Managing Director at MM Wall Graphics, Derek Evans, explains that he and his team were already experienced in large format graphic installations when they were introduced to Coala Interior Film by their Antalis Account Manager: We were immediately intrigued by its quality compared to other vinyls on the market, so we decided to buy five metres in a bamboo effect, and tested its performance by wrapping our very scuffed and tired office kitchen. The result was remarkable!

Derek EvanS, Managing Director at MM Wall GraphicsWhen visiting long-standing MM Wall Graphics customer Highfield Park Hotel, Derek showed them the sample book along with pictures of the revamped office kitchen. Impressed, the hotel commissioned them to wrap the hotel’s reception desk and lighting gantry on which the existing oak veneer was beginning to lift.

How the brief evolved!

If the hotel were to replace the desk it would have caused considerable disruption to the hotel; however, because MM Wall Graphics were able to wrap the desk in situ, working during quieter periods, the reception area could continue to operate with no downtime necessary. After two days the desk and overhead lighting gantry was complete.

Within days of completing the desk, Derek was asked to quote for revamping areas of the residents’ lounge, which contained two, unsightly metal pillars. The pillars cannot be removed, so instead Derek made a feature of them, wrapping them in Coala Interior Film – Fabric Gold AL09. 

This commission was followed by another to wrap a coffee making area in the corner of the room. The shaker style of the doors had the potential to be problematic, but the wrap was successful:

It’s easier to wrap a smooth surface, so we were a little concerned about how the shaker style doors would turn out, but it was quite straight forward in the end. We removed the doors and filled any knocks and scuffs with a filler prior to wrapping to ensure a smooth surface, and the result is really impressive.

Derek Evans, MANAGING DIRECTOR AT MM WALL GRAPHICS

Further commissions from the hotel include updating the ladies’ washroom – wrapping the toilet cubicles, vanity units and mirror surrounds. Also wrapping the walls and units in white marble NE31 effect for the en-suite bathroom of the hotel’s wedding suite.

Reducing environmental impact - and cost!

Electing to update existing fixtures and fittings in the hotel instead of replacing them brings numerous benefits:

• Limited or no requirement to close guest areas or rooms thereby minimising cost impact
• Because existing fixtures and fittings are used rather than replaced, the environmental impact of updating the hotel is significantly reduced
• Cost to wrap is significantly less than cost to replace; for example, the cost to update the ladies’ washroom using Coala Interior Film was approximately 70% cheaper than a quotation to renovate using traditional methods

The quality of finish of Coala Interior Film combined with the significant reduction in costs and environmental impact compared with conventional refurbishment means Highfield Park Hotel has been able to embark on a much wider-scale interiors revamp than they had thought possible. The 10-year warranty also means further updates shouldn’t be necessary for an extensive period of time. Following our work with Highfield Park Hotel, we have received further commissions and are also now offering a similar service to domestic customers. Coala Interior Film is a great product that is really helping to transform our business.

DEREK EVANS, MANAGING DIRECTOR AT MM WALL GRAPHICSMagic Mouse Design LLP (MM Wall Graphics) Highfield Park Hotel projects are entries into the Antalis Interior Design Award (AIDA) 2022. They can be viewed on the AIDA website along with examples of many other projects from across the UK and Europe that feature products in our Visual Communication catalogue.