What was the starting point for the Collector’s Lounge at Collect 2026?
The project began with a brief to create a VIP lounge at Somerset House that could host informal gatherings of guests and display selected craft pieces. Since the installation would only exist for five days, we wanted a sustainable approach. We settle on a concept of ‘ more with less’ by reducing the palette and allowing a single material to define the space.

The design uses BAUX tiles exclusively. Why did they suit this project?
What really grabbed us was their versatility. These are acoustic tiles, but they become something architectural when you work with them. They allowed us to shape walls, seating, and display plinths using the same component. That singularity creates a space where everything feels connected. The BAUX materials also perform functionally, improving acoustics, which is vital for a lounge where people are talking and gathering.

Tell us about the colour palette you used.
The intention was to create a background that holds the space together without overpowering the craftwork on display. Wood pale Green has a grounded, natural quality. Instead of the sharp neutrality of a white gallery, you get something softer and more immersive that complements the craftwork and Somerset House’s historic architecture.

BAUX wood wool tiles have a very tactile quality. Was that part of the experience?
Absolutely. One of the most interesting aspects of wood wool is how people respond to it physically. Visitors instinctively touch it, wanting to understand what it’s made from. That tactile curiosity becomes part of the spatial experience and demonstrates how materials can communicate both emotional and functional qualities.

Was sustainability important for the project? How did that shape the design process?
Very much so. We knew the installation would be temporary, so we had to consider the materials’ longevity. BAUX tiles are recyclable, making them ideal for the concept. After the fair, the tiles and furnishings were upcycled by SketchUp. Even in a short-lived project, the materials endure.

What kind of feedback have you received from visitors?
Many people described the space as calm and confident. Someone remarked that it felt like humble materials were used in an elevated way, which I thought was lovely. There was also a lot of curiosity — visitors touched the walls and asked about the material. It created room for ideas and conversations, which is exactly what a lounge should do.

Has the project changed how you think about using BAUX in future work?
I can imagine it working beautifully in hospitality environments — perhaps in a boutique hotel reception desk or a check-in counter, which can be a bit boring. Guests could interact with the surface directly. It’s a statement, and the textures encourage engagement and shape the character and acoustics of the space.