Sheerwater Glass, Guildford

The brief:

When Sheerwater Glass took possession of a new, shell warehouse, it asked MPL Interiors to reimagine the space. The desire was to create an inspiring showroom for both trade and consumer clients.

The client requested as much display space as possible, as well as an impact-making reception, meeting areas, and even somewhere for visiting children and teens to hang out.

Our approach:

The vast dimensions of the premises was the starting point for MPL, with a flurry of space plans and technical drawings created. The project loosely fell into three areas: Cat A work that involved structural additions and the separating of space; merchandise displays and aesthetic Cat B treatments.

Another level

The soaring apex of the unit, together with the overall measurements between the floor and ceiling, allowed MPL to design and install a mezzanine level with glass balustrade to maximise the usable space. The new floor runs around the perimeter of the premises, with a large void in the middle.

Our house, in the middle of our showroom

The intentional gap allowed for the construction of an ambition show house – the brainchild of MPL designer Stephanie Smith. The house sits in the middle of the ground floor and rises through the void, using Sheerwater Glass’s products as the structure.

This functional display, with fully-operational windows and doors, creates a glass office for employees to meet clients and perform demonstrations. Cleverly, the roof of the show house has been fitted with solar panels and Velux windows, which can be closely inspected by walking around the mezzanine perimeter.

Putting on a show

Both floors of the premises are brimming with bespoke display units. Some were specified by the client, coming all the way from Italy and installed by MPL, while others were a custom-design collaboration between Sheerwater Glass and MPL, with the framework achieving pinpoint accuracy to house windows and doors. The showroom also features a number of other made-to-measure displays units for samples, brochures and design elements.

Softening the look

The client wanted to ensure the showroom was a comfortable, welcoming place to visit, especially as the bare walls of the warehouse were very industrial in their aesthetic.

The starting point was a design-led reception. Visitors are greeted by a smart, L-shape reception desk, customised with concrete-effect panelling, timber slat backdrop and LED strip lights. Just behind this is a double-height feature wall, covered in faux greenery and set with the Sheerwater Glass logo.

To the left of the reception is a waiting area and refreshment point - partially screened by full height timber battens. This client-facing area features a mini kitchen with integrated drinks fridge, coffee machine, sofas, chairs and a coffee table, and even a kid’s corner with bean bags. A matching kitchen was installed on the first floor for staff use. Another ground floor nook is aimed at visiting teens and nostalgic adults – with soft seating, graffiti wall art and two retro-style arcade machines.

Divide and conquer

Approximately 133 new stud wall partitions plus glass screens and wooden space dividers were used to section off areas. The result is a new glass office on the first floor, a glass cutting room on the ground floor and a division between sales and accounts’ office space.

New flooring was installed throughout, with an innovative approach on both floors. As well a luxury vinyl and epoxy resin, a mix of faux grass and stone pavers have been used – specified by Stephanie to blur the boundary between outside and in.

Additional elements

MPL installed new cloakrooms, completed a thorough redecoration throughout, spray painted the existing ceiling, installed a new glazed shop front entrance with internally illuminated exterior signage and created a personalised design feature on the stairs.