Crown Paints has announced its involvement in a new project that offers a state-of-the-art hub of inspiration for architects and designers in Manchester, providing the opportunity to immerse themselves in ‘beautifully useful’ products and materials.

The first of its kind in the UK, the 15,000sqft studio is situated in the Grade II listed Hanover Building in the NOMA district of Manchester’s city centre.

Crown Paints has taken on the joint venture with the aim of supporting architects and designers to create beautiful spaces using colour. The paint manufacturer owns an area within the studio, offering an engaging and inspirational space complete with trend insights, sample sharing, industry-leading case studies, colour expertise workshops, and a relaxing break-out area.

The space will also be used to share sustainability initiatives, a commitment that remains at the forefront of Crown Paints’ agenda.

In addition, Crown Paints will be involved in a range of events that Material Source Studio is planning. As well as a monthly ‘maker in residence’ programme, which will provide a platform for emerging local talent; the studio will also host Continuing Professional Development (CPDs) and seminars at its 100-seat theatre and meeting areas.

Set across two levels, Material Source Studio features a wealth of inspirational exhibits and interactive displays from 35 leading brands operating in the commercial interiors and built environment sectors. It also includes an 80-seat theatre, a CPD area, a 300+ book library, 7 meeting spaces, a co-working hub and, a podcast studio. Plus, an internal garden with a fully mature, 6-metre tree, spanning both floors.

Katie McLean, Marketing Director at Crown Paints, added: “Our partnership with Material Source Studio is a significant part of our continuous collaboration with the architecture and design community. It’s a significant milestone for the professional side of our business and allows us to champion Northern talent and the wider design industry.”

“We have a diverse professional product range and service offering that’s been built up over years through our work with large commercial customers. From bespoke specification services to site surveys and one-on-one colour advice, we aim to help architects and designers create beautiful and sustainable spaces.”

“On top of this we’ve worked hard to create resources that help the community to choose the best coatings for the job – whether that be information on fire protection or supporting visitors to get creative using handy Pure Paint samples, which are 100% colour accurate and made using recycled and recyclable materials available on the stand.”

“We’re looking forward to creating a programme of activity at Material Source to help showcase Crown Paints unique products, colour expertise and services.”

Making up the studio’s core offering are bespoke partner PODs –showcasing paint, tiles, flooring and wallcoverings, furniture, lighting and smart solutions, fabric, bathroom accessories, plants and acoustic panels.

The full list of founding partners includes:

Allgood
Alusid
Atkinson & Kirby
Autex Acoustics
Bespoke Atelier
BOBO1325
Brunner
Britton
Burlington
Casa Ceramica
CDUK
Clearwater
Concept Cubicle Systems
Commecaart
Cosentino
Crown Paints
Crosswater
Darwen Terracotta
Dline
Dyson
Ege Carpets
Forbo
Gresham
Karndean
Lightforms
Lutron
Neon Creations
NOMA
Oasis Plants
Panaz
Pfleiderer
Pixelmax
Pixite
Radii Planet Group
Rug Atelier
Sixteen3
Smile Plastics
TopBrewer
Whitebirk Sink Company

The Studio’s opening hours are 10am – 6.30pm Monday to Friday (closed weekends and bank holidays), and it operates an open-door policy.