Product category:
Walls
News Release from: Spa Laminates | Subject: Veneer website
Edited by the Buildingtalk Editorial
Team on 11 July 2006
Architects and designers choosing wood
veneers
Spa Laminates veneer website has been monitoring the preferences of the architects and designers who regularly use the website - with interesting results..
For architects and designers choosing wood veneers, the grain's the thing That's the conclusion of Spa Laminates, creator of the veneer website which has been monitoring the preferences of the architects and designers who regularly use the website
This article was originally published on Buildingtalk on 22 Dec 2005 at 8.00am (UK)
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Spa's research has revealed that while dark woods are still dominating for both commercial and residential interiors, an interesting and visible grain is just as important.
Says Spa marketing director Daryn Forster: "Dark wood veneers have been very popular with designers and architects for some time for all sorts of applications, such as for walls, shelving and furniture in retail developments, offices and hotels".
"But they are now also being specified for residential applications, particularly kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms and designers are going for maximum impact with dark veneers with a prominent grain pattern".
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"American Black Walnut is a favourite because it is a readily available and cost-effective veneer, while more exotic Macassar Ebony is selected for high end projects".
Cally Pavey, a designer at design company 20.20 in London, is involved in projects for commercial shopping centres, department stores and boutiques.
She says: "I favour darker woods with a visible grain such as rosewood, and I often combines them with light woods or other substrates like Perspex, acrylics or vinyls in bright colours like yellow to accent the darker wood".
Felicia Ng from architects, designers and property developers Chantrey Davis in London, is currently working on a residential development in Canary Wharf as well as a hotel and an office".
""It's the grain rather than the colour that's important," says Felicia.
She favours macassar and walnut and likes to add interesting detail, for example to the edging.
Young designer Mark Humphreys says of the kitchen island unit he created: "To emphasise the artistic quality of the island I've tried to use really interesting materials".
"I had a look at Spa's veneers on their veneerselector website and found many that were really visually exciting and different".
"In the end I chose Santos Rosewood as it makes a big statement".
"The quality was faultless." Peter Mitchelson an architect from Stride Treglown Architects in Clifton Town works on commercial projects such as offices and educational projects, but also residential interiors.
He says: "I don't stick to one palette of colours, as it all depends on the job, but currently my preference is for dark woods with strong grains".
Says Spa marketing director Daryn Forster: "Enquiries generated from over 90,000 visitors to Veneerselector.com, indicate that the three darkest veneers currently in demand are American Black Walnut, Macassar Ebony and Santos Rosewood - all with strong grains".
"Our site provides access to up to 200 veneer samples at any one time and includes a pictorial reference and detailed description of each".
"Veneers are an effective way to create impact at much less cost than solid timber, and they are more environmentally friendly too as less wood needs to be used.
We offer hundreds of different species available from all around the world, designers and architects are able to peruse online a whole host of unusual and eye-catching designs with unique grain structures and textures".
""Our bespoke services mean we can also offer specifiers curved panelling and embossing to add even further interest and unique character to their work.".
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