Gary Baker, managing director at CD (UK), explores the use of Corian in hospitality spaces.
The hospitality industry has been under pressure over the last few years during the recession, and even before that, with the smoking ban and the increase in duty on alcohol having a detrimental effect on the numbers of people going out for entertainment and eating.
One way that companies have counteracted the decline in this area is by providing people with beautiful and comfortable surroundings in which to dine and relax. By using high-quality materials and great interior and exterior design, people are more likely to go out and spend time in bars, cafes and restaurants.
Eye-catching exteriors
This great exterior of Wagamama at Westfield Stratford City draws the eye, utilising three shades of Corian in Glacier White, Mint Ice and Nocturne, making the space look inviting and trendy.
Another great use of Corian in the shopping centre is the Marks and Spencer Café. Seating 250 customers, this space uses curved surfaces to create the feeling of being in intimate surroundings despite the public space.
Durable and attractive
Other areas in the hospitality and leisure industries use Corian to great effect. The Carnoustie Pro Golf Centre in Angus, Scotland, uses the solid surface material for both its stylishness and its durability.
High quality at Harvey Nichols
Another striking use of Corian is at the Fifth Floor Café at Harvey Nichols in its flagship store in Knightsbridge, London. In Glacier White, the cafe looks cool and clean, with an open-plan kitchen space overlooking the rooftops of Knightsbridge. In addition to the smooth curves and flat surfaces, the space also uses intricately engraved shapes in the Corian to add richness to the interior design.
Glacier White – a style trend
Glacier White is DuPont’s most popular shade of Corian, which is used everywhere from residential kitchens and bathrooms to the cool ice cream cafe, The Fabulous Frozen Factory in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Mexico. The space uses 1950s stylings and fittings against an icy white backdrop, highlighting the pastel machines, bringing a touch of class to this great little eatery.
By using Corian in hospitality spaces, designers have used a material that is impervious to scratches and stains, temperature resistant to avoid scorch marks, hygienic and stylish. Corian comes with a ten-year guarantee which means you can feel assured that your solid surface will look good for years to come.
For more on Gary’s views on interior design for hospitality spaces, readers should head over to Gary’s blog or follow him on Twitter.
