OBG offers smart choice in glass

OBG has introduced Smart Film, an affordable and effective switchable privacy film for its frameless glass partitioning systems. Unlike more expensive laminated privacy glazing options, Smart Film is applied to the surface of the glass. The product is made by sandwiching LCD crystals between two layers of film, the Smart Film then switches from opaque to clear when an electric current is passed through it. With no current, the crystals are arranged randomly, making the surface look opaque. When the electric current is turned on, the crystals all line up, which allows light to pass through and creates a clear appearance. As well as being less costly to install than traditional switchable privacy glass, Smart Film costs no more to run than the average light bulb and is available on a shorter lead-time than most laminated glass alternatives.

Office Blinds & Glazing
01706 711397
www.obgltd.co.uk

Range of industrial locks from Ronis-Dom

The range of office furniture locks available from Ronis-Dom has been specifically designed to offer customers the highest flexibility and choice whatever the application. Whether keyed alike or to differ Ronis-Dom offers a range of products to suit both wooden and steel furniture, available in a variety of different finishes with accessories to match.
For more complex applications we also offer a master keyed option. For further information on our comprehensive range of industrial locks please contact a member of the sales team on 0800 988 4348.

Ronis-Dom
0800 988 4348
www.ronis-dom.co.uk

Let's meet Viscount Interiors

Viscount Interiors has a growing reputation for creating innovative commercial interiors. Established in 1998, the company offers a complete interior refurbishment service including design, construction, and installation, creating tailored working environments, which meet the individual aspirations, requirements and budget of each client.
The company’s team approach ensures that all aspects of a project are considered to guarantee an end result, which is both practical and unique. In addition, the company is able to supply contemporary furniture and accessories to help each client complete their new workspace quickly and with minimal effort.

Viscount Interiors
01279 654300
http://www.viscountinteriors.co.uk

Burmatex launches Sector at Design Prima

Zeus soft seating from Sky Creations

Zeus soft seating from Sky Creations
Sky Creations launched four new products at Design Prima, including the stunning Zeus range of soft seating in Camira Illusion fabric. The high back
sofa is elegantly tall and works well in seating groups or back-to-back in booth arrangements instead of fitted furniture.

Sky Creations
01844 210280
http://www.skycreations.co.uk

Sadolin decorates and protects exterior timber

Woodcare specialist Sadolin advised Oxfordshire self builder Chris Ostwald how to decorate and protect the exteriors of his new timber clad ‘watermill’, an unusual development project in The Chilterns that was featured recently on the TV programme Grand Designs. He wanted a richly coloured but translucent finish that would allow all the natural beauty and woodgrain of the cedar panelling to show through. He also wanted the assurance of long term weather protection and easy future maintenance. Following the advice provided, Chris applied several coats of Sadolin Classic woodstain for its superior level of protection and durability, choosing the rich-red tones of Caramel Crisp from the extensive colour palette available.

Sadolin
0844 7708 998
http://www.sadolin.co.uk

Sandtex launches Colour Coach

Sandtex Trade Colour Coach is a new design tool to help professionals and their clients make informed, objective decisions about contrasting and harmonious paint colour schemes for exteriors, and to systematically identify trim and masonry shades that work together perfectly. Colour Coach materials are displayed in specialist decorating outlets and are available to specifiers, designers and decorators as portable kits that can be used when discussing projects with clients. They contain two new Sandtex Trade fan decks containing 400 specially selected paint shades for masonry paint and 240 for trim. These are complemented by a set of colour cards that show at a glance the full collection divided into eight colour families.

Sandtex Trade
0845 372 3425
http://www.sandtextrade.co.uk

Let's get cladding

Cladding is the face of many a modern building, yet too few people realise the breadth of choice available to them.
Western Red Cedar is much loved and well known, but other options include Siberian Larch and Thermo treated woods. Engineered types include Endura’s wood material (containing 60 per cent wood and available in more than 50 colours) and the Dekopan plus collection of wood type finishes.
One company that does all these types and more is Havwoods Outdoors. Innovative products in the range include Faux Timber cladding. This intriguing new range has similar surface hardness to hardwood, with a nonporous surface that will never rot, warp or give splinters. It is produced using recycled materials too.

Havwoods Outdoors
01524 812220
sales@havwoodsoutdoors.com

Designer wetrooms made easy

Stylish wetrooms are now easily achievable with Geberit’s latest shower drain. A choice of seven different grating designs, from traditional to modern, makes the Uniflex shower drain the perfect finishing touch for any modern bathroom.
Shaped for optimised water flow, the drain has a drainage capacity of 0.74 l/s. Installation is simple and offers unrivalled flexibility. Once wetroom flooring has been laid, the drain’s incline, height and position can be adjusted. During installation, floor fixings enable exact positioning of the Uniflex drain, which can be fitted at a minimum depth of 95mm. A sealing flange and sealing collar additionally allow for a reliable seal between the floor and building structure.

Trilobyte Services
0800 007 5133
www.geberit.co.uk

Mereway Bathrooms strides ahead

Mereway Bathrooms has released Strada, one of the newest additions to its newly branded Infinity fitted furniture collection. Strada painted white slab door boasts a built in slender letterbox style handle. Contemporary in design, Strada expresses its individual style with handle inset panels available in 3 finishes, matching Satin White, contrasting Walnut or Light Oak. Strada allows customers to exhibit individuality in the bathroom with matching or contrasting worktops, carcass colours and a wide range of unit shapes and sizes including reduced depth and corner cabinets also available. Also available are Mereway Bathrooms’ contemporary basins and new brassware, and a range of clever storage solutions that offer complete design versatility for large or small spaces.

Mereway Bathrooms
0121 706 5750
www.merewaybathrooms.co.uk

Fusion from Roca

The new Fusion range of shower enclosures from Roca provides stylish and practical showering solutions to suit all needs. The Fusion range has been designed for Roca by Ramon Benedito and forges a perfect union between aesthetic design and technology. The enclosures are made from 8mm clear glass panels and 6mm sliding doors for a sleek, minimal look. The sliding doors feature makes Fusion ideal for compact spaces, as it does not open out into the main bathroom area, yet owing to the double door entry still offers a wide entry area. They also have an easy release system for effortless cleaning, avoiding the build up of dirt and limescale.
Fusion offers four options for shower enclosures with a range of doors and panels to suit many variants.

Roca UK
01530 830080
www.roca-uk.com

JIS auto bleed valve - a real time saver

If you have a radiator heating system or just a water-heated towel rail, how often have you cursed yourself for not bleeding the system when it was needed? JIS Europe of Scaynes Hill, West Sussex is a major supplier of high quality radiator and bathroom heating systems. It has come up with a neat and simple attachment, which means that air-blocks need never happen again.
The Auto Bleed Valve is small, unobtrusive, simple to fit and inexpensive yet it saves endless frustration, wasted time and money in situations where air regularly enters an individual appliance or a circulatory system. Automatically pressure activated, the Valve vents the appliance as soon as it becomes necessary, increasing the energy efficiency of the heating system as well soothing the owner’s temper. Just occasionally gadgets can be a Godsend and JIS’s Auto Bleed Valve is one of them.

JIS Europe
01444 831200
www.thecoastalrange.co.uk

Let's meet No Code

No Code is an eclectic family of bathroom designs chosen for their quality and beauty; a palette of styles to reflect your choice of design.

After more than 10 years of bringing exciting, edgy and new designs to the mid-priced retail market, No Code was completely refreshed with the launch of its new brochure and four new flag-ship, Italian designed-and-made bathroom-suites. From the cool, clean lines of Spa to the comforting curves of classic Retro via the soft, square Ego and the gently rounded Flo,

No Code offers the highest standards of exciting contemporary design, available exclusively from a small number of selected bathroom retailers, and will be introducing further exclusive bathroom suites, furniture and taps this autumn.

No Code
www.nocode.co.uk
0208 685 6800

The Shaws Original Collection of sinks

There are two British made fluted front Ribchester sinks within the Shaws Original Collection – a 1000 double bowl plus an 800 double bowl sink. Both have central dividing walls and 3-hole overflows with standard 3½” waste outlets to accommodate basket strainer or waste disposer. The basket strainer wastes are available in chrome, gold, brushed nickel and antique bronze with ceramic indices to match the Shaws traditional style range of kitchen taps.

Visit Shaws website www.shawsofdarwen.com to view the complete range of sinks, taps and accessories.

Shaws
01254 775111
www.shawsofdarwen.com

Cucina Colore shines with new gloss wood grain collection

The coming together of high gloss and woodgrain is the latest concept designed and manufactured by Mereway Kitchens for their Italian inspired Cucina Colore Collection. Designed to wow kitchen retailers for spring 2009, these stunning new high gloss polished finishes, available in Sanded Oak, Natural Urbano, Grey/Brown Urbano, Olivewood, Tobacco Walnut and Applewood, look fabulous and are all currently en vogue.

All Gloss MFC doors are made completely in-house as a result of recent developments to the main Mereway Kitchens factory site designed to accommodate brand new production and polishing facilities. With staff fully trained in the careful finishing process to ensure exceptional quality control and optimal results, Mereway Kitchens are now able to offer customers high quality gloss doors combined with the quality cabinets, service and fast lead times that Mereway customers enjoy.

Additional and innovative new features such as matching gloss end panels, coloured extrusions and flexible painted gloss plinth have also been introduced for a more complete and high end finish. The range brings Italian chic and design practicality together with clever, functional storage solutions hidden behind dramatic contemporary design.

For more details on the new Cucina Colore gloss woodgrain ranges call 0121 706 7844 or go online

Mereway Kitchens
0121 706 7844
www.cucinacolore.co.uk

Design flair from Air Uno

Air Uno is famous for extractors that combine real design flair with high performance extraction including the Airone range from Italy.
Sleek and streamlined, the Miro hood is available in stainless steel or black glass (as shown here) and offers a host of technological functions.
These include four-speed soft touch control with automatic switch off, circular active charcoal filters and anti-grease anodized aluminum filters. Even at an extraction rate of 750 m3h, the Miro has a maximum noise level of 62dB(max).

Air Uno
0113 201 2240
www.airuno.co.uk

Foster hob creates a stir

Hob-based cookery is becoming increasingly popular, allowing you to put your culinary expertise on show! Foster’s new range of Quadra hobs, designed in Italy but now available in the UK through Air Uno, make that show even more exciting. This innovative streamlined design, where – so ingeniously – you don’t have to reach over boiling pans to get to a back row, measures 1179 x 368mm and comes in stainless steel of a noticeably higher grade than most UK cooking appliances.
As well as this flush-mounted four burner, Foster offers a single-, three- and five-burner gas hob, with models that turn a corner and cleverly save counter space. Hobs can be integrated into Foster stainless steel worktops or purchased separately.

Air Uno
0113 201 2240
www.airuno.co.uk

Let's meet Fit My Kitchen

The kitchen sink has truly evolved from being a functional product to a design statement in its own right. As it is often the focal point of the room, the sink and tap is very important to the overall look of the kitchen and often affects the design of the units around it.

Our wide range of Pyramis sinks and complementary taps in various finishes reflects the differing lifestyles of the sophisticated UK market – diverse, yet versatile. We offer a collection of superior sinks which all feature the same distinctive qualities: beautiful design, excellent craftsmanship and amazing durability.

Fit My Kitchen
01205 871987
www.fitmykitchen.co.uk

Classic Curves

Perfectly proportioned from every angle, there’s a pleasing symmetry to Franke’s new Basel tap, which is destined to make it a future design classic. From its elegantly curved spout, to its subtly rounded lever handles, the Basel will lend charm to any kitchen where style and substance is sought.
The new Basel tap is part of Franke’s Specialist range, a comprehensive collection of precision-made taps, combining stunning design with outstanding build quality. The tap’s design is simple yet chic, with a high curved spout, making it easy to get large pans underneath, a curved base and smooth lever style handles for easy operation, even with wet hands. Internally, the tap boasts a wealth of high-end technology including a high quality ceramic disc mechanism, which provides smooth operation within a brief quarter-turn rotation.

Franke

0161 436 6280

www.franke.co.uk

Bonar Floors wins textile category in Digital Print Awards

UK based flooring solutions provider Bonar Floors (now trading as Forbo Flooring Systems) has been named Textile Category winner in the FESPA Digital Print Awards 2009, supported by HP. Beating tough competition in this increasingly popular category to win the textile award, Bonar Floors was singled out for its innovative floor solutions. Milan based architectural practice Sottsass Associati approached Bonar Floors to produce a range of original designs using Bonar Floors’ flocked flooring - a unique, velvety, minimalist textile floor cladding. The Milanese company had never worked with the material, so it created an interesting design challenge being the first company to exploit high definition digital printing techniques on flocked flooring.

Forbo Flooring
01592 643777
www.forbo-flooring.co.uk

Vinyl floors boosted by new BRE Green Guide

Vinyl floor coverings manufactured in Europe have been given the highest possible A+ rating in the new BRE Green Guide to environmentally sustainable products. “This is terrific news for the industry,” says Polyflor marketing manager Simon James. “It vindicates our long held belief that in environmental terms the long service life of vinyls, their ability to be recycled and their performance benefits in use make them the ideal choice among resilient floor coverings.

“We have always maintained that high performance, choice, best value and lowest environmental impact were compatible features of Polyflor products.”
Generically, vinyl floor coverings – including homogeneous, heterogeneous and safety floors – are now BRE A+ rated for major use areas, such as education and health.

“The fact that vinyl, generically, is now A+ or A rated will make life simpler for specifiers but it also makes it even more important for manufacturers to successfully pursue other environmental performance objectives in order to differentiate themselves from those who are less environmentally friendly.”

Polyflor
0161 767 1111
www.polyflor.com

Porcelain tiles

THE FOSTER series of porcelain tiles by Tile of Spain member Inalco offers everything an architect needs in a commercial fl oor covering. Rectified porcelain tiles are available in six colourways and an array of formats from 80x80cm base tiles to 8x44cm border tiles. These Foster tiles are available in standard, textured, ridged and low slip risk finishes.

Kährs receives eighth CFJ award

Kährs has received its eighth Contract Flooring Award, for ‘Best Installation’ at The Yang Sing Oriental Hotel. Sponsored jointly by Contract Flooring Journal and the Contract Flooring Association, the Award was given for the extensive application of Kährs Oak Espresso Provence, by Denton-based Business Flooring Ltd. Votes by CFJ’s flooring contractor readership were registered in a ballot earlier this year and the Award was presented at an exclusive luncheon hosted at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. A stunning application, which has received much press coverage in both trade and consumer magazines, the luxurious Yang Sing Oriental was the creation of Gerry and Harry Yeung, owners of the award winning Yang Sing Restaurant. The landmark 48-bedroom boutique hotel was the first Oriental hotel in the UK and is sited in a sympathetically converted Victorian Grade II listed building in Manchester. All works were carried out by Hargreaves Contracting.
Kährs UK
023 9245 3045
www.kahrs.co.uk

Log onto new site

The Stone Carpet Company is pleased to announce the launch of its improved website, which includes an exciting new innovative product called Smoothfloor Flame. This is a flexible resin system that now allows the company to lay over ply-based substrates without the risk of cracking through movement. These are available in a range of solid and dual colours, to ensure each floor is totally bespoke. The new site also includes a range of Stone Carpets, Stone Floor polished concrete and external products. The company hopes you’ll enjoy the new website and utilise the range of seamless designer flooring products on offer.

The Stone Carpet Company
0845 6185346
www.thestonecarpet.co.uk

Shackerley improves Liverpool cinema

Liverpool One’s new multi-screen Odeon cinema features two distinctive facades built from large format glass blocks from Shackerley’s Technology range, a specialist collection designed to meet demanding performance criteria. They were specified by BDP – architects for the 14-screen cinema and master planners of the 42-acre Liverpool One project.
BDP Associate Chris Hernon explains: “Shackerley’s large format glass blocks were of the right scale to meet our aesthetic requirements and offered an attractive, effective way to achieve a visual connection between the cinema and its surroundings. They provide a degree of transparency which enhances the interior and allows the cinema tenant to incorporate kinetic lighting effects in the future.”

Shackerley
0800 783 0391
www.shackerley.com

Versatile folding sliding doors

Working with an existing building can mean you have to be creative and flexible. If you want to create a flexible environment that allows you to move in and out easily by creating an open aspect to any room, the use of sliding/ folding doors will give you these options. It’s also a great way of taking advantage of the good weather.
Solarlux Systems Ltd of Wakefield has been manufacturing sliding folding doors for over 25 years. All products have been tested to withstand the elements, both wind and rain and all have multi point locking systems to ensure complete security. For further information contact 01924 204444 or visit our web site www.solarlux.co.uk

Solarlux
01924 204444
www.solarlux.co.uk

The new Kaba Media Door

Kaba’s revolutionary new door epitomises innovation and technological advancement. The Media Door not only offers all the benefits and convenience of an automatic door, but is also an excellent promotional tool. Installed in an entrance, the media door combines the already proven SLX sliding door system together with flat screen technology to produce a powerful and extremely effective communication tool, targeting customers at their point of entry as well as drawing in passing trade. The system provides an advertising platform that can be individually designed and changed as required. Messages including product promotions, special offers, events and information can be individually communicated. Log onto our website or give us a call.

Kaba Door Systems Ltd
0870 000 5252
www.kabadoorsystems.co.uk

Simon Keen takes centre stage

Luminaires designed and manufactured by Simon Keen Lighting are being used to improve the ambience in the STSP (Subtropical Swimming Paradise) at Center Parcs in Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire. Twelve triple head lamp posts with 36 Luxeon high powered, colour changing, low energy LEDs on each fitting have been trialled with a view to replacing all luminaires in the STSP.
The varying ambience that can be achieved with the colour changing LED’s creates a different atmosphere within the STSP, whilst providing a super energy efficient solution. Specified by Overton Electrical Services Ltd. of Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, the new luminaires from Simon Keen Lighting have a better light output than their mains counterparts.

Simon Keen Lighting
01252 629353
www.simonkeenlighting.co.uk

Torch leads the way

Torch is part of the new and exciting range of luminaires from energy saving experts Megaman. It’s a wall-mounted uplighter that provides perfect illumination for a variety of environments.
The IP44 rated Torch is designed for use with the company’s compact GX53 range of palm-sized lamps, which have a diameter of 75mm and provide a low profile, energy efficient alternative to halogen lamps. Megaman's GX53 lamps can last around 15 times longer than halogen and have a very low heat output, so they remove the potential problem of hot surfaces associated with halogen. Additional features of the GX53 include a silicone diffuser encasing the lamp, so if the lamp is damaged any broken glass is contained within the fitting.

Megaman UK
0845 408 4625
www.megamanuk.com

Helvar controls Cologne Catherdral

Germany’s most popular tourist attraction and third tallest church in the world, Cologne Cathedral, has undergone a lighting facelift, with Helvar’s DIGIDIM routers used to put the new designs into practice. Specified for their ability to overcome the architectural scale of the building and immense differences in height throughout, the DIGIDIM routers helped deliver the comprehensive control required for the 1,000 light, Walter Bamberger designed, installation. A range of luminaires, specially designed by Bamberger, was used to highlight the different areas of the cathedral, with gimbal fixed boom lights lighting the pews and pillars, small light scoops with mini high-voltage halogen lamps in the corridors and secondary high-voltage halogen and metal halide lamps mounted out of sight, illuminating the arches.

Helvar
01322 222211
www.helvar.com

Hey good looking

iLight by Cooper Controls introduces two advanced lighting control panel ranges. The Revio and Ineo combine good-looking, high tech design with simple intuitive operation. The Revio is the company’s new premier range and is unlike any other lighting control panel. Good layout leads users to simply press the on / off button or touch the panel surface to select the required scene, making it much easier to navigate than with traditional panels. Ineo also sets new standards in ergonomic layout. A large circular on/off button is presented within a configurable button module with up to 10 different configurations using large or small buttons.

Cooper Controls Ltd
01892 870072
www.ilight.co.uk

A duo you definitely don't want to miss

The new ‘DUO’ range from Shackletons offers an alternative furniture collection for the care and leisure sectors This duo is comfortable, caring, stylish and hardwearing, Manufactured with faux leather arms and head rest, it provides a stylish yet practical solution. The ‘DUO’ combination of materials makes cleaning easier and the chairs more resilient to wear and tear. And the furniture creates a talking point in any room.
Shackletons’ innovative approach to furniture design and production over the past 50 years has resulted in its ability to offer a wide range of luxurious, quality furniture to suit every need.  
If you’d like to find out more or request a brochure call today on 01924 868470.

Shackletons
01924 868470
sales@shackletonsltd.co.uk

Stormsaver wins rainwater harvesting contract

HMP Brixton in London is the latest prison to feature a Stormsaver rainwater harvesting systems, which will miminise its environmental impact as well as saving money. The system features a 1,200 litre above-ground capacity storage tank, a pre-tank filter, and a COMBI-system as part of the contract, which will capture, filter and supply rainwater for use in flushing WCs and urinals. It is projected to capture and re-use some 118m3 of rainwater, collected from the building’s 197m3 roof area, which will help to substantially reduce HMP Brixton’s mains water bill.
Paul McDowell, Governor of HMP Brixton, said: “We are working closely with external contractors to create a prison which is suitable for the 21st century.”

Stormsaver
0844 884 0015
www.stormsaver.com

New elegant stoves have power to reduce fuel bills

New for this season is a range of heating stoves from Euroheat that has power and presence. The C range has a contemporary industrial-chic look, which is softened with classic elegant lines.  More importantly, the stoves reduce carbon footprint and emissions as well as fuel bills, because they run on seasoned wood or smokeless coal and have an efficiency rating of over 78 per cent. There are three models in the C range to suit different room dimensions and heating requirements.
The stoves are all approved for use in smoke controlled zones and come with the advanced features expected of a Euroheat stove.  They are easy to light and use, due to ZR combustion technology.

Euroheat
01885 491100
www.euroheat.co.uk

Hunter Douglas wins three innovation prizes

Since the invention of the metal venetian blind in 1946, the innovative spirit of Hunter Douglas continues to lead the way in the development of revolutionary new products to meet the increasing demand for design-led fashion and functionality. This innovative approach already resulted in three high profile industry awards in 2009. The first prize, supported by the R+T exhibition in Stuttgart, for Interior Sun Protection was awarded to Hunter Douglas for the Luxaflex MegaView Venetian blind.
The second Innovation Prize, showcased at the Heimtextil Exhibition in Frankfurt, was awarded to Hunter Douglas for Luxaflex Duette Architella Shades.
The third Innovation Prize, supported by Interior Concepts trade publication, was awarded at the Intirio exhibition in Gent for Parametre, a Sunway Benelux product, designed by 3Form a Hunter Douglas company.

Hunter Douglas
0161 442 9500
www.luxaflex.com

Elegant door handles unveiled by valli&valli

Following its recent acquisition by ASSA ABLOY, Valli&Valli is set to strengthen its enviable brand reputation with UK architects, specifiers and designers by unveiling door handles, furniture fittings and accessories inspired by some of the world’s leading design visionaries.
Comprising three distinctive brands – Valli&Valli, Fusital and Ecostile - Valli&Valli’s handcrafted collection of timeless and contemporary pieces combines a breath-taking fusion of functionality, ergonomic excellence and stylish aesthetics, manufactured from the finest solid brass and stainless steel, and is available in a variety of inspirational finishes, creativity and versatility.
Valli&Valli’s Marketing Coordinator, Alan Carter comments: “Valli&Valli’s expertise is in transforming a mere door handle into a decorative and desirable object that conveys style and functional elegance.”

Valli&Valli
020 8667 3245
www.vallievalli.com