Agua Fabrics supports Calibro Workspace with calming breakout area at The Hive.
Image courtesy of Calibro
Four-generation family business, Agua Fabrics, specialises in technical soft fabrics and faux leathers that balance form with function.
All of its fabrics are highly durable, fire retardant, waterproof, stain-resistant and anti-microbial. And that makes them ideal for workspace interiors such as The Hive - a leading event venue in Ireland set in an iconic building in the city’s skyline with its riverfront address.
Collaborating with Calibro - one of the leading Design & Build companies in Ireland specialising in the workplace sector - Agua Fabrics supplied the upholstery material for the furniture.
Keen to find out more about the product choices, Agua recently caught up with Calibro interior designer, Hannah McVittie. Here she talks through the project.
What is Calibro most known for, and what is your role in the team?
"Calibro is one of the leading Design & Build companies in Ireland specialising in the workplace sector. As Interior Designer at Calibro, I focus on finding solutions that work for the client with a creative approach to bring to life dynamic and innovative designs. We’re an end-to-end company working from initial design to on-site delivery and aftercare.
"We undertake the full design package from concept through to technical design, visualisation and FF&E. Our in-house delivery team takes the project to site and brings the designs to reality, ensuring the Calibro standard is continuously met."
Image courtesy of Calibro
Can you talk us through The Hive project undertaken with Agua? What was the idea for the project?
"Our client is a leading event venue in Ireland and an iconic building in the city’s skyline with its riverfront address. As part of their current works to update various areas of the building we worked with them to redesign and transform their existing staff breakout space – The Hive - to become a more welcoming and relaxing environment.
"We designed some stand-out bespoke joinery pieces such as the central banquette that helps guide staff through the space. These softer seating elements were important to create a more residential and homely space over a typical staff canteen. We also created a library area to enable staff to book share and to bring home that ‘resimercial’ design. Sustainability is a key concern for the building as a whole and this was considered across the furniture specification, planting and fabric selections."
What did you require for the job?
"We needed upholstery for the soft seating areas within The Hive, with a fabric that would stand up to the wear and tear of a busy staff breakout space. Maintenance was a key consideration due to this and the Alberta Hyde range was an easy choice."
Image courtesy of Calibro
Why did you choose Agua for the project?
"As a project with sustainability at its heart, the client specified they wanted to avoid the use of real leather. With the canteen being such a high traffic area – seating approximately 55 people at any given time, we considered the durability of our products and Agua fabrics were the obvious choice for this environment.
"Alberta Hyde fitted our design scheme, bringing a more heritage driven aesthetic that aligned with the nature-inspired colour palette and material choice. It helped us create a soft and comfortable environment and transformed these pieces into real standouts within the space."
What is your experience of working with Agua? How does the team typically help you achieve your goals?
"Having known Steph and the team a few years now, she’s always on hand for queries and quick turnarounds for samples on our projects. Having someone I can chat to about the best choices on a project that has a strong knowledge bank about the product range is invaluable to a designer when specifying on projects. We’re pleased to have such a positive, collaborative relationship."
Find out more about Agua Fabrics by clicking here, and visiting Material Source Studio in Manchester and Glasgow where it is a Partner.
