fuse design + build successfully completes the newly refurbished multi-purpose events venue opening this month
Local Barnes-based commercial and residential refurbishment specialists, fuse design + build (www.fuse-db.com) have successfully converted the former theatre building at WWT London Wetland Centre officially opening as ‘Thames H20’. The new multi-functional venue funded by Thames Water boasts full cinema capabilities fit for screenings including the opening of Barnes Film Festival. fuse have also built a stunning cantilevered deck area over the lake with views that compliment the London Wetland Centre’s unique nature and wildlife reserve.
Nature has been at the heart of fuse’s design for this project with the aim to create a versatile space that appeals to all ages. fuse has installed a five metre operable folding wall using striking digital landscape imagery which can be easily divided to suit capacity requirements. The green and earthy colour palette gives a fresh and natural look and the use of interesting recycled and reclaimed products and raw materials have been sourced by fuse to promote sustainability and the environment.
fuse have designed and built the feature wall in the front lobby made out of reclaimed wood from a former Victorian factory and installed discarded decorative silver birches to highlight the indigenous trees in the local area. The carpet for the main function hall was specified by fuse from the Interface Human Nature collection which is a recycled product made from fishing nets as part of an impressive global environmental initiative. These multihued carpet tiles have been mixed and matched to create an exciting interior space that echoes the infinite variety of the natural landscape.
The eco-chic bathrooms are finished with driftwood doors and pebble effect flooring into the rear lobby where the eco screens made of recycled eucalyptus shaped as reeds providing a decorative Wetland shadow effect on the walls. fuse has devised an effective and efficient light design using the latest high output LED technology as well as design classics such as the Belux cloud pendants.
David Green, General Manager at London Wetland Centre, comments; “fuse have worked closely with us to deliver a spectacular, design-led building that will provide a stunning new venue for events all year round. Sustainability is one of our core values and fuse have cleverly brought that into their design creating a fantastic new space for all ages to enjoy.”
Lee Heath, MD of fuse design + build, adds; “We have thoroughly enjoyed working with WWT this year and we are very proud to reveal our latest project together with Thames Water. We are confident all the latest facilities and design interiors will provide a fun new environment for everyone to enjoy.”
Thames Water External Affairs Director, Richard Aylard, said: “We are delighted to have helped the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust to develop this new learning facility. It will clearly be a valuable addition to the London Wetland Centre and bring a new dimension to our education programme, designed to engage and educate our customers and communities about what we do and the wider environment in which we work. ”