Following the recent war of words with Donald Trump after the Wisconsin-based American motorcycle company Harley-Davidson announced that it was moving some of its production overseas to avoid tariffs on bikes sold in the European Union, here’s a calmer tale from this iconic brand.
Synonymous with authentic design, Harley-Davidson demands a unique and particular attention to detail when it comes to the design of its showrooms. So it is some accolade for UK-based CTD Architectural Tiles that it has recently completed its second Harley Davidson garage in Manchester, England; a project developed in collaboration with Focus Architecture and Surveying. Blending the authentic feel of the all-American brand with the raw appeal of concrete, brick, wood and metal effect tiles, the CTD Architectural Tiles specification team was able to deliver products that met the client’s distinctive brief, resulting in a space that impresses in both design and practicality.
With no two Harley Davidson showrooms the same. Here the client’s brief was for an overall design incorporating elements that reflect the local area, while delivering the industrial aesthetic for which the brand is renowned world-wide. Embracing the look and feel of raw materials, CTD Architectural Tiles specified a range of wall and floor tiles throughout the showroom that evoke the brand’s gritty character while delivering a range of practical benefits.
Ideal for heavy traffic areas, the large format Boom Piombo 750 by 750mm concrete look tiles were selected for the main showroom floor. Suitable for heavy loading areas, the coloured body porcelain tiles were the perfect choice for the motorcycle display area. Chosen due to exceptional wearability and anti-slip properties, the Treverkway Quercia wood effect floor tiles, from Marazzi were then installed throughout the clothing area, bringing an on-trend raw appeal to the space.
Wanting to make a strong visual impact, the architect opted for four oversized sheet metal tiles for the walls behind the reception desk. Set to turn heads, the Ariostea 3,000 by 1,000mm Ultra Metal Blue Zinc tiles bring a unique statement touch to the showroom’s design, while remaining sympathetic to the industrial aesthetic.
Completing the raw appeal of the garage, CTD Architectural’s Terramix Nero brick-effect tiles were chosen as an alternative to a costly brick-slip for the interior walls.
Part of the Saint-Gobain family, CTD Architectural Tiles specialises in the supply of high quality ceramic tile finishes and tiling solutions across all sectors in the UK commercial specification market.
A new post by Joe Simpson, Diary of a Tile Addict, July 2018.