INSPIRING CLAYWORKS FINISHES IN SOUTHWARK APARTMENT BLOCK

Photo:  Lindé Davies

Photo:  Lindé Davies

Photo:  Lindé Davies

Photo:  Lindé Davies

Photo:  Lindé Davies

Photo:  Lindé Davies

Photo:  Lindé Davies

A couple of weeks ago I was in Southwark for a meeting - I don't know if its just me, but whenever I'm in Southwark its always, ALWAYS very windy.  No matter the season or time of day  -  almost like Union road is windy funnel of sorts.

Nevermind that - nowadays I just remember to always wear my hair tied up if I'm heading thataway

I had a bit of time left between where I had to be next and popped in to a project we completed in the area just at the time I was joining Clayworks.  I still remember popping down while they were applying the protective glaze and could really see the walls come alive - but I couldn't see the full extent of the work.

I'm sharing a few images here I took as the contractor was showing me around.  It is now completed - an apartment block with an industrial feel as you enter - and then subtly softer as you reach the beautiful apartments.  Skylights bring natural light into the stairwell and top floor - and a metal grid forms a safety rail along the inside of the staircase.  

To bring it all together, they chose one of Clayworks tonal finishes in a polished concrete effect - and the results are perfectly industrial.  So exciting to work with this product and here's to many more exciting projects in the future 

I love the light fittings - and wow that bright neon sign adds a punch of boldness and colour.  At the back of the building they have an area for the bins and recycling and they kept that beautiful brick wall exposed, with moss growing here and there - on this wall they have added some stands for bikes - all in all such a well thought out use of space for the future inhabitants who will soon be calling this block home sweet home

Images by me

CLAYWORKS LONDON LUXURY LOFT

Some beautiful images of a recently completed project - where Clayworks natural clay plaster finishes were used on the walls and ceilings in a luxury London loft apartment.  Where the interiors are beautifully eclectic, the clay plasters evoke a relaxing calmness and comfort - to soften the otherwise dramatic interiors.

And I quote .... 

'The owners of this luxury renovation in London were looking for a wall and ceiling finish with character, depth and presence to bring comfort into the vast, airy spaces of this stunning room.  

Clay plasters, with their natural ability to buffer acoustics, thermal variation and moisture - provided a breathtaking solution with not only natural beauty, but practical benefits. Added advantages are that being naturally pigmented, these difficult-to-access areas will never need painting and that the clay surface will eliminate glare.

The distinctive and sophisticated finish has been created using Clayworks White, Non-Mica Smooth Top Coat and was specified by specialist developers Evolve Production Services and applied by Clayworks’ lead plasterer Guy Valentine.'

We have some exciting projects on the go at the moment - but would love to hear from you should you have a project or a wall you'd like to discuss.  Feel free to visit the Clayworks website for plenty more natural clay inspiration where you'll also find my contact details.

Images via Clayworks

AREIAS DO SEIXO - SANTA CRUZ PORTUGAL

swoon.... oh just let me catch my breath again!  and .... swoon again!

A lot of design elements I totally adore here - and this little gem of an eco-chic luxury hotel and villa complex is only in Portugal, not miles and miles and miles away... and I've never been to Portugal - its on my list though...

And I quote..... Areias Do Seixo owes much of its charm and success to its owners, husband and wife team Marta Fonseca and Gonçalo Alves, who in 2010 decided to create a hotel reflecting their passion for the environment and design. Gonçalo, who comes from three generations of hoteliers, also holds a degree in Management together with Marta, who is on hand to greet each new visitor like a guest in their home. “They arrive as guests and leave as friends,” noted Gonçalo, who tapped architect Vasco Vieira and interior designers Rosario Gabriel and Isabel Schedel to bring their eco-chic resort to life, complete with geothermal energy, photovoltaic solar panels, and recycling.

“When we got the chance to do a project like this, in a location we consider to be precious, we knew we had to be extremely sensitive in the way we would intervene,” says Gonçalo, who built around ancient trees instead of uprooting them, which can be seen in one of the guest bathrooms where a stately olive tree stands at its center. Their commitment to recycling can be found in whimsical designs scattered throughout the hotel’s interiors. Bed frames and wardrobes ingeniously constructed with driftwood collected from nearby beaches, while old oil drums were transformed into chic bedside tables."

I can just feel a little exploration developing in the folds and inbetween the grey matter of my little brain - and who said it's not ok to dream?  And who said our dreams won't come true...

Keep dreaming beautiful guys and girls, its only Monday - and a rainy one it's been here in London, but keep those dreams alive - then the rainy days will pass without even a fleck of a reminder of the wet day it's been!


Images via a variety of websites and blogs and pinterest
More info here - areias do seixo

SCANDINAVIAN LOFT INSPIRATION

Oh my oh my!  What a beautiful Scandinavian loft apartment - it seriously ticks all the boxes for me. The stunning interior and neutral tones, lots of wood, but not too overwhelming.... that stunning feature wall, which is very similar in look and feel to a Clayworks wall finish..... 

I especially like the coat and shoe storage in a pull out drawer under the stairs... that's one to remember for one day!

And then you wonder up the stairs and arrive at a light and bright loft/ mezzanine bedroom with a glass wall and mirrored wardrobes to reflect even more light.... the low bed I love!

I'll add a few more plants and a swing chair or hammock chair of sorts and then this will be my perfect homesweethome!

Would seriously love to live somewhere like this someday... won't you?

First spotted via Pinterest and then myparadissi
Images via bo LKV

VILLA CP BY ZEST ARCHITECTURE

Beautiful refurbishment of a barn - where a modern home had been built within the structure of an old stone barn.  Large openings have been added to allow lots of light to flood the interior and also to take in the landscape of spectacular views.

I notice the natural plaster finishes on the walls, it gives a warm and neutral feel, inviting - and adds a somewhat rustic charm.  Similar finishes can be achieved with our range of beautiful natural clay plaster finishes - visit Clayworks for more inspiration for your walls - your imagination is your only limitation!

This project was thoughtfully designed by Zest Architecture

Images Via architizer