In association with Crestron
Expert panellists pictured left to right Phil Pini, residential development manager, Crestron; Anton Mossa, area sales manager, Whistler Leather; Rodell Markham, showroom manager, Altfield; and Richard Davidson, co-founder and chairman, Davidson London.
Collaborating in colour 26
Crestron hosts an insightful panel discussion, in its showroom at the Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour to explore the importance of brand collaboration and partnerships when designing and personalising a home automation project for your clients
TODAY’S CONSUMERS are increasingly demanding unique design-solutions for every aspect of their homes – and the technology arena is no exception. Our lives have been transformed by
technology. What used to be something peripheral is now absolutely essential to life at home. Whether it is in the form of phones, computers, TVs, automated blinds, or cinema rooms – there are lots of ways technology can be featured in every room of the home. The beauty of technology is that it is
made to be customised - to meet the needs of individual users. But can the same be said for the pads, panels and screens we use to operate these automated devices? Is there a way to bring bespoke design to home automation? “What we do is design and develop smart-
home technology,” explains Phil Pini, Crestron’s residential development manager. “The touch screens that control that technology are, essentially, black and white plastic rectangles. However, we recognise that every interior designer wants to be able to deliver a bespoke product and, with the help of experts from Altfield, Whistler Leather and Davidson London, we’re exploring how, by collaborating with specialist manufacturers and other design experts, you can deliver one-off solutions.”
As architects and interior designers,
you are employed for your creativity so – as smart-home technology continues to dominate – having the opportunity to help your clients turn it into something that also looks great is essential. In partnership with Whistler Leather
and Altfield, Crestron has designed a selection of concept touch screens and keypads to demonstrate how colour, using different fabrics and materials, can be applied to technology to give it a bespoke style. “These concept touch screens and keypads
show how different materials can be applied to technology to transform the way they look in the home,” explains Rodell Markham, showroom manager at Altfield. “They help you realise the potential to move away from the standard white or black plastic rectangle and take a home automation project to the next level for your clients. “The print we’ve chosen is from the archives
of Brentano, one of the brands we represent. It’s a revisit of the first fabric the brand ever made and we chose it because it’s such a contrast from how the controls usually look and it makes a very strong statement.” Anton Mossa, area sales manager
(London), Whistler Leather adds: “Leather is a natural, organic material that pairs well with technology such as Crestron’s touch
screens and keypads. We often see the combination in luxury cars – and the Apple Watch, combined with the Hermés bracelet, is another great example. “We have a cinema room display in our
showroom that features perforated leather wall panelling. It highlights how versatile leather is and shows interior designers and their clients what can be achieved if you think about combining technology and materials together. “With our leathers, we offer bespoke
colours and finishes and can have the leather engraved or embossed in different colours and foils. There are so many ways to customise something.” Though combining the world of technology
with fabrics, leather and other materials is exciting and opens up endless design possibilities, there are certain limitations and considerations to bear in mind. “People come to us with logistical
questions regarding fabrics and materials for use on bespoke projects with technology,” explains Altfield’s Markham. “For instance, can I apply this fabric to a wall? Do I have to batten it? What if I want it installed in a particular way? “It can come down, simply, to the type of
weave structure as to what specific materials and fabrics can be used for. Some fabrics, for example, are extremely flexible and are, therefore, great for use with automated blinds. When discussing a type of material or finish for a project, you also have to be mindful of how the client lives and how that usage will affect the life span of the material – as the specialists, it’s our job to manage expectations at every level. “As we’re using more and more technology
in the home, and after the Grenfell tragedy, regulations for the fire retardancy of fabrics and wall coverings is becoming a big issue,” Markham adds. “So you have to think about the quality of the construction of the material before you even consider the surface finish.”
Aesthetic appeal So, can leather be applied to any surface or are there similar limitations? “If the leather is going to be used to create
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48
