Crafting spaces, Cre8ing impact – materials matter

Materials matter for every single project we deliver. But it can be difficult to convey the impact individual materials will have through a flat drawing or CAD render, which is why we work closely with our clients to guide them through appropriate material specification which will be impactful and practical in equal measure.

Understanding how different materials complement and interact with each other as well as how they fit into the wider context of the building is an essential part of the process and allows us to create a unique space. We’re always exploring new materials, finishes, and colourways to meet the high-specification demands of our clients as they set new trends.

Every material choice is intentional, each surface tells a story and the conversation between different materials is as important as their individual attributes.

Scratching the surface – more than aesthetics

A design brief might dictate that an interior fit-out must create a certain look – perhaps it needs to reflect company branding or maybe provide a link to a building’s heritage. But aesthetics is far from the only consideration when it comes to materials specification.

With more focus on sustainability for example, it’s never been more important to take into account the full life cycle of the materials being specified as well as how they will look and feel as part of an interior space. Specifying materials which are proven to be long-lasting, durable and easy to maintain or those made with recycled or recyclable elements can help to minimise a project’s environmental impact. Factoring in the actual embodied carbon of materials used on any given project as part of the specification process is an important step to reducing its carbon footprint and achieving increasingly strict sustainability targets too. That’s why we’re constantly reviewing options, working with innovative manufactures to source materials from all over the world before our team crafts them with care and precision in the factory.

By working closely with architects at the early design stage, we curate and share material samples to review options and finishes. This collaborative process helps bring design concepts to life showcasing texture, tone, and unique details to ensure every element works together seamlessly.

Materials Matter at Grafton Street

Materials specification was at the heart of our Grafton Street retrofit project – a meticulously detailed scheme which has achieved BREEAM Excellent and is also WELL-enabled, meaning it follows the principles outlined within the WELL Building Standard. The project has transformed the existing building into an outstanding headquarters office space befitting of its prestigious Mayfair location.

All materials were carefully considered as part of the overall design to ensure they perfectly complement each other. From the cool tones of liquid metal to the warmth of solid ash wood combined with unique bronze panels and hand-stitched Connolly leather – every material makes its presence felt.

A key part of the scope of our work on this project was refurbishing the reception area, using warm natural materials to create a bright, welcoming entrance. Here we manufactured a bespoke reception desk with a worktop which combines liquid metal coating together with hand stitched Connolly leather, which is typically found in luxury automotive designs, along with crown cut Ash veneer cabinets and finished with a gently scalloped Travertine stone fascia. Similarly, the solid Ash wall panels are also gently scalloped with access doors carefully concealed to create a seamless finish. Completing the reception area, we installed stainless steel ceiling and wall panelling from specialist Rimex with the Rimex Quartz Chocolate Mirrored panels installed on the ceiling and Rimex bronze wall panelling in the lift lobby areas.

For the outdoor seating space, the powder coated steel framework with integrated seating was finished in hand stitched weather-proof spradling vinyl, backed with Yakuri Numachi cladding. Shou Sugi Ban® charred timber cladding provides a smart, durable solution for exterior areas – the ‘Yukari’ finish being ideal for expansive outdoor spaces that are built to last and designed to impress.

Luxurious end of trip facilities were installed by our specialist washroom division, Washroom Washroom and these were designed to mirror the rest of the interior. The bespoke changing room lockers were finished in crown cut Ash veneer with matching internal veneered carcass and LED lighting. The bespoke changing room benching was finished in solid Ash with a gently scalloped fascia and hand stitched Connolly leather seat pad – the same as the seating in the reception area.

Take a look at our Materials Pinterest board and speak to our team today to see how we can work together to bring your design vision to life!