Retail display and interiors specialist Ripple has developed, manufactured and fitted-out the bespoke furniture and displays for Parkside’s new design studio in central London which was officially opened recently.
The appointed architects, Feix & Merlin, took inspiration from an art gallery experience and this vision was represented in the form of design intent concepts. After consulting with the client, Ripple worked on the designs and created illustrations for approval, following which the various elements were developed into technical manufacturing specifications.
The next phase for Ripple was to manufacture all the furniture and display fixtures which included the front bar with a canopy and seating, stepped display plinths, a design studio desk, a co-working ledge, various sized wall display shelf units and a showroom back bar for storage and catering appliances. The contract utilised many of Ripple’s in-house facilities including creative and technical design, cabinet making, engineering and powder coating.
Parkside’s new site in Clerkenwell is positioned amongst the foremost design showrooms in the UK, making it the natural location for the commercial tile brand’s flagship space. It is a light-filled space created to be used as a hub for the design community. Parkside said it as an inspirational, relaxed environment featuring a café, tile gallery, design studio and co-working desks.
Parkside was acquired by Topps Tiles in 2017 and specialises in porcelain and ceramic tiling for all types of commercial projects. Its clients include architects and interior specifiers. Parkside has two existing design studios in Leicester and Chelsea, with another due soon in the Cotswolds.
Ripple’s Creative Director Scott Harrop coordinated the contract and explained: “This was a project which called on our comprehensive in-house design and manufacturing facilities.
“The bar is made from a mix of materials including solid surface products, whilst its feature canopy is produced from birch-faced plywood strips, with a right-angled and curved corner design. Mood lighting is created by means of LEDs fitted to the bar’s underside and the same birch-faced plywood strips and curved form is repeated in a small adjoining seating bench with circular cushions.
“The step display plinths have powder-coated metal frames in an orange finish with matt lacquered, grooved steps made from Valcromat with a matt lacquer finish. which was also used on the design studio desk.
“The design studio’s back bar includes storage cupboards and drawers, and spaces for catering appliances including a wine cooler, fridge and solid surface sink.’’
