Architecture and interior design thread

Whereabouts?

Is it weird to feel guilt about using MDF for period features (dado)?

Can't help feeling it undermines an otherwise nicely considered and good quality renovation. I'm not prissy about everything being period correct as that can lead to the place looking like a pastiche. But if you're going for a period correct feature (dado in the hallway with painted embossed paper under and a different colour above) you want to use appropriate materials right? Up to a point. I mean I'll be using modern paint etc so is if daft to feel odd about using MDF?

Or am I being overly precious?

^^I'm in Kent. Need to get materials ordered in the next couple of days as the decorator starts next week.

Consistency and cost make MDF a decent option I suppose.

I use Chambers in Forest Gate for timber but that's likely too far out for you. They're much cheaper than wickes/B&Q etc

@Tenderloin, can you post some pictures of your Birch ply flooring? Looking at maybe doing this in the bedroom. Who did you use to fit and cut it?

Considering using cork floating floor but its actually pretty pricey....Hmmm....

I can email some over to you.

If the room has pretty square walls and goo dimensions then it's good - what I like about it, is that it provides one colour and looks like one seamless piece of wood. We fixed ours in full boards which helps this look but does mean it there are some creaks. It's very cheap though compared to a traditional floor

I'm investigating this as a flooring option. What grade and thickness of ply did you use, any tips on fixing and finishing?

Yes. A bit. Only you will know. Are you OK with that? Good. MDF is fine.

MDF is water expansion tastic. Plywood won't expand if you have a spill. :o)

He's using the MDF for a dado rail on the wall, not as flooring material...

Personally I'd always use softwood for a dado rail.

Ah.

yip. gone with this stuff:

https://www.alsfordtimber.com/timber/premier-softwood-mouldings/premier-dado-rail/redwood-classique-dado-rail-premier-grade-20mm-x-80mm-pefc-pr2588mclr.html

@Tenderloin that would be great if you could...

Clerkenwell design week is happening soon.
Just received an email flyer for it and it had this picture attached. Assuming these are new chairs.
Are there no new chair designs that aren't a rehash.

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That is because the human arse remains more or less the shape it has always been.

I think you'll find we elect a new arse every few years.

Would rep^

Thought this must be soon. The Humanscale & Kusch parties are well worth going too

Thanks for the tip.

I've not been for a couple of years but might go for a wander/gander this year.

@mjw1988 - What part of the industry are you? I think this year Humanscale is Open Mike night or something - will give it a miss.

Cassina (now Haworth Group) & Knoll Studio are usually the highlights for me.

Although Minotti had a party last week in the west end which I think will prove to be the event of the year...!

@CoppiThat - that chair is new yes by a British "manufacturer" Elite - showroom in Clerkenwell, lower end of the market - what a travesty.

Ah really?? Why would they do open Mic?! I'll keep an eye out for those other two though cheers, shame I missed Minotti we didn't get an invite for that.
I'm an Architect, I specialise in commercial/ office buildings, but the firm I work for also does Corporate Interiors

@mjw1988 - What firm do you work for? I probably work with you already!

Hi all,
Sorry if this is in the wrong thread. I've just bricked our back door and noticed the house's kingsman/celex foam insulation between inner & outer leaves is only 25mm. The outer leaf is sandstone and inner leaf is dense concrete block.
The house was built in 2005, is this the right thickness? It seems extremely thin by today's standards.

Perkins + Will, you? It's such a small world you probably do