Architect and Builder June/July 2019 | Page 83

WILLOWLAMP’S HEAVENLY NEW CHANDELIER Willowlamp’s latest product release, The Halo, is a statement-making exploration of architectural lines and takes its starting point from the inspired work of Spanish modernist architect Antoni Gaudi. Gaudi is arguably most famous for the renowned Sagrada Familia cathedral in Barcelona, and it is this unforgettable cathedral with its soaring Neo-Gothic arches that lend The Halo its signature shape. Speaking of the design process behind The Halo, Hoets comments: ‘I initially had some sort of Gothic-looking cathedral design with multiple spires in mind.’ But his thinking evolved from this initial starting point to embrace his final idea for The Halo, which was to rotate a foundational chain shape approximately 128 times. ‘It resembles more of a futuristic teleportation device than a Neo-Gothic cathedral,’ he says with self-deprecating wit, ‘but nevertheless that’s where the idea first came from.’ Once the concept for The Halo was formalised, Hoets was then challenged to master the technical difficulties of prototyping this conceptual design. ‘The reason it took so long for this idea to develop was the problem of how to make ball chain attach to ball chain. I very nearly designed this piece in ordinary chain but at the last minute I came up with a very nifty tiny inconspicuous clip solution. This simple little clip now allows me the freedom to create designs without frames so it is a whole new direction entirely!’ he explains. The resulting art chandelier is a technical, creative and aesthetic triumph. It appears to hover in space with an otherworldly, ethereal presence that will linger in your mind long after you’ve left the room – the halo effect, indeed! View The Halo at: www.willowlamp.com/collections.php NEWSWORTHY DÉCOR WALLPAPERS Wallpaper is becoming the go to wall covering to create impact and personality in both commercial and residential projects. Décor Wallpapers stock a wide range of classic and contemporary papers are that ideal for creating impact in office, retail and hospitality fit-outs. They are also able to create customised wallpaper to meet the designer’s brief. Genesi Collection The Genesi collection is inspired by images of earth and nature and in contrast, man-made forms and structures, all in The union. designs are printed on finely textured non-woven substrates and include wonderfully crushed-paper structured effects, all embellished with shimmery gold and silver inks. The range includes Mediterranean landscapes which LEGRAND EXPANDS POPULAR ARTEOR RANGE Legrand has expanded the Arteor range of wiring devices, with the addition of ‘Arteor with Netatmo’, to make connected homes effortless. With this system, automation is more efficient and easier for designers, installers and users in homes, hotels and the professional environment. ‘Arteor with Netatmo’ is a collection of connected switches and socket outlets, designed to add comfort, simplicity, convenience and safety to daily life. Further to this are energy savings, peace of mind and flexibility. ‘Arteor with Netatmo’ is a radio technology and Wi-Fi enabled solution which simplifies usage, by making complex functions in home automation easy to use. This home automation system offers end-users and electricians the freedom to create a connected, customised home by combining controls and features, to manage scenarios, create centralised functions and allow remote-control of individual functions – to suit personal requirements. Many useful functions can be implemented in the installation, using a few simple components. These functions are also controlled via voice commands, used in combination with Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa or Apple Siri. ‘Arteor with Netatmo’ can be integrated with other brands and platforms through the inter-operability programme, ‘Works with Legrand’. Interior Watch remind one of the villages of Greece, delicate stylised leaf vein patterns and refined brushstrokes and marbling effects. These wallcoverings are sold by the metre and are all 90cm wide. www.decorwallpaperssa.co.za 83