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Walls

A beautiful high-end residential project located in a serene and picturesque area of Huddersfield saw the transformation of a principal ensuite into a masterpiece of design and luxury. The original space, last renovated in 2002, featured high-end materials, from solid Carrera marble and gold Versace tiles, but lacked the attention to detail beneath the surface. In 2024, the ensuite underwent a complete renovation, creating a timeless design that seamlessly blends elegance, luxury, and practicality.


A Timeless Ensuite Transformation

The homeowner trusted Chris Halifax, director of CTH Creations, with the support from Adam McEwan, director of Sussex Wetrooms, to bring their vision to life. Both Chris and Adam are Schlüter Registered Installers, bringing specialist knowledge and proven experience to every aspect of the installation.


With a goal of crafting a space that was both visually stunning and built to stand the test of time, Chris knew he could rely on Schluter-Systems products to ensure the ensuite not only achieved a flawless aesthetic but also delivered unmatched durability and functionality for years to come. Having used Schlüter products since 2021, Chris praised their high quality and practicality, noting that the on-site support provided by Schlüter's technical team and sales consultant, Philip Cutts, was "second to none."


A key challenge was to create a design that was both timeless and elegant while delivering an immediate wow factor. To achieve this, Chris incorporated elements like heated walls and a heated shower tray, adding an extra layer of comfort. These features, combined with a sleek, modern design, ensured the room felt as opulent as it looked. The addition of a steam room added a touch of wellness to the ensuite, with KERDI-DS providing vapour proofing for the curved walls of the steam room, creating both a functional and a visually striking feature. Adam McEwan's expertise with Schlüter products, especially KERDI-DS played a key role in ensuring a flawless installation, further enhancing the space's practicality and design.


The project used an array of Schlüter-Systems products to guarantee a flawless finish. To ensure comfort, DITRA-HEAT-DUO-PS was installed beneath the floor, providing efficient underfloor heating while also offering sound reduction. This solution not only improved the overall comfort of the space but also streamlined the installation process, making it a practical choice for Chris. 


A Timeless Ensuite Transformation

KERDI-SHOWER-LTS, alongside a KERDI-LINE-G3 drain was installed to ensure seamless and reliable drainage throughout the shower area. DITRA-HEAT-E was also used for additional heating coverage on the walls, making the entire space warm and inviting. The use of the KERDI-BOARD system as a solid, waterproof substrate was crucial for ensuring that every tile laid had a durable and long-lasting foundation. KERDI-COLL sealant adhesive and KERDI-FIX installation adhesive were applied throughout to ensure secure connections and abutting joints.


The client was also keen on achieving a visually stunning space while incorporating efficient storage. A variety of KERDI-BOARD-N niches were installed, creating a practical and aesthetically pleasing feature. To complete the en-suite, stunning large-format (1200 x 600mm) TAU Ceramica Varese tiles were installed, perfectly capturing the luxurious tone the homeowner envisioned.


The homeowner was thrilled with the transformation, resulting in a sumptuous, timeless ensuite that perfectly combines style and practicality. The success of the project showcases the importance of thoughtful design, quality materials, and reliable products. With Schlüter-Systems solutions, the ensuite meets the highest standards, blending modern luxury with timeless elegance, setting a new benchmark for residential renovations. For further information, call 01530 813396 or visit https://www.schluter.co.uk/

From furniture to architectural mouldings,  and radiator covers to panelling, MDF  can be seen, or unseen, in many places around the modern  home. When it comes to consistency,  quality and ease of use, West Fraser's CaberMDF leads the way with its legendary performance and popularity; the brand was first produced in 1966.


West Fraser's CaberMDF In The House
Photograph courtesy of Unsplash

CaberMDF is designed as a  cost-efficient, versatile alternative to hardwood, without the inherent knots or grains. Stable and dense,  the panels have a high-quality surface, are strong, resist impact and accept fasteners securely. They  are easy to work  and can be  sawn, drilled, shaped, and routed cleanly with minimum fuss, using hand or machine tools. When it comes to appearance, quality finishes are easily achieved, and the smooth surface of the panels is ideal for painting, veneers or  paper foils.


CaberMDF can be used  to form architectural features,  fascias, shelves, fitted units, wardrobes and kitchen and bathroom furniture - including door and drawer fronts as well as carcassing.

West Fraser's comprehensive five-strong CaberMDF  range allows the perfect matching of panel to application. For general purpose use, CaberMDF Trade is a  versatile, lightweight board, which is ideal where weight is a factor.  CaberMDF Trade MR offers the same benefits  but with the added advantage of moisture resistance for wet or humid environments.


Where there is a need for premium quality and detailed working, CaberMDF Pro provides incredibly consistent density,  ensuring cutting and routing need minimal finishing. CaberMDF Pro MR offers the further benefit of moisture resistance.


The ultimate product in the range is  CaberMDF Industrial which is  moisture resistant and designed specifically for the production of high-grade furniture and fittings. It is ideal for deep routing and its consistent close-grained texture ensures clean edges and surfaces that will take advanced finishing techniques.


Beyond the advantages and practicalities of using CaberMDF, the materials and processes used to manufacture the product offer the reassurance of being sustainable. West Fraser's range of board products is available in a wide selection of sizes to minimise  waste. All timber used is responsibly sourced and FSC certified.


The panels are manufactured in the UK from locally grown timber and are  net carbon negative.  Additionally,  all of West Fraser's UK mills have obtained the coveted ISO 14001 environmental accreditation. Samples of all West Fraser construction panels can be ordered on the website Uk.westfraser.com.  For further information, please call 01786 812 921 or visit Uk.westfraser.com

Demonstrating how effectively HIMACS solid surface can transform any setting, the high-performance, ultra versatile material has been used to illuminate the history of EMI records in Hayes, where it now lines the walls of a widely-used pedestrian underpass.


Tunnel with glowing orange and yellow lights, leading to "The Old Vinyl Factory." White walls, modern ambiance, inviting mood.
Photo credits: Josh Cameron, Feed Me Content

A fine example of an urban regeneration project that is sensitive to its local community, the tunnel leads from the train station towards the Old Vinyl Factory (now a housing development) where once so many chart-topping discs were pressed. The renovation was led by design studio The Decorators, with graphics by Bandiera to represent the grooves on vinyl records. Multiple panels of HIMACS in the translucent colourway Opal have been customised with these CNC engravings celebrating the heritage of the prestigious British music label. 

 


Concentric circles with text "SOUNDS OF HAYES" and info about Alan Dower Blumlein. Warm yellow background, radiating pattern.
Photo credits: Josh Cameron, Feed Me Content

The cladding is constructed from steel, aluminium and HIMACS, with LED lighting fitted behind each separate panel – which have not been seamlessly joined in this case to allow for maintenance access to the electrical systems.


The once painted walls now become a playful interaction of texture, tone and light, echoing in stereo the sound of local people passing through on their daily commute. The installation also recognises the contribution of Alan Blumlein, one of the most prolific British inventors of the 20th century, who pioneered stereo sound recording and was a senior sound engineer at EMI in Hayes.


The new wall cladding has a dynamic quality, not only through natural light changes at different times of the day and the year, but through the LED backlighting enhancing the patterns of the panel design, which grows more evocative as daylight dims. This is enhanced by the ethereal translucency of HIMACS in Opal, a neutral colourway which comes to luminous life with light diffusion through the material. The cladding was fabricated and fitted by The White Wall Company who specialise in such complex, artistic, public installations.


Tunnel entrance with "TO THE OLD VINYL FACTORY" sign. Warm yellow lights and circular patterns on walls create an inviting atmosphere.
Photo credits: Josh Cameron, Feed Me Content

Strong, sleek, durable and easy to maintain, HIMACS is ideal for public projects such as this. Its design versatility makes it eminently adaptable and its non-porous, homogeneous composition makes it resistant to staining. Furthermore, any damage – whether accidental such as scuffs and scratches, or deliberate such as graffiti – can in most cases be removed or repaired. Used widely for high-impact exterior cladding and facade projects, HIMACS is also UV resistant in the colours earmarked for such applications.

Futuristic tunnel with illuminated yellow circles on walls, leading to a bright exit. Minimalist design creates a serene ambiance.
Photo credits: Josh Cameron, Feed Me Content

Reviving a starry past for present and future generations

 

The Sound of Hayes project was commissioned by the London Borough of Hillingdon. Councillor Eddie Lavery, Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services, comments: “Reviving our town centres is a key part of our council strategy and we’re committed to supporting projects that ensure they continue to thrive for generations to come.” 

 

As part of these infrastructure projects, over £8.5 million has been dedicated to the improvement of Hayes town centre, including part of Transport for London’s new Elizabeth line station. Funding includes section 106 contributions from land and property developers, which have paid for the transformation of the underpass. 

 

So, the residents of Hayes now have an elegantly lit and decorated pedestrian facility, and one can’t help wondering whether recording artists from Queen to Kate Bush, Pink Floyd to Kraftwerk may have once walked through a formerly drab and gloomy underpass on their way to EMI in their early days… and what they might think about the homage paid to their label on the walls of the tunnel today. 

 

PROJECT INFORMATION

 

Location: Hayes, London Borough of Hillingdon

Design: The Decorators www.the-decorators.net

Graphic Design: Guglielmo Rossi Bandiera www.bandiera.co.uk 

HIMACS Supplier: James Latham www.lathamtimber.co.uk

Fabricator: The White Wall Company www.thewhitewall.co.uk

Material: HIMACS Opal S302


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