Following the success of sister company Tart, the foodie duo had hopes of turning a former power station into a unique site featuring a restaurant, bar, deli, retail store and even a photography studio.
The ambitious project involved the skills of Franklin Design architects, Spillars Builders, specialist window manufacturers NSB Casements and James Tobias.
The focus of the installation was a high-concept, sliding partition wall. Over 30 ft wide, the wall was an integral feature that could be easily opened to allow for larger gatherings, or left closed to create a more intimate atmosphere.
NSB Casements were commissioned to manufacture the panels and one of the challenges James Tobias had to overcome, was ensuring the panels (when closed) aligned with the vertical lines in the arch above. This helped create a sense of visual consistency and concealed the working area behind the dividing wall.
Once installed, the steel framed panels complemented the original features of the building perfectly. For the finishing touch, James Tobias commissioned antique mirror inserts for each panel which added a style sympathetic to the surrounding interior. The mirrors also cleverly reflected the restaurant area, creating light and space, while obscuring activity on the other side of the panels.
The installation posed many complex technical and visual challenges, however the project was completed within six weeks and the owners (and customers) are delighted with the results.
Wylds Road, Bridgwater, Somerset TA6 4BH
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