Architectural practice Design Unlimited has redesigned the box office and bar area at Lichfield Garrick Theatre in collaboration with fit-out company Medlock FRB and James Latham, a distributor of timber, panels and decorative panels.
Design Unlimited chose a neutral backdrop for the box office to complement the theatre’s bold brand colours. A sculptural reception desk was created using HIMACS – a solid surface material – in Arctic White, sourced through James Latham. The material’s joining and thermoformable properties allow for a continuous surface, including a dropped section for wheelchair users.
Jo Heyse-Moore, lead interior designer, said: ‘The box office is the first stop for most visitors, so we wanted it to be instantly recognisable, which is why we used plain tones that contrast with the expressive colours that feature elsewhere. The ability to cut, bend, twist, and shape the HIMACS sheets meant that we could be far more playful with the furniture’s structure, giving it its own identity. It immediately stands out as a prominent feature, performing an artistic purpose as well as a functional one, much like material itself.’
HIMACS was also selected for the bar areas due to its performance characteristics. The material offers impact and scratch resistance, a non-porous surface, and ease of maintenance, making it suitable for the demands of a busy bar.
HIMACS in Ebony Concrete was specified for the back-of-bar workspaces.
Heyse-Moore continued: ‘Designing for bar areas is a unique challenge. They need to look inviting to customers, but the working areas behind the bar see heavy use and require frequent cleaning. That puts pressure on the materials we specify, especially for surfaces.’
She added: ‘Stainless steel is a popular choice, but it scratches and dents easily. Timber is beautiful but needs a lot of upkeep to stay that way. HIMACS offered the best of both worlds – robust performance with a premium finish. And the colour range is impeccable. While we stuck to neutrals for this space, the bold shades open up exciting possibilities for future projects.’
