The Home Library, Weybridge

The brief:

As lighting and interior specialists, The Home Library didn’t need much help with design aesthetics. What it did call MPL Interiors in for was our first-fix expertise. A core component of the brief was to plan and install a brand new electrical system that would be capable of powering the client’s extensive lighting displays. We were also asked to section off the shell into zones, reconfigure the store’s exterior and install a new, reinforced ceiling.

Our approach:

When The Home Library was presented with the opportunity to take over a former public house on Weybridge High Street, it didn’t hesitate – especially as it would be occupying a prime position in the town. Before work could commence onsite, MPL had to create highly-detailed plans to ensure the structural framework, power supply and cabling was in place to support ambitious, ceiling-suspended lighting displays. Due to a prior and unrelated tenant dispute, there was no power to the building, so MPL’s first onsite job was to bring in generators and work to reconnect the premises. Once power was restored, the first fix could begin.

In the zone

The nature of The Home Library’s business required MPL to create a complex ‘behind the scenes’ data and power network that would support different concessions and design zones. Internal walls, partitions and a new reinforced ceiling were installed to give the expansive premises definition – crafted in a way that The Home Library could easily change its displays with interior fashions and suspend multiple, expensive chandeliers with confidence.

We effectively built several ‘roomsets’ throughout the space, replicating residential settings and allowing floor lamps, table lamps, pendants and wall lights to be displayed with a minimal amount of wiring on display. This system of space layout included faux feature walls to the front of the store, which allow The Home Library to create stunning window displays that feature wallpaper and painted surfaces.

Towards the light

With such an amazing display inside - and with the very best internal illumination provided by the items being sold – MPL was asked to enhance the store’s glass façade. We changed the shop-front glazing, gained successful planning approval for new signage with trough lighting, and reconfigured the front-of-house to remove the recessed entrance, enabling the new double doors to sit flush with the rest of the exterior.

Additional elements:

MPL Interiors laid new flooring throughout this project, installed all-new skirting boards, internal doors and ironmongery, created a new staff kitchen and cloakrooms, installed fire and security alarms, and fitted a bespoke payment desk with screen guards.