Architect and Builder December 2019 | Page 93

NEWSWORTHY STYLISH WALLCOVERING RANGE FROM LEMON So often aesthetics come at the cost of performance or practicality, and in architectural and interior design it’s hard to find products that tick the boxes of both looking good and long lasting. The Kyoto wallcovering from Lemon is such a product. High- performance in terms of its engineering, it’s also high-design. Additionally a neutral but textured and elevated aesthetic lends it well with to endless flooring combinations and furniture, allowing you to reimagine your spaces by considering the inter- OLD MUTUAL WEALTH GETS A SLEEK OFFICE REDESIGN IHBAZA, sister company to Inhouse Design Studio, was tasked with refreshing the office space of Old Mutual Wealth, an 11,000m 2 , five-floor fit out. The brief sought an interior upscale that repurposed and preserved as much of the existing services and infrastructure as possible. The result is a sleek and contemporary office space that boasts improved functionality and five floors, each with their own aesthetic identity. The ground floor functions exclusively as a client-facing space and exudes a sense of high- end luxury and opulence. A monochromatic colour palette is broken by pops of gold, copper blue and plum – Old Mutual Wealth’s new brand colours – while touches of living greenery add a softness to an otherwise chic-formal space. The 1st to 4th floors are workspaces. There is a distinct move away from traditional offices to open-plan workspaces. The open-plan setting of these floors boast a host of functional meeting spaces that cater for varying needs; formal enclosed rooms afford privacy for both large and small meetings, while open-plan breakaway lounges illuminated by statement pendant lights offer a more informal setting. Because the workspace floors have the same layout, we gave each floor a unique identity expressed through accent colours and patterns. These are expressed through custom vinyls set on glass glazing panels and wallpapers in the various brand colours. A key part of the brief was to incorporate the concept of ‘Eco Design’. This means designing with the environment in mind. To satisfy this aspect of the brief we used products and materials that are considered environmentally friendly. For example, we traded marble for a Corian marble replica, which is a more eco-friendly alternative. This was used for the reception desk on the ground floor. From the carpets in the workspaces to the adhesive used to install the tiles, we took special care to incorporate eco-friendly materials and products. We also recycled as much of the old materials (aluminium, glass) in the office as possible, and donated other materials instead of throwing them away. Adding to the environmentally friendly aspect of the office space, smart technological systems that afford ultimate ease of use, such as power-integrated tables/panels and daylight- harvesting lighting systems, which reduces the office’s energy consumption, complete this modernised office space. www.ihbaza.com Interior Watch action between all dimensions and surfaces. This innovative range has a tactile, even delicate look – almost textile like – which belies a tough and easy to clean nature. Ideal for use in high-traffic areas where hardwearing is a non-negotiable quality, Kyoto also imparts an understated sophistication via the subtle woven texture and low-key but elegant tones. It is available in seven different shades. Aside from its visual and practical strengths, Kyoto also comes with environmental benefits. It is an LEED contributing product (Leadership in Environmental 100% recyclable, Phthalate free compliant (a regulation Energy Design) is A+ certified, and REACH European that and and restricts union the levels of chemical substances in imported products). Kyoto comes with a 2-year warranty. www.madebylemon.co.za 93