Client:
Inspired Homes
Project details:
Located in the heart of Croydon, and originally built as an office building in the 1960s, Impact House is undergoing a complete refurbishment and conversion to a 235-apartment residential development, re-branded as Innova Apartments. The development comprises three adjoining blocks – two 8-storey wings and a central 16-storey tower. On the smaller of the wings, a roof terrace has been created for use by the residents. The terrace has been divided by different surfaces, creating a paved patio, flat and raised timber decking and a synthetic grass lawn. Furnitubes was set the challenge by the developer Inspired Homes to design a scheme to include fixed planters, seating that could be readily moved around the space and also the unusual request for a bar countertop and storage facility to be used when the terrace stages events. The new Uniun range was the straightforward choice for the planters and seating, with two groups of four units supplied, each comprising three bench modules and a single planter. With each bench accommodating 3-4 people when standing independently, seating provision on the terrace has been provided for over 20 people. For large scale events this will be supplemented by the use of deckchairs. The planters are located where they can remain in position, but the relatively lightweight benches can be readily moved around the terrace to suit how the space is being used. The mobility of the Uniun benches is achieved by the base being moulded in plastic, which is a very tough but also relatively light in weight. Another benefit of the Uniun (over other more conventional and much heavier product ranges) is that the initial transfer to the roof terrace was much easier, with their manageable size and weight meaning just two people comfortably set up the products. The bar is a much heavier and more permanent structure, although not requiring permanent fixing down to the roof because its overall assembled weight made for a very stable and heavy structure. The steel framework is internally lined for noise dampening and the bar surface created using concrete effect porcelain tiles to give it a very urban character, as befitting the development. Initial take-up at Innova Apartments has been good and a welcoming party for the first phase of residents is to be held on the roof terrace when the bar in particular will be used in earnest for the first time.
Visit the Furnitubes International website for more information on Innova Apartments, Croydon, London