Designingways ISSUE 239 - WORKSPACE - Designing Ways

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Designingways ISSUE 239 - WORKSPACE - Designing Ways
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ISSUE 239      WORKSPACE   THE LEATHER LOOK   COLOUR PSYCHOLOGY

 RSA R35.95
 (incl. VAT)                                      dw • Issue 239   1
Designingways ISSUE 239 - WORKSPACE - Designing Ways
A product designed by Cosentino®
Silestone Loft.
Beauty and                                                             Corktown Loft Series
sustainability go
hand in hand.
Cosentino marks a turning point with the
launching of its new Silestone® with
HybriQ+ technology®.

“More beauty. More sustainability. Less impact.” The new
Silestone® is defined by these three guidelines. The flagship of the
Almeria-based company has begun a journey of no return. A
journey forward. A journey that will revolutionise the market for
architectural surfaces, radically transforming the industry.

The world's undisputed leader in quartz surfaces has just launched
the new Lo series, a series of 5 industrial-looking colours

                                                                                                                                                                                                       TOPS ON TOP
reminiscent of cement, which aims to capture the essence of five
neighbourhoods with an industrial look that have become world
trendsetters.

Cosentino seeks to establish this series as a new standard, a new
benchmark in this new normality in which a kitchen has become
even more the soul of the home and a place where we spend
more time than ever. Thanks to this series, we will be able to
transform our kitchen into a space full of character,
functionality, beauty and sustainability.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                Cindy Crawford on Silestone Seaport
The brand presents the new colours as a sensory journey through
these five neighbourhoods and recreates the spirit of each one of
them through its materials. A journey that begins in bustling
Camden, with its eclectic style and reminiscent of eighties punk. It
goes on to the warm Poblenou, the smoothest colour in the
series, which embodies the so ness of the sun-drenched
Mediterranean neighbourhood. Crossing the ocean, the journey
moves on to New York, the birthplace of the Lo movement, and
makes a stopover in Seaport, a seafaring and commercial district
that names the most emblematic grey in the series, a colour
which seems to be sprinkled with sea salt. From there, the journey
heads to Soho and reaches the north of Little Italy. Nolita is the
fourth colour in the series, and it is elegant, almost white and as
full of nuances as the cement that cover its streets. Detroit is the
final destination, where Corktown features an enigmatic and
sophisticated black with rusty touches distinctive of the Motor
City whose history seems to recall that of a failed Miss America.
This journey of the senses is the driving force with which Cosentino
is launching an ambitious campaign, as different from what has         Seaport Loft Series
                                                                                                                             SILESTONE LOFT:
been seen before in the industry as its Lo series with the new
HybriQ+ technology®.
                                                                                                                             A PURELY
                                                                                                                             URBAN SERIES

                                                                               The new                                  More                                      Taking care of
                                                                               normality                                Sustainable                               the value chain
                                                                       The next generation of Silestone®        All Silestone® colours with HybriQ+ are    Cosentino has taken a step forward in
                                                                       sets the new standard for both           manufactured using only renewable          reducing silica in its products to make
                                                                       Silestone® and the market by             energy, recycled water and circular        handling and manufacturing safer. All
                                                                       creating a new paradigm of               economy. In addition to this, HybriQ+      products with HybriQ+ contain
                                                              ®        sustainability and safety.               contains a minimum of 20% recycled         a maximum of 10% crystalline silica.                        Discover more at cosentino.com
                                                                                                                materials, such as glass.
                                                                                                                                                                                                             Follow Us F @CosentinoRSA ò @CosentinoSouthAfrica

                                                                               More                                     Same                                      Committed
                                                                               Beauty                                   Quality                                   to the future                           COSENTINO SOUTH AFRICA / 9 Gerhardus Road, Elandsfontein, JHB
                                                                       Its new hybrid composition of            It maintains all the quality, durability   Among many other initiatives, Cosentino's
                                                                                                                                                                                                         Tel: 010 500 2131 (JHB) / Tel: 021 385 1866 (CT) / info.za@cosentino.com
                                                                       minerals allows for effects never seen   and warranty features that have made       agenda is in line with the SDGs 2030.
                                                                       before in terms of depth of colour,      Silestone® the benchmark in the            The evolution to HybriQ+ itself covers
                                                                       texture and tone.                        kitchen surface market.                    5 goals from the list established by the
                                                                                                                                                                                                         The Silestone® LOFT series designs have been registered by Cosentino S.A.U.
                                                                                                                                                           United Nations.
Designingways ISSUE 239 - WORKSPACE - Designing Ways
4   Issue 239 • dw   www.sevens.co.za     FOURWAYS
                                        Tel: (011) 691-7700
                                                              SILVER LAKES
                                                              Tel: (012) 809-3519
                                                                                      UMHLANGA
                                                                                    Tel: (031) 566-6777   dw • Issue 239   5
Designingways ISSUE 239 - WORKSPACE - Designing Ways
CONT EN TS
                                                          Issue 239

ii     COSENTINO

10     DESIGNER PROFILE

12     TRADE WINDS
       Mungo

13     TRADE WINDS
       Avoid concrete cracking in dry conditions - Chryso

14     TRADE WINDS
       The Silk and Cotton Co.
                                                                       Silestone’s 5 new LOFT colours are inspired by concrete, a
                                                                       material capable of instilling emotions through its textures,
                                                                       finishes and shades.

15     TRADE WINDS
       Keep to the rules for successful concrete floors
                                                                       Tel: 010 500 2131 (JHB), Tel: 021 204 0572 (CPT)
                                                                       www.cosentino.com

16     TRADE WINDS
       Raised flooring system with unique                             26   COMMERCIAL INTERIOR
                                                                           SA senior living community garners acclaim
       water harvesting application
                                                                           with international industry leaders

17     TRADE WINDS
       Healthy hotels with biophilic flooring lure the crowds         30   WORKSPACE

18     IID
       The African Institute of The Interior Design Professions       30   WORKSPACE
                                                                           Lightspeed Offices

20     KSA
       The Kitchen Specialists Assocoiation                           36   WORKSPACE
                                                                           World’s First Connected Phone Booth

22     PRODUCT DESIGN
       Meridiane: the New Design from LATOxLATO                       38   WORKSPACE
       Measures Time in Light and Shadow                                   Set up your home office for maximum productivity

                                                                      40   THE LEATHER LOOK

                                                                      42   THE LEATHER LOOK
                                                                           From idea to infinite possibilities - Emmay trading

                                                                      44   COLOUR PSYCHOLOGY

                                                                      46   COLOUR PSYCHOLOGY
                                                                           MAMEDE - by ESQVTA

                                                                      49   COLOUR PSYCHOLOGY
                                                                           Wallpaper inn

     42                                                               50   COLOUR PSYCHOLOGY
                                                                           NOTABLY NORDIC

6    Issue 239 • dw                                                                                                                    dw • Issue 239   7
Designingways ISSUE 239 - WORKSPACE - Designing Ways
CO NT E N TS
                                                               Issue 239

52       ON THE TERRACE
         Clarke Terrace

55       ON THE TERRACE
         3 plus three - Hope garden

56       EVENTS
         Architizer Announces Winners of
         1st Annual A+Firm Awards

64       ALL ABOUT ART
         Get to know the overall winner of the Nando’s Hot Young
         Designer (HYD) Talent Search 2020 - Katlego Tshuma
                                                                                    Think of it as the world’s most beautiful “no entry” sign.
66       ALL ABOUT ART
         Mastering mural painting
                                                                                    ShutterGuard® Shutters not only lend a sophisticated look to
                                                                                    any window or door, they also provide high-end security when
                                                                                                                                                            RO409        LS0027
                                                                                    closed. They’re rustproof, available in custom colours and are
                                                                                                                                                         Metal outdoor wall light
68
                                                                                    backed by a 10-year warranty. The perfect way to finish off a
         LE LITTORAL
         La Malbaie, Canada
                                                                                    home stylishly and, importantly, securely.
                                                                                    www.taylorblinds.co.za
                                                                                                                                                         230mm(w) x 380mm(h)
                                                                                    Tel: 0861-1-TAYLOR (829567)
74       AIA SAN FRANCISCO ANNOUNCES 2020
         DESIGN AWARDS RECIPIENTS
                                                                                    Email: sales@taylorblinds.co.za

         San Francisco, United States                                                                                                                                                                                                                       www.radiant.co.za

                                                                                80       FLOATING HOME
                                                                                         Gemeente Amsterdam
                                                                                                                                                                                          OUTDOOR LIVING
                                                                                86       CASA COLORADA
                                                                                         Valle de Bravo, Mexico

                                                                                93         TAIL OF THE DOG
                                                                                           The America’s Cup

                                                                                94       BRIGHT IDEAS
                                                                                           Fantasy Pendants - Klight

      76
                                                  Eleven issues of DESIGNING WAYS are published per year
    Published by Nylapix (Pty) Ltd                                                                                                                          RO402    LS0020                                 RO404 LS0022                                    RO403    LS0021
    Editorial: editorial@designingways.com                                                                                                                Metal outdoor pendant                            Metal outdoor pillar                           Metal outdoor post top
    Advertising: Stienie Greyling • 081 846 6214 • stienie.greyling@gmail.com                                                                            180mm(w) x 1500mm(h)                            180mm(w) x 796mm(h)                              140mm(w) x 295mm(h)
    Contributors: Gill Butler • Mila Crewe-Brown • Adri Neuper • Gideon Schutte                   P O Box 1248, Fontainebleau, 2032.
    Layout: Christo Van Eeden • 082 442 8176 • beyond@bdstudio.co.za                              Telephone +27 (0) 11 791 5995
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    Accounts: accounts@designingways.com
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                                                                                                                                                     Radiant Lighting has a diverse range of outdoor lighting designs perfectly suited to improve your
        Advertisements submitted for publication must be high resolution PDF (PDF/X‑1a or PDF/X4) and will be printed to European Bruma colour       outside living area. Whether you want to tighten security, enhance exterior lighting or simply
          standards. DESIGNING WAYS accepts no responsibility for colour reproduction if the supplied material has been incorrectly made up.         refresh your outdoors, our team of specialists are on hand to help you create your perfect garden.
                      DESIGNING WAYS reserves the right to edit, amend and/or abridge any manuscript submitted for publication.

                                                                                                                                                          JHB +27 (0)11 386 0000          CPT +27 (0)21 521 2500          DBN +27 (0)31 263 0096
8     Issue 239 • dw                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          dw • Issue 239   9
Designingways ISSUE 239 - WORKSPACE - Designing Ways
DESIGNER
          PROFILE

     Architecture49 - Le Littoral - page 64
     It was in 1955 that six architects with strong
     personalities and diverse backgrounds
     decided to found Affleck, Desbarats,
     Dimakopoulos, Lebensold, Michaud &
     Sise. For more than 30 years, starting in
     the 1970s, the firm would later take the
     name Arcop, an acronym for Architects in
     Co-Partnership. Throughout its history,
     the firm has had a great influence on
     Quebec and Canadian architecture.
        Since 2014, six architectural studios
     have joined forces, their expertise, and                                                                                                                   THE MUST-ATTEND EVENT
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     North 46, PBK, Smith Carter, and WHW
     Architects.
                                                                rehabilitation of heritage buildings. Its
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    10    Issue 239 • dw                                                                                                                                    www.thehotelshowafrica.com                                                                             dw • Issue 239   11
Designingways ISSUE 239 - WORKSPACE - Designing Ways
TRADE
      WINDS

             Mungo
   We are at a unique stage in our history.
Never before have we had such an
awareness of what we are doing to the
planet, and never before have we had the
power to do something about that… the
future of humanity and indeed, all life
on earth, now depends on us. - David
Attenborough.
   From David Attenborough to world
leaders, we are hearing that the next
decade will determine our ability to
sustain life on Earth. Creating a quality
                                              soil is preserved for future generations.
                                              Using up to 90% less water, and relying on
                                                                                             the company-wide commitment to
                                                                                             convert our entire cotton product range                                 Avoid concrete cracking in dry conditions
product is not enough.                        more circular and regenerative systems,        to organic over the next couple of years.

                                                                                                                                            H
   Quality is no longer a product of          organic cotton presents a future for more      In making this decision, we hope to prove                ot and windy conditions              According to the American Concrete          and trowelling operations must be
function or form. It needs to reach           sustainable textile production.                to South African farmers, manufacturers,                 can lead to plastic shrinkage     Institute (ACI), plastic shrinkage cracking    conducted to create the required surface
beyond enhancing the life of its user. A        Alarmingly, only 1% of global                retailers, and the general public that there             cracking on fresh concrete,       of concrete is likely to occur whenever the    finish. CHRYSO® ProFilm 19 is a water
quality product now needs to improve the      cotton production is organic. But as           is a demand for textiles made with organic     but CHRYSO® ProFilm 19 can solve this       evaporation rate is more than 1 kg per         based product which is compliant with
condition of our planet.                      manufacturers and consumers we                 cotton.                                        problem, without the addition of extra      square metre per hour. The ACI highlights      guidelines on volatile organic compounds
                                              recognise our responsibility to shift the                                                     water to the concrete mix.                  that this rate of evaporation can be readily   (VOCs).
Let’s start with cotton                       demand.                                        Getting Certified                                                                          caused by many combinations of air                The effectiveness of the mono-molecular
   Conventionally grown cotton is one                                                           In 2020, amidst a global pandemic, we       Avoid concrete cracking in dry              temperature, relative humidity, concrete       film means that there is no need for water
of the least sustainable crops on earth.      Going Organic                                  became the first GOTS-certified mill in        conditions                                  temperature and wind velocity.                 spraying on the surface of the concrete
A waterthirsty crop, GMO cotton makes            In 2018 we embarked on a journey to         South Africa.                                     Hot and windy conditions can lead           As an evaporation reducer, CHRYSO®          in order to slow the evaporation process.
use of pesticides and insecticides in its     find a supplier of organic cotton. This took      The Global Organic Textile Standard         to plastic shrinkage cracking on fresh      ProFilm 19 prevents this cracking by           It can be used on a range of horizontal
production, which contaminate the soil,       us to Turkey where we met Egedeniz - the       (GOTS) is the world-leading textile            concrete, but CHRYSO® ProFilm 19 can        protecting fresh concrete from the effects     concrete pours where the evaporation rate
the air we breathe and the water we drink.    first Turkish cotton farmers to achieve        processing standard for organic fibres. It     solve this problem, without the addition    of excessive moisture loss in rapid drying     may exceed the bleeding rate of concrete.
   In contrast, the production of organic     GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard)         defines the highest level of environmental     of extra water to the concrete mix.         conditions. Furthermore, it can achieve        These applications include industrial
cotton requires no pesticides or synthetic    certification. We made a video about it        and social criteria, from harvesting,             One of the dangers of working in low     this result without increasing the bleed.      floors, roads, bridge decks, slabs, patios,
fertilizers.                                  which you can watch here.                      to socially responsible manufacturing,         humidity conditions – even inside heated    By spraying this evaporation-reducing          driveways and sidewalks.
   Relying on the wisdom of traditional          In 2019 we launched our first 100%          providing a credible assurance along the       buildings during cold weather – is the      product onto fresh concrete surfaces,             CHRYSO® ProFilm 19 is ideal in
farming, the health of both the farmers and   organic towel, The Aegean, and made            entire supply chain.                           rapid evaporation of surface moisture       the user creates a continuous mono-            concrete applications that produce little
                                                                                                Over a three-day period, each division      from the concrete. This can cause map       molecular film over the concrete, which        or no bleed water, such as mixes with low
                                                                                             of the Mungo Mill in Plettenberg Bay was       cracking and plastic shrinkage, where       inhibits the rapid loss of bleed water.        water content.                          dw
                                                                                             carefully scrutinised by Control Union -       cracks can penetrate to the full depth of      This film lasts as long as the concrete
                                                                                             an independent certification body. We          a concrete slab.                            remains plastic, even where floating                        za.chryso.com
                                                                                             were monitored from waste disposal to
                                                                                             yarn lots, energy consumption, labour
                                                                                             practices and health and safety.
                                                                                                Compliance was met across the board,
                                                                                             from our design and production, right
                                                                                             through to our weaving, CMT, finishing,
                                                                                             laundry, wholesale and retail departments.

                                                                                             More than just a towel
                                                                                              The Aegean is South Africa’s first 100%
                                                                                             GOTS-certified organic towel.
                                                                                              Designed, woven and made by us, at the
                                                                                             Mungo Mill in Plettenberg Bay.
                                                                                              More organic products to follow. Soon.
                                                                                                                                      dw

                                                                                                         www.mungo.co.za

12   Issue 239 • dw                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         dw • Issue 239    13
Designingways ISSUE 239 - WORKSPACE - Designing Ways
TRADE
      WINDS

                                                                                                                                                 Keep to the rules
                                                                                                                                                   for successful
                                                                                                                                                  concrete floors

                                                                                                                                              T
                                                                                                                                                       he construction of industrial
                                                                                                                                                       floors, such as warehousing and
                                                                                                                                                       factory floors, calls for concrete
                                                                                                                                              with specific characteristics, says Bryan
                                                                                                                                              Perrie, managing director of The Concrete
                                                                                                                                              Institute (TCI), which monthly receives
                                                                                                                                              huge volumes of appeals for advice
                                                                                                                                              regarding faulty flooring.
                                                                                                                                                 “It is also important for the tenant or
                                                                                                                                              property owner to fully brief architects
                                                                                                                                              and concrete designers about the logistics
                                                                                                                                              system and loading weights on the floor
                                                                                                                                              being planned to help define the loading
                                                                                                                                              criteria for the concrete mix. If incorrect
                                                                                                                                              information is supplied, the same
                                                                                                                                              serviceability criteria used for routine
                                                                                                                                              slabs could be selected – with disastrous
                                                                                                                                              results when handling huge volumes of

T
                                                                                                                                              heavy forklift movement and racking,”
       he Silk and Cotton Co. is a            extends from upholstery and curtaining                                                          Perrie adds.
       privately owned, South African         to lightweight upholstery, which are all                                                           Concrete for flooring calls for correct
       fabric and wallpaper company.          suitable for contract and domestic use.                                                         design, materials, and proportions.
  Recently bought over at the end of             Each range is carefully selected with                                                        Material specifications for all the           placement of concrete and the finishing of   of material selection, environmental
2019, there has been much focus on            fine attention to design and cloth, in such                                                     ingredients of the concrete exist - and       floor slabs.                                 inconsistencies, as well as handling and
expanding the brand and growing the           a way that each new collection builds                                                           should be adhered to - as well as South          “A thorough understanding of all the      finishing, are essential to produce a quality
business. They have introduced new print      on the colours and nuances of existing                                                          African Codes of Practice for the actual      characteristics of concrete, the influence   floor. A disregard for any of these factors
ranges and a broader range of upholstery      ranges, thereby creating a complete user-                                                                                                                                                  leads to problems normally encountered
and curtaining fabrics into the market.       friendly compendium of fine fabrics.                                                                                                                                                       too late to be corrected,” he states.
  They specialize in finely-crafted fabrics      Their passion lies in printed fabrics that                                                                                                                                                 Consistency by the contractor is also
and wallpapers. Their range of fabrics        are locally designed and produced.                                                                                                                                                         crucial throughout: receiving the concrete,
                                                 Their new range “Here Comes the Sun’                                                                                                                                                    discharging, placing, consolidating and
                                              is a fun, colourful and free-spirited range.                                                                                                                                               finishing. Protecting the concrete while
                                              Boasting six designs in a range of colours,                                                                                                                                                being placed and cured is also vital.
                                              Here Comes the Sun will be sure to bring                                                                                                                                                      “Lack of attention to correct
                                              sunshine to any room.                                                                                                                                                                      proportioning, handling and finishing,
                                                 Another new collection ‘Maison’ is in                                                                                                                                                   inexperienced contractors, all could
                                              the pipeline and will be available in the                                                                                                                                                  contribute to a floor with poor durability,
                                              coming months.                                                                                                                                                                             strength and aesthetics. Concrete flooring
                                                 The Silk and Cotton Co are the agents                                                                                                                                                   relies on the successful completion of
                                              for a number of international brands                                                                                                                                                       successive phases: understanding what is
                                              including Fabricut, Sandberg Wallpaper                                                                                                                                                     being done in each design phase, using
                                              and PielSa.                                     July 2020. The showroom has opened                                                                                                         the right concrete and equipment, by the
                                                 They are also the agent for a smaller        many exciting new doors with the aim to                                                                                                    right person at the right time,” he adds.
                                              boutique brand from the UK, Abigail             expand the space further. This includes                                                                                                       “Concrete Industrial Floors on the
                                              Borg.                                           furniture, ready-made scatters and décor                                                                                                   Ground’, a one-day training course on
                                                 These carefully selected brands              pieces to swoon over. They are also                                                                                                        all facets of industrial floor design and
                                              complement The Silk and Cotton Co’s             working on launching an online store,                                                                                                      construction, will be presented online on
                                              look and brand.                                 where all pieces will be available to buy. dw                                                                                              June 1 by TCI.                            dw

                                                 A pinnacle point was the opening of
                                              their new showroom in Kramerville in                        www.silkco.co.za                                                                                                                   www.theconcreteinstitute.org.za

14   Issue 239 • dw                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            dw • Issue 239    15
Designingways ISSUE 239 - WORKSPACE - Designing Ways
TRADE
      WINDS

  Raised flooring system with unique water harvesting application                                                                           Healthy hotels with biophilic flooring lure
                                                                                                                                                           the crowds
S
      ustainability is the key feature         away from the building and be potentially   drainage points beneath the floor void

                                                                                                                                          R
      of a new outdoor raised flooring         reused as grey water elsewhere.             through slab undulations. By adjusting
      installation in Centurion which             Guy Park, who heads the Raised Floor     the InstaCradle system, KBAC’s installers              e‌ search by leading global modular   the preferred place to meet for coffee and     TacTiles glue-free installation system,
is laid on recycled truck tyres and will       division of KBAC Flooring, says the         ensured that although the sub-level                     flooring producer, Interface, has    refreshments. Interface studies show that      which has virtually no VOCs and none
harvest vast volumes of rainwater.             property developer, M&T Development,        deviated in a manner to control the water               shown that biophilic designs in      biophilic hotel lobbies are at least 36%       of the unpleasant odours associated with
   KBAC Flooring’s Raised Flooring             approached KBAC for a solution that         flow, the final paved areas on top were        hospitality flooring that bring nature        more popular than conventional lobbies.        traditional adhesives, was hailed as a
division supplied and installed the            could deal with water runoff from the       perfectly level,” Park explains.               indoors to hotel rooms - and also public      At a time when Covid-19 still hampers          global breakthrough. Interface’s modular
sustainable InstaCradle raised paving          exterior extensions which, because of the      The height of the raised paving system’s    areas - can significantly boost a hotel’s     tourism and room occupancy, this is            carpet also helps keep the air free from
system at a new property development           site of the new building in Byls Bridge     concrete paved slab varies from 90mm           revenue.                                      important because hotels can in this way       potentially harmful particles of fine dust
for M&T Development. The innovative            Office Park, could have posed major         to 245mm under the concrete pavers.              Neslihan Küçükaslan, Europe/Middle          earn more revenue without having to fill       and other pollutants by trapping and
application of InstaCradle rubber under-       problems.                                   The flooring on ground level outside           East/Africa (EMEA) Regional Design            more beds,” Neslihan states.                   retaining them until removed by vacuum
structure and raised paving around the            “A raised paving solution was chosen     the building covers 1 406m2, while the         Sales and Marketing Manager of Interface         With public health now a major issue,       cleaning. And Interface has this year also
public spaces on the ground floor of the       so that the sub-floor could be adequately   system on the higher balcony – used as         – which has KBAC Flooring as its sole         she says to keep the air clean in hotels,      introduced CQuest, its first backing with
building, and on its third-floor balcony,      waterproofed and designed in such a         client entertainment area – is 163m2 in        South African distributors – says the         the control of volatile organic compounds      carbon negative materials, to the market.”
allows for the substrate to direct waterflow   way that water is directed to collection    extent.                                        calming, energising influence of natural      (VOCs) is vital. Found in many building           Neslihan says carefully selected and
                                                                                              The InstaCradle system, which               connections can make people want to           materials, including flooring, VOCs can        designed flooring also significantly
                                                                                           for this project was specified to              spend more time in the ambience a hotel       easily become airborne gases or vapours        reduces the sound of footsteps in hotel
                                                                                           promote sustainable objectives, is itself      has created.                                  that irritate the eyes, nose and throat and,   corridors. Interface modular carpet
                                                                                           exceptionally sustainable. The innovative        “For local visitors and guests, a           at high concentrations, can be toxic.          helps to minimise the irritation of poor
                                                                                           form of “green” raised flooring is             hotel lobby’s relaxing and rejuvenating          “Interface has worked hard to drastically   acoustics and, for specific problem areas,
                                                                                           supported by rubber crumb cradles made         connection with nature tends to make it       reduce the VOCs in all its products. Our       the company’s resilient underlay reduces
                                                                                           from recycled truck and car tyres. The                                                                                                      noise even further. This also applies to
                                                                                           InstaCradle rubber cradles for this project                                                                                                 Interface LVTs which have Sound Choice
                                                                                           totalled approximately 9.6 tons of recycled                                                                                                 acoustic backing as standard. The 4.5mm
                                                                                           truck tyres - this is about 194 radial truck                                                                                                LVTs deliver all the expected performance
                                                                                           tyres that have been repurposed instead of                                                                                                  benefits of hard surface flooring with
                                                                                           landing up in a landfill. Concrete pavers                                                                                                   superior durability and far lower noise
                                                                                           600mm x 600mm x 45mm thick were                                                                                                             levels.
                                                                                           then loosely placed on a combination                                                                                                           “The Sound Choice backing system
                                                                                           of InstaCradle rubber cradles and                                                                                                           provides acoustic insulation without
                                                                                           aluminium battens.                                                                                                                          the need for additional underlay and
                                                                                              “Even the InstaCradle system’s rubber                                                                                                    significantly reduces impact sound in any
                                                                                           cradles are fully recyclable to provide a                                                                                                   given space. Interface has also engineered
                                                                                           genuine ‘cradle-to-cradle’ product. The                                                                                                     Sound Choice LVTs to have heights
                                                                                           cradles have a 60-year guarantee and are                                                                                                    compatible with the company’s carpet tile
                                                                                           loose-laid without the need for fixing to                                                                                                   backings,” Neslihan adds.               dw

                                                                                           sub-floors,” Park adds.                   dw

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               www.kbacflooring.co.za
                                                                                                    www.kbacflooring.co.za

16   Issue 239 • dw                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         dw • Issue 239   17
Designingways ISSUE 239 - WORKSPACE - Designing Ways
IID

      Getting involved with the IID is probably the most significant
             contribution you can make to your own career.

     W
                  hy? It tells people that you're serious about           • Discounted Rates for Design Shows and Workshops &
                  interior design, interior decorating or interior          Relationships with media partners International presence.
                  architecture. It indicates your status as a business      The IID is a member of Ico-D (The International Council
     professional with valuable industry skills.                            of Design) which enables the IID to act as a formal
     • The IID is the only registered professional body                     contact point between the South African Interior Design
        representing the interior design industry in South Africa.          Professions and the international design community.
                                                                                                                                                                                         Charrisse Johnston Chairperson of the Directors Committee

                                                                                                                                                                                 A
     • Professional Recognition and Status. Membership gives              • SAQA & CPD Points. All IID professional members
        you credibility by belonging to the Interior Design                 must also engage in continuing professional development                                                     fter‌ a career as an interior designer and          reposition our profession’s image and redefine our
        professional body, identifying that you are serious about           (CPD). The purpose of CPD is to ensure professional                                                            director of an architectural firm in Los         value. These days, given the resources, practically
        what you do.                                                        members maintain the highest possible standards                                                                Angeles, I moved to South African in 2018        anyone can put together an Insta-worthy vignette;
     • Professional Contracts and Fees.                                     of practice through their commitment to continued                                                    with my Capetonian architect husband, eager to             but to create spaces that look fabulous AND make
     • The IID and SACAP Partnership that is continuously                   learning.                                                                                            start a new chapter in my life. The past three years       occupants instantly feel safe and comfortable, help
        growing.                                                          • Being recognised by SAQA means the IID has                                                           have been incredibly eye-opening because I’ve              them work/relax/learn/heal better, and not cost a
     • Free Marketing. Share content in our newsletter: Fridays             recognition as a trusted professional body through an Act                                            seen our profession from a different perspective:          fortune … well that requires a trained professional.
        for the following week’s Social Media platforms, 15th of            of Parliament, part of a National database of professional                                           that of humanitarianism and problem-solving,                  2020 has shown us we can’t possibly anticipate
        the month for the following month’s content. Contact                bodies that uphold high standards of competence and                                                  not merely purveyors of beautiful objects and              what challenges lie around the corner. To that
        national@iidprofessions.org.za for more information.                ethics, registration of professional designations on                                                 materials and the latest trends.                           end, the IID is dedicated to helping all members
     • IID Events and Networking. Great opportunity for you to              the most comprehensive National database of learner                                                     Covid has driven that point home. All across            strengthen their businesses and keep up with the
        stay visible, exchange ideas and rub shoulders with some            achievements, and exposure to best practice through                                                  the world, people have spent more time indoors             latest design knowledge, so that we’re all prepared
        of the leaders in the profession.                                   access to fora that improve the functions of professional                                            over the past 12 months than at any other time             for whatever might come our way. As long as we
                                                                            bodies.                                                                                              in history, and everyone is starting to realize how        listen to, learn from, and collaborate with each
                                                                                                                                                                                 much interior spaces affect their mood, health,            other, we’ll not only get through it, but we’ll thrive.
                                                                                                                                                                                 productivity, etc. I believe the time is now to            And by extension, our clients will flourish as well.

                                                    Directors of the IID

     Newly appointed director of the IID Monica Di Ruvo                                                                                                                    Juliet M Kavishe - Director of the IID

I                                                                                                                                               I
     am honoured to join the IID panel of         currently head of the department of                                                               nterior Design, like curating is all about a          share their catalogues of works, so the designer
     directors. I qualified with a National       Applied Design. My areas of interest                                                              synthesis of objets in a space, and when art          can give them access to not only one client, but
     Higher Diploma in Interior Design            include interior and architectural design,                                                        and design inform each other an amplification         a myriad. The industry norm is to showcase at
from Technikon Witwatersrand before               interdisciplinary design studies and                                                          of conceptual spaces is realised. The idea that these     galleries and major exhibitions, which in turn are
working under the mentorship of Trevor            design and making in globalised digital                                                       two disciplines can live in isolation is a disservice     quite expensive for your up-and-coming artists.
Julius for six years. With friends, a             economies.                                                                                    to each, for art informs design and vice versa.           There is merit, however, to rather work with an
collaborative design office was formed,             Research indicates that the built                                                              As an Interior Architect who has an interest           interior designer to get their work directly into
where I traded as d.i.a. (design interiors        environment is responsible for about                                                          in art, my design process and product always              more client’s homes.
architecture) for 18 years, working in the        40% of global carbon emissions. Over                                                          accommodate spaces for my clients to include                 Alchemy between these disciplines, will not only
fields of corporate, retail and hospitality       the lifespan of a building interior                                                           their own personal interests, be it through décor,        benefit both parties but also serve the clients in the
design. In parallel, I maintained a close         configurations change as needs and                                                            furniture, objets d’art or paintings. However, even       end. John Hunt in his book ‘The Art of the Idea’
relationship with academia, as an external        usage dictate. Our industry therefore                                                         within this process, a thorough interrogation with        states that “…a new thought is often a tangle of
examiner at various institutions, as an           plays a key role in the responsible use of                                                    my clients as to their tastes, access and interests       inspiration, and a request for it to be reasonable.”,
interior design lecturer at the Technikon         materials and technologies as well as in                                                      is further shared with the sub-contractors like           and this is where the relationship between art and
Witwatersrand, and at the Greenside               education and innovation with regard            to respond creatively and turn challenges     lighting and electrical specialists, and finishes         design resides.
Design Center where I led the Interior            to how we approach sustainable futures.         into opportunities. I look forward to         suppliers to understand the backdrops and                    Where design communicates intention directly,
Design department for three years. On             The concept of sustainability also refers       conversations and engagements around          lighting requirements needed to celebrate these           art does so indirectly, however both serve each
completion of my Master’s degree from             to the longevity and survival of our            these themes and how we can mitigate          nuances.                                                  other. Let us make interior design the rationale,
the University of Johannesburg, I joined          industry and, in current fast changing          challenges through inclusive and ethical         Similarly, I believe, artists, photographers or        backdrop and access that artists and various
CPUT in the Department of Architectural           contexts, our ability to recover from           practices that protect design practitioners   sculptors should have access to designers, and            artistic mediums can use to inspire the masses.
Technology and Interior Design. I am              setbacks. Designers are best positioned         as well as our profession.

18   Issue 239 • dw                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         dw • Issue 239    19
KSA

         KSA update                                                                                                                         Kitchen Studio, Cosentino, KZN Boards,
                                                                                                                                            Kayreed, ISS, Niemann SA, Prostone,
                                                                                                                                            National Edging, Franke, Sangengalo

W
              e now have the beginning                                                                                                      Marble & Granite. I can guarantee there
              of 2021 behind us and are                                                                                                     will be a lot more names on this list before
                                                                                                                      Amy Sharman
              getting back into the swing                                                                                                   the project is done.
of things. We had all hoped 2021 would                                                                                                         While our industry is champing at the
bring us a little more stability but have                                                                                                   bit to start having industry events again
                                              editions because the content is so useful.     well as adding more images to showcase
learned very quckly that adaptibility is                                                                                                    we feel it is vital that we put members’
                                              This year’s edition highlights a stunning      work or products. Links to social media
going to be the key word for the year.                                                                                                      health and well-being first. While we are
                                              modern kitchen by Optima Kitchens in           platforms can also now be added.
   For us at the KSA there have been some                                                                                                   still planning for several in-person events,
                                              Gauteng. Optima is one of the the oldest          We have also now included the option
changes. Regional manager for Gauteng,                                                                                                      should numbers drop sufficiently and we
                                              KSA members with their membership              for members to advertise their company
Megan Craft, left us at the end of January.                                                                                                 return to level one, we are also looking to
                                              spanning back twenty-three years.              on a series of rotational banner adverts
We were lucky to be flooded with CV’s for                                                                                                   have several talks online. We will ensure all
                                                 The guide was launched online on the        that appear on our website’s home page.
her replacement but we held out, looking                                                                                                    are kept updated, should we move ahead
                                              ISSUU platform and links can be found             The last new addition to the site should
for someone who could add a new skillset                                                                                                    with the popular industry showcases in
                                              on the KSA website home page and on            be seen in early March. This platform
to the KSA team. We were very pleased                                                                                                       Gauteng, KZN and Cape Town, as well as
                                              our Facebook post. Alternativly visit it       will be called ‘What’s hot in the kitchen’.
to welcome Amy Sharman to the KSA                                                                                                           the popular, more social KSA networking
                                              directly on ISSUU: https://issuu.com/          It is specifically designed for our supplier
family on the 8th February. Amy brings                                                                                                      events like the Gauteng and CT golf days
                                              ksa.za/docs/ksa_consumer_guide_2021 .          members to allow them to showcase their
to the KSA an in-depth knowledge of                                                                                                         and the new CT mountain biking event.
                                              Printed versions are available – we have       latest offerings, whether they be materials,
digital marketing which we believe will                                                                                                     Please also keep an eye out for invitations
                                              found that despite the move away from          appliances or products. This blog based
have a great impact on how we, as an                                                                                                        to online events. Our popular online sales
                                              print media this is one booklet people         platform will feature specific items that
organisation, move forward. Amy also                                                                                                        course will be returning, as well as talks
                                              like to hold in their hands and keep. Hard     are new and interesting to the market.
has a wealth of experience from the sales                                                                                                   on showroom optimisation and advice on
                                              copies will be delivered to KSA members           February also saw the start of the
and hospitality industries. Over the next                                                                                                   the best ways to avoid customer disputes.
                                              over the next few weeks. Anyone wishing        KSA’s kitchen design project for tertiary                                                dw
few months she will be getting training on
                                              to organie a hardcopy of the booklet for       institutions. In collaboration with the
KSA protocols and the kitchen industry,                                                                                                                   www.ksa.co.za
                                              themsleves can contact their regional          IID, the KSA has been working on a
and will be getting to know each of the
                                              KSA office:                                    project based means of enhancing interior
Gauteng members. We wish her all the
                                                          gauteng@ksa.co.za                  design students’ experience of learning
best as she begins her adventure with us
                                                             kzn@ksa.co.za                   about kitchen design and manufacturing.
and hope the industry will give her the
                                                 - for KZN/EC and Garden Route               The project not only focuses on design
same support they gave Megan.
                                                        westerncape@ksa.co.za                but also materials, budgets and dissecting
   This month also sees the launch of our
                                                                                             a brief. Multiple tertiaries will be rolling
2021 Consumer Guide. This little A5
                                                We are also very proud of the new            this project out to second and third year
booklet has proved to be a valuable tool
                                              additions to our website that went live        interior design students during 2021.
for consumers, the kitchen industry and
                                              at the end of January / early February.        To help them on their way, we have put
industry professionals over the years. It
                                              Members can now expand their listing on        together a goodie box of samples for
is always gratifying to get calls asking
                                              our website giving their profile more detail   each institution to help them with their
when the next edition will be out and to
                                              about who they are and what they do, as        understanding of the materials available.
find that people have collected the various
                                                                                             We have also begun the process of putting
                                                                                             together video resources in the form of
                                                                                             interviews and talks with KSA members
                                                                                             on key topics. These video resources
                                                                                             will be uploaded to the KSA’s YouTube
                                                                                             channel (this can be accessed on our
                                                                                             website homepage) so that students can
                                                                                             access them when and as often as they
                                                                                             like.
                                                                                                We would like to thank the members
                                                                                             who have helped us thus far with the
                                                                                             project for their time and contributions
                                                                                             to the goodie boxes: Articad, Blum,
                                                                                             Salvacorp, Compusoft, Gelmar, Granite
                                                                                             Projects, Sonae Arauco, Maxima Software,
                                                                                             PG Bison, Macsharp Timbers, Martin
                                                                                             Meyer Kitchens, Infin8 Surfacing, The

                                                                         Potch students

20   Issue 239 • dw                                                                                                                                                                         dw • Issue 239   21
PRODUCT
      DESIGN

           Meridiane: the New Design from
             LATOxLATO Measures Time
                in Light and Shadow
                                     Milano, Italy

L
     ATOxLATO
        ‌               has       launched     tributes to classical and Renaissance
        “Meridiane,” a new collection of       Italian architecture has an impressive new
        home accessories inspired by the       entry in “Meridiane.”
sundials that decorate numerous Italian           The metaphysical echoes of their earlier
palaces and villas, with architectural lines   collections of vases and candelabras here
and shadows as the stars of the show.          return decisively in the decoration of
   “Meridiane” means “sundials” in Italian.    these new pieces, becoming their defining
It is also the name of the new collection      characteristic. Here the shadows are not
of home accessories from LATOxLATO,            projected but are an indelible design on
the design studio founded by Virginia          the white ceramic surface of the objects.
Valentini and Francesco Breganze de            Along with the volumes and geometric
Capnist. This 100% Italian-made design         lines borrowed from architectural forms,
celebrates the art and architecture of         they further emphasize the unique and
the Bel Paese through accessories,             precious character of each piece.
furnishings, and design objects.
   The Meridiane collection is inspired by     Shadows as Decoration, Decoration as
the sundials that decorate the façades of      Shadow.
numerous Italian palaces and villas.              Shadows and architectural forms. These
   The sundial is a truly ancient              are the key elements of LATOxLATO’s
instrument, measuring the passage of           new Meridiane collection. Architectural
time by way of the shadow cast by a tall       forms and linear volumes come together
central pin (the gnomon) on a painted          to tell a story, brought to life by the superb
horizontal or vertical surface.                handiwork and skill of the finest Italian
   Now Virginia Valentini’s and Francesco      master artisans: major collaborations
Breganze de Capnist’s catalogue of             that underline the uniqueness of

22   Issue 239 • dw                                                                             dw • Issue 239   23
PRODUCT
      DESIGN

                      LATOxLATO’s work, in particular the              Four pieces designed to mark the hours
                      two designers’ dedication to their research   of the day like a sundial, from dawn
                      and their deep and powerful bond with         to dusk. With a bonus. LATOxLATO’s
                      their homeland.                               Meridiane collection seems to borrow a
                         The materials used are the other star of   Latin motto from a sundial found on a
                      the show. White, tactile ceramic recalls      street in Rome: Horas non numero nisi
                      the classic Italian tradition of glazed       serenas. “I don’t count the hours unless
                      majolica pottery and creates an ideal base    they’re pleasant ones.”
                      for the play of shadows that characterizes
                      the collection. Precious metals are           Essential forms, shadows, and fine
                      used to accent the vertical elements -        details
                      the gnomons - that “cast” the illusory,          Each piece in the Meridiane collection
                      decorative shadows.                           is made of glazed ceramic, with detailing
                         The juxtaposition of geometric lines       in 24k gold, platinum, and copper.     dw

                      and rich detailing makes this a collection
                      that goes with everything. Perfect for        Technical Sheet
                      contemporary environments or more             • Brand: LATOXLATO
                      classic interiors, Meridiane is for anyone    • Designer: Virginia Valentini +
                      in search of a decorative piece that is         Francesco Breganze De Capnist
                      original and authentically Italian.           • Production: November 2020
                                                                    • Material: Ceramic
                      Four design accessories for four              • Colour: White
                      moments of the day.                           • Finishing: Gold, 24K, Platinum,
                        The Meridiane collection includes four        Copper
                      pieces: the round tray 06:45, the bowl
                      12:30, the rectangular tray 19:00 and the               www.latoxlato.com
                      box 22:15.

24   Issue 239 • dw                                                                     dw • Issue 239   25
COMMERCIAL
   INTERIOR

SA senior living community garners acclaim
     with international industry leaders

S
      an Sereno, an Auria Senior                architecture, innovation, operations,
      Living (Auria) community in the           and resident care as they relate to senior
      Johannesburg suburb of Bryanston,         housing. They evaluate each submission
has taken top honours alongside four of         on aspects of design innovation and
its international counterparts as one of        operational excellence in areas of
five winners of the Argentum 2020 Senior        memory care, local town and community
Living by Design Awards.                        engagement, family engagement, building
   Based in the USA, Argentum is                sustainability    resident     engagement,
America’s leading national association          resident health and wellness, and resident
exclusively dedicated to supporting             safety.
companies operating professionally                 Of the five winners of the Senior Living
managed, resident-centred senior living         by Design Awards (2020), San Sereno was       by conventional “retirement villages”         operate as a single campus environment        in the upmarket suburb of Bryanston, it         The renovation included a newly built
communities and the older adults and            the only entry from outside the United        in South Africa,” says Auria founder          in which people have a continuum of           comprises 214 independent living units       café/bistro, formal restaurant, lounge,
families they serve. Argentum member-           States.                                       and CEO, Barry Kaganson. “Our aim             living options available to them, ranging     (houses and apartments) as well as 50        hair salon, indoor swimming pool,
companies       operate     senior     living      The award is a strong validation for       with San Sereno was to provide a new,         from completely independent living to         assisted living units and a dementia care    cinema, yoga/Pilates studio and gym.
communities offering assisted living,           the pioneering work that San Sereno’s         contemporary and luxurious approach           varying degrees of assisted living, as well   facility. Communal areas were extensive,     The new building wing capitalised on
independent living, continuing care, and        developer and operator, Auria Senior          to senior living design that was practical,   as nursing and dementia care. Even more       yet dated.                                   the views over the lawn bowling green,
memory care services.                           Living, is doing in the senior living space   yet aesthetically pleasing. We wanted to      important is the emphasis on providing           “The facility we acquired was completed   while a new card room, billiard room,
   The annual Senior Living by Design           in South Africa. The company aims to          have a positive impact on residents’ lives    an environment which promotes and             in the early 1990s and was in dire need      library and concierge area was created by
Awards recognise architects, design             change what is on offer in the South          through their daily experience of using       supports quality of life for seniors,         of an upgrade. We wanted to transform        reconfiguring the existing internal layout.
firms and senior living providers who           African senior living space – setting a       and moving through the new spaces, and        covering everything from physical             the existing aged building into a world      The new buildings ensure that residents
create quality senior living communities        new standard with respect to the living       to ensure that they could enjoy their best    wellness to social engagement and even        class, contemporary community which          have an appealing environment that they
in innovative ways. Winners are selected        environments themselves as well as what       quality of life. Every single day.”           life-long learning.                           provides a luxurious and enticing living     can be proud of, while allowing them to
by an independent panel of four judges          it means to grow older. “Our vision was          San Sereno is what is internationally         San Sereno, Auria’s flagship senior        environment for residents, accommodates      engage in stimulating activities, delicious
from the fields of architecture, design and     to establish a new gold standard for          termed a “continuing care retirement          living community, was acquired in 2017        impaired movement and mobility, and          meals and a wealth of exciting events.
senior living. The judges are selected based    senior living in South Africa, brought        community”, or CCRC. Based on the             and extensively renovated to create the       provides all the necessary amenities            San Sereno was renovated as a ‘live site’
on their extensive experience in various        about by our dismay over the institutional    idea that most people would prefer to         beautiful residence that it is today for      within the rapidly changing senior living    – with residents continuing to occupy it
disciplines including interior design,          and depressing environments created           ‘age in place’, a CCRC is designed to         over 350 residents. Set on a 33-acre site     environment,” says Kaganson.                 as it underwent its transformation. This

26   Issue 239 • dw                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          dw • Issue 239    27
COMMERCIAL
   INTERIOR

                                                                                                                                      Workspace

necessitated careful planning and design,   one of communities where vitality and         judge Cynthia Shonaiya, principal at
including the off-site manufacturing of     serenity co-exist.”                           U.S. architecture and design firm Hord
many components. Disruption to residents       James Balda, President and CEO             Coplan Macht. “The spaces are beautiful
was minimised as much as possible, and      of Argentum, extended his personal            and liveable,” added another judge, Bruce
the remodelled spaces have proven that it   congratulations to Auria on being a           Hurowitz – principal at Merlino Design
was worth any inconvenience – they are      winner. “It is communities such as yours      Partnership.
well used and enjoyed.                      that continue to drive the industry             “We are proud and honoured to
   According to Argentum, a strong          forward,” he said. In Argentum’s official     have received this award. It shows that
theme in this year’s submissions was        press statement, he also commented:           we can indeed change the face of the
design for well-being, an already strong    “As the judges note, these designs are        industry in the South African context,
trend in senior living. Argentum’s own      focused on bringing the best of senior        and provide places in which seniors can
press statement notes that “designs had     living forward. The wide variety of types     grow older with dignity and enjoyment in
a variety of options in outdoor spaces,     of communities as well as the breadth         environments that can stand shoulder to
seamless indoor-outdoor transitions,        of locations represented among the            shoulder with the best in the world” says
and flexible gathering places that          recipients showcases the choice and           Kaganson.
could adapt to the changing needs of        quality offered in senior living today.”        The Senior Living by Design Award
residents and the times. In addition,          “The impact of this project will be felt   winners are published annually in Senior
art, water features, natural materials      far beyond its boundaries, as it ushers in    Living Executive magazine.             dw

and landscaping, and spa-like touches       a new typology for senior living in South
are prolific. Overall, the impression was   Africa,” said Senior Living by Design                     www.auria.co.za

28   Issue 239 • dw                                                                                                                               dw • Issue 239   29
WORKSPACE

                                                                                                                                           Planning home workspace
          Workspace                                                                                                                           Every business that is operated or
                                                                                                                                           managed from home will require some
       by Stienie Greyling                                                                                                                 sort of workspace, but not all will require
                                                                                                                                           an office in the traditional sense. For

A
                                                                                                                                           a freelance photography business, for
       fter‌ spending most of 2020 working                                                                                                 example, the main workspace in the home
          from home, many people have                                                                                                      may be the darkroom.
          grown tired of the isolation,                                                                                                       The type of business that will
discomfort and lack of separation between                                                                                                  be operating from home is key to
work and life.                                                                                                                             determining the type, size and location of
   The answer has been to offer employees                                                                                                  the workspace needed. Day-to-day living
a workplace closer to home – such as a                                                                                                     should carefully be considered as well as
local shared working space and this trend                                                                                                  special occasions, seasonal activities and
is gaining traction.                                                                                                                       guests.
   The technology is available to enable                                                                                                      Take the time necessary to put together
seamless, touchless transactions and the                                                                                                   the most productive, functional and
pandemic has accelerated its usage in                                                                                                      visually appealing workspace at the lowest
workspaces.                                                                                                                                possible cost.
                                                                                                                                              Most home workspaces are basic
Future seeking                                                                                                                             enough so that they can be planned
   In 2021 employers and workers                                                                                                           without hiring a professional. However,
alike are looking for insight into future                                                                                                  if the intention is to spend a substantial
workplace design. Developers are looking                                                                                                   amount of money to create a home
to create transformative, forward looking                                                                                                  workspace or build an extension to a
office and mixed use centres. Highly                                                                                                       home, it would be best to consider hiring
profile locations and underutilized sites                                                                                                  an architect and interior designer with
present opportunities to capture the                                                                                                       home office experience.
imagination of office tenants with new                                                                                                        Outbuildings on a property, such as
design strategies ensuring safety, security,                                                                                               tool sheds, enclosed cabanas and free-
                                                                                                                                           standing workshops are another option if
                                                                                                                                           the structure is suitable and large enough.
                                               flexibility, wellness and access to the        experience of COVID may become                                                       dw
                                               outdoors.                                      normalized over time.       Technology
                                                                                              and innovation will rise to meet these
                                               Safety and Security                            challenges and make negotiating these
                                                  A big concern related to employee           conditions easier and more seamless in
                                               health and well-being going forward            the near future.
                                               is differentiating between visitor and
                                               employee.      Companies are revising          Green Interiors
                                               policies to prevent non-employees from            Over the last several years designers
                                               entering buildings, controlling access         have consistently included outdoor
                                               for essential visitors and pre-screening       spaces such as green terraces and ground
                                               everyone. Many countries are using             level gardens. In newer projects the
                                               cameras to detect temperature and this         gardens are also coming indoors. Interior
                                               technology may become more affordable          plantings do more than contribute to
                                               for mainstream use.                            clean interior air, they offer the calming
                                                                                              qualities of nature.
                                               New behaviours                                    Accessible green spaces will continue
                                                  Our individual behaviour and                to appear and grow in scope across all
                                               expectations have changed. We are              building types. The connection to green
                                               all becoming preconditioned to be              space, the use of natural and ecologically
                                               conscientious about preventing the spread      sound interior materials and strategies
                                               of viruses and disease. Remember people        that allow daylight to penetrate deep
                                               initially resisted wearing seatbelts. Now it   into building spaces, advance sustainable
                                               is completely natural to buckle up when        features and provide workers a sense of
                                               we get into a car. Experts are predicting      connection to nature and its health giving
                                               more frequent viral pandemics, so the          qualities.

30   Issue 239 • dw                                                                                                                                             dw • Issue 239    31
WORKSPACE

                                                Lightspeed Offices
                                                      Montréal, Canada

                      A
                             CDF Architecture, a firm renowned
                             ‌                                      Bridging both space and time
                               for its ambitious, design-              In addition to addressing a narrow,
                               savvy commercial, residential,       cramped, and linear space, ACDF was
                      hospitality and institutional projects, is    faced with several constraints inherent
                      proud to unveil Phase 3 of an innovative      in the redesign of heritage buildings,
                      four-phase office design for Lightspeed,      including regulatory issues. To meet
                      a company dedicated to helping                emergency exit requirements, the firm
                      entrepreneurs work smarter and create         constructed a new evacuation corridor
                      the best possible experiences for their       for the sixth floor boardroom, crossing
                      customers.                                    through the exposed wood structure of the
                         Located in the historic Gare Viger         attic in order to connect to an existing exit.
                      building, the project was conceived           A further challenge involved developing,
                      to maximize space and accommodate             in collaboration with the base building
                      more than 640 employees working               architects, an exterior roof insulation
                      at the Montreal headquarters of the           strategy, allowing the exposed wooden
                      international company. ACDF’s mandate         beams of the roof ’s interior to remain
                      for Phase 3 was to transform 10,000 sq.f.     part of the space’s design. In an innovative
                      of storage space, located on the building’s   fashion, the firm also addressed the issue
                      5th floor, into a functional network of       of limited natural light penetration by
                      training rooms, meeting facilities, and       devising and implementing an ambient
                      work zones.                                   lighting strategy.
                         “In keeping with the same conceptual          Completed in January 2020, ACDF
                      approach as the previous phases,              rose to each and every challenge along the
                      enhancement of the heritage character         way in order to effectively and efficiently
                      of the space was a core focus,” explains      transform the space into an architectural
                      Joan Renaud, a partner, architect, and        journey, rich in contrasts and experiences.
                      core member of the ACDF design team.          Bold contrasts in lighting and colour
                      “That being said, rehabilitating the attic    embody the firm’s approach to creating
                      presented numerous challenges, which          desired moods and highlighting spatial
                      undeniably guided each of our design and      transitions. Upon exiting the fifth floor
                      spatial planning decisions.”                  elevators, a dark environment lends
                                                                    itself to a subtle game of transparency

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WORKSPACE

                      and reflection, courtesy of three bronze-
                      tinted boxes delimiting the elevator
                      hall from the adjacent training room.
                      The elevator hall’s black background
                      immediately contrasts with the warmth of
                      the training room’s white oak bleachers,
                      and the rich texture of its exposed brick
                      wall. To the east and west of the elevator
                      hall, the firm’s approach to transitional
                      contrasts emerges in the form of bright
                      white geometrical corridors. The passages
                      accentuate a transition between the
                      cavernous dark zone and the enveloping,
                      residential ambiance of exposed brick
                      walls and wooden beams that characterize
                      the company’s meeting rooms, services
                      core, and unique workspaces located at
                      each end of the corridors.

                      Preparing for a new reality
                         With Phase 3 of the Lightspeed office
                      design complete, ACDF has turned its
                      focus to the fourth and final phase of the
                      project under the shadow of a new post-
                      COVID reality. In addressing planning
                      for the design of another 25,000 sq.f. on
                      the building’s second floor, Lightspeed
                      has asked ACDF to provide three optional
                      plans that address social distancing
                      measures as part of the layout. While
                      the client hopes that business will soon
                      return to normal, they have asked ACDF
                      to incorporate innovative measures into
                      the design that will allow them to adapt
                      their work environments into socially
                      distanced versions in quick and flexible
                      ways.                                   dw

                                  www.acdf.ca/en/

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