Biophilic design embraces the essence of Beckworth Emporium
- Project name
- Beckworth Emporium
- Project sector
- Hospitality
- Completion date
- 01/05/21
- Client
- KVB Design Ltd
Drawing inspiration from its rural roots and vast horticultural offering, the recently revamped Beckworth Emporium truly is a masterclass in biophilic design.
Set in the scenic village of Mears Ashby, the independent business, combining locally sourced fresh produce, gifts, and garden supplies with an award-winning restaurant, has benefitted from a major two-million-pound transformation.
Led by KVB Design Ltd, the facility, which was launched in 2008 and is now one of Northampton’s most successful destination venues, has undergone a complete refresh and rebrand as well as being significantly extended to create a new kitchen, office space, and warehouse.
The footprint of the original restaurant has also been increased to accommodate more than 300 diners, with a further 100 covers catered for externally. Reflecting the essence of the original eatery, The Restaurant in the Glasshouse has been cleverly composed to appeal to its loyal customer base as well as to attract a new cohort of visitors, enabling the business to develop and expand.
Senior Designer Gillian Fisher explained the process behind the concept: “The previous restaurant evolved over many years and won a place in customers’ hearts and minds. The challenge we faced was in tying together the brand-new glasshouse building with the existing infrastructure and mirroring the ethos of the original restaurant in every aspect of the refreshed interior.”
Biophilic design provides a blissful union between inside, and outside
The team successfully replicated the cosy and welcoming ambiance that enveloped the former dining area by dividing the venue into a series of distinct zones, resulting in a highly flexible space capable of catering for large parties as well as intimate dinners for two and everything in between.
A nod to the eatery’s heritage of alfresco dining, biophilic design principles were employed throughout, with large scale pot plants strategically placed within the seating area and baskets brimming with luscious foliage hanging from the rafters. Further augmenting the concept of bringing the outdoors in, a stunning glazed canopy wraps around the restaurant, allowing guests to enjoy panoramic views of the horticultural retail space.
The warm, natural vibe is enhanced by a pleasing palette of tan and chocolate leather combined with dark timber, creating an atmosphere that is both luxurious and supremely relaxing. Striking blue banquettes topped with floral trims sit upon Solus’ Morocco tiles, inspired by designs synonymous with the Victorian era, which are present throughout the design.
- Floor: 2WDR002
Gillian added: “The Morocco tiles are reminiscent of Victorian glasshouse floor grates, so they were perfect for the space. They have been used to great effect around the large U-shaped bar and around the banquette seating which runs along the spine of the restaurant. We also used a narrow strip along the two glazed perimeter walls which really helps to create the glasshouse feel we were after.”
A contemporary aesthetic has been composed in the dining area through the application of Solus’ concrete-effect Format tiles in complementary shades of dove grey and soft charcoal which sit alongside a raven toned décor version sourced from the same range. The Format product in shades of charcoal has also been laid externally, in a robust Grip R11 finish, next to brickwork salvaged from the original restaurant floor, creating a subtle link between the indoor and outdoor space.
The garden inspired theme continues in the customer WCs where greenery hangs in baskets from spherical light fittings. A sophisticated aesthetic is achieved through warm ivory and deep grey shades which adorn the walls, combined with dove grey floor tiles from the Format range. The products also feature alongside subtle lighting and rustic wood panels in the revamped gift shops, completing the venue’s stunning renovation.
CREDIT
- Interior Design
KVB Design Ltd
- Interior Design
Swan Innovations
and Andy Thornton- Tiling Contractor
Richmond Ceramics
- Photography
Tom Lee
