News
Benchmark win contract for the fit-out of Kew Gardens Herbarium...
Benchmark are currently making bespoke furniture for the reception, offices and reading rooms in the new 5000m2 wing to the existing Herbarium and Botanic library. Founded in 1853, the Herbarium is the world's leading centre for the study of plant diversity. Designed by Edward Cullinan Architects, the new building will provide long awaited additional archive space for Kew's priceless collection of dried plant specimens, botanic books and illustrations. The new wing is linked to the existing herbarium by a timber and glass drum. This houses a circular reading room and ground floor reception that opens onto a newly created south facing courtyard.
Transforming the Ashmolean for the twenty first century...
Benchmark has been commissioned to make reception desks, seating, display plinths, desks and meeting room furniture for the largest museum development in the country. The Ashmolean museum is a world-class museum of art and archaeology situated in Oxford.
The new building will comprise 35 new galleries featuring the redisplay of the rich and varied permanent collections. It will introduce 4 large temporary exhibition galleries, a new education centre with additional study rooms, new conservation studios, a walkthrough between the Museum and the Cast Gallery and Oxford's first rooftop café.
Creating the ultimate in luxury for The Connaught...
Benchmark, in conjunction with their sister company Littons are creating luxurious furniture for The Penthouse Apartment at the Connaught, Positioned at the highest point of the hotel on the sixth floor, overlooking Carlos Place, with sweeping views across Mayfair, designer David Collins has approached the interior as a one-off residential project, creating an iconic living space. The result is a private Mayfair apartment, designed for a discerning clientele: well travelled, with eclectic tastes in art, culture and literature.
There is a king-sized master bedroom, with a generous seating area, a huge walk-in wardrobe with en suite bathroom leading off it; a king-sized guest bedroom with dressing room and en suite bathroom; a spacious sitting-room with a double height vaulted ceiling, feature fireplace, romantic window seats and wrap around balconies complete with topiary; a dining-room seating up to ten guests; guest cloakroom and butler's pantry. Both bathrooms and dressing rooms are truly spectacular.
Restoring glory to The Royal Turnberry Hotel...
Benchmark are currently in the process of making over 450 individual pieces of furniture for the bedrooms, suites and public spaces of the Royal Turnberry Hotel as part of a £30million refurbishment which will see the 101-year hotel restored to the vision of the original architect, James Miller. Working in conjunction with a heritage consultant, the refurbishment will ensure that the building's heritage is maintained while delivering beautifully-designed stylish hotel rooms and facilities.
Internationally-renowned interior designer Mary Fox Linton, who is leading the refurbishment said "The chance to restore this hotel to its former glory is a wonderful opportunity and I feel so passionate about it. When you arrive, you can't help but smile. The interiors of the hotel will be brought back to their original grandeur with a contemporary interpretation of James Miller's original vision for the hotel. I have tried to look at the hotel through the eyes of Miller and interpret what I think he would have envisioned for the hotel, maximising open spaces, comfort and of course the very best of quality."
Bespoke furniture for Lutyens...
Benchmark is working with Sir Terence Conran on the furniture and fittings for Lutyens, a restaurant, bar and private members' club occupying the old Reuters building on Fleet Street, which is planned to open in June.
