At this year's 100% Design, (19 - 22 September 2012, stand E360, Earls Court) Formica Group has partnered with design resource studio Material Lab to create a unique pop-up gallery showcasing its latest innovative surfaces and materials.
"Both Material Lab and Formica Group believe that being able to see, touch and feel materials is key to the design process as architects, designers and specifiers need to understand how their vision can come to life through the selection of materials," says Simon Wild, European Marketing Director at Formica Group.
The Material Lab pop-up gallery features Korten from the DecoMetal® range, AR Plus® High Gloss Laminate and also the latest addition to Formica Group's product portfolio, Formica® Magnetic Laminate.
The rich tones and intriguing surface relief of Korten evoke the look and feel of one of the favourite materials of modern architecture, corten steel. The handmade design incorporates iron particles, which make each individual sheet unique, creating a strong visual statement for any project.
Alongside, AR Plus in a wide colour choice provides a high gloss laminate surface with twice the surface performance of standard gloss laminate. Perfectly on trend with the bold colours and gloss finishes being used in today's interiors, AR Plus laminate is perfect to combine with an understated backdrop to provide an accent feature or to complement other colours and textures to create striking colour and surface combinations.
Offering excellent decorative and performance benefits, Formica Magnetic Laminate incorporates special iron foils, showing a powerful magnetic effect. A special non decorative Magnetic Board is also available which, partnered with almost any laminate from the Formica® Collection can ‘magnetise’ plain colours, patterns and even woodgrains! Formica Magnetic Laminate in Crystal White gloss finish can be used as a marker board or in a Magnetic Matt finish to create an area for projecting images or films, or for display purposes. In hotel or corporate environments, this can provide both a practical focal point, or a fun and appealing accent for meeting and conference rooms. Diamond Black and Hunter Green in a Magnetic Matt finish are ideal for chalkboards, and popular in restaurant and hospitality settings. Meanwhile, Brushed Aluminium can provide the ideal backdrop for displaying artworks, or for use in retail or exhibition spaces for displays and promotional materials.
"We are delighted to be part of the largest and most prestigious design event in the UK," continues Simon Wild. "Formica® laminate is the 'original' and has been defining the look and performance of modern interiors worldwide for 99 years, proving it is as relevant in the 21st century as it has been in the 20th century."
The Formica Group is market leader in the manufacture of High Pressure Laminate (HPL). Working closely with architects, designers and specifiers, the company is ideally placed to offer innovative new products and decors which respond to market needs and complement current design trends.
