Johnnie Walker on Princes Street in Edinburgh offers a personalised whisky experience. You can explore and discover the flavours of Scottish whiskey from a magnificent rooftop bar with stunning views of Edinburgh Castle. It doesn't get much more Scottish than that! 

THE CHALLENGE 

Edinburgh is a historic and culturally rich city. The design for the unique experience was the work of Simpson & Brown, project architects.
The brief, to create a spectacular 8 storey venue for the world ́s best selling Scotch whisky. The project involved the restoration of the former House of Fraser department store in a key Edinburgh location. The interior design is breathtaking! 

The complex project included the following: 

• Full restoration of the exterior, including the 1960s clock, sconces, steel and bronze windows and bronze cladding 
• Reinstatement of the original shop front, canopy and flagpole 
• New eight storey feature stair atrium 
• New rooftop extension and terrace 
• Three floors of highly serviced experiential spaces 
• Double height event space 
• Private VIP apartment 
• Publicly accessible Atex-rated basement maturation experience
• Catering and prep kitchens to service the bars and event spaces
  
  

The design concept from Simpson & Brown included striking circular brass inlays for the beautiful Terrazzo flooring. Terrazzo is a composite material that is poured in situ. It consists of chips of marble, quartz, granite, and glass.

THE SOLUTION 

Dural were asked to supply a range of straight and formable brass profiles that are ideally suited for use with terrazzo. Each inlay features an extended top that allows for the grinding and polishing of the terrazzo to achieve a finished, flawless floor. Flowcrete Mondeco resin terrazzo was chosen. By utilising different terrazzo colours, highlighted by the solid brass inlays supplied by Dural, the combined result was a floor that accentuated the quality and style of the building itself. 

The brass inlays supplied by Dural were Durosol 5mm Brass and Durosol 5mm Brass Z-Flex profiles. This product allowed the terrazzo to be segmented into perfect circular areas. The floor finish specified was to be beautiful but also to be hard wearing and easily maintained. The Dural Z-Flex machine allowed the brass inlays to be shaped on site or prefabricated and delivered. This allowed for a reduced time schedule for such a complex design. Nearly 200 hundred stair treads, risers and nosings were used on the feature staircase! Durosol brass was also specified to produce movement joints within the large flooring expanse. 

THE RESULT 

The end result is an eye catching, highly individual floor design. The boundaries and mitred borders within the floor allow for an individual feel to reflect the unique Jonnie Walker experience. 

PRODUCTS & OUR SERVICES 

The Z-Flex profile by Dural is available in many finishes and sizes and is formed to be able to cleverly accommodate shaping. They can be easily rounded and bent either curving inwards or outwards. These tile trims can be shaped and formed to fit archways, circular floors and curved areas of flooring. The smallest attainable radius depends on the material and the geometry of the profile so that there are no fixed values. The thinner the shell of the profile, the smaller the radius to which it can be bent.
 The edging profiles are of course protective in their function but also satisfy a highly demanding decorative brief. Here they make smooth joints and transitions, between the different colours of terrazzo, creating artistic and individual patterns that are essential for a memorable and truly fabulous guest experience. 

To ensure the curve is even, it is recommended that the Z-FLEX CURVER is used for bending the profiles. This is a tool that makes it possible to bend the profiles more accurately.
 In addition to our bespoke profile manufacturing capabilities, Dural is now able to offer a broader range of Terrazzo suitable profiles than ever before and this range compliments the trend to embrace sustainable flooring options. Terrazzo flooring as an option is no longer reserved for commercial projects but is finding its way into high end interior design and stylish homes. Terrazzo as a floor and Z- Flex inlays allow the designer to create areas of art almost, it comes in a variety of colour combinations that make it super fun to create with. Dural are able to colour match profiles and inlays, to any design choice! 

Dural also provides highly competent advice and support for any tiling project. No matter how complex the application they can provide the perfect solution, including both products and service. If you would like further information regarding our ranges, please telephone our UK head office. 

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