Documente Academic
Documente Profesional
Documente Cultură
Marcelina Moreno
IDIA 213
AIU- LONDON
FALL 2010
CONTENTS
Opening Hours
The Building Centre
Monday to Friday:
9.30 am - 6.00 pm
Saturday:
10.00 am - 5.00 pm*
*Information Centre closes at 2.00 pm on
Saturdays
Bookshop
Monday to Friday:
9.30 am - 6.00 pm
Saturday:
11.00 am - 5.00 pm
On the ground floor there is also an extensive book- Downstairs there is a product gallery, which features
store. The employees are knowledgeable and most many items from manufacturers of contemporary, in-
helpful. Additionally they are willing to special order novative and eco friendly products.
books that are not currently in stock.
Squire and Partners
77 Wicklow Street
London
WC1X 9JY
T: 0207278555
Email: info@squiresandpartners.com
T: 02076376880
Email: info@woodsbagot.com
66 Portland Place
London
W1B 1AD
Tel: 020 7580 5533
www.architecture.com
Bookshop
Monday - Friday 9.30am-5.30pm
Saturday 10am-5pm
One of the current features at RIBA is a tribute to Andrea Palladio, whose work has been a ma-
jor influence in the history of British architecture. Palladio and Britain celebrates this contribu-
tion to architecture through the collections of the RIBA British Architectural Library. Through
the exhibit you’ll be able to discover the life, travels, studies and buildings of Andrea Palladio
and witness the birth of Palladianism. Since I’ve previously studied Palladianism and Neo-
Palladianism it was interesting to take a further look at the houses and interiors of Palladian
and Neo-Palladian Britain and find out about the architects who built them. There was also
a fantastic section wherein the question of “How is Palladio seen today?” is addressed. There
are discussions from contemporaries who talk about Palladio’s drawings, books and works. I
would say it’s an exhibit not to be missed.
This section focuses on ecological home systems,
which can help to make a home more energy efficient and
lower monthly gas and electric bills. I also included a section
on natural ventilation and show the ways to keep the
house air flowing. Insulation in its many forms and func-
tion is also included. Next up taking a look at the brief his-
tory England’s windows, all of which lead up to the
modern double glazing options available today as well
as a section on Slimlite double glazing, which is the per-
fect option for historic windows. I’ve also included a supplier
directory.
Geothermal Water Systems
Geothermal Thermal Heating Systems utilize geothermal power for
heating. Thermal efficiency is high because there is no need for en-
ergy conversion for this type of system. The system runs in a ther-
mal loop at a constant core temperature by drilling wells vertically
or horizontally allows for this heat transfer to pipes. These fluid from
the pipes which either cooling or heating is extracted. Geother-
mal can cope with average ambient temperatures around the same
temperatures as a conventional heat pump, like a conventional
heat pump, it will need to be able to provide a supplemental source
if temperatures dip below freezing
Solar Panels
The panels most commonly installed by homeowners, consisting of
eight panels cost between £10-12K and cost is dependant on the
orientation of the roof and the number of people who will be using
the system panels can cost between £3600 (SE-SW 2 people) £4200
(E-W 2 people) On 1st February 2010, the Government announced
that households who install certified Solar Thermal Hot Water Sys-
tems will be eligible to receive hundreds of pounds every year, The
scheme is called the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) . Solar cells
have about a 15% efficiency rate in converting that energy. There-
fore solar panels deliver only 19 to 56 W/m≤ or 0.45-1.35 kWh/m≤/
day of that average power. But that does not make solar energy in-
efficient. The energy output of a 1 KW solar energy unit is roughly
equivalent to the burning of 170 pounds of coal and 300 pounds of
carbon dioxide being released into the atmosphere.
Skirting Heating
One of the major benefits of skirted heating systems os their low &
high temperature performance, making them ideal and suitable for
heat pumps, solar and conventional boiler systems. They are also
considered to be rapid, controllable response times, which means
that they heat the room in minutes and can be tightly controlled
on & off, reducing your fuel bills. Additionally they are ideal for
retrofitting and can easily be combined with the existing heating
system. Another wonderful aspect of these systems is the price,
which can range from £19.95/m to 39.95/m, making it one of the
least expensive options on the market.
Here are a few of the typical locations that insulation will be placed.
A. the attic
B. exterior walls
C. flooring
D. basement walls
Fiberglass Insulation: is most commonly used in modern
homes. It is used in walls, ceiling and as a wrap for ducts and pipes. It
is chemically stable, will not rot and is not flammable. It will melt with
enough heat, which makes it non-flame retardant. It is not water re-
sistant and will absorb moisture, so it is a bad choice for damp or wet
locations. Fibreglass insulation is manufactured in a number of useful
forms.
(A) Fibreglass rolls are available in various widths and lengths for use
between the framing members of walls, ceilings and on attic floors. A B
(B) Fibreglass batts are the really the same as rolls, except that they are
bundled in precut lengths to make installation in standard 8’ walls easier. C D
(C) Fibreglass blankets are similar to batts in that they are sold in precut
lengths, but do not have a vapor barrier facing.
(D) Loose fill fibreglass can be poured or mechanically blown onto attic
floors, making this the fibreglass product of choice for certain jobs.
A
Cellulose Insulation: a product from the paper industry B
that uses 75% recycled paper. Unlike fiberglass this is an ideal so-
lution for colder climates because of its insulating properties (A). It
is also less permeable to air movement than fiberglass as well.
This is a loose-fill product and uses a wet-spray method for
installation. After being specially treated with a binding agent to
act as an adhesive once wet, it is mixed with a small amount of
water to activate the binder. Then it is sprayed using a low pres-
sure spray into open cavities (B). Because it is derived from wood C
and flammable, cellulose insulation is also treated chemically to be
both fire resistant and fire retardant. Making it safe for all residen-
tial uses (C).
Mineral Wool insulation: a product manufactured
from steel slag. The slag, a by-product of steel manufacturing con-
sisting of dirt and limestone and is combined with other chemi-
cals, heated and spun into a fibrous material that is an excellent
insulator. It is permanent, will not rot, does not burn, melt, absorb
moisture, and will not support mold or mildew. It is available in
(A) batts or as a loose-fill product that can be blown into walls and
A B ceilings. Because of its fire resistant properties, it is the insulator
of choice in applications where the maximum fire resistance is de-
sired or required (B).
A
The Brief History of England’s Windows.
Also during the seventeenth century
Prior to the sixteenth century, windows the sash window was introduced. At the
were primarily constructed out of stone time the sash window consisted of two
mullions or timber frames and did not sashes, or glazed frames, with the front
have any glazing openings. one suspended in the top half of the
frame, and the rear would close the bot-
tom half. At the time sashes were always
timber, usually oak or pine, with a grid of
timber glazing bars to hold the glass.
The sixteenth century was considered In the eighteenth century, the sash win-
a period of increased stability and pros- dow was altered very little. However,
perity due to the Tudor dynasty. Dur- as the century progressed sash design
ing this time one of the most noticeable evolved; it was made almost exclusively
changes to windows was the increase from pine and the quality of glass avail-
in size. While the windows may have able improved, allowing panes to be-
been larger, they were still divided into come thinner. Additionally the width of
smaller openings. This also allowed for the glazing bars began to reduce in size.
the window to open through the use of During this time the use of casement
a wrought-iron frame and casement. The windows was also decreased.
leaded glazing was then attached to the
casement.
The latter half of the nineteenth cen- At the same time, the modernist windows,
tury witnessed the introduction of two which were influenced by the Art Deco
additional historical styles, Arts and style, began to be made from recently de-
Crafts and Queen Anne. It was under veloped hot-rolled steel; these were called
the former, that leaded panes became ‘Crittal’ windows. It was possible to manu-
popular again. They were often set in facture them using the latest technology,
stone mullions or oak frames, white producing a simple, functional window
painted small-pane sash windows. with a modern appearance, in keeping
with the minimalist International Style.
During the post-war period the head- This decade also brought the arrival both of
lining design principal became func- ‘sealed-unit’ double glazing, and the ‘unplasti-
tionalism. Typical features of post-war cised-polyvinyl chloride’ (U.-P.V.C.) frames which
windows are things like simple white- hold them. (see next page)
painted frames made from soft woods.
They were usually very plain and un-
moulded. However they now included
storm-proofed opening casements and
they often formed ‘picture windows’,
They were also constructed from alu-
minium.
Flush box sash window Recessed box sash window Concealed box sash window
Double Glazing is the process in which a window pane is formed by two pieces of glass that are separated by a thin space of air or gas. A
drying agent ensures no moisture is present inside the unit before it is sealed airtight. The trapped air serves as an insulating layer and prevents heat
loss. Double-glazed windows are also called double-glazed units, insulated glazing units and insulated glass units
The heat lost from a double-glazed window is almost half that lost
from a single glass window. Double glazing prevents the formation of
frost and condensation on the surface of glass in the winter.
The exterior of the house is a simple brick and is very similar to those
that it surrounds. However its interior is was sets it apart as a true
historical gem in London. Personally from the outside I would have
never expected to find an interior like the one found here. Walking
in you are greeted by the Arab Hall, which is stunning to say the least.
Leighton drew on his travel experiences for the decor of the Arab Hall. A
It was added in 1877 and includes hundreds of 16th and 17th century
Iznik tiles which were brought from his travels in the Middle East. This
room was breathtaking and required multiple visits to take it all in.
The vivid colors and use of color combinations is inspiring. I would say
the only down side to the room is that there is no where to sit, so that A. Lord Frederick Leighton
you can enjoy the room for longer stretches. B. Leighton House
The Drawing and Drawing Rooms, which are adjacent to the Arab Hall,
are also impressive with the use of vivid, rich color. The next section
of the house which caused me to pause and enjoy was the Stair Hall-
way. The colors for this room were inspired by those of a peacock, a
fact which is easily recognizable. It is the perfect compliment to the
Arab Hall with the continuation of fantastic shades of blue, greens and
golds. This is also home to the famed William de Morgan tiles, which
the artist created for this hall to act as an accent to those used in the
adjacent Arab Hall. Clearly a success, the rooms are the perfect com-
pliment to one another.
The upstairs includes the following rooms the Silk Room, along with
Leighton’s bedroom and studio. While still impressive, pale in com-
parison to the ground floor rooms. The house as a whole is well worth B
the cost of admission and deserving of several return trips.
A. The Arab Hall
B. Detail of Turkish and Syrian
Iznik Tiles
C. Stairwell and de Morgan
tiles
D. Colored sample of the tiles
A C D
A C
A B
Types of Tiles My visit to Fired Earth showroom and Tower Ceramics provided me with the
opportunity to ask questions and touch and feel the different products. Both
There are several categories for tiles. Because of this and depending showrooms provided a great selection of tiles to view along with extensive
on the needs of your project and your desired outcome, it is possible catalogues for purchase. I’ve always been a fan of tile as I like the sleek look it
to find many possible options. The tile categories are as follows; can provide to a surface and the simple way in which it can transform a room.
I also enjoyed seeing all the color options available and was interested to learn
Ceramic These tiles can be glazed or unglazed. Glazed tiles are that in some cases at an additional cost there are color matching options avail-
available solid coloring or decorated and can be used on walls and able as well. Fired Earth is also wonderful enough to provide a series of instal-
floors. Unglazed are better suited for commercial and industrial pro- lation guides for their products available for download on their website.
ject, but can be used in laundries and utility rooms. They are avail-
able with a nonslip profile.
Quarry Tile These are tiles which are a traditional product made
in the UK for hundreds of year. They are made from natural clay,
squeezed through an extruding machine, and then fired. They are
available in more limited colors such as terracotta, black and white.
Porcelain Tiles These tiles are ceramic tiles, but have very low ab-
sorbency. They are usually made from kaolin clays, feldspar and silica
and coloring oxides and are fired at about 1200C. Porcelain tiles are
hard wearing and can be used on walls or floors.
Terracotta Tiles These tiles are also made from local clays. The
term terracotta means “cooked earth” which is literally what they are.
This type of product tends to be very absorbent, meaning it would
be necessary to seal the floor on which they are placed.
Mosaics Tiles These are more about the size of the tile as they are
very small, typically usually less than 35cm. But mosaics tiles can be
from nearly any tile material glazed or unglazed and made from por-
celain, ceramic, glass or natural stone.
Fired Earth
74-75 Marylebone High Street
Yurdan Turkish Tiles London
yurdan.com W1U 5JW
Starting at £34 per tile 020 72 58 9990
Glossary
Adhesion – The ability to stick Mitre – Cutting two angles to form a joint
Adhesive Spreader – Tool used to apply Pinholes – Tiny imperfections in a glaze
measured depth of adhesive Primed – Providing a treatment to aid
Bedding – Depth of material to seat tiles adhesion
Butter – Applying a thin bed of adhesive to Sealing – Applying a liquid to prevent
the back of the tile ingress of moisture
Chipboard – A composition of fibrous wood Shadowing – Light refraction where two
material panes of glass abut; or where water has
Coatings – Material applied to a surface seeped behind clear glass tiles that is visible
through the tiles
Compacting – Pressing material firmly into
position Silicone Sealer – An elastic material to seal
joints
Crazing – Tiny hairline fractures in a glaze
Slurry Coating – A system used to prepare
Curing – Improvement in strength,
a surface for the application of a floor
hardness, durability and other properties of
adhesive
a material
Squeegee – Rubber edged tool to aid
Damp Proof Membrane (DPM) –
application and removal of excess grout
Material to prevent ingress of damp
Stud Partition – Non load bearing wall built
Diamond Cutter – Electrical tile
of timber construction
cutting tool
Substrate – The surface onto which the
Expansion Joints – A space allowed for
tiles are to be laid
movement
Universal Bonding Agent – A liquid used as
Flexibond – A liquid used as an additive for
a primer or sealer
adhesive and grout
Tile Backer Board – Mortar faced glass
Grout Float – Tool used to apply grout
reinforced board.
Grout Joints – Channel formed between
Wet Locations – Showers, steamrooms, etc.
tiles to be filled with grout material
WPB Plywood – High quality water-
MDF – Medium density fibreboard
resistant board
22
Glossary Pointing – Ca
between tiles
the joint
Adhesion – The ability to stick naturally occurring layer of slate Sand and Cem
Angle Grinder – Electrical tile cutting tool Diamond Cutter – Electrical cutting tool laid to form a
Anhydrite Screeds – Calcium based screed, Expansion Joints – A space allowed in a Sealing – Pro
seek advice floor to allow for movement reduce porosit
Appliances – Fridge, dishwasher etc. Fired Earth Flexibond – A liquid used as Slurry – A thi
Asphalt – Black, bituminous base an additive in adhesive or grout to increase Spoil – Excess
flexibility and bond strength
Bedding – Depth of material to seat tiles Squeegee – R
Fired Earth Fleximat – An orange plastic removal of ex
Bitumen – Black in colour, often used as a sheet used to prepare timber floors for
glue to stick vinyl tiles Straight Edge
tiling
are ‘straight’ a
Bowed – Convex or concave shaped tiles Floating or Insulated Floor – A thermally
Subfloor – Th
Buffed – Abrasion of a waxed surface efficient floor which is not physically
tiles are to be
Butter – Applying a thin bed of adhesive to attached to its base
Thermal Mov
the back of the tile. Filled Stone – Where any naturally
by temperatur
Butt Jointed – Fixing tiles together tightly occurring holes have been filled with resin
based filler Fired Earth U
with no allowance for a grout joint
Primer for sur
Chalk Line – Tool used to provide straight Finishing – Process of applying final coat
adhesive.
line for setting out tiles of sealer
Grout Float – Tool used to apply grout Fired Earth Un
Chipboard – A composition of fibrous
Material used
timber Grout Joints – Channel formed between
tiles to be filled with grout material variations of l
Coatings – Material applied to a surface
underfloor he
Compacting – Pressing material firmly into Honed Stone – Mechanical process used
position to smooth the surface of natural stone Uncalibrated
Curing – Improvement in strength, Movement Joint - An area which allows Wax Polish –
hardness, durability and other properties of for movement caused by change in
temperature/humidity etc. WBP Plywood
a material
suitable grade
Damp Proof Membrane (DPM) – A layer Notched Trowel – Tool designed to apply
of impervious material installed to prevent a specified depth of adhesive Fired Earth is a
rising damp Oxidise – Hardening reaction following Consumer Pro
Registered in E
Day Joints - A ‘joint’ in the screed as a exposure to the air
Registered Nu
result of a break in pouring the screed pre-sealed – Pre-treated with sealer at Registered Off
the factory Group plc, Jun
Delamination – Loss of some or all of a Warwickshire,
28
This section is focused on timber products and flooring. I’ve
provided a breakdown of the different hardwoods what
they look like as well as where they can be used. I’ve done the
same for softwoods. I also included a section on the differ-
ent engineered wood that has been developed for build-
ing and construction. Next I explain the different types of
wood flooring that are available today as well as providing
a few alteratives to wood floor that I found. I’ve also pro-
vided a guide to wet rot, dry rot and woodworm, which
is something anyone building with timber products needs
to be aware of. I also included an informative article I found
about stone flooring options as well as another supple-
mental article about the different soft flooring option of
carpet available. Lastly I included information about a new
recycled wood flooring product from Staybull as well as a
flooring supplier directory
Hardwoods are woods derived from angiosperm trees. They are not necessarily harder than softwoods, but rather have a greater
range in density. Hardwoods are more complex structure wise than softwoods. The dominant feature separating “hardwoods” from softwoods
is the presence of pores, or vessels. The vessels may show considerable variation in size, shape of perforation plates, and structure of cell wall.
Ash Elm
Appearance: typically pale; coarse texture; straight grain Appearance: mid-tones; medium grain
Characteristics: medium hard; strong; easy to work and bend Characteristics: not durable and limited availability
Applications: flooring, cabinetry, cladding, bentwood furniture Applications: interior carpentry, furniture
Beech
Appearance: light color, uniform straight grain
Characteristics: medium hard; strong; easy to work and bend
Applications: flooring, cabinetry, cladding, bentwood furniture
Iroko
Appearance: mid to dark tones; coarse texture; straight grain
Characteristics: very hard and durable
Birch Applications: stairs, veneers, floors, furniture, cabinetry
Appearance: pale color with straight grain
Characteristics: medium hard; not particularly strong
Applications: plywood, veneers, furniture, finish carpentry
Cherry
Appearance: darkens on exposure; fine even straight grain
Characteristics: easy to work and bend
Mahogany
Appearance: dark and rich color; fine grain
Applications: furniture, flooring, contrasting boarders, veneers
Characteristics: strong; naturally resistant to pests and worm-
wood; easy to carve
Applications: flooring, furniture, interior carpentry, veneers
Chestnut
Appearance: light color; slightly wavy grain
Characteristics: soft; naturally resistant to insects and fungus
Applications: flooring, cabinetry, finish carpentry
Maple
Appearance: almost white; fine even texture; strong grain
Characteristics: medium hard; very durable and wear re-
sistant; good for steam- bending
Applications: flooring in heavy traffic areas such as gyms,
Walnut
Appearance: beautifully figured and dark toned; coarse
furniture
texture; straight or wavy grain; may have cracks or knots
Characteristics: prone to woodworm; easy to work
Applications: flooring, veneers, furniture, joinery
Oak
Appearance: pale or mid-brown, darkens to velvety grey with
weathering; coarse open grain
Characteristics: very hard and durable; difficult to carve and
work; easy to split
Applications: structural elements, flooring, interior and exte-
rior carpentry, furniture
Wenge
Appearance: very dark; straight grain
Sycamore Characteristics: very hard and durable
Appearance: creamy white; straight grain Applications: exterior and interior carpentry, floors, veneers,
Characteristics: medium hard; easy to work and steam- cabinetry
bend
Applications: furniture, flooring, veneers, cabinetry
Teak
Appearance: mid to dark- tones; coarse texture; straight grain
Characteristics: very durable; highly weather resistant due to
oiliness
Applications: decking, outdoor and indoor furniture, external
carpentry
Softwoods are woods from conifers. Softwood is a significant source of the world’s production of timber. The term softwood is
used as opposed to hardwood. However, softwoods are not necessarily softer than hardwoods. There is variation in actual wood hardness
between hard and softwood
Douglas Fir
Appearance: attractive grain
Characteristics: resinous; fairly durable; long boards
available
Application: exterior and interior carpentry, furniture Western Red Cedar
Appearance: warm tone, weathers to grey; wavy grain
Characteristics: very soft; highly moisture and rot re-
Larch sistant; aromatic
Appearance: knotty; wavy grain
Application: exterior carpentry and garden use; shingles;
Characteristics: resinous; medium hard; not durable
interior carpentry
Application: flooring, plywood, veneers
Norway Spruce
Appearance: pale; straight grain
Characteristics: medium hard; not durable Yellow Pine
Application: interior carpentry, glulam beams Appearance: very light; fine, even, straight grain
Characteristics: very soft; not durable; dimensionally
stable; easy to work
Redwood Application: interior carpentry, doors, joinery, furniture
Appearance: pale to reddish; knotty
Characteristics: not durable; available in long boards;
abundant; easy to work
Application: general construction and joinery
Engineered Woods are also called composite wood, man-made wood, or manufactured board; includes a range of derivative
wood products which are manufactured by binding together the strands, particles, fibres, or veneers of wood, together with adhesives, to form com-
posite materials. Typically, engineered wood products are made from the same hardwoods and softwoods used to manufacture lumber.
Blockboard
Appearance: Blockboard is made up of a core of softwood strips. The strips are placed
edge to edge and sandwiched between veneers of hardwood. The sandwich is then
glued under high pressure.
Applications: used to make shelves, doors, panelling and partitions, internal applica-
tions such as joinery, door blanks, furniture, and shop fitting
Glulam
Appearance: several layers of dimensioned timber glued together with the grain
running parallel. Making them extremely strong and available in longer lengths.
Applications: Perfect for timber framing construction, floors, roofs and ceilings.
Thin Plank is the least expensive option when it comes to real wood
floor options. Unlike its counterpart solid wood, this product is exact-
ly what it sounds like. Thin planks of wood usually 1/4” -5/16” on the
surface that can be sanded and refinished before the tongue and fas-
teners become exposed and noticeable. This plank is attached to ply-
wood and can be installed with mechanical fasteners or adhesives. A
key benefit when adhesive is used is that the flooring can be installed
directly on top of concrete.
Alternatives to Wood Flooring
Bamboo
Bamboo is one of the hardest natural materials available for flooring. It is also an excellent alter-
native to hard wood flooring. Bamboo has a higher fiber rating than any hard wood, making it an
exceptionally hard wearing alternative. Because bamboo is a rapid growing grass and not wood, it
can be harvested every 3-5 years, unlike 15-25 years for most wood. This makes bamboo a very envi-
ronmentally friendly product for flooring.
Natural bamboo flooring is available a variety of different styles, so it is easy to compliment any
interior design project.
Cork
Cork is a natural product that can add warmth to many interiors. Cork is also a natural sound and
thermal insulator. As a flooring option they are beautifully quiet and comfortable underfoot, warm
and pleasant to the touch. With the introduction of more advanced coating technologies cork
floorings is highly resistant and long-lasting protection even in high traffic environments. Cork
floors are not only durable but they require only minimal maintenance. Cork is the perfect envi-
ronmentally friendly, renewable and sustainable material. It is also available in a variety of different
styles including the marbled look below.
Coconut Palm
Coconut palm wood flooring is part of the palm family, which is one of the fastest growing species
on the planet. It can rejuvenate it’s self quickly and grow to full maturity in 5 to 6 years, which makes
it a truly sustainable resource. This flooring option utilizes the latest technology to convert it into
the unique looking flooring available. It presents as a subtle but unique grain pattern, with a natu-
ral light-tan color and a medium honey-brown color. It’s can be laid in vertical, horizontal or strand
configurations. Each option accentuates the different looks of the wood. This is not engineered
hardwood flooring but solid wood flooring
Wet Rot, Dry Rot and Woodworm While some types of timber are extremely durable, most of the timber used
today however is open to decay if left untreated. It can become affected by dry rot or wet rot and even woodworm if allowed to become damp,
causing structural problems. Rot can be very serious and if there is any suspect at the site a building specialist should be contacted first thing.
Staybull flooring is an American flooring company that has created and The Bamboo Flooring Company
made high-end recycled flooring. Made from reclaimed flooring strips 114 Kitchener Road
that would otherwise be burned or tossed into landfills, making it one of Leicester
the most eco-friendly flooring options available. It has been found that LE5 4AT
this recycled flooring can outlast and outperform bamboo, engineered, Tel: 084 5009 2222
and even solid plank hardwood flooring. Because of this longer life span
it is a better value and return on investment. It is also a truly eco-friendly The Floor Shop
product because it is made with no harmful glues or toxins. A finished Units C5D-C7D, North Way
green floor that looks dynamic, attractive, and can fit just about anyone’s Bounds Green Road
personal aesthetic makes this flooring one of the most sought after prod- London
ucts on the market these days. N11 2UL
Tel: 0208 368 4586
www.staybullflooring.com
This section is focused on fabric and textiles. I’ve included a
review of my visit to the Design Centre at Chelsea Har-
bour as well as providing the floor plans for Zimmer &
Rohde and Leievre, two of the showrooms I visited while
there. I also included a copy of the design centre floor
plan. Next up is information collected about fabric compo-
sition and the general criteria for nonresidential fabric
specifications. I’ve also included information about the dif-
ferent fabric weights and applications as well as a piece
about fireproofing and cigarrette testing. Lastly a list of
common fabric abbreviations along with a fabric sup-
plier directory.
After my trip to The Design Centre at Chelsea Harbour I think that DCCH is overrated. I felt like when I walked into each shop that I was not wel-
come. I was never greeted by the staff and when I asked questions I was often met with blank stares. I feel like while it might be a place to go and
see the latest in overpriced, high end fabrics and furnishings, as a whole I don’t think that I would feel comfortable sourcing materials from the
DCCH. So much so that I chose not to get any samples while I was there. I ended up going to smaller shops to source my fabrics. I think that it’s
more important to provide clients with reasonably priced options rather than look at blowing the entire budget on expensive European fabrics
etc. Of course there are always the exceptions to the client with a realistic budget and if the situation called for it and the client requested it I
would use a place such as DCCH. But again in my personal opinion, it is too pretentious for my taste and I would prefer to support smaller business
who can offer better customer service and provide the same or similar selection. I have included a directory of shops that provide the same fabric
lines as DCCH and also provide much better customer service. Additionally they have lower prices than any of the showrooms at DCCH.
Acrylics: Basic substances include one of more of oil, Polyester: Made by chemical processing of petroleum de-
coal, petroleum, natural gas, water, limestone. Acrylic rivatives. Polyester fabric will not stretch, has low absorben-
fabrics have the softness and warmth of wool but little cy and is quick-drying. These and its considerable strength,
stretch, so they retain their shape. They are hard-wear- are the qualities which make polyester ideal for sheeting
ing and mothproof, but sensitive to heat. and other lightweight print or plain fabrics for furnishings.
Cotton: A vegetable fibre from the cotton plant. Cot- Rayon: The first man made cellulose fibres were given this
ton fabric is strong and durable, even stronger when
name, which is now less commonly used, as it is usual to
wet. Weight and texture can be varied to create light
specify different fibre percentage in fabric under particular
voile or corduroy, chintz or cotton satin. Glazing may
names, for example, modal, acetate or viscose.
be added to enhance the appearance and resist sur-
face soiling. The fibres take dye well and good quality Silk: Animal fibres from the cocoons of silkworm larvae. Silk
cotton fabrics should be colour-fast; they may be given fabrics are strong, resilient and resistant to creasing, but
various finishes, minimum iron, crease, stain or shrink can be weakened by sunlight. Their luster is unsurpassed
resistant. and shows subtle or vibrant colours clearly and well. Col-
ours may not be fast and dry-cleaning is often specified.
Linen: The vegetable fibre of the flax plant. Linen fab-
ric is strong, hard-wearing and stronger when wet, but
subject to mildew if kept in damp conditions. Crease- Wool: Animal fibre from the coats of sheep or goats. Wool
resistant finishes are now generally added to overcome fabric is a good insulator and absorbent, but may shrink
a strong tendency to crease easily. and is susceptible to attack by moths. To reduce these ten-
dencies it may be preshrunk or treated for shrink-resistance,
and can also be made mothproof and stain-resistant.
Modal: Cellulose fibre made from cotton waste or
wood, used in mixtures and blends to modify the prop-
erties of natural and synthetic fibres.
Criteria for Nonresidential Fabric Specifications Fabric Weight and Applications
Durability or the ability for the fabric to exist for a long time without sig- sheer, thin, very light weight fabrics
nificant deterioration. This includes -bed curtains, window curtains, sheer curtains and drapes, window
-Resistance to abrasion, the ability to withstand friction and rubbing or semi sheer casement
grinding.
-colorfastness, the resistance to fading from sun and cleaning lightweight fabrics
-Strength the physical strength of the fibers, this is based on the -accessory items and trimmings, casements, curtains, draperies,
way the yarns are spun, the closeness of the weave and the shades, top treatments, kitchen linens, lamp shades, supported
thickness of the fabric. bedspreads
Resilience or the fabrics ability to return to it’s original shape after stretch- medium weight fabrics
ing. Resilience is the result of the two qualities flexibility and strength -bedspreads, bath linens, slipcovers, supported upholstery, wall
and partition upholstery, window treatments
Resistance to Insects and Microorganisms is also necessary. This pre-
vents the fabric from disintegration. This is specifically important in hospi-
heavyweight fabrics
-bedspreads, floor clothes, wall upholstery, wall hanging and tapes-
tals and institutions.
tries, upholstery
Flammability Resistance any fabrics in non residential must meet very
strict fire codes and regulations. Fabrics are all tested for flammability, Fireproofing fabric.
smoke density, and toxicity
All fabrics burn, some however are more combustible than
others. Silk is usually among the highest when it comes to
Flame-retardant Finishes or chemical applications that are applied to all
burning, followed by cotton and linen. Wool burns much
nonresidential fabrics as a way of enhancing its ability to withstand or resist
slower and is also more difficult to ignite. Most commercial
combustion. Most flame retardants provide one of the following degrees
fabrics come pretreated with fireproofing. When it comes
of durability;
to residential fabrics depending on the fabric in question it
-nondurable: a water-soluble compound that is removed with wet cleaning
seems like the most reasonable and affordable option when
and requires reapplication
it comes to fireproofing fabrics would be to purchase a fire
-semi durable: a compound that will resist wet-cleaning but not dry-clean-
retardant spray there are a variety of them on the market and
ing solutions
again depending on the fabric there is one that is right for it.
-durable: treatments that will withstand repeated dry cleaning and are per-
In addition to fireproofing there is also cigarette and match
manent, lasting the lifetime of the fabric.
tests. Depending on the type of fabric you have selected,
most manufacturers are required to submit their fabrics to
this type of testing in a regular basis.
Fabric Abbreviations Fabric Supplier Directory
Newnham Terrace
Hercules Road
London
SE1 7DR
Technical details
Technical details Model: zlinfb1780ww
Model: zvir771602 Variants: 1780w x 800d x 675h No tap hole / 1780w x 800d
Variants: 1700w x 900d x 540h x 675h 2 tap holes
Material: Wood Material: Cast Iron
Finish: Canadian cedar / Teak Finish: White
Care & maintenance: Remove stubborn stains or Care & maintenance: Non-abrasive cleaners should be used.
marks on the bath with the use of any basic house- It should be dried to prevent scale build up. When painting
hold polishes & a duster. the outside it should be primed with a metal primer and
Price Band: 4 painted with an oil based paint such as a eggshell finish
Price Band: 1
Pro: I think this bath is sleep and beautiful. I also
like that it’s made from a material that is traditional Pro: not only is this my favorite bath, but it’s also the most
for baths. cost effective. It can come in many colors and be custom-
ized to your needs.
Con: The bath seems like it might be difficult to get
in and out of, but that could easily be resolved with Cons: Because it is can be a heavy bath, you might be lim-
steps or rails. ited as to location.
MUSE TOTO NEOREST SERIES/LE
Con: It might be too shallow to use for anything more Con: The practical side of having a basin like this
than just hand washing. It can be nice to have a multipur- is that in addition to the up front cost any kind of
pose basin. repairs could be quite costly.
DURAVIT VERO DURAVIT VERO
Con: It seems like the sink would be best as a wall Con: While it does allow for a double faucet head, they are
mount which might limit the placement of the ba- placed very close together and it would be difficult for two
sin people to use this at the same time.
LEONARDO AXOR MASSAUD
B&Q
diy.com RAK Ceramics
Tel: 084 5609 6688 rakceramics.co.uk
Tel: 017 3023 7850
The Bathroom Trading Co. GU32 3AW
bathroomtrading.com
Tel: 020 7736 4243 Sottini
TW9 4NY sottini.co.uk
Tel: 014 8244 9513
Boundry Bathrooms HU5 4HS
boundrybathrooms.co.uk
Tel: 012 8286 2509 Waterforce
BB8 8LD waterforce.com
Tel: 020 8568 7672
Czech & Speake TW8 9LZ
czechspeake.com
Tel: 020 7439 0216 Wickes
EN5 5UJ wickes.co.uk
Tel: 084 4892 2701
Dolphin
dolphinbathrooms.co.uk
Tel: 0800 626 717
M16 9HQ
For the final project we were asked to create a curtain design
in two different spaces for a client. The home is located within
the Hampstead Garden Suburb and is on 5 Edmunds
Walk. I’ve included pictures showing the pros and cons
of each space as well as a moodboard which reflects the
feeling I’d like to create in each space. I’ve also included an
elevation of the wall where the curtain design will go as
well as a colored sketch of the curtain design. For each
space I’ve included a sample board with streamlined speci-
fication information as well as a detailed specification
spreadsheet for both rooms. I included sample renders
with a few of the elements in the rooms. I’ve also provided a
sample letter for the fabric supplier and finally I includ-
ed a sample letter for the drapery maker as well as a
sample letter for a fabric order.
The Hampstead Garden Suburb
The Hampstead Garden Suburb was developed under the watchful eye of a cosmetics heiress turned social worker, Dame Hen-
rietta Barnett, and an engineer turned architect planner, Sir Raymond Unwin. The suburb was first developed in 1907. The
first ideas were due to the projected building of the Hampstead Tub Station. She was concerned that with the building of the
station would also mean the “ruin of the sylvan restfulness of that portion of the most beautiful open space near London”. So
she set about saving the 80 acres of land from what she called “rows of ugly villas such as disfigure Willesden and most of the
suburbs of London”. Eventually the plan for the Garden Suburb was further developed. However it was never meant to be
the run of the mill land-owning situation but rather a social experiment by providing for people of all classes a beautiful and
healthy place to live in. Here are a few of the guidelines used for the creation of the development.
~that persons of all classes of society and standards of income should be accommodated and that the handicapped be welcomed;
~that the cottages and houses should be limited on an average to eight to an acre;
~that the roads should be 40 feet wide, and that the fronts of the houses should be at least 50 feet apart, gardens occupying the
intervening space;
~that the plot divisions should not be walls but hedges or trellis or wire fences;
~that every road should be lined with trees, making when possible, a colour scheme with the hedges;
~that noise should be avoided, even to the prohibition of Church or Chapel or Institute bells;
~that the houses be so planned that none should spoil each other’s outlook or rob its neighbour of beauty.
5 Edmunds Walk
Barnet, N2 0HU
The Stakol’s are a established couple with two adult married daughters
and a grandchild soon to come. They enjoy entertaining, travel and
gardening and would like to update two of the upstairs rooms to pro-
vide an area for a home office/ TV lounge and would also like to create
a proper guest bedroom.
- extra pieces of furniture
+ fireplace
Study/ TV Lounge
5 Edmunds Walk
- temperature
+beautiful view
- built in cupboard no
longer in use
Guest Bedroom
5 Edmunds Walk
137 cm wide
Vertical Repeat 65cm
Fire Code:BM
Alexander Furnishings
51 Wigmore Street
London
W1U 1PU
Tel: 0207 935 2624
5 Edmunds Walk
Guestroom Elevation
Curtain Sketch
F
A
H
D
B C
A. LG Infinia 50PJ650 Plasma HD John Lewis £599.95
C
L
Bedside WK 131 Radnor Bedside Table Bay OKA £215.00 1 £215.00
Table Collection
40cmSqx65cmH
Cherrywood
Length
96 cm
Height
197 cm
Depth 66
cm
Study Study
To cut and make 1 pair of lined drapes 5 Meters
2 widths per curtain GP&J Baker Holcott Collection BF 10419 -1 Cream/Multi
Wellington Flat Panels 137cm width/Vertical Repeat 65cm
88% Linen
To supply GP&J Baker BF 10419 -1 HOLCOTT Cream/Multi 137cm width 12% Rayon
To supply cream colored cotton lining
3.5 Meters
To cut and make 1 Roman Shade blackout lined Green Cotton Voile Muslin 242-12
cassment mounted with Silent Gliss track system 137cm width
100% Cotton
To supply thermal blackout lining
To supply green cotton voile muslin
To supply silent gliss track system
Please confirm that the fabric will be available for cutting no later than 4/01/11.
Thank you
All Poles and Rings provided by homeowner and will be cut to your specifications
All drapes to be hung with 8 cm dress
Marcelina Moreno
Thank you
Marcelina Moreno
110 Marylebone High Street, London W1U 4RY 777 902 9647 110 Marylebone High Street, London W1U 4RY 777 902 9647
This section includes the references that I used in order to
create this document.
References
Visit to the building centre: info and some photos taken Insulation: info and images retrieved from the following
from the brochures available at the centre and from the www.buildingforafuture.co.uk
website www.buildingcentre.co.uk/home.asp www.theunderfloorheatingstore.com/insulations
www.energyefficienthomearticles.com
Additional photos from person collection www.thesexygreenhome.com/environmentally-friendly-insu-
lation.html
Squire and Partners: info and images retrieved from the
website www.squireandpartners.com/
A Brief History of England’s Windows:
Woods and Bagot: info and images retrieved from the web- Tutton, Michael (2007). Windows: History, Repair and Conser-
site www.woodsbagot.com vation. Donhead Publishing.
RIBA Information and images retrieved from the website Hall, Linda (2005 ). Period House Fixtures and Fittings 1300-
http://www.architecture.com/ 1900. Countryside Books
Fabric Composition:
Wilhide, Elizabeth (2009). The Interior Design Directory. Quadrille
Publishing