinges and a large modern chrome plated handle giving it a stylish and minimal look. Care has been taken over the design of the components; ensuring details like the hinge and bracing bracket are integrated giving the enclosure a clutter free elegant feel.

The range is comprehensive, offering a choice of alcove and corner doors, side panels, quadrants, corner entry enclosures and bath screens available a range of sizes. Tonic is compatible with Ideal Standard’s range of Idealite shower trays and is available in models suitable for installation with flat-top or up-stand shower trays as well as a wet-room installation.

Features & Benefits

• Frameless hinged shower enclosure range
• 8mm Idealclean clear safety glass and
• Bright silver aluminium
• Doors to suit flat top and upstand trays
• 20mm adjustment per profile
• Innovative Easy adjust wall profile
• Alcove doors 800, 900, 1000, 1200, 1400, 1600
• Corner doors 800, 900, 1000, 1200, 1400
• Side panels 760, 800, 900, 1000
• Corner entry enclosures 800, 900, 1000
• Quadrants 800, 900, 1000
• Offset Quadrants 800, 900, 1000
• Bath Screens 1500 x 1000

Built with quality design and performance every Tonic product comes with a 10 year guarantee for continued peace of mind.

The new Tonic Shower Enclosures will be available from October 2011.

Bowden Tollit & Associates have recently launched their first website, showcasing their exquisite range of curtains, draperies and soft furnishings for the contract market through stunning photography and galleries of projects.”Images speak a thousand words” says Colin Bowden, Director of Bowden Tollit & Associates. “We concentrated on images rather than text to put our message across. Our intention is to show what we do and who we do it for rather than overcomplicate things by saying too much.”

www.bowdentollit.co.uk

E-volved by Timothy Schreiber for FueraDentro, is now available from Encompass Furniture & Accessories. E-volved is inspired by pop modernism, and is organic in its composition, and smooth to the touch. The graceful, fluid design mimics the organic forms of nature as the three table legs grow and branch together to forma a solid and stable base for the table.

This is a polished, cast stainless steel dining table, suitable for both exterior and interior use.

FueraDentro will be on stand G 226 at Decorex.

Introducing the Neo ‘low energy’ IP44 Bathroom Magnifying Mirrors with Hi-Power LED.

Please click on the above image to view the Neo specifications and our full IP44 Bathroom Magnifying Mirror collection.

Numirra are specialists in decorative lighting for the world’s hospitality industry. We have a reputation for quality materials combined with attention to detail. Our beautiful products, designed around ‘functionality’, are part of a process by which great in interiors are brought to life.

For more information, please contact Numirra Lighting in the Directory or via www.numirra.com.