Crown Paints has announced its involvement in a new project that offers a state-of-the-art hub of inspiration for architects and designers in Manchester providing the opportunity to immerse themselves in ‘beautifully useful’ products and materials.

The first of its kind in the UK, the 15,000 square foot studio is situated in the Grade II listed Hanover Building in the NOMA district of Manchester’s city centre.

Crown Paints has taken on the joint venture with the aim of supporting architects and designers to create beautiful spaces using colour. The paint manufacturer owns an area within the studio, offering an engaging and inspirational space complete with trend insights, sample sharing, industry-leading case studies, colour expertise workshops, and a relaxing break-out area.

The space will also be used to share sustainability initiatives, a commitment that remains at the forefront of Crown Paints’ agenda.

In addition, Crown Paints will be involved in a range of events that Material Source Studio is planning. As well as a monthly ‘maker in residence’ programme, which will provide a platform for emerging local talent; the Studio will also host Continuing Professional Development (CPDs) and seminars at its 100-seat theatre and meeting areas.

Set across two levels, Material Source Studio features a wealth of inspirational exhibits and interactive displays from 35 leading brands operating in the commercial interiors and built environment sectors. It also includes an 80-seat theatre, a CPD area, a 300+ book library, 7 meeting spaces, a co-working hub and, a podcast studio. Plus, an internal garden with a fully mature, 6-metre tree, spanning both floors.

‘Significant milestone’

Katie McLean, Marketing Director at Crown Paints, adds: “Our partnership with Material Source Studio is a significant part of our continuous collaboration with the architecture and design community. It’s a significant milestone for the professional side of our business and allows us to champion Northern talent and the wider design industry.

“We have a diverse professional product range and service offering that’s been built up over years through our work with large commercial customers. From bespoke specification services to site surveys and one-on-one colour advice, we aim to help architects and designers create beautiful and sustainable spaces.

“On top of this we’ve worked hard to create resources that help the community to choose the best coatings for the job – whether that be information on fire protection or supporting visitors to get creative using handy Pure Paint samples, which are 100% colour accurate and made using recycled and recyclable materials available on the stand.

“We’re looking forward to creating a programme of activity at Material Source to help showcase Crown Paints unique products, colour expertise and services.”

Making up the Studio’s core offering are bespoke partner PODs – showcasing paint, tiles, flooring and wallcoverings, furniture, lighting and smart solutions, fabric, bathroom accessories, plants and acoustic panels. 

The full list of founding partners includes:

Allgood

Alusid

Atkinson & Kirby

Autex Acoustics

Bespoke Atelier

BOBO1325

Brunner

Britton

Burlington

Casa Ceramica

CDUK

Clearwater

Concept Cubicle Systems

Commecaart

Cosentino

Crown Paints

Crosswater

Darwen Terracotta

Dline

Dyson

Ege Carpets

Forbo

Gresham

Karndean

Lightforms

Lutron

Neon Creations

NOMA

Oasis Plants

Panaz

Pfleiderer

Pixelmax

Pixite

Radii Planet Group

Rug Atelier

Sixteen3

Smile Plastics

TopBrewer

Whitebirk Sink Company

The Studio’s opening hours are 10am – 6.30pm Monday to Friday (closed weekends and bank holidays), and it operates an open-door policy.

To read about Crown leaving a flawless finish at the HQ of designer lifestyle brand Joules, click here.