Coala Air Board and Kernow Inkjet Metalik Silver formed an eye-catching backdrop to the extraordinary living bar at 2022’s HIX event at London’s Business Design Centre.
Coala Air Board and Kernow Inkjet Metalik Silver formed an eye-catching backdrop to the extraordinary living bar at 2022’s HIX event at London’s Business Design Centre.
Hix Bar Coala Air board
Creating stand-out
As Europe’s only event dedicated to hotel design, HIX is an important date in the diary for those involved in the industry. It provides developers, investors, suppliers, independent hoteliers, interior architects and designers, among many others, the opportunity to come together to network, attend workshops and discover the latest trends in hotel design from leading suppliers. At the heart of HIX 2022 was The Mush Room, an immersive, pop-up social space featuring a living bar constructed from mycelium - a root-like fungus structure composed of branching, intertwining roots. Created by organic material artist Côme di Meglio in collaboration with creative studio La Succulente, it was a living embodiment of the show’s theme, ‘Great things will grow’, and a reflection of the industry’s focus on sustainable hotel design.
The concept for The Mush Room was created by Belgium-based interiors and branding studio WeWantMore with whom Antalis’ Specification Consultant – Visual Communications, Claire White, collaborated to create the perfect backdrop to show off the living bar.
WeWantMore wanted a backdrop with a mirror effect that would reflect the light, colours and features of the bar. I worked together with the design team to understand their requirements before specifying substrates and providing samples for testing.
Claire White, Specification Consultant - Visual Communications
The Solution
To create the structure of the double-walled, 2.4-metre-high by 22-metre-wide backdrop, Claire recommended Coala Air Board; a printable, high strength yet lightweight honeycomb sheet that is 100% recyclable. This was then laminated with Kernow Metalik Inkjet Silver; a printable polyester self-adhesive film that is ideal for application on boards and which offers a very smooth, mirror-effect finish with good scratch resistance.
For print and production, Claire worked with Onward Display, experienced large format printers who’s head office is ideally located inside the Business Design Centre. Specialising in retail, events and exhibition graphics, 2023 celebrates their 20 year anniversary.
The Result
The Mush Room was one of the talking points of the show, wowing visitors with both its design and use of materials.
HIX 2022 was a phenomenal event, showcasing the talent and forward-thinking approach of those involved in the hotel design sector. We were thrilled when the organisers approached us to specify substrates for this unique pop-up bar and the finished result is a great example of what can be achieved when designers and substrate suppliers collaborate. It’s a sector we love supporting with our range of innovative visual communications materials.
Claire White, Specification Consultant - Visual Communications
Product Information
Coala Air Board is part of the Coala range of large-format digital media that enables printers, designers, marketers and brand strategists to bring bold, creative thinking to life, creating their own unique universe.
Kernow Metalik Inkjet is a printable metallic polyester film, available in silver and gold, with removable or permanent adhesive. Available to order as part of the Antalis interior décor range.
