Material Lab

RETAIL & INTERIOR DESIGN FOR MATERIAL LIBRARY

As the first of it’s kind, London’s material resource studio Material Lab has always been a unique environment fuelled by innovation, created for the architect and interior design community. The aesthetics, layout and functionality of the space are key in delivering an invigorating and inspirational experience for visitors and it was a joy to oversee the redesign of a number of key areas within the studio.

The design brief included the need for an engaging display system towards the entrance of the space, an interchangeable material library unit and staff desk as well as a complete refit of the lower ground floor. With the latter it was important to retain a similar feel to the ground floor whilst creating a unique experience in which visitors could explore the studio’s primary funding company; UK ceramic tile manufacturer Johnson Tiles.

On the walls, an up-scaled version of the studio’s existing pegboard display systems was designed with threaded metal pegs allowing for large and heavy tiles to be showcased. Overhead, the companies most infamous tile range was used to created an undulating ripple of colour that leads visitors through the space to where special material displays and meeting spaces allow guests to explore the full range of products available for their own design projects.

Staff desk

“Material Lab is all about showcasing innovative and thought-provoking new materials - the space itself should reflect that”

Lower ground floor - ceiling ‘ripple’