Kitchen Sockets - Sneak Peak We've mentioned before a portfolio project to do something "different" to the norm for socket o...
Kitchen Sockets - Sneak Peak
We've mentioned before a portfolio project to do something "different" to the norm for socket outlets in the kitchen. If you peruse the purveyours of such things from the likes of Screwfix and up you'll find little real variation. Your choices are typically white plastic or a metallic plate with plastic inserts - it's all kind of, erm, so so.
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| 4 of the 5 prototype socket bodies |
Another thing you may have noticed is the preponderance for "over-socketing" (a new word we've just created in the English Dictionary workshop). This is the habit that almost everyone seems to have for specifying vast quantities of sockets, people don't seem to know why, it's just one of those things; it's a kitchen therefore many, many sockets are a must have. (We'll explore a similar issue with cabinetry in a later post).
The core concept is to use a high quality 13A 3 pin socket module from MK and to mount the module in a machined rectangular frame which will then have a removable, circular cover, added. This cover will allow an item to be plugged in and the cover re-replaced to hide the plug from view.
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| The MK 13A 3 Pin socket will be behind a cover. You can see the cable exit hole at the bottom of the machined part. The entire assembly bolts to standard single gang metal (or plastic) wall boxes |
Note: Before people throw their hands up in the air and suggest we're in imminent danger of electrocution; we're well aware of the risks of poorly executed electrickery doo dads so this is a fully earthed solution that will be fully tested
Channel 4's Home Season
Channel 4 are pushing the boat out at the start of this year leading to a veritable surfeit of programming related to homes, houses and self-builds. Leaving aside the Phil and Kirstie's "I'm considerably richer than thou Location, Location, Location" we have of particular interest with those for an eye for doing it themselves;
Building the Dream ft. Charlie Luxton,
The Restoration Man ft. George "Gawjus" Clarke and the real hidden gem;
Grand Designs Australia ft. Peter Maddison.
Lets work our way up from the bottom; The Restoration Man - this is, an in theory at least, great concept. Follow people who take the less well trodden path of building their own homes as they seek to convert/rescue/re-purpose industrial, commercial or religious buildings. Our issue is with the presenter and the frequent use of hyperbole "OMG"; the arriving on site in, suspiciously shiny PPE, prior to knocking down something in "manly, man" stylee and the sense that after each show he may be tweeting to Kevin "Did you see me dad? Did I do good? when I grow up I want to be like you". I know it's shallow of us but watching this is an exercise in patience.
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| George Clarke "Power Gaze" (copyright Pro. Brian Cox) |
Building the Dream has it's moments and to be fair Mr. Luxton, when not grinning knowingly at the camera, does put himself on the spot and come up with proper ideas. He definitely has a go-to concept he'd try and put into even a 2ft by 2ft shed; the 3/4 height wall but typically he makes some sensible suggestions. His ability to read a plan and think of it not just in the 3rd dimension but how it will actually be used is impressive.
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| Mr. Luxton excluding power gaze |
Grand Designs Australia is the real star of the program schedule. Peter Maddison has clearly taken a leaf out of Kevin McCloud's earlier Grand Design days. When that's combined with what appears to be, with the exception of inner city builds, a real open minded approach to planning there have been some truly interesting builds featured. It's the definitely the equal of it's UK parent and well worth the watch - it's also a wonderful advertisement for Australia with many of the builds taking place in beautiful surroundings with fabulous vistas.
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| Peter Maddison - Grand Designs Australian Style |
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| Bush Fire House from Grand Designs Australia - watch it you can; this particular house is fabulous |
We Didn't Know!
This week we received a book (for those of you who are not aware of this concept; a book is a collection of physical sheets of paper upon which words and images can be printed and then kept together in a process know as binding - other than deeply fashionable accessories for the coffee table these may be consigned to history along with a thing called the cassette, non-mobile phones and a quaint way of communicating called the letter);
Anouska Hempel.
Take a moment to look at the image below; a simple diptych of two rather nicely photographed interiors.
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| The same, very talented designer! |
The connection here is they were both designed by Anouska Hempel. Whilst most have heard of her in connection with, what many feel was the first true boutique hotel;
The Hempel, it turns out she was as at home being the "mother" of minimalism as she was layering complex colours, textures, textiles and objects.
The book is a real eye opener, displaying what a truly talented designer is. You certainly would be ill advised to think of her as a one-trick pony; yes there are certain recurring themes but when you witness the breadth of her ability (she's pretty handy with garden design as well) all such notions will leave your mind.
This Week's Obsession: The Grid
On another book related theme; we've also been leafing through
Kelly Hoppen's Design Masterclass in which she, via a 3rd party, showcases her design "pattern". It's an interesting book because, as she admits, her style is a recipe. Whilst lacking the versatility of the aforementioned Hempel she does have a very clear identity.
That aside she frequently refers to the concept of the grid; a system of thinking about and laying out an interior space - why the obsession? It's giving us some ideas about the next major portfolio project, ideas that cause us to ponder XVLP, F&B matt and estate emulsion and p220 sandpaper...
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| The Grid - a digital frontier or interior design "pattern"? |
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- Week What of What? You What? I mean, pardon?
- These posts give us a chance to recap on the last week at Bokoshoko and give you a glimpse of what's happening. Many of our projects take time to come to fruition or our customers would prefer we did not share so these posts also show we're not just sitting around!
