C Bechstein Piano Centre
Manchester
Kennet
Plank
Explore this floor
C Bechstein Piano Centre
Kennet oak takes its place beneath the pianos at C. Bechstein’s Manchester flagship Door Nineteen designed the Northern Quarter centre around six sound-insulated studios, an open showroom and a recital space. Kennet’s warm medium-brown tone sits against steel and fluted concrete, allowing the craftsmanship of each piano to remain central. Having specified Ted Todd previously, Door Nineteen approached our Commercial Specification team for the showroom floor. Nick Holdcroft from our Business Development team supplied samples against the design brief and advised on product suitability, leading to the selection of FSC-certified Kennet.
- Project type
- Retail
- Location
- Manchester
- Featured Product
- Kennet
Project Overview
Manchester’s Northern Quarter is a vibrant, industrial, and characterful neighbourhood full of independent shops, cool eateries and heritage music venues. This world-famous music scene makes NQ the perfect location for the state-of-the-art C. Bechstein Centre.
This stunning flagship piano centre features six purpose-built sound insulated practice studios, a stunning open-plan showroom, and an elegant recital space was designed by Estelle Buckland, an independent interior designer and spatial planner at Door Nineteen.
Project Requirements
Through the project, great care was taken to maintain the C. Bechstein brand identity, product presentation and respect for the local environment.
How did we help
Having previously specified Ted Todd floors, Door Nineteen approached our Commercial Specification team to discuss wood floor options for the C. Bechstein Centre retail project. Our Business Development team despatched samples to match the customers’ requirements and design brief.
Speaking with Estelle, she explained “Ted Todd was chosen due to the quality and aesthetic of the product and the suitability for a piano showroom environment. Particularly the strength and durability of the engineered European Oak plank, sustainable sourcing and FSC certification. The specification was considered with the support of the Ted Todd team to ensure product suitability in this commercial environment.”
Why the floor was chosen
Kennet is a classic warm medium brown floor with distinctive grain detail. Engineered using high spec nature grade European oak Kennet’s planks are 190mm wide and 14mm thick with a 3mm wear layer.
This floor also has FSC certification, the environmental gold standard of the timber industry, and a hardened oil finish that combines a natural look with a subtle sheen. This oil-based finish has an outer layer that is hardened to give extra wear and splash resistance making it easy to maintain and therefore perfect for a commercial environment.
The tone and grade in particular were a perfect match for this wonderful industrial interior.
Outcome
Estelle added, “Taking inspiration from Manchester’s industrial past and rich classical music heritage. The showroom harmonises raw materials, steel and bespoke fluted concrete with the warmer tones of the oak flooring to present the incredible craftsmanship and beauty of each and every piano displayed within the space.”
The arrangement of the shop’s location, the carefully orchestrated interior design and the architectural beauty of the pianos, which have been arranged as artistic centre pieces, combine to create a beautiful tune of form meeting function through interior design and fitout.
Talk to an expert now to get trusted professional advice on using a wood floor in your project.
Architects/Interior Designers: Door Nineteen
Contractor: IIS Space
Image Credit: IIS Space
Kennet up close
Kennet is a warm medium-brown, nature-grade European oak plank with distinctive grain detail. Each engineered wide plank board is 190mm wide and 14mm thick, with a 3mm wear layer. Its hardened-oil finish adds wear and splash resistance and supports straightforward maintenance in commercial interiors. Also available in herringbone and traditional 150mm-wide planks.
Explore floors with our broadest variety of formats and specifications all in one collection, with depths of up to 20mm.
